Installation Access Procedures

Changes to Installation Access Procedures – As of September 2015, Fort Cavazos discontinued the use and issuance of the Department of Defense vehicle decals. The new procedures will not affect DOD personnel, Common Access Card holders, retirees, family members, government contractors, or those who already possess a valid pass from entering post in a non-commercial vehicle. Individuals in possession of an authorized DOD ID card may access any access control point by simply presenting their ID to the gate guard at the entry point.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

Firearm(s) Registration – Your firearms can be registered at the Marvin Leath Visitor Welcome Center 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., or you can complete a temporary registration at the Main Gate after hours. Firearms can also be registered online by completing a firearms registration form at https://home.army.mil/cavazos under the visitor’s information and firearms registration tab, and submitting the completed form by encrypted email to the email address provided, or submitting in person to the Visitor Welcome Center. Active-duty personnel are required to complete form, attach commanders’ assumption of command orders. All personnel (military or civilian) who live on the installation or will possess, transport, or carry a firearm on the installation at any time must register with the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) as per III Corps & Fort Cavazos Regulation 190-11. Firearms will be registered under the owner’s information. If the owner is a Family member, the weapon will be registered under their information and the sponsor’s. All Soldiers residing on the installation are required to obtain their unit commander's approval to register privately-owned firearms. Newly assigned Soldiers in possession of assignment orders must receive a temporary weapons registration with the expiration lasting through the in-processing phase prior to traveling onto post with the firearm. Soldiers that purchase a firearm must receive a temporary weapons registration, pending their commander's approval. Once the Commander has signed the weapon registration form the Soldier will return to the MLVWC, or the Fort Cavazos Police station for permanent registration. You can download Fort Cavazos form 190-19 (Privately-Owned Firearms Registration Request) and Fort Cavazos Regulation 190-11 below.

Weapons are prohibited in these facilities except for Law Enforcement and Department of the Army Security Guards personnel performing their duties.

All personnel bringing a Privately Owned Firearm on Fort Cavazos must enter through an Access Control Point, declare that they are bringing a POF on post, state the reason for bringing the POF and present the DES Stamped POF Registration Form to the ACP personnel. Personnel must also declare possession of firearms to officials upon being directed to an ACP inspection area, being stopped by law enforcement officials, or for any other checkpoint or inspection operation.

Texas Firearm Carry Act of 2021 FAQs

Q: When does the Texas Firearm Carry Act of 2021 take effect?

A: September 1st, 2021.

Q: Does the new Texas Firearm Carry Act of 2021 change procedures or requirements for the carrying, storage or registration of firearms on Fort Cavazos?

A: No.  Fort Cavazos is exclusive federal jurisdiction, and the new law has no effect on a federal installation. FC Regulation 190-11 is still in effect on Fort Cavazos.

Q: Where can I find out information concerning the registration, transport and storage of privately owned firearms on Fort Cavazos?

A: Information is located on the III Corps and Fort Cavazos Homepage at https://home.army.mil/cavazos.

Q: What does the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 permit?

A: House Bill 1927, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, Government Code, Health and Safety Code, Human Resources Code, Labor Code, Local Government Code, and Penal Code to make it legal for any person 21 years of age or older to carry a handgun, either openly in a holster or concealed, in a manner consistent with state and federal law without first obtaining a handgun license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm and have not been convicted of certain specific offenses within the preceding five years. The bill maintains prohibitions against carrying a weapon on certain premises and further maintains restrictions on the authority to carry a handgun on certain other premises, including college campuses, which is reserved as a privilege only of license holders.

Q: What kind of places does the law prohibit carry of a firearm?

A: There are certain public places that firearms are prohibited, even under the new Firearms Carry Act, unless you are a licensed peace officer. Those include:

• Bars and other businesses that make 51% of their receipts from alcohol
• Schools
• Sporting events and horse or dog races (racetrack where pari-mutuel wagering takes place)
• Polling places
• Airports (secure area)
• Courtrooms
• Jails and prisons
• Government buildings (Fort Cavazos)
• Hospitals / nursing homes
• Federal property and national park buildings (that includes Fort Cavazos, BLORA)
• Private businesses or land in which the owner has signage posted outlawing weapons
• Civil commitment facility / mental hospital
• Amusement parks

Q: What can I expect to see off post with the new law?

A: You may see an increase in people carrying a weapon openly in stores or other conveyances in public.

Q: What can I expect during an interaction with Civilian Law Enforcement?

A: IAW with House Bill 1927, Police Officers can disarm a person at any time the officer reasonably believe it is necessary for the protection of the person, the officer or another individual during a law enforcement encounter.

Once the Officer deems the person not to be a threat/committed a crime they will return the firearm.

Q: Do I still need to get a Concealed Carry Permit (firearms license) in Texas?

A: Obtaining a firearms license still has its advantages. A handgun license would allow the carrier to have reciprocity in other states that have enacted that kind of legislation. A license is also considered a valid form of ID when casting a ballot and grants expedited access into the Texas Capitol.

Other Services Offered

Texas Driver's License

The Texas Department of Public Safety provides the following services inside the Visitor's Center, building 69005:

• Renewals
• Address changes

This office does not administer driving license tests, road tests or provide vehicle registration services.

Hours of operations: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. daily and on some federal and state holidays.

For more information call 254-532-9786 or visit: www.dps.texas.gov.

Bell County Vehicle Registration Office

The Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector Office provides the following services in building 69004, attached to the Visitor's Center.

• New Texas Residents Vehicle Registration
• Renewals
• Title Transfer
• Disabled Parking Permit
• Military Personnel Vehicle Registration and Titling
• Out of State Vehicle Registration and Titling
• Out of Country Vehicle Registration and Titling

This office does not provide driver’s license services. It can only be used by Bell County residents.

Hours of operations: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed for lunch during minimal staffing and on all federal and state holidays.

For registration requirements call 254-618-4180 or visit: www.txdmv.gov

NOTE: If you have additional questions not covered here, contact us at 254-287-9909.

Marvin Leath Visitor's Welcome Center

Hours of Operation:

5 a.m - 9 p.m daily

Marvin Leath Visitors Center is located just off Interstate Highway 14 (Old U.S. Highway 190) on T.J Mills Blvd Building 69012, adjacent to Fort Cavazos Main Gate. The Visitor Center provides visitor access passes for non-DoD ID card holders, AIE registration services, and Fort Cavazos firearms registration services. You can always get more information by calling the Marvin Leath visitor center at (254) 287-9909. 

FORT CAVAZOS ACCESS/PASSES

        ***ATTENTION:  THE FORT CAVAZOS TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM IS SUSPENDED***

All vehicle occupants 18 and older must possess a valid DoD ID Card or have an Installation Access Pass.  Authorized DoD ID cardholders can no longer vouch for the occupants in the vehicle. Active service members, military Family members, DoD civilians, Retired military and their authorized Family members, and contractors with DoD ID cards may enter the installation by presenting their DoD issued ID card to the guard personnel or scanning their DoD ID card at the Access Control Points (ACPs) using the Automated Installation Entry system when entering the installation.  If you do not have your government ID card in your possession, you must go the Marvin Leath Visitor’s Welcome Center (VWC) adjacent the Bernie Beck Main Gate to get an installation access pass/badge.

Installation Access Passes:

The Fort Cavazos VWC issues passes to all non-DoD persons with a valid reason for entering the installation.  Before receiving a pass all non-DoD persons are required to undergo security vetting.  Non-DoD affiliated persons 17 and younger are not required to present photo ID unless they are operating a motor vehicle. 

Non-DoD persons age 16 years and up that will be operating a vehicle must present a valid driver’s license, valid vehicle registration, and valid proof of insurance for the vehicle they are operating.  Non-DoD passengers of adult age, riding in the non-DoD person’s vehicle are also required to undergo security vetting prior to receiving a passenger-only pass.  The VWC has begun issuing long-term passes up to one-year depending on reason for visit to help reduce customers’ frequency of visits to the VWC for pass renewals.

Commercial Vehicle Access Passes:

All commercial vehicle traffic must enter the North Clarke Road Access Control Point Truck Inspection Facility (ACP 9 TIF) for a vehicle inspection.  ACP 9 TIF is located off the Clarke Road exit on westbound I-14 (Old U.S. Highway 190).  All vehicle occupants will be vetted against FBI criminal and terrorist authoritative databases prior to being issued a pass.   Guard personnel at ACP 9 TIF, can also issue visitor passes to commercial vehicles for up to 90 days. If the occupant(s) are already in possession of a valid pass, they will still require a vehicle inspection prior to entry.

Pass Denials: 

Individuals who do not pass the security vetting process IAW the DoD and Department of the Army may be issued a Fort Cavazos Access Denial Waiver Application to request access. Upon submitting a waiver application, the Installation Commander will make a determination on whether to approve or deny installation access.

Veteran’s Health Identification Card (VHIC) Holder

 Visitor must have VHIC card that states one of the following - Service-Connected, Former POW, or Purple Heart and pass the security vetting process. VHIC holders are authorized a pass for up to 3-years.  The Veteran’s designated primary family caregiver must present their VA issued designation letter at the Visitor’s Welcome Center for vetting.  Once vetted they will be issued an access pass. *Note: VHIC holder may not serve as a sponsor for long-term access.

Foreign National Access (Non-DOD)

 Official foreign visitors may be granted unescorted access after being cleared through the U.S. State Department and the III Corps G2 office.  Clearance will be verified through the Directorate of Emergency Services Access Control branch.  Once verified the visitor will receive a paper pass to access the installation during their visit. For additional information, contact the G2 office at 254-285-6724 or 254-286-5047.

Foreign Visitors Not on Official Orders or Business

Unofficial foreign national visitors are Not Authorized unescorted access to Fort Cavazos.  All foreign nationals not on official business are required to process at the Visitor’s Center to obtain a pass.  They must have a DoD ID cardholder to sponsor them on and the sponsor must be present during the registration process.  This policy includes those foreign nationals that are passengers in a vehicle operated by an authorized DoD ID cardholder.

Acceptable Forms of Visitor ID

 One of the following forms of ID are required to conduct the registration process:

·         Non-DoD United States government issued credentials.

·         Valid state-issued driver’s license or State issued ID (must be REAL ID compliant)  NOTE: State issued IDs/Driver’s License which are not REAL ID compliant are not valid for unescorted installation access.

·         Gold Star Family ID Card

·         Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card

·         U.S. DOD/Uniformed Services Civilian Geneva Convention ID

·         U.S. passports, passports issued by U.S. territories with a valid I-94 arrival/departure stamp or document

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s new Fort Cavazos driver’s license office located at Bldg 69005 T.J. Mills Blvd just off Interstate Highway14 (Old Hwy 190) opened on Tuesday, November 20, 2017. The new building takes the place of the old office which was previously co-located with the Fort Cavazos Visitor Welcome Center, Bldg 69012. They provide a myriad of services to include issuance of Texas State driver's licenses, Texas State ID's, and Texas driver's license renewals. This office does not administer road tests.

Hours of Operation:

Monday:  8 a.m.-1p.m., 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Tuesday:  8 a.m- 1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Wednesday:  8 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Thursday:  8 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Friday:  8 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Phone: 254-933-5318

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.