Effective May 7, 2025, Brookhaven National Laboratory is enforcing nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act.
What this means for visitors
All visitors, users, guests, and contractors requesting access to the Lab site must provide an active REAL ID-compliant identification document to either the Laboratory Protection Division or the Guest User Visitor Center. A REAL ID driver’s license or ID card features a star in the upper right corner. Those who do not have a REAL ID driver license can also use:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- Border crossing card
- HSPD-12 PIV Card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The REAL ID driver's license does not prove U.S. citizenship. In addition to REAL ID requirements, all non-U.S. citizens must follow the Lab’s requirements for foreign national access.
How this affects employees
New employees hired at the Lab will need to show a REAL ID-compliant identification document to obtain their badge. Current employees are exempt from verification and may continue using their badge for site access but must provide a REAL ID-compliant identification when requesting a new badge or renewing an expiring employee, family, or retiree badge.
Travel
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require anyone flying to have REAL ID- compliant identification.
Public, approved, and on-site tours event access
Visitors seeking on-site access to public events must show Real ID-compliant identification.
Age exception
Anyone under the age of 18 who is not conducting work at the Lab does not need to show identification for site access.
Where to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
NY State residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card at their local Department of Motor Vehicles office. Note that you will need to make an appointment online in advance of your visit.
Samples of REAL ID
REAL ID Driver’s License. Meets all REAL ID Requirements, including those to board domestic flights
Enhanced Driver’s License. Also meets all REAL ID Requirements
Generally, REAL ID compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card, like those shown above.
How to get a New York State REAL ID or Enhanced Document
November 1, 2023
This video covers the steps and documentation needed to have a REAL ID compliant or Enhanced document from New York State.
