Sponsoring someone?

NOTE: ALL commercial deliveries must use Tanker Way Gate during operating hours.

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) holders can sponsor up to TWO family members or guests. Caregivers cannot sponsor any guests.

All vehicle passengers are required to present a picture ID (valid driver’s license, passport, etc.)

If individual is a resident to the country, residency card and social security card must be provided in addition to a valid photo ID

Vehicle drivers must present proof of valid insurance and vehicle registration

Fleet vehicle: The vehicle is identified by the plates, which shall be of a distinctive color; have the word "Fleet" appearing at the bottom and the word "Florida" appearing at the top. Fleet vehicles are not required to have vehicle registration but must have proof of insurance.

Personnel must present a bill of lading, invoice, work order, or service call contract, etc., and Point of Contact (POC)

TANKER WAY GATE SPONSORSHIP PROCEDURES

Effective 15 December 2025, the 6th Security Forces Squadron will launch a new program to reduce processing times and streamline the sponsoring process for Base residents expecting deliveries and TMO household goods shipments at Tanker Way Gate. The Org box (6sfs.tankerway.bal@us.af.mil) will be utilized for base residents and TMO to submit required information for drivers to be placed on the Base Access List. BAL instructions for TMO and delivery personnel can be found at https://www.macdill.af.mil/Visitor-Access/.

For additional information or questions, please contact TWG at 828-7790 or 6sfs.tankerway.bal@us.af.mil

SPONSORING 9 OR FEWER GUESTS:

Welcome to the streamlined Real ID Registration process for accessing MacDill AFB.

Sponsor Eligibility

• Only U.S. DoD personnel with a valid .mil email address can sponsor visitors.

Visitor Eligibility

• An authorized U.S. DoD member can sponsor adults 18 years of age or older with a Real ID license (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Requesting a Pass:
   • Action: Download the official template HERE
     1. Note: The template itself doesn’t contain CUI data; however, the cyber folks should review it first to determine if we want this in the public domain.
2. Send the Spreadsheet filled out correctly to the Visitor Control Center:
   • The CAC holder must email the spreadsheet to: 6sfs.real.id@us.af.mil at least three (3) duty days before your guests arrival.
   • All requests must be submitted from your official .mil account.
   • You will receive an auto reply confirming receipt.
3. Background Check:
   • Action: VCC conducts a background check and notifies the sponsor of approval or denial.
   • Visual Tip: Include an infographic showing the decision flow.
     1. Approved visits proceed to step 4.
4. First-Time Visitors Using a Real ID:
   • Action: Sponsor must inform their guests to proceed to the VCC in-person during the below hours to register their Real ID. Note: Guests will be turned away if they show up earlier or later than the preapproved dates. 
     1. VCC hours of operation: Monday-Fri 6.a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on Holidays.
   • Location Info: include downloadable base map (already publicly available via FSS website).
5. Subsequent Visits:
   • Action: Visitors that have registered their Real ID at MacDill AFB, may proceed directly to the gate for access on the dates and times requested by the sponsor and approved by the VCC.
   • Important Note: Sponsors must submit all subsequent requests (steps 1-3) to the VCC at least three (3) duty days before the guests arrival.

Tanker Way TMO – Base Access List (BAL)

               Tanker Way (TW) administers the Base Access List (BAL) for base residents. These instructions should be used when:

• Having deliveries Household goods (furniture, car, etc.)

The         BAL is NOT for long-term contractors (exceeding 5 days).

1. Obtain the official excel template from Tanker Way by emailing 6sfs.tankerway.bal@us.af.mil or calling (813) 828-7790. Note: Only use the official template. Tanker Way will not accept versions modified by the sponsor.
2. Complete the spreadsheet and list all vehicle occupants (drivers & passengers). Note: 6 ARW requires everyone 16 and older to have a valid form of government identification (driver’s license, state issued ID, or passport).

• We recommend listing all minors (15 & under). Annotate “MINOR” under the license column.
• Sponsors must ensure guests use their full legal name according to their driver’s license.
• All requests should be submitted using your official DoD email (.mil) when available.
• Retirees/spouses can submit their request from their personal email (Yahoo/Gmail). You must include your DoD ID # and it must originate from the primary email you have on file in DEERS. If you don’t have access to the primary account, you must provide the full email address of the primary account holder in your request. Note: Tanker Way will courtesy copy the primary account.   

              IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The 6 SFS requires all BAL requests to be sent to Tanker Way at least 3 duty days prior to the event. The BAL is only for short term events (5 days or less).  Sponsors are required to meet their guests at Tanker Way for durations longer than 5 days. Telephone sponsorship is prohibited.
• On the day of the event, approved visitors will not require sponsors to meet them at Tanker Way gates for base access. Each vehicle occupant will show the gate guards their ID which was used when filling out the BAL request.
• If using a US passport in lieu of a license/ID, also include the individuals DOB on the spreadsheet & attach a clear photocopy of the visitor’s passport. Note: Contact us for additional foreign requirements.

*Tanker Way may deny non-DoD guests access to MacDill AFB based on information collected from authoritative government databases IAW DoD regulations and guidelines established by the Installation Commander

Tanker Way Base Housing – Base Access List (BAL)

                   Tanker Way (TW) administers the Base Access List (BAL) for base residents. These instructions should be used when:

• Having deliveries (furniture, car, etc.) or services (cable, home repairs service, etc.)

The             BAL is NOT for long term contractors (exceeding 2 days).

1. Obtain the official excel template from Tanker Way by emailing 6sfs.tankerway.bal@us.af.mil or calling (813) 828-7790. Note: Only use the official template. Tanker Way will not accept versions modified by the sponsor.
2. Complete the spreadsheet and list all vehicle occupants (drivers & passengers). Note: 6 ARW requires everyone 16 and older to have a valid form of government identification (driver’s license, state issued ID, or passport). 

• We recommend listing all minors (15 & under). Annotate “MINOR” under the license column.
• Sponsors must ensure guests use their full legal name according to their driver’s license.
• All requests should be submitted using your official DoD email (.mil) when available.
• Retirees/spouses can submit their request from their personal email (Yahoo/Gmail). You must include your DoD ID # and it must originate from the primary email you have on file in DEERS. If you don’t have access to the primary account you must provide the full email address of the primary account holder in your request. Note: Tanker Way will courtesy copy the primary account.   

I             IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The 6 SFS requires all BAL requests to be sent to Tanker Way at least 3 duty days prior to the event. The BAL is only for short-term events (2 days or less).  Sponsors are required to meet their guests at Tanker Way for durations longer than 2 days. Telephone sponsorship is prohibited.
• On the day of the event, approved visitors will not require sponsors to meet them at Tanker Way gate for base access. Each vehicle occupant will show the gate guards their ID which was used when filling out the BAL request.
• VEHICLES ARE STILL REQUIRED TO PROCEES THROUGH TANKER WAY SEARCH PRIOR TO ENTRY
• If using a US passport in lieu of a license/ID, also include the individuals DOB on the spreadsheet & attach a clear photocopy of the visitor’s passport. Note: Contact us for additional foreign requirements.

POSSESSION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS ON MACDILL AFB

POC:  6 SFS, 828-4314/2898/5791

Although Florida has authorized residents to carry concealed weapons without government-issued permits, the possession and carrying of personal firearms on MacDill remains RESTRICTED. On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 543, allowing Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit. HB 543 goes into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation. 
​​​​​​​
Source: https://www.flgov.com/2023/04/03/governor-ron-desantis-signs-hb-543-constitutional-carry/

However, on MacDill AFB, open carry, storage, and/or transport of concealed privately owned firearms, ammunition or privately owned dangerous weapons on a person or in a vehicle; regardless of the authority (e.g. concealed carry permits) granted by a city, county or state remains strictly prohibited.

Exceptions to this prohibition:

1.  Federal and state law enforcement officers, (i.e.; FBI, AFOSI, NCIS, CID) as required in the performance of official duties.

2.  Qualified Department of Defense law enforcement officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers under Sections 926B and 926C of Title 18, United States Code, and DoDI 5525.12, Implementation of the Amended Law Enforcement Officers Safety Action of 2004 (LEOSA).

a.  When LEOSA POF’s are stored in an unattended vehicle: (1) the vehicle must be locked at all times, (2) stored in a location designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, combination or similar means (e.g. trunk, glovebox, center console, motorcycle hard bag or approved firearm case), and (3) concealed from public view.

b.  LEOSA credentialed personnel must understand, under LEOSA, the bearer of the credential has no law enforcement authority and cannot carry out any law enforcement duties. LEOSA is for self-defense or defense of others in their immediate area.

3.  Housing, Fam Camp and Dorm Residents: Transportation of Weapons:  Routes will be directly from storage or residence to an authorized recreational shooting area or installation exit point. Upon completion of recreational shooting or return to the installation, personal will go directly to SFS Armory or residence and properly secure POF.  Firearms will be transported unloaded separate from ammunition and preferably in a locked compartment.

SPONSORING FOREIGN NATIONALS:

Our mission is to streamline and secure the process of granting non-US citizens visiting MacDill AFB. This portal is a comprehensive resource explaining the process, guidelines, and requirements that DoD sponsors must adhere to before bringing a foreign national onto the installation. All sponsors must understand that escort authority, commonly called Trusted Traveler, does not extend to non-US citizens. You must pre-coordinate your access and receive written approval from 6 SFS.

Sponsor Eligibility

• Only authorized US DoD personnel can sponsor foreign visitors.

Visitor Eligibility

• Any foreign national who possesses a valid and unexpired passport and sponsored by an authorized US DoD member.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Official Business Visits (i.e., invited on behalf of the USG or base organization, embassy request, etc):
   • Action: Download the official template HERE
2. Unofficial Business (friends, family, leisure, etc):

• Action: Download the unofficial template HERE 
• Send the Spreadsheet to Visitor Control Center:
  • The CAC holder must email the spreadsheet to: 6sfs.foreign@us.af.mil at least 10 duty days prior to the scheduled visit.
  • All Official and Unofficial requests must be submitted from your official .mil account.
    1. Note: If your request is unofficial in nature you must also submit clear copies the passports
  • You will receive an auto reply confirming receipt.

4. Background Check:
   • Action: VCC conducts a background check and further coordinates additional screenings with interagency partners. VCC notifies the sponsor of approval or denial.
     1. Note: All non-US citizens must be legally residing in the United States
     2. Approved visits proceed to step 5
5. Day of the Event:
   • Official Visits: All approved visitors must report to the VCC to obtain a base pass according to the dates and times that were preapproved. The Installation Commander does not require the sponsor to accompany official business guests to the VCC.
     1. Only new Coalition Partners being stationed at MacDill AFB and visiting flag officer delegations are eligible for BAL access. Sponsor’s must indicate this on the spreadsheet.
   • Unofficial Visits: All approved visitors must report to the VCC to obtain a base pass according to the dates and times that were preapproved. The Installation Commander requires the DoD sponsor to accompany all unofficial foreign visitors to the VCC and must remain with them at all times while on the installation.

SPONSORING 10 OR MORE GUESTS:

The BAL program is recommended for short-term visits not to exceed five (5) days in duration or when sponsoring groups of 10 or more guests onto the Installation for an official function. It’s designed to allow approved guests to drive directly to the gates for access.

Sponsor Eligibility

• Only US DoD personnel with a valid .mil email address can sponsor visitors.

Visitor Eligibility

• Any US Citizen in possession of a valid and unexpired state issued driver’s license, identification card, or US passport and sponsored by an authorized US DoD member.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Requesting Short-Term Access:
   • Action: Download the official template HERE
2. Send the Spreadsheet correctly filled out to the Visitor Control Center:
   • The CAC holder must email the spreadsheet to: 6sfs.bal@us.af.mil at least three (3) duty days prior to your event.
   • All requests must be submitted from your official .mil account.
   • You will receive an autoreply confirming receipt.
3. Background Check:
   • Action: VCC conducts a background check and notifies the sponsor of approval or denial.
     1. Approved visits proceed to step 4.
4. Day of the Event:
   • Action: All approved visitors can proceed directly to either the Dale Mabry Gate or Bayshore Gate. Make sure to tell your guests to have their identification readily available to show the gate guard.  They should inform the guard they were invited to an event and are on the Base Access List (BAL). Note: Guests will be turned away if they show up earlier or later than the preapproved dates. They will also be turned away if they show the guard a different form of identification than what was submitted to the VCC.
   • Base Map: include downloadable base map with DMG/BG highlighted & high visited locations (already publicly available via FSS website).

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other acceptable identification, will be required for access to MacDill AFB. This is in accordance with a Department of Homeland Security mandate applying to all U.S. military installations. Read here for more information about base access under the REAL ID Act.

In accordance with the REAL ID Act and DoD/DHS guidance, REAL ID-compliant identification will be mandatory for accessing MacDill AFB and federal facilities. Visitors must present a REAL ID-compliant identification or secondary identification. Acceptable secondary identification for in-person sponsorship, includes passport, Green Card, VHIC (meeting sponsorship requirements), SSA card, or original birth certificate with raised-seal. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Requirements and frequently asked questions can be found on the following sites: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id and https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs. Additionally, all contractors and subcontractors possessing a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card/pass issued by the MacDill Visitor Control Center (VCC) are required to validate they meet all requirements with the VCC or risk termination of their card/pass by 7 August 2025. Note: The specific requirements for Florida are provided at the following website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/. It's best to check the website for the most up-to-date information. You can find a link to your state's DMV here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Visitors who do not possess a Real ID Compliant driver’s license are not eligible for the Base Access List (BAL) program and will be denied access upon arrival to the gates. Non-compliant visitors are required to be sponsored in-person at the VCC by an authorized DoD ID card holder.  Non-compliant visitors are required to show one of the following secondary forms of identification and it cannot be a picture on their phone:

• Social Security Card
• Unexpired Passport
• Unexpired Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Unexpired Green Card
• Birth Certificate with Raised Seal

Visits are prioritized based on mission requirements. ALL requests must originate from the US DoD sponsor. No action will be taken if you are not the DoD sponsor.

All Base Access List (BAL) requests must be submitted to the VCC at least three (3) duty days prior to your event date. It’s recommended to have an authorized DoD ID card holder readily available to sponsor in-person at the VCC if this is a short notice request. Telephone sponsorship is prohibited.

DoW Sponsors:  You must confirm your visitors are US Citizens (or Permanent Residents). All foreign nationals to include Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card holders must be submitted 10 days in advance. For foreign requirements, send an email to the below. Include whether your request is official or unofficial.

6sfs.foreign@us.af.mil

Drivers affiliated with rideshare services and associated food delivery companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxis, Limousine, Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.) are allowed access onto MacDill AFB once vetted through the criminal history database at the Dale Mabry Gate. The following actions must be adhered to before entry is granted:

1. MacDill AFB employees and residents requesting transportation or food delivery service on base must contact 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) at Dale Mabry Gate (813-828-7819) to notify proper authorities of a pending service. All drivers will only enter and exit through Dale Mabry Gate. It is the customer's responsibility to communicate instructions to the drivers via app, text, or phone call. NOTE: Food Delivery Vendors will not be given access during peak morning traffic hours (Monday-Friday, 0600-0900).

2. Rideshare/food delivery instructions should include the following (or similar): "Use Dale Mabry Gate for base access. Background check/vehicle inspection required. No weapons, illegal drugs of any kind (including medically prescribed marijuana or CBD products) are authorized on base." Foreign National CTA/Food Delivery drivers will not be permitted to access the installation under any circumstances.

3. Before entry is authorized, the driver will be asked to pull over for 6 SFS to conduct a vehicle inspection. NOTE: Rideshare/food delivery drivers who are in possession of a CAC/retiree/dependent ID card will be exempt from vehicle inspection unless identified for a random Installation Vehicle Inspection Check.

4. Once the driver has been vetted/cleared, 6 SFS personnel will maintain possession of the driver's license in exchange for a numbered badge. Drivers in possession of a valid CAC/retiree/dependent ID card will not need to surrender their driver's license. NOTE: If the driver has criminal history preventing base access, 6 SFS will deny entry. 6 SFS personnel will not accept delivery or hold onto food.

5. Upon badge exchange, the Rideshare/food delivery driver will be cleared to depart to the customer's address. No other stops on the installation are authorized. Once food has been delivered, the driver MUST return immediately and directly to the Dale Mabry Gate to retrieve their driver's license and depart the installation.