[Update: Please consult the official Department of Homeland Security website for the latest on REAL ID requirements: http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief] 

New Federal identification policy means some state driver's licenses no longer considered acceptable ID to access ORNL

Criteria for acceptable identification documents for US citizens have just become tighter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005, state-issued driver's licenses that are not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as proof of identity at federal facilities. ORNL (including HFIR and SNS), a federal facility, will begin full implementation of the REAL ID Act on March 30, 2015.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. 

Several states and one US territory have driver's licenses that are not REAL ID compliant: Minnesota and American Samoa. Minnesota and New York have an "enhanced driver's license" that is accepted. [List updated 10/16/2015]

Users and other visitors with a driver's license from these states will need an approved alternate form of identification to enter ORNL. Some other approved forms of identification include a U.S. passport or U.S. military ID. Visitors from other DOE sites can use their HSPD12 badges, which are accepted. However, site badges that are not HSPD12 badges are not verified forms of ID.

Beginning March 30, 2015, ORNL will require one of the following for identification:

  • A compliant state driver’s license
  • An Enhanced Driver’s License (Minnesota and New York)
  • A Passport
  • A military ID

Visitors who do not have compliant identification will not be allowed access to ORNL or its facilities.

If you have questions about this change, please contact the Neutron Sciences User Office at 865-574-4600 or neutronusers@ornl.gov. You may also contact the ORNL Visitor Center at x10visit@ornl.gov.

For more information on REAL ID or acceptable forms of identification, please see http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief and/or http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids.