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Visitor Security Protocols

NLR visitors must be hosted by a laboratory employee, who is responsible for ensuring each visit is requested and approved in accordance with NLR policy.

Identification Requirements

All visitors, vendors, and new employees must present a physical, government-issued ID, such as a passport, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Badge, valid military ID, or REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Visitors who fail to present required identification will be denied access.

NLR can only accept physical documents; photocopies and digital replicas are invalid forms of identification.

Required Documentation for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals must provide proof of citizenship and immigration status or they will be denied access.

  • Provide proof of citizenship via a valid passport.
  • Immigration status can be confirmed via one of the following*:
    • U.S. visa
    • Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
    • Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA Visa Waiver program)
    • Other immigration document.

*Citizens of Canada or Bermuda do not require a visa for temporary travel to the United States.

Visitor Badges and Permits

Visitors must preregister and check in with NLR's security team before being admitted on laboratory property. Visitors 15 and older will be issued badges, which must be worn above the waist at all times when on-site

Service and Maintenance Subcontractors and Vendors

NLR provides general Safe Work Permits (SWPs) for nonconstruction work performed by external service and maintenance subcontractors and vendors. SWPs identify scope of work, associated hazards, and controls and training required for safe work. Staff responsible for the work area must prepare and issue the SWP before work begins.

Site-Specific Check-In Instructions

Golden, Colorado, laboratories and offices

Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado

Fairbanks, Alaska, campus

Washington, D.C., office

Subject to Search and Prohibited Articles

All vehicles, people, and packages are subject to search upon entry.

The following prohibited articles are not permitted on NLR- or U.S. Department of Energy -controlled premises or parking lot without prior authorization:

  • Dangerous weapons (as defined by 18 U.S.C. ยง 930), including:
    • Explosives
    • Firearms
    • Instruments or material likely to produce substantial injury to people or damage to people or property
    • Controlled substances (e.g., illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia) and marijuana in any form.

  • Dogs and other animals are not allowed on federal property unless associated with official purposes or necessary as an accommodation (i.e., seeing-eye dog, a guide dog, or other animal assisting or being trained to assist that individual).

  • Videography and photography is not allowed within NLR laboratories, in compliance with U.S. Department of Energy standards, unless explicitly authorized by permit or contract.

Sign Up for Alerts

NLR uses the Rave Mobile Safety system to send staff and visitors timely text notifications about campuswide incidents that may pose immediate threats or require urgent attention.

Examples of such incidents include:

  • Lab closure or delayed opening
  • Campus evacuations
  • Lockdowns
  • Take-shelter orders
  • Shelter-in-place orders.

Text the keyword ROCKIES to 77295. These notifications will expire after 2 days.

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Last Updated April 10, 2026