Access Requirements for Vehicles

Authorized DoD ID cardholders

Vehicles with an adult, authorized Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholder who is 18 or older may enter JBLM through any open gate, including Lewis Main and McChord Field gates.

Visitors without DoD ID

Vehicles without an adult, authorized DoD ID cardholder (18 or older) must report to a Visitor Control Center (VCC) next to either the Lewis Main Liberty Gate at I‑5 Exit 120 or the McChord Field Main Gate at I‑5 Exit 125 to obtain a Temporary Pass.

Visitors should bring:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Current vehicle registration.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• Adult, authorized DoD sponsor (18 or older) who is available by phone to approve access.

Commercial vehicles

Commercial vehicles are normally directed to the Lewis Main Logistics Center Gate at I‑5 Exit 123 or the Lewis North Integrity Gate off DuPont‑Steilacoom Road; when those gates are closed, commercial vehicles are processed at Madigan Gate at I‑5 Exit 122.

Current Gate Construction Notice

JBLM has announced a temporary closure of Madigan Gate to replace active barriers and reconstruct pavement at the gate house area.

The closure is scheduled from 28 October 2025 until approximately mid‑March 2026, and the Logistics Center Gate will operate 24/7 during this project; motorists are encouraged to practice alternate routes in advance.

For project‑specific questions, JBLM lists 253‑967‑9275 as the point of contact; timelines can change, so verify current status before commuting.

Driving Directions to JBLM Visitor Centers

To McChord Field Visitor Center (McChord Main Gate)

From Portland (northbound on I‑5)

• Take Interstate 5 north toward Seattle.
• Take Exit 125: Bridgeport Way / McChord.
• Turn right onto Bridgeport Way and continue about 1 mile toward the gate.
• The Visitor Center will be on the traffic island to your left as you approach the McChord Main Gate.

From Seattle (southbound on I‑5)

• Take Interstate 5 south toward Olympia.
• Take Exit 125: Bridgeport Way / McChord.
• Turn right onto Bridgeport Way and continue about 1 mile toward the gate.
• The Visitor Center will be on the traffic island to your left as you approach the McChord Main Gate.

To Lewis Main Visitor Control Center (Liberty Gate)

From Portland (northbound on I‑5)

• Take Interstate 5 north toward Seattle. [web:24]
• Take Exit 120: JBLM Lewis Main / Lewis North and follow signs for Lewis Main.
• The Lewis Main Visitor Control Center will be on your right before you reach the Liberty Gate.

From Seattle (southbound on I‑5)

• Take Interstate 5 south toward Olympia.
• Take Exit 120: JBLM Lewis Main / Lewis North and follow signs for Lewis Main.
• The Lewis Main Visitor Control Center will be on your right before you reach the Liberty Gate.

Visitor Control Centers (VCC)

VCC staff verify identity, vehicle documentation, and sponsorship before issuing a Temporary Pass for unescorted access to the installation.

• Drivers must present a valid license, current registration, and proof of insurance.
• All passengers age 16 or older must show a driver’s license or government‑issued photo ID.
• An adult, authorized DoD sponsor (18 or older) must be reachable by phone to approve access.
• After a routine background check, VCC personnel issue a Temporary Pass and provide gate‑specific directions.

Key contact numbers

• JBLM Main Gate (Liberty Gate) / Lewis Main VCC: 253‑967‑4794.
• McChord Field Main Gate / Visitor Center: 253‑982‑2119.

REAL ID Act and Identity Verification

JBLM complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, so driver’s licenses or IDs marked “Not Valid for Federal Purposes” or “Federal Limits May Apply” require supplemental identity documents before a temporary pass can be issued.

Visitors who cannot provide a REAL‑ID‑compliant credential or acceptable supplemental documents may only access the installation while under continuous escort by an authorized sponsor.

For the latest list of acceptable identification and state‑by‑state REAL ID status, JBLM directs visitors to Department of Homeland Security resources.

Vendor, Visitor, and Temporary Pass Options

Contractors and vendors

Contractors and vendors must present a completed “Installation Contractor / Vendor Pass Request Form” at a VCC, with sections filled out by the employee, employer, and the government official overseeing the contract.

Extended temporary passes (up to 90 days)

On‑base residents who expect guests for more than one day may call the VCC within 72 hours of arrival to request an extended pass valid for the period of the visit, up to 90 days.

Residents must confirm their name and housing address and provide the guest’s name, arrival date, and requested access window; guests still need valid vehicle registration, insurance, and driver’s license at the VCC.

Pre‑vetted group passes

Groups such as scouting, school, or civic organizations can be pre‑vetted up to seven days before their visit, allowing processing during off‑peak times. [page:1]

An adult, authorized DoD sponsor coordinates group access by calling 253‑967‑4794 (Liberty Gate VCC) or 253‑982‑2119 (McChord Field Main Gate). [page:1]

Access for Foreign Nationals

Foreign national visitors must report to a Visitor Center for security vetting before receiving a temporary pass. [page:1]

They must present a current passport with valid entry stamp or other documentation as specified by JBLM security personnel. [page:1]

Submitting Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

The VCC collects limited PII to support background checks and determine access eligibility, and in most cases this information is obtained in person. [page:1]

When pre‑vetting is required for special events, JBLM instructs visitors not to send PII such as name, Social Security number, or date of birth through unencrypted email, text, or similar methods. [page:1]

Individuals who must submit documents electronically are directed to use the Army’s Safe Access File Exchange (SAFE) website for secure file transfer. [page:1]

Additional Safety and Compliance Notes

Motorcycle and scooter riders

Anyone operating a motorcycle or scooter on JBLM must present a valid Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card and a Common Access Card (CAC) to gate security; riders who cannot show these documents will be denied access.

Privately owned firearms

Unregistered weapons are not permitted on JBLM, and newly assigned service members have 24 hours after arrival to register privately owned firearms at either the Lewis Main or McChord Field Visitor Control Center.

Access Control Office and Hours

The Access Control office is located in Building 5901, 5901 41st Division Drive, Joint Base Lewis‑McChord, WA 98433.

• Primary phone: 253‑967‑4794.
• Secondary phone: 253‑982‑2119.

JBLM operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; specific gate hours and VCC times are listed above and may be updated by the installation as needed. [page:1]

Hotels and Lodging Near JBLM

Many hotels near JBLM offer military or government rates and provide convenient access to both Lewis Main and McChord Field gates. [web:25]

You can browse featured and basic hotel listings around JBLM here:

Explore lodging options near JBLM