License and registration please

Don Dillon, AKAL security officer, checks the insurance and vehicle registration of an Ellsworth driver prior to letting him on base. Effective Feb. 7, Ellsworth no longer registers privately owned vehicles on base or distributes the Department of Defense Form 2220/DoD Vehicle Registration Decal. All Air Force bases have been directed to make the change by March 15. The initiative is expected to save the Air Force more than $700,000 annually. (U.S. Air Force photo\Senior Airman Josh Moshier)

Decals no longer required for base entry

Published Feb. 23, 2007
By Senior Airman Josh Moshier
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- In accordance with Air Combat Command guidance, Ellsworth no longer requires base registration or the Department of Defense Form 2220, DoD Vehicle Registration Decal, for privately owned vehicles operated on base as of Feb. 7.

Vehicle registration and insurance checks are now incorporated into random base entry point checks and antiterrorism measures.

Discontinuing decal production at all bases is expected to save the Air Force more than $700,000 annually.

"Vehicles are more efficiently identified by state license plates," said 1st Lt. Ren Carr, 28th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Also, 100 percent identification checks at installation gates make decals unnecessary."

While decals are no longer necessary and will no longer be issued, there is no requirement to remove existing decals from vehicles. Lieutenant Carr said he advises against it because people operating vehicles without the decals may require a visitor pass to enter non-Air Force installations.

"We do expect some challenges for our people attempting to enter other service military installations," said Maj. Gen. David Clary, ACC vice commander. "Without decals, they may be required to get a visitor pass. We do know the other services are considering taking this action as well, but (they) may wait until the Air Force stops registering vehicles first before they take action."

The Air Force has mandated all bases discontinue vehicle registration and decal distribution by March 15.

People driving on Ellsworth should ensure they have all required vehicle paperwork, including proof of insurance and registration, he said.

"It's the same stuff you'd be asked for if you were pulled over for a traffic violation," Lieutenant Carr said. "Motorcycle riders will want to ensure they have their competency card on them as well."

For more information, call the visitor control center at (605) 385-2894.