Access & Credentialing
All employees of the Airport are required to wear access badges. Individuals who work and require unaccompanied access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) and secure areas of the airport must possess an airport-issued CHS access badge. Please review the information provided below that provides the basic process of obtaining ID and access badges.
Office Location
The Access & Credentialing office is located at the Charleston International Airport Police Department Annex, 5550 Porsche Blvd. A shuttle from the terminal baggage claim curbside (center sidewalk) is available for employee use. The employee shuttle is operational through office business hours.
Phone: (843) 767-7289
Fax: (843) 767-7148
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours
Standard Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Closed for Federal Holidays
Outside of Office Hours
Please call (843) 767-1100 for all badges; lost, stolen or need to be suspended due to employment termination or policy violation.
Access IDs Offered:
- Access Badge (badge type will be determined by level of access needed)
- Escort Required ID
- Parking Card
Note: While Charleston International Airport (CHS) does not issue temporary identification to the media, members of the media can submit inquiries and/or filming requests can be made by visiting our Media Relations webpage.
Access ID Application Process:
- Read and complete the appropriate application(s). Please note that cross outs/white outs are not permitted on any application.
- Agree to and pass a criminal and personal history background check. This includes submitting fingerprints (not required for those requesting Escort Required ID or for those only requesting parking cards for parking in Employee Lot B or Remote Lot).
- For Access ID Badge: Once your background has been cleared, your certification official will be notified with instructions on the classes you will need to complete to obtain your Access Badge.
- For Parking Cards: Once your background has been cleared, you will be able to pick up your Parking Card and will only be given access to the parking areas.
- For Escort Required IDs: You will be issued this ID immediately, which will only be valid for 30 days.
Vehicle Permits Offered:
- Permanent Ramp Pass: issued on a yearly basis to companies that are permanent fixtures onsite.
- Temporary Ramp Pass: issued at a maximum of six months for contractors and temporary site vehicles. Expiration dates will vary based on insurance and/or registration dates.
Application Process for All Vehicle Permits:
- Bring the required application, general liability insurance ($5 million minimum), vehicle insurance, original vehicle registration, and a valid driver’s license.
- One of the security personnel will inspect your vehicle and sign off that your vehicle meets all qualifications.
- You will return with your completed inspection paperwork to the Access & Credentialing office to be issued your applicable vehicle permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Forms of ID Are Needed for an Airport Access Badge or Parking Card?
We accept all forms of ID listed on the Federal I-9 form, which can be found in the Forms and Information section. We are federally required to collect two forms of IDs. If an applicant is not a U.S. citizen, one of these documents must be a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card, or an I-94 Form.
Why Can't I Use Both a Government Issued DL And Military ID on the Federal I-9?
Per the Federal I-9 form, these are both documents that establish identity. We need documentation that establishes both identity and employment authorization.
Why Do the Names on My Identification and Application Have to Be Identical?
Federal regulation requires that the names on the identification provided match the name provided on the application. For this reason, we cannot accept any identifications that do not match exactly.
Can I Sign Section 1 of My Access Badge Application?
TSA mandates that all applications be submitted with authorization from a Certification Official or Authorized Signatory.
Who Is Considered a Certification Official or Authorized Signatory?
The Certification Official and Authorized Signatory are primary points of contact for the Access & Credentialing Office and are required to attend specialized training per TSA regulations. This individual is responsible for authorizing and verifying the information on all badge applications and ensuring the identity of the individual applying before the applicant comes to the Access & Credentialing Office.
Can I Pay for More Than One Employee at a Time?
We do not accept bulk payments by those paying with credit cards, check or cash. This is to make sure that each individual being paid for has all the required documentation before accepting payment.
What Forms of Payment Are Accepted?
We accept all major credit cards, checks made payable to the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA), and cash in the exact amount. We cannot make change.
How Long Will My Background Check Take?
A background check varies by individual and may take anywhere from three days to a week. This process may take longer based on TSA availability.
How Do I Return My Badge After Hours?
A locked after-hours badge drop-off box is available for use near the baggage claim doors on the lowest level of the terminal. Any badges returned after hours will be acknowledged by email upon request.
