Plan Your Visit to the Pentagon
The Pentagon is headquarters for the Department of War, a military command center, and a secure facility.
Access to the Pentagon Reservation is restricted to the conduct of Department of War business and is limited to employees and other persons with proper authorization in accordance with 32 CFR 234.3, “Admission to property.”
Visitor Access Requirements
Visiting the Pentagon requires all of the following:
- Sponsorship & Visitor Registration: Must be registered by a DoW employee or contractor with a valid CAC. Sponsors must register guests via the PFPA Visitor Sponsor Portal. Walk-up visitors are not processed.
- A Valid Photo ID: Visitors 18+ must present a REAL ID-compliant photo credential. Non-compliant state licenses are not accepted. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a tenant with swipe access or a properly registered visitor that is over 8 years of age.
- Security Screening: All guests are screened by security using advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors in order to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, prior to entering the building.
It is the responsibility of both the visitor and sponsor to account for any additional restrictions being enforced at the time of visit. The use of teleconferences and video conferences to conduct official business with Pentagon personnel is strongly encouraged.
If there are any questions concerning these restrictions or if you have your visit has been denied, please contact the PFPA Security Services Division (Visitor Management and Credentialing Branches) at 703-697-9327.
Important Update:
The Pentagon is a REAL ID-compliant federal facility. State-issued identification that does not meet the REAL ID Act of 2005 standards as proof of identity will not be accepted for visitor access.
Forms of Identification
All visitors 18 years of age or older will be required to present a Real ID-compliant photo credential for identity verification on the day of the visit. Non-compliant drivers licenses are no longer accepted.
Acceptable photo IDs for Pentagon access include:
- REAL ID Driver's License OR a state-issued ID
- U.S. Government Common Access Card, Military Identification Card, or Personal Identification Verification Card
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Foreign Passport
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card
- Native American Tribal Document
- U.S. Border Crossing Card
Note: Visitors 17 years of age and under require no identification when accompanied by an adult with a Pentagon building pass or valid form of identification.
Sponsorship & Escort Policy
Escort Ratio: Authorized sponsors may escort up to three (3) visitors at a time.
Requesting an Exception:
If a sponsor needs to escort more than three visitors (e.g., for a large official meeting or a coordinated group visit), an exception to the escort ratio must be requested in advance.
- Process: Sponsors must submit a formal request to visit via memo or email to the PFPA Security Services Division at least 5 business days prior to the visit.
- Details Required: The request must include the date of visit, the total number of visitors, the purpose of the visit, and the names of any additional escorts who will assist.
- Contact: For specific exception forms or guidance, contact the Visitor Management Branch at 703-697-9327.
Arrival & Logistics
- Getting to the Pentagon: Do not drive if you can avoid it. Public parking is not available on the Pentagon Reservation.
- By Metrorail: The Pentagon has its own dedicated station served by the Blue and Yellow lines. The Visitor Entrance is located immediately adjacent to the Metro exit.
- By Bus: Multiple regional bus lines (Metrobus, ART, DASH, and OmniRide) service the Pentagon Transit Center. Follow signs from the bus bays to the Visitor Entrance.
- By Rideshare / "Kiss and Ride": Use the designated "Pentagon Metro" drop-off point located near the bus bays.
- Primary Visitor Entrance (Pentagon Metro): Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-up visitors are no longer processed; you must be pre-registered by your sponsor at least 24 hours (ideally several days) in advance to be granted entry.
- After Hours/Weekends: The Corridor 3 Entrance is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Public access during weekends or holidays is highly restricted and requires pre-registration. This entrance is currently serving as the after-hours access point while Corridor 2 remains temporarily closed due to construction.
- Security Services Division: 703-697-9327.
- Credentialing Offices:
- Pentagon: 703-695-2266
- Mark Center: 571-372-5663
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- All animals, except service animals for persons with disabilities
- Explosives, weapons, and alcohol
- Bladed, edged, or sharp weapons; knives with blades 2.5 inches in length or longer
- Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, tricycles, or any other self-propelled or motor-powered personal transport (e.g., Segway). This criterion does not include medical mobility equipment.
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)
- Oleoresin capsicum (OC) (“pepper spray”), if more than 1 ounce (28 grams)
The use of cameras or other visual recording devices on the Pentagon Reservation is prohibited.
Lost and Found
Notice: The Lost and Found office is not publicly accessible. You must have a CAC or be escorted by a CAC holder to reach this office.
- Location: Pentagon Library and Conference Center – Room BH885.
- Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Inquiries: Call 703-697-4151 (Available 24/7).
- Policy: Items are cataloged and stored for a maximum of 45 days. Valuables are kept in a safe.