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Base Access-Civilian Students

 

If you are taking classes on base or transporting someone to/from their class, you will need to request a Base Pass to access Camp Pendleton. You will not be able to access the base if you do not have a valid DBIDS pass.

What do I need to know about Camp Pendleton Access?

You will be denied access to MCB Camp Pendleton if you meet any of the following disqualifying factors:

  • Any current charge or conviction within the past 10 years of homicide, rape, armed robbery, adult sexual assault, child sexual assault, child pornography, felony drug possession, felony larceny/theft, human trafficking, arson, extortion, immigration violation.
  • Engaged in actions or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government or a State Government by force.
  • Identification in the Terrorist Screening Database, known gang member, known supremacist or extremist.
  • Current arrest warrant, felony conviction within the past 10 years.
  • Military personnel discharged with a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge, persons currently debarred from a military installation.
  • Criminal arrest information presenting a potential threat to the good order, discipline, health, or safety of persons aboard MCB CAMPPEN.
  • No valid driver’s license.

How do I apply for a Base Access Pass?

  1. Complete the Base Access Request Form if you are a Palomar College student, or driver for a student, who will need access to Camp Pendleton. We cannot process pass requests more than 25 days before the semester begins.
  2. Palomar College Camp Pendleton Center staff will verify and route your request to the Base Education Center. This request is sent once a week from our office.
  3. From there, please allow for up to 2 to 3 weeks for your request to be approved by the Camp Pendleton Visitor Center.
  4. After your pass has been requested, processed, and approved in the 2 to 3 week period, you will need to pick up your pass at the Camp Pendleton Visitor Center adjacent to the Main Gate near Interstate 5, Bldg. 20255T.  You will need to bring the following with you to pick up your pass: Per MCO 5530.13, IDs marked “Not Valid for Federal Purposes,” “Federal Limits May Apply,” etc., are not accepted for unescorted access.  Visitors with these IDs must also bring a passport or original SSN card and birth certificate.  All documents must have matching names. If not, original name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate) are required..
  5. Foreign Nationals / Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) must bring their physical card and/or Passport — no photos or copies.  Additionally, Foreign Nationals must be accompanied by their Sponsor.  They are not permitted Unescorted Access, and they are not processed by the Marines staffing the Visitor Center after hours or on weekends.     
  6. If driving: Visitors must bring current vehicle registration and insurance. Rental drivers need proof of liability insurance (from the rental company or their own policy). 
  7. Please do not attempt to pick up your pass before you have been notified by the Camp Pendleton campus staff that you have been approved.
    • The Visitor’s Center is open Monday through  Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Since wait times can be very long (2-3 hours), 1200 is the latest time (Monday -Friday) that visitors can safely arrive – please plan accordingly. The Visitor’s Center can be reached at (760)763-8435; please feel free to call them in advance to check the status of the office and your pass.
    • Palomar College students, faculty, and staff are not permitted to collect their base pass at the Visitor Center after 12:00 p.m. – this is reserved for Active-Duty military only.

What to Do if You Forgot to Request Base Access Before Classes Began

You, or your driver, must request Base Access through the Base Access Request Form. If you are still waiting for your base access confirmation after classes have started, please notify your instructor as soon as possible. It is important to confirm that you will still be allowed to remain enrolled in the class.

Important Notices:

  • Per MCO 5530.13, IDs marked “Not Valid for Federal Purposes,” “Federal Limits May Apply,” etc., are not accepted for unescorted access.  Visitors with these IDs must also bring a passport or original SSN card and birth certificate.  All documents must have matching names. If not, original name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate) are required.
  • Foreign Nationals / Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) must bring their physical card and/or Passport — no photos or copies.  Additionally, Foreign Nationals must be accompanied by their Sponsor.  They are not permitted Unescorted Access, and they are not processed by the Marines staffing the Visitor Center after hours or on weekends.     
  • Palomar College Camp Pendleton Staff cannot escort you or provide transportation services while you are waiting for your pass to be issued.
  • Passes are only valid for the semester dates enrolled. This process must be completed every Semester/Fast Track you attend classes on base. 
  • Passes that are not picked up within a 25-day period will expire, and individuals will have to apply for base access again.

Additional information and FAQ can be found at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Base Access.

Camp Pendleton Visitor Center (Building 20255T) Aerial map showing directions to the Camp Pendleton Visitor Center trailer (Building 20255T) near the Main Gate. The map highlights Interstate 5 running north–south along the left side. The route exits Interstate 5 at Exit 54B toward Camp Pendleton and follows the road toward the Main Gate. Red arrows indicate the driving path approaching the gate, staying in the far right lane, and turning into a parking lot located just before the Guard Gate entrance. The Visitor Center trailer (Building 20255T) is located within this parking area. Surrounding features include Vandergrift Boulevard, nearby buildings, and open land. The map emphasizes that the Visitor Center is immediately before the Main Gate, with posted signs in the parking lot confirming the location.
Visitor Center

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