CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marine Corps installations across the region, including Camp Lejeune, are transitioning to a new government-owned access control system.

• System is called Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS
• It will replace RAPIDGate and MCESS credentials for contractors and other personnel
• DBIDS issuing begins June 25; conversions for old systems must happen for all cardholders by Sept. 30

It's called the Defense Biometric Identification System, also known as DBIDS.

This new system will replace RAPIDGate and MCESS credentials for contractors and other non-Department of Defense affiliated personnel.

Starting Tuesday, current RAPIDGate or MCESS cardholders will need to show a second form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, until they transition to the new system.

"The capabilities of this credential really helps us to maintain a more secure environment and ensure the folks that are coming on to the base have been properly vetted and we know who they are and we're able to trace them if they have a warrant or if they hit a watch list," said Captain Brandon Cox.

The base will begin issuing DBIDS credentials starting June 25.

By Sept. 30, all RAPIDGate and MCESS cardholders must convert to the new system.

For more information on exchanging your RAPIDGate/MCESS credential, click here.