DOE HSPD-12 Badge Holders

Visiting Pantex

Pantex plays an integral role in the nation’s nuclear defense. Because of the importance of this role, Pantex has some of the most stringent security in the world and only hosts invited visitors. Before your visit, your Pantex host or contact will make arrangements for you with Access Control. Review security and safety information, required forms, and clearance levels with your host or contact.

Getting Here

Pantex is located approximately 30 miles east of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Allow 30 minutes driving time. A map, parking directions, and other important information is available in the Pantex Visitor Guide.

If there is a possibility Pantex may be closed because of weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, call 806.477.3000 to check the plant operational status.

Entry Requirements

Identification and/or Citizenship Requirements
An approved badge is required for admittance. Visitors must provide personal information for security processing prior to arrival using the Pantex Visitor Portal. All personnel working at an NNSA facility (plants, labs, etc.) are directed to follow the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act for allowable identification. A secondary form of ID may be required.

Visitors (including HSPD-12 federal credential holders) should be prepared to present one of the following forms of identification at the badging office: and any security checkpoint (including HSPD-12 federal credential holders):

Current forms of citizenship are accepted:

  • Current U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Certification of birth abroad or certification of report of birth issued by the Department of State
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Certificate of U.S. citizenship
  • Documented proof of citizenship through a Department of Energy-recognized database

Access may be denied or delayed until acceptable identity documentation is provided.

Once all of the necessary steps are complete and Pantex personnel have validated your identity and clearance level, you will be granted appropriate access to the site.
If you have any questions, contact Personnel Security at 806.477.3909.

Prohibited and Controlled Articles

Using the camera, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi hotspot features on any device is strictly prohibited. These features need to be disabled as soon as the devices are removed from your vehicle on plant site.

Review the complete list of prohibited and controlled items. All activities involving controlled articles will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Pantex visitors who require the use of medical personal electronic devices (MEDPEDs) will need prior approval before entering any areas of the plant (JCDC, Limited Area, Protected Area, and Material Access Area). For approval of metal implants and medical aid devices like crutches, canes, wheelchairs, etc., use the NNSA MEDSAFe process flow. If you have further questions, contact Clint Olson at 806.477.5373 or refer to the Prohibited and Controlled Articles link provided above.

Shoe Policy

Appropriate footwear is an essential aspect of safety at Pantex. Pantex is an industrial site with a variety of walking and working surfaces. Proper footwear will reduce the possibility of an injury while visitors are on-site and during tours, and your Pantex host or contact is responsible for ensuring you adhere to the policy. Please note open-toed shoes or heels more than 2.5 inches are not permitted and additional footwear requirements are defined for entry into specific facilities or areas.

Vehicle Safety Requirements

If you are required to operate company equipment during your visit to Pantex, you are responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle/equipment. Drivers are required to do the following:

  • Have a valid driver’s license (commercial, if applicable)
  • Ensure that required appropriate training has been completed for any vehicles or equipment operated
  • Use seat belts, which are mandatory in all vehicles and equipment
  • Operate motor vehicles in a safe manner according to applicable federal, state, and local ordinances, laws, and regulations, including Texas Driver Handbook, traffic controls, posted signs, pavement markings, and other applicable requirements
  • Use a spotter, when possible, especially when backing into any area that does not provide clear visual access

Speed Limits
Comply with the following speed limits unless posted otherwise:

  • FM 2373 entering Pantex property – 65 mph
  • Interior roadways – 20 to 50 mph depending on location
  • Parking areas – 15 mph

Motor Vehicle Safety: Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Personnel MAY NOT use cellular telephones or portable electronic devices while operating a vehicle:

  • If the vehicle, phone, or device is owned, leased, or rented by the company/U.S. government;
  • If the vehicle is personally owned and you are on-site or off-site at a company leased/owned facility; and
  • While conducting company business – regardless of vehicle or location.

This includes hands-free and Bluetooth devices. Portable electronic devices include e-readers, MP3 players, netbooks, tablets, and laptop computers.

These requirements apply to Pantex employees, subcontractors, vendors, and visitors.

Vehicle Accidents
Report all incidents in government-owned and privately owned vehicles that occur on-site or during business-related travel by calling the plant shift superintendent at 806.477.5000.