Starting Oct. 10, Alaska state identification cards will no longer be enough if you want to get on base.
According to press releases from both Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright, starting in October people with just an Alaska ID card, or identification from other states that aren't Real ID Act-compliant, will have to present another form of ID to enter the bases.
Acceptable forms of ID include U.S. passports, federally issued identification cards or U.S. permanent resident cards. Those without the required ID may still enter the base with an escort who has compliant identification.
The change is the result of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005. While the law is designed to strengthen national security, some states have pushed back against it, citing privacy concerns. About half of all states are not compliant with the law, including Alaska.
The law could eventually pose travel restrictions to those with identification from states that have not complied the law. In July, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans for implementation over a four-year period, with the earliest travel restrictions not set to take effect until 2018.
[Related: Alaska has 2 years to change IDs before air travel restrictions]
Compliance extensions have been granted to the state over the years, but getting another extension from the Department of Homeland Security is "highly unlikely," said Minta Montalbo, Alaska Department of Administration legislative liaison and spokesperson.
She said while the state has applied for another extension, DHS has become less willing to give waivers as it tries to bring states into compliance with the law.
But Alaska cannot come into full compliance due to a state law passed in 2008 that prohibits state spending on Real ID Act implementation.
Gov. Bill Walker's office plans to introduce a bill in January that would repeal that law. In an email, Walker's Press Secretary Katie Marquette said the legislation will give Alaskans a choice in IDs. Those who prefer a Real ID Act-compliant license can get one, and those who do not can get a regular state ID card.
Montalbo said two-tier systems have been successful in other states like Vermont.
"It gives Alaskans an option," she said.
Montalbo said the department has been advising people in the meantime to contact federal facilities before attending to see what their policies are regarding Alaska IDs.
JBER spokesman Jim Hart said approximately 15,000 base access passes have been issued to contractors in 2016.
He said the facility has been in contact with contractors warning them of the impending change in status. Most have been responsive, he said, though challenges are to be expected.
"This is going to be a little rough for everybody involved if it keeps going the course," he said.