Starting May 7, 2025, Brookhaven National Laboratory will begin enforcing new nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act.
What this means for visitors
Starting May 7, 2025, 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-compliant driver’s license or ID card features a star in the upper right corner. Those who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver license can also use:
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- U.S. Military Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- HSPD-12 PIV Card
- Driver’s License issued by the US Department of State
- Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
In addition to REAL ID requirements, all non-U.S. citizens must follow the Lab’s requirements for foreign national access.
Current users, guests, and contractors with active badges 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 one.
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
Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require anyone flying to have REAL ID-compliant identification.
Age exception
Anyone under the age of 16 who is not conducting research at the Lab does not need to show identification for site access. Anyone 16-17 years old must bring photo-identification but does not need to be a REAL ID-compliant identification. At the age of 18 years or older, follow the REAL ID requirements.
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
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.
