The MCB CAMPEN Sponsored Visitor Program enables DoD affiliates, such as active-duty, reservists, military retirees, adult family members, DoD civilians, and DoD contractors who possess a CAC, to sponsor a U.S. citizen for unescorted base access. Visitors who are cleared may be issued a DBIDS credential or pass for up to 60 days or for up to one year for select visitors of active duty base residents. Sponsors will request the minimum access needed for their visitors.
Steps to obtain unescorted U.S. citizen base access
1) Gather all required documentation, which includes identification document (see FAQs) and either the MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Visitor Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 1-19) or MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Volunteer Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 9-18). Ensure all identification documents have the same name (name change papers may be utilized if needed).
2) Determine your purpose for accessing Camp Pendleton. All visitors must have a valid reason for obtaining unescorted base access.
3) An authorized DoD affiliate sponsor submits your identification documents, along with the completed MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Visitor Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 1-19) or MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Volunteer Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 9-18), to mcbcampensponsoredvisitor@usmc.mil at least four business days (Mon-Fri) in advance. Unescorted U.S. citizen visitor request forms must be signed with a common access card and submitted from a .mil email account (do not alter the roster document in any way or convert it into a PDF).
4) The DoD affiliate sponsor will receive an email notifying them if the submission was accepted with further instructions for the guest(s) to check in at the Visitor Center to finish the vetting process and to receive an issued DBIDS pass or credential.
Steps to obtain foreign national base access
1) The DoD affiliate sponsor must notify the Camp Pendleton Visitor Center a minimum of 96 hours prior to the foreign national’s (FN) arrival. This allows the Visitor Center sufficient time to submit information for background checks and screening by the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. The sponsor should submit a full copy of the FN passport and MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Visitor Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 1-19) to mcbcampensponsoredvisitor@usmc.mil. Visitor request forms must be signed with a common access card and submitted from a .mil email account (do not alter the roster document in any way or convert it into a PDF).
2) The FN must be escorted by the DoD affiliate sponsor to the Visitor Center for screening and DBIDS credential issuance during normal business hours.
3) Once screened, the Visitor Center will issue the FN a DBIDS credential, with restricted markings, to properly identify the visitor.
4) The FN must then be escorted by the DoD affiliate sponsor to the gate and must always remain with the FN. Unescorted access is not permitted! Do not proceed to a gate until the Foreign National has been issued a DBIDS credential.
NOTE: If Foreign National visitor is arriving after hours or on the weekends, contact the Visitor Center 760-763-8435 during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm) for additional guidance and instructions.
Foreign Nationals (FN) are prohibited from being co-travelers under the trusted traveler policy and MUST have a DBIDS credential.
Foreign Nationals who are also Permanent Residents (Green Card) are designated as U.S. persons and are not subject to MCIA screening but must be issued a DBIDS credential with restricted markings and escorted by the DoD Affiliate sponsor.
The Trusted Traveler program allows DoD affiliates, such as active-duty, reservists, military retirees, adult family members, DoD civilians, and DoD contractors who possess a CAC to vouch for co-travelers to obtain access to MCB CPEN. The Trusted Traveler program is permitted only during the hours of 0530-2000.
The Trusted Traveler designee must have sufficient knowledge of the co-travelers to legitimately vouch for the co-traveler’s:
-Identity
-Criminal history
-U.S. citizenship
-Purpose of entry
Accordingly, these co-travelers are visitors that the Trusted Traveler knows well. Co-travelers must present an acceptable ID (see FAQs) to PMO personnel.
The Trusted Traveler designee is responsible for the actions of all co-travelers while they are aboard the base.
The number of co-travelers may not exceed five individuals per Trusted Traveler. Co-travelers must be either in the Trusted Traveler’s vehicle or in one vehicle following immediately behind. Co-travelers may be on foot or bicycle if the Trusted Traveler is also.
Family members must be at least age 18 to be considered a Trusted Traveler.
Who may not use Trusted Traveler:
DoD Affiliates who are not U.S. Citizens (CAC with blue stripe)
Visitors
Foreign Affiliates (blue stripe)
Veterans Health ID Card holders
Command-sponsored events are events such as a change of command, relief and appointment, retirement, or PME graduation.
The command-sponsored event process is for events where Trusted Traveler, command assigned escorts, or obtaining a DBIDS visitor pass are not practical due to the number of civilian visitors. The process allows PMO to conduct the criminal history background checks required IAW MCO 5530.13 before allowing the visitors to have unescorted access.
To comply with the provisions of MCO 5530.13, PMO gate sentries will be checking to see if command-sponsored event attendees are in possession of an acceptable ID.
Steps to obtain access for command-sponsored events
1) Event sponsor completes Command Sponsored Event Notification and MCB Camp Pendleton Command Sponsored Event Visitor Roster (DBIDS). Alternatively, for MCCS events, complete MCCS-Patrons. Submissions will be accepted from command/activity representatives; however, the Command Sponsored Event Notification must be signed by the unit commander or the activity assistant chief of staff or deputy AC/S. All adult visitors must be included on the event roster. Minors (under age 18) should not be listed, nor should persons who have unescorted base access such as military retirees.
2) Submit at least seven business days (Mon-Fri) in advance to: PNDL_CMDSPONSORED_EVENTS@usmc.mil
3) Command/Activity representative will be notified by email if the submission is rejected or an individual visitor does not meet base access requirements for unescorted access.
4) If you need to add visitors after the initial submission, submit the additional visitor(s) for the event on a new roster to: PNDL_CMDSPONSORED_EVENTS@usmc.mil. Submit only the new visitors.
5) Send a command representative (SNCO or higher) to the gate(s) with a by-name roster of the invited visitors during the guest arrival window for the event. The command representative will coordinate with the gate NCOIC to approve the visitors' access. Note: For command-sponsored events, a command/activity representative(s) is required to be at the gate(s) with an updated copy of the visitor roster for the duration of time that visitors will arrive.
Additional requirement for Foreign Visitors. If a command has foreign national attendees, PMO will, upon request, provide a separate roster for foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must be cleared through the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, and once cleared must be escorted in person by an individual assigned by the unit commander. Foreign nationals who are also permanent residents (green card) are designated as U.S. persons and are not subject to MCIA screening but must be listed separately and must be escorted in person by an individual assigned by the unit commander to be an escort. Escort duties are defined in MCO 5530.13.
Non-DoD affiliated visitors who are U.S. citizens are allowed to use these facilities without a physical sponsor:
-Marine Memorial Golf Course
-Bowling Alley
-Stepp Stables
Steps for non-DoD affiliated visitors to obtain access to authorized MCCS facilities
1) Pre-enroll in DBIDS
2) During normal business hours, bring acceptable identification (see FAQs) and DBIDS pre-enrollment to the Visitor Center for processing.
All visitors are subject to a criminal history background check, digital fingerprinting, and photographing for base access and must sign a visitor statement of understanding.
Cleared visitors may be issued a DBIDS Visitor Pass for up to sixty (60) days. Select visitors who are sponsored by MCCS may be issued a DBIDS Credential for up to one year.
Use of the MCCS Category C Patron program is limited to U.S. Citizens, and the MCCS Patron will sign the MCCS Patron Statement of Understanding.
Non-DoD affiliated cyclists who are U. S. Citizens are allowed to transit the MCB CPEN bike route, north/south from the Las Pulgas Gate to the Main Gate (Stuart Mesa Road to Vandegrift Boulevard) and south/north from the Main Gate to the Las Pulgas Gate (Vandegrift Boulevard to Stuart Mesa Road).
Steps for non-DoD affiliated visitors to obtain access to for recreational bicycling:
1) Pre-enroll in DBIDS
2) During normal business hours, bring acceptable identification (see FAQs) and DBIDS pre-enrollment to the Visitor Center for processing.
All visitors are subject to a criminal history background check, digital fingerprinting, and photographing for base access and must sign a recreational bicyclist statement of understanding.
Cyclists who are cleared may be issued a DBIDS Visitor Pass for up to one (1) year.
Access will be granted for bicycle transit only, during the periods of daylight.
Recreational cyclists will be prohibited from using e-bikes that are Class 4.
Recreational Bicyclists are only authorized to access the base for bicycle transit and may not participate in any other activities.
Recreational bicyclists may not sponsor other adult cyclists. Recreational bicyclists may be accompanied by minors for whom they are directly responsible.
Bike Route Graphic
Contractor Security Section
(Base ID for Contractors/Vendors)
Bldg 41501T, adjacent to Las Pulgas Gate (See Map)
6am-4pm, Mon-Thur
**CLOSED** Friday
760-763-7604 / 760-763-7605
U.S. Government sponsors should submit the MCB Camp Pendleton Sponsored Employee Roster (DBIDS) (Rev. 3-22) to the Contractor Security Section to sponsor contractors / vendors for up to one (1) year. The roster identifies the contracted company, contract number, performance period, and company points of contact, and must be received by the Contractor Security Section four (4) business days (Mon-Thur) in advance.
Submit the request to: PNDL_CPENDBIDS@usmc.mil
All listed information is required for each Contractor/Vendor being sponsored. Prime contractors will be responsible for identifying sub-contracted companies and their personnel.
Contractors/Vendors must have an acceptable ID (see FAQs) and pre-enroll in DBIDS before completing the visitor process at the Contractor Security Section.
If sponsors can’t coordinate advance sponsorship, you must meet your Contractor/Vendor at the gate and escort them.
Taxi, limousine, shuttle, and transportation network company organizations, hereafter referred to as transportation providers, offer an important transportation option to service members, their families, and all who work and live aboard MCB CPEN. Access is only permitted during FPCON Bravo or below.
With a valid DBIDS credential, transportation providers may enter MCB CPEN with or without a DOD affiliated person as a fare, for the purpose of pickup/drop off at an authorized location or staging at one of the authorized locations listed in the Driver’s Statement of Understanding (SOU). Transportation providers may not canvas the base for fares.
Without a valid DBIDS credential, transportation providers may enter the base only if they are accompanied by a DOD affiliated person as a fare. In this case, the gate sentry will record identifying information on the transportation provider and instruct the transportation provider to exit MCB CPEN at the original point of entry and check-out with the gate sentry.
Transportation provider companies that desire to operate aboard MCB CPEN will submit a letter of intent to operate on company letterhead with the following information and supporting documentation to pndl_cpendbids@usmc.mil:
(1) company name, address, point of contact, and phone number.
(2) copy of business license.
(3) copy of proof of insurance.
(4) copy of city/county taxi medallion/registration (if applicable).
(5) by name list of drivers who are requesting access.
Following submission of the letter of intent to operate, the request will be evaluated, and the company will be informed of the decision. If approved, transportation providers will report to Contractor Security Section to complete the visitor Control Process. Drivers are also required to provide the following information and supporting documentation:
(1) company letter of intent to operate displaying their name as a driver.
(2) if a TNC affiliated driver, a copy of their driver agreement with the TNC and the ability to logon to their driver app and verify their current driver status.
(3) if a REAL ID compliant driver’s license was not used to establish their identity, a valid driver’s license from a state or territorial possession of the United States.
(5) valid state registration for the vehicle(s) they will operate.
(6) valid proof of insurance for the vehicle(s) they will operate.
(7) sign the Transportation Provider Driver’s Statement of Understanding.
What are the gate access hours?
Main Gate: 24 hours
San Luis Rey Gate: 24 hours
Del Mar Gate: Open: 6am-8pm, Closed: 8pm-6am
San Onofre Gate: 24 Hours
Cristianitos Gate: 24 Hours
Las Pulgas Gate: 24 Hours (Outbound traffic closed Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
Commercial vehicles must enter Camp Pendleton via the Las Pulgas Gate only.
Who is considered a visitor to the base?
Any person who does not have DoD affiliation or a valid base access credential.
What IDs are accepted for base access?
1. Common Access Card.
2. Uniformed Services ID (Family / Retiree).
3. Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) enabled for Camp Pendleton access.
4. Camp Pendleton enabled Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) visitor pass or credential.
Acceptable ID's for Visitors
Who is eligible to sponsor a visitor for a DBIDS visitor pass or credential?
-Active-duty military stationed aboard MCB CPEN and their adult dependents.
-Active-duty military not stationed aboard MCB CPEN, authorized reservists, and their adult dependents, while utilizing authorized MCB CPEN privileges and whose guest is a visitor during the utilization of those privileges.
-Retirees of the Armed Forces and their adult family members.
-Adult Public-Private Venture (PPV) housing residents and employees of PPV housing partners who reside on base and possess a DBIDS credential with appropriate annotation on the back of the card.
-U.S. Government civilians and contractors with a CAC for official business.
-Sponsors must be 18 years of age or older.
What IDs are accepted to obtain a DBIDS pass or credential?
To obtain a DBIDS pass or credential, a visitor must present ONE of the following
- Valid (unexpired) Real ID compliant Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
If individuals requesting a DBIDS pass or credential do not have any of the credentials listed above, they must present all three documents below as an alternative.
- Original or Certified Birth Certificate (Raised Seal)
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s License
State IDs and driver’s licenses may not contain the markings
- “Not Valid for Federal Purposes”
- “Not for Use as Federal Identification”
- “Federal Limits May Apply.”
- Any similar phrase to the above
All documents presented must bear the same name or a former name as documented on acceptable name change documentation such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
How can veterans access the base?
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides eligible veterans with a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC), which is authorized for MCB CPEN access. The VHIC displays the veteran’s name, picture, and special eligibility indicators.
VHIC holders do not require a sponsor but are required to be processed at the Visitor Center to receive unescorted access to MCB CPEN.
In some cases, VHIC holders may require a Caregiver. Caregivers, as agreed upon by DoD and the VA, will be issued a letter indicating their role as the primary Caregiver or family Caregiver. Caregivers with an acceptable ID are required to enroll in the DBIDS at the Visitor Center and will be issued a DBIDS Credential.
Some veterans not eligible for the VHIC have been placed in the VA Healthcare Priority Group 8E and issued a HEC Form H623A. Veterans requesting access must be in possession of the HEC Form H623A and an acceptable ID and are required to be processed at the Visitor Center to access MCB CPEN.
Veterans and Caregivers are not allowed to sponsor any other person aboard MCB CPEN.
Note: The Veteran’s Identification Card (VIC) is not approved for access and is only a form of photo ID a veteran can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many businesses. VIC holders are required to contact the VA and obtain a VHIC or HEC Form H623A to be processed for base access.
How can DoD civilian retirees access the base?
The DoD Civilian Retiree ID Card has been discontinued. DoD Civilian Retirees may be issued a DBIDS Credential upon submitting their Retirement SF-50, acceptable identification (see FAQs), pre-enrolling in DBIDS, and being processed for access at the Visitor Center.
A DBIDS Credential may be issued for up to one year. DoD Civilian Retirees are not authorized Trusted Traveler status and may not sponsor any other adult visitor.
MCCS issues the Armed Forces Exchange Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 2574) to civilians who retire from MCCS and their eligible family members. MCCS Civilian Retirees who present the DD Form 2574 and an acceptable ID will be issued a DBIDS Credential for installation access.
How do I pre-enroll in DBIDS?
Follow the prompts at the following link: pre-enroll in DBIDS
Can I meet my visitor at the gate to bring them on base?
Those who wish to escort a visitor through the Trusted Traveler program or escorted access are encouraged to meet their visitor at the Visitor Center parking lot and physically escort them through the main gate affirming to the sentry on post who they will be escorting.
Can I access Camp Pendleton to utilize the Naval Hospital?
Those with acceptable credentials and official business at NHCP may be granted access to the installation. For more information contact NHCP at 760-725-1288 / 760-725-1289 / 760-725-1290.
Where is the Visitor Center?
Bldg 20255T, adjacent to the Main Gate
760-763-8435
What might keep a visitor from getting on base?
Persons requesting access to Marine Corps sites will be denied access to the site and/or debarred from the site if:
(1) Marine Corps personnel are unable to verify the individual’s claimed identity based on reasonable belief the person submitted fraudulent identity information in the attempt to gain access.
(2) The individual has a conviction for espionage, sabotage, sedition, treason, terrorism, armed robbery, or murder.
(3) The individual has a felony conviction for a firearms or explosives violation, regardless of the date of conviction.
(4) The individual has been convicted of crimes encompassing sexual assault or rape.
(5) The individual has been convicted of crime encompassing child molestation, or the possession or production of child pornography.
(6) The individual has been convicted of trafficking in persons.
(7) The individual is a registered sex offender.
(8) The individual has been convicted of drug possession with intent to sell or distribute.
(9) The individual has an active arrest warrant from federal, state, local, or other civil authorities, regardless of offense or violation.
(10) The individual has a felony conviction within the last 10 years, regardless of the offense or violation.
(11) The individual’s name appears on any federal or state agency watch list for criminal behavior or terrorist activity.
(12) The individual is debarred entry or access to a Marine Corps site, other DoD installations or facilities, or other federal site or facility.
(13) The individual engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force.
(14) The individual is known to be or reasonably suspected of being a terrorist or belongs to an organization with known terrorism links/support.
(15) The individual is identified in the NCIC KST file, or the TSDB report as known to be, or suspected of being, a terrorist or belonging to an organization with known links to terrorism or support of terrorist activity.
(16) The individual has criminal arrest information that the site commander determines the person presents a threat to the good order, discipline, or health and safety on the Marine Corps site.
Who do I contact for more questions?
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-763-8435