AS A REMINDER, EACH INSTALLATION AND BASE OPERATES UNDER ITS OWN RULES AND POLICIES REGARDING ACCESS.

The Base Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside Shaw AFB Main Gate adjacent to Broad Street/Shaw Drive. This office is not responsible for or control issuance of Common Access Card (CAC), Disabled American Veteran (DAV), or Dependent ID cards.

Security Forces VCC provides the following services:

1. Issuance of Defense Biometrics Identification System (DBIDS) Visitor Cards, DBIDS Visitor Passes, contractor Badges, Agent Letter ID Cards, etc.
2. Issuance of Restricted Area Badges only with Security Assistance's approval.
3. Processing Entry Authorization Lists (EAL) for special events, please submit requests 7-10 business days prior to the event.

For more information on the services listed call 803-895-5050 OPT 5

For information on Common Access Cards (CACs) and Dependent ID cards, please visit https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/ or call 803-895-4677 (DEERS). 

TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM

The purpose of a Trusted Traveler Program is to mitigate traffic congestion at installation entry points by expediting access for service members and dependent spouses, DOD employees, and retired Service members and spouses. The program allows trusted personnel (escorts) to vouch for the identity of co-travelers within the same vehicle, granting them access to the installation under the supervision of their escort throughout the duration of their visit.

During curfew hours, all guests require a pass. Trusted Traveler is not in effect during curfew.

VISITOR PASS

Any sponsored visitor who is 18 years or older will have a background check through the National Crime Information Center. If certain past convictions or other unfavorable information is found, the would-be guest could be denied base access. They will need to have a REAL ID compliant state driver’s license/identification card. If they do not, they will need a secondary form of federal identification such as a physical birth certificate, passport, Social Security card (non-laminated), voter registration card, until May 7, 2025. See FAQs for additional information.

For real ID compliance please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories

DELIVERY DRIVER ACCESS

For access, delivery drivers must visit the Visitor Control Center. This can be done at any time during duty hours: Monday - Friday from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. Once there, the driver should request a background check and show their REAL ID compliant driver's license. Once the background check is completed, it will remain on file for one year from the date of completion and does not need to be repeated until the year has elapsed.

After the background check has been completed, for each subsequent visit:

• During duty hours, the driver should go to the VCC with their license, and the name, address and phone number of the recipient. VCC personnel will contact that person to ensure they are expecting the delivery and then write the driver a pass for the duration required to make the delivery.
• After hours and on weekends, the driver should go to the Main Gate and follow the same process with the gate guard. If no background check was completed prior, the driver will be denied access.

Regardless of the time of the delivery, drivers must use the Main Gate for base entry. However, oversize vehicles must use the Commercial Gate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. You left your CAC or contractor pass at home
   If you've forgotten your CAC or contractor pass, it's essential to retrieve it, as it is required for access. 
    
2. You're a contracting company and need access for a new employee or crew.
   Contact your designated military sponsor/point of contact (POC) for base access. Contractors/Vendors are not authorized to use Retired Military ID, Dependent, Active Duty, Guard, Reserve ID cards, or VHIC's to access SHAW AFB for the purpose of conducting commercial business.
    
3. Your unit is hosting an event with civilians who don't have pass cards attending
   Fill out an Entry Authorization Letter and provide it to the VCC 7-10 days before the event to ensure it is processed. Contact the VCC for more information.
    
4. Can I pick up the pass for my visitors?
   No, visitors are required to pick up their pass in person with valid proof of ID.
    
5. What if I need assistance when the VCC is closed?
   Proceed to the Main Gate with your inquiries. The Main Gate is authorized to issue after hour access with a limited timeframe. This does not include foreign Nationals/Non-U.S Citizens.
   *All Foreign Nationals/Non-U.S Citizens need to process through the Visitor Control Center. Information must be given to the VCC 7-10 business days prior so they may be vetted through AFOSI prior to your visit. Using the Trusted Traveled is prohibited and can cause a Security Incident.
    
6. Can I use my Veteran’s Health Identification Card (VHIC) card to access the base? And can I bring guests?
   Yes, but you must first register into the DBIDS system at the VCC along with a VALID REAL-ID compliant driver’s license/Identification with the Health Eligibility Center (HEC) Form H623A or VHIC (veteran health identification card) that states one of the following: service-connected disability, Medal of Honor Recipient, Purple Heart Recipient, or former POW. The VHIC will only be usable at SHAW AFB. If you do not do this, you will be turned away at the gate. Enrolled veterans may bring guests traveling with them on to DAF installations for the duration of the acceptable purpose visit. Those guests must establish their identity by presenting an acceptable form of photo ID (such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or non-driver's identification card) and pass an on-the-spot background and terrorism check to establish their fitness. Once complete, guests will be issued a short-term unescorted pass for the duration of the visit. Caregivers may not bring guests on to DAF installations.
    
7. Who can put in a pass for an individual?
   Non-Expired/Terminated CAC Holders, Dependents, Retirees, DoD Civilians/Contractors with Sponsorship Privileges.
    
8. Do I need a secondary form of identification?
   If your Driver's License/ID says:

• "NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION”
• “Federal Limits Apply”
• “Not Valid for Federal Identification, Voting, or Public Benefit Purposes”
• "Not Valid for Federal Purposes”
• “Not Valid for Identification”
• “Not Acceptable for Federal Purposes”
• “Not for Federal Official Use”
• “Not Valid for Identification Driving Privilege Only”

or words to that effect, you must have one of the following federally-issued forms of identification:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. Military ID (all members of the U.S. Armed Forces including retirees, veterans and dependent ID card holders.)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-550)
• Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS (Form I-766)
• U.S. Refugee Travel Document or other travel document or evidence of immigration status issued by DHS containing a photograph (Permit to Re-enter Form I-327 and Refugee Travel Document Form I-571)
• Voter Registration Card
• Original or certified true copy of a birth certificate issued by a State, territory, or the District of Columbia and bearing a raised seal.​

(Contact the VCC for a full list of acceptable forms.)

9. I Don't have a REAL ID compliant ID card, how can I access the base?

• Before May 7, 2025: Refer to FAQ #8.
• After May 7, 2025: You must have a REAL ID for base access.