Base Access Information

Welcome to Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex!

 

Effective May 7, 2025, all visitors must present a REAL ID compliant credential to be issued a pass!

 

Key Information:

  • All vehicle operators must present a valid credential at entry.
  • Expect possible delays during peak hours; plan accordingly.
  • Individuals without a DoD-approved access credential must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center.

REAL ID Act Info:

Effective May 7, 2025, all visitors must present a REAL ID compliant credential to be issued a pass. For civilians, this means that there is a stricter set of requirements as to what can be presented as a valid ID when attempting to obtain access to a military base.

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft or access military installations like Maxwell Air Force Base or Gunter Annex.

Examples of REAL ID markings

According to the REAL ID Act, your ID must comply with the following rules to grant you access to a military base:

  • ID must have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card.
  • ID must have your full legal name.
  • ID must have your date of birth.
  • ID must have your gender.
  • ID must have an identifiable number (i.e. driver’s license number).
  • ID must include a photo of you.
  • ID must include your primary residence.
  • ID must include your signature.
  • ID must have “physical security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes.”
  • ID must be machine-readable.

Common REAL ID-compliant credentials also include U.S. passports, permanent resident cards, and other identification approved under DODM5200.08v3

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are also acceptable for federal purposes. Although most EDLs do not contain the REAL ID star marking, they meet DHS criteria for access.

Minors under 18 years of age are not required to present REAL ID-compliant credentials for travel or base access, but their accompanying adult must be compliant.

This change does not impact current Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) badges. However, new or replacement DBIDS badges will only be issued upon presentation of REAL ID-compliant credentials.

When screening visitors for DBIDS Contractor Badges and EAL sponsorship visitation requests, the DoD-affiliated sponsor has the direct responsibility to verify that the personnel for whom they are requesting badging or visitation are REAL ID compliant.

For DBIDS contractors, Visitor Control Center badging personnel will confirm contractors’ REAL ID compliance when they arrive to receive their DBIDS badge. Security Forces personnel will verify visitors’ driver’s licenses and identification cards to ensure REAL ID compliance. Non-compliance will result in immediate denial of access to the installation until REAL ID compliance is met.

Security Forces entry controllers will verify REAL ID compliance of visitors when verifying their credentials against Entry Authorization Lists. Non-compliance will result in immediate denial of access to the installation until REAL ID compliance is met.

Visitor Control Center:

  • The Visitor Control Center is located next to the Maxwell Boulevard Gate.
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed on weekends and federal holidays)
  • Phone: 334-953-4283
  • During VCC closures, passes can be acquired at the Maxwell Blvd Main Gate or Cong Dickenson Gate at Gunter Annex.

Visitor Pass Requirements:

If you do not have a DoD-approved access credential, you will need to obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center. To obtain a visitor pass, you will need to provide:

  • A valid credential, such as a valid state-issued ID card, driver's license (Must be REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025), or US Passport.
  • Sponsorship by a DoD-affiliated individual
  • Complete a visitor pass application form
  • Pass a background check 

Foreign National Visitor Requirements:

  1. Complete a Foreign National Installation Access Request form. Form must be emailed to 42sfs.vcc.max@us.af.mil at-least 3 weeks in advance. 
  2. Complete a visitor pass application form
  3. Pass a background check 
  4. The sponsor must meet their visitor at the Visitor Control Center to generate the visitor pass

For any questions regarding foreign nationals visiting MAFB please reach out to the Visitor Control Center 1-(334)-953-4283 or 42sfs.vcc.max@us.af.mil

Maxwell Air Force Base Gates:

Peak Traffic Times 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. To avoid delays, please plan accordingly

  • Maxwell Boulevard Gate: 24 hours/7 days a week
  • Day St Gate: Closed
  • Kelly St Gate (Commercial Vehicle Inspection Gate):
    • Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    • 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.: Inbound traffic only
    • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Inbound and Outbound lanes open
    • 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Outbound traffic only

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Ride-Share Information:

  • Uber is now authorized to operate on base at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex.
  • Anyone with access to the installation can use the Uber app to request a ride.
  • Uber drivers must be pre-vetted and issued a DBIDS credential to access the base.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Who is eligible to use Uber ride-sharing services at Maxwell Air Force Base?
    • Anyone authorized to be on base at Maxwell and Gunter.
  2. How do Uber drivers get authorized to access the base?
    • Pre-vetted at the Visitor Control Center and issued a DBIDS credential.
  3. What is the process for selecting an Uber driver authorized to access the base?
    • Only DBIDS-credentialed Uber drivers will receive the call for service based on Uber's geo-tracking capabilities.
  4. Can I use the Trusted Traveler Program to access the base with an Uber driver?
    • No, the Trusted Traveler Program is not authorized for use with the Uber ride-share program.
  5. What are the requirements for passengers in an Uber vehicle to access the base?
    • All passengers must have a valid DOD credential.
  6. Will the number of authorized Uber drivers increase over time?
    • The future expansion of the service will depend on usage.
  7. Are there any limitations to using Uber ride-sharing services at Maxwell Air Force Base?
    • Limited number of Uber drivers with DBIDS access credentials in the early stages.
  8. Can dependents use the service to access the base?
    • Yes, dependents can use Uber for rides to and from the base.
  9. Are there any other taxi companies in Montgomery with base access?
    • Yes, four other taxi companies have base access: Checker Deluxe Cab, King’s Airport Shuttle, On Time Taxi, and Triple A Taxi.

Note: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.