Effective Dec. 6, 2025, Sheppard AFB terminated the “Trusted Traveler” program starting at 0001L hours. This modification to installation access procedures will necessitate a 100 % identification check for everyone entering the installation. All members wishing to enter the installation and not in possession of a valid DoD Credential must first stop by the visitor’s center to be issued a visitor pass.

Acceptable forms of identification are the following valid DoD credentials:

DD Form 2 series, Armed Forces Identification Card/Common Access Card. (*)

DD Form 1173 series, Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. (*)

AF Form 354, Department of the Air Force Civilian Identification Card. (*)

AETC Form 58, AETC Civilian Identification Card. (*)

AF Form 75 (DBIDS Pass), Visitor and Vehicle Pass, in conjunction with valid state federal identification.

NATO/International Country Identification Card (*) All International Country.

SAFB DBIDS Generated Visitor and Contractor Access Pass.

DBIDS Generated Identification Card issued to DVs, contractors, and long-term visitors.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Identification Card issued by Maxwell AFB, AL (with no escort privileges) and in conjunction with a valid state or federal identification card.

DD Form 2765, Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.

DD Form 2 series, Civilian Retired Identification Card/Common Access Card.

Department of Homeland Security Federal PIV.

Persons possessing a DoD or Federal issued identification card or a Sheppard AFB issued pass must present this document at the gate of entry before access is granted.  All persons and vehicles are subject to random inspection prior to gaining access.

Rideshare Employment (Uber, Doordash, Lyft .etc.)

Sheppard AFB has a special program for Rideshare drivers that wish to operate on the installation. There are 150 passes slotted for community members to apply and received to operate commercially on the installation. Passes become available when members do not renew or are removed from the program due to negligence or failure to comply with rules and regulations. Those passes are then put back into the pool of available passes and are issued out on the 15^th of the month.

As mentioned above, passes are issued every 15^th of the month on a first-come, first-served basis. If the 15^th lands on a weekend or holiday the date will be moved to the prior business day. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.

Passes are valid for 60 days, and renewable before their expiration.

Rideshare drivers must show current and valid employment on any participating app-based employment. Rideshare drivers must also bring in the following documents

• Valid state issued driver’s license
• Current insurance
• United States Citizenship or Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Pass criminal background check through NCIC-II

For more information please contact the visitor’s center at 940-676-744.

A check of the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC III) is the Air Force’s baseline background check for entrance onto Air Force installations.  The 82d Training Wing Commander will, in the absence of an approved waiver, deny unescorted access based on the results of the NCIC III background check, when the results contain credible derogatory information.  Such derogatory information includes but is not limited to the following:

U.S. citizenship, immigration status or social security account number cannot be verified.

Individual is barred from entry/access to any military installation or facility.

The individual is wanted by federal or civil law enforcement authorities, regardless of offense or violation.

The individual has been convicted of a firearms or explosive violation within the past ten years.

The individual has been incarcerated within the past ten years, for a felony offense.

The individual has been convicted of aggravated assault or felony drug possession within the past five years.

Individuals currently within their first year of parole or probation for any offense.

The individual is known to be or reasonably suspected of being a terrorist or belongs to an organization with known terrorism links/support.

The Security Forces member is unable to verify the individual's claimed identity

There is a reasonable basis to believe the individual has submitted fraudulent information

concerning his/her identity.

The individual’s name appears on any Federal or State agency’s watch list or hit list for criminal behavior, criminal gang member, registered gang member or terrorist activity.

There is a reasonable basis to believe the individual will attempt to gain unauthorized access to classified documents, information protected by the Privacy Act, information that is proprietary in  ature, or other sensitive or protected information.

There is a reasonable basis to believe the individual will unlawfully or inappropriately use an access credential outside the workplace.

There is a reasonable basis to believe, based on an individual's criminal or dishonest history, that issuance of an access credential poses an unacceptable risk to SAFB.

The individual has/had been barred from entry/access to a federal installation or facility.

There is a reasonable basis to believe, based on the individual's material, intentional false

statement, deception, or fraud in connection with Federal or contract employment, that issuance of an access credential poses an unacceptable risk to the installation/mission.

There is a reasonable basis to believe, based on the nature or duration of the individual's illegal use of narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances without evidence of substantial rehabilitation, that issuance of an access credential poses an unacceptable risk to SAFB.

There is a reasonable basis to believe, based on the nature or duration of the individual’s illegal use of narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances without evidence of substantial rehabilitation, within the past fifteen years, that issuance of an access credential poses an unacceptable risk to SAFB.

A statutory or regulatory bar prevents the individual's contract employment; or would prevent federal employment under circumstances that furnish a reasonable basis to believe that issuance of an access credential poses an unacceptable risk to SAFB.

The individual has knowingly and willfully engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force.

If convicted of espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism, murder, sexual assault, rape, child molestation, child pornography, armed robbery, trafficking in humans, he or she will be barred for life.

The individual has been convicted of armed robbery, drug possession with intent to sell or drug distribution within the last twenty years.

Note: Any extensive criminal history or offense(s) pending a disposition that do not meet any of the predetermined disqualifying factors will be reviewed to determine if the individual poses an unacceptable risk to the SHEPPARD AFB. An extensive list of crimes and severity is available at the Vistor’s Center for review.

If a TCIC/NCIC or CCH check on a contractor employee reveals any disqualifying factors, the individual will be issued a Denial of Contractor Access Badge letter signed by the DFC. The individual’s contract manager and 82 CONS will be notified that a TCIC/NCIC or CCH check revealed one or more disqualifying factors in the employee’s background. The individual may submit a written appeal with relevant supporting documentation to the 82 SFS/CC.

Persons possessing a DoD or Federal issued identification card or a Sheppard AFB issued pass must present this document at the gate of entry before access is granted.  All persons and vehicles are subject to random inspection prior to gaining access. 

U.S. Citizens

A Sheppard AFB DoD ID card holder is required to sponsor and validate access for pass requests. Contact your DoD sponsor/organization for information on how to be sponsored on the installation. Walk-ins are processed at the Visitor Control Center in order of arrival.  Visitor passes can be issued for up to 30 days at the Visitor’s Center, and 24 hours at the Main gate.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-US citizens requesting access to Sheppard AFB must have a valid reason for entry, possess a valid passport/visa, must undergo a criminal history and Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI) background screening, and be issued a Sheppard AFB visitor pass.  AFOSI requires at a minimum 14 business days to process the request. No U.S. Citizen, to include DoD issued card holders, may sponsor a foreign national with few exceptions.  

For information on how to get a foreign visitor pass contact your DoD sponsor/organization or the Visitor Control Center at (940) 676-2066 or 7441.  (See information below on the Real ID Act of 2005 and how it may affect your request for access).

What are the requirements for gaining unescorted access to Sheppard Air Force Base (SHEPPARD AFB)?

A. Any person 16 years and older not in possession of a DoD issued photo identification card will be issued a visitors pass if sponsored on by an eligible DoD credential holder.

During business hours the visitor’s center can process all visitor pass requests. During non-business hours, the main gate will take over visitor pass issuance.

You will need a valid (unexpired and serviceable) state issued driver’s license or photo identification card that is REAL ID compliant. You are also required to present your Social Security Card for initial registration.

If you do not possess a valid REAL ID compliant card, you will need to provide supporting documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card in conjunction with a state issued photo identification card. 

Your information will be processed through the NCIC III to determine if there are any disqualifying criminal history factors to consider.

What may prevent me from obtaining access to SHEPPARD AFB?

A. If it is determined by a criminal history screening that you have derogatory information that may present a threat to good order, discipline, or health and safety on Sheppard AFB you will be denied unescorted access. Such derogatory information may include, but is not limited to, the following: active warrants, barred from entering Sheppard AFB or other federal installations/facilities, felony convictions, registered sex offenders, convicted for espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism, murder, felony firearms or explosives violations, or armed robberies.

If I am denied unescorted access is there an appeal process?

A. Yes. If you are denied unescorted access to Sheppard AFB, you will receive a denial letter.  The letter outlines the appeal process you must complete and submit.

What is the difference between unescorted access and escorted access?

A. US citizens with a validated reason to access and have passed the background screening may request an unescorted access pass. Escorted access requires a DoD ID cardholder accompany the visitor at all times while they are on Sheppard AFB.

What is a valid reason for unescorted access to SHEPPARD AFB?

A. Examples for unescorted access onto Sheppard AFB may include but are not limited to: operating within a Sheppard AFB or DoD contract, vendor or service agreement or service provider; attend Morale, Welfare & Recreation activities such as bowling, etc.; non DoD affiliated clergy; visiting permanent party of Airmen in Training on Sheppard AFB; those with scheduled job interviews on Sheppard AFB.

I want to go to Starbucks/Taco Bell/utilize the gym facilities, is that a valid reason to get a pass?

A.Yes, if you are sponsored on by an eligible DoD credential holder you may obtain a visitor pass for the duration of the visit. .

How do I obtain a Sheppard AFB pass?

A. If you are a contractor, subcontractor, vendor or service provider contact your company human resource manager or your DoD point of contact for information on how to pre-apply for a pass.  If you are not in one of the above categories or don't know contact the Sheppard AFB Visitor Control Center at (940) 676-2066 or 7441 for information on how to apply.

Can I apply for a pass in advance of my arrival to SHEPPARD AFB?

A. Yes.  Your sponsoring agency may submit an Preauthroized Access List (PAL) is advance.  This listing will allow the Visitor Center staff to complete needed background checks in advance and lessen the wait time when you arrive to get your pass.  These listings are primarily used for special events with >10 guests/visitors since the wait time for individual passes is not normally long. Any requests with <10 guest/visitors will be denied and the sponsor will physically need to be present with the guest at the Visitor Control Center to be issued a pass.

You may also use the Defense Biometrics Identification System (DBIDS) Pre-enrollment system to pre-enroll visitors in the system. Please see section the Defense Visitor Enrollment System or contact the visitor’s center for more information.

How long is a Sheppard AFB pass good for?

A. The length of time varies based on the demonstrated need for access and as validated by your DoD point of contact but will not exceed 12 months.  Any non-DoD affiliated visitor will require a DoD sponsor/point of contact to validate your need for access and act as a sponsor for the duration of the visit. Pass requests over 30 days in time require further authorization by the Deputy Director of the 82 SFS. Please contact the visitor’s center for more information.

I am a DoD ID cardholder can I escort or sponsor a non-DoD ID cardholder onto SHEPPARD AFB?

A1. Yes, however you must be 16 years or older to escort or sponsor a guest/visitor.

A2. If you are a DoD ID cardholder and working as a contractor, subcontractor, vendor or service provider you cannot escort or sponsor anyone related to the furtherance of a contract, vendor agreement or service you are associated with.

I am a Sheppard AFB DBIDS issued pass holder can I escort or sponsor persons onto Sheppard AFB?

A. No. Your SHEPPARD AFB pass was issued solely for the purpose of your entry to the base as validated by your DoD point of contact.  You cannot enter Sheppard AFB during times or dates not approved on your pass or enter on to Sheppard AFB by any other gate. You cannot escort anyone onto Sheppard AFB, however you can sponsor individuals on if you have escort privileges identified on your DBIDS card.

I work for a Federal Agency as a Government employee; do I need a pass?

A. No. Your federal issued credentials are acceptable identification for accessing Shepaprd AFB once your need for access to the base are verified.  It is recommended that all personnel in this category stop at the Visitor Control Center to have their visit validated prior to going to one of the entry points. 

I am a DoD ID cardholder and live on Sheppard AFB, my adult-age dependent lives with me but no longer qualifies for a DoD ID card.  Can I sponsor them for a 12 month pass?

A. Yes. They must have a background screening completed and if approved you may sponsor them for a pass up to 12 months.  For relatives living in your on-base housing longer than 21-days you will need to contact the housing contractor and receive their approval before an extended stay pass is issued.  Bring a copy of the approved form to the Visitor Control Center when you come in to get the pass. Contact the Visitor Control Center for a long-term pass template which will require approval from the sponsor’s commander, a throughout background check, and final approval/denial from the 82 SFS/DD.

I am a disabled veteran with a Veterans Administration issued medical benefits card (VHIC); do I need a pass to enter Sheppard AFB?

A. No. Your VHIC card will act as a access credential. You will need to stop by the visitor’s center to have permissions to Sheppard AFB added to your DBIDS profile before accessing the installation. After your permissions have been added, you will have unescorted access to the installation. You are also authorized to sponsor up to 5 individuals after they have been vetted and issued a visitor pass for a maximum of 30 days.

I am a DoD civilian working on Sheppard AFB can I sponsor my spouse for a pass?

A. Yes. You can sponsor your spouse for a SHEPPARD AFB pass for up 30 days at a time. You may also bring in your DEERs enrollment sheet to have a 12 month pass issued if eligible.

I am a divorced spouse no longer with a DoD ID card, I have a child that is a military dependent with an ID card. Can I get a pass to bring them on to Sheppard AFB for medical appointments?

A. Yes.  Contact the Visitor Center for information on how to apply to become an Agent Escort and receive a long-term DBIDS card.

What if I forget my military CAC or ID on base?

A.  If this happens, please stop by the Visitor Control Center.  If you have other forms of ID in your possession, we will verify that you have a CAC or ID issued to you and provide you with a temporary pass to allow you time to retrieve your CAC or ID. 

How does my denial of access to Sheppard AFB affect my job?

A. The background screening and subsequent denial of access based on derogatory criminal history is not related to your employment on Sheppard AFB. The Denial decision is determined by 82 SFS Commander that will review the appeal and decide based upon the matters submitted. If the appeal is granted, the individual will be issued a DBIDS card.

If the 82 SFS Commander denies the appeal, it is forwarded to the 82 MSG Commander for final determination. Once the 82 MSG Commander has taken final action, the individual is served with a notification as to the final outcome of the appeal.

 Employment decisions are left to each employer to determine. They are only notified of the denial of unescorted access  Employment decisions are handled solely by your employer.

Am I allowed to bring a weapon on Sheppard AFB if I have a concealed carry permit?

A.  No.  Visitors are not allowed to bring weapons on Sheppard AFB.