For official information from MCRD PI, please see:
Vehicle Pass for the Graduation Ceremony
All military installations, including the Depot, have rules that must be followed for security and to maintain an organized community and lifestyle while on the base. It's all part of the new military lifestyle your son or daughter is learning. While at the Depot (MCRD Parris Island) you are a guest on a military installation as well as a guest of your future Marine. Your actions on the depot are a direct reflection on your son or daughter. Please be courteous and respectful. Please note the following:
All recruits are issued one graduation packet with a vehicle pass during week nine of their 12-week training. The recruits decide who will receive their graduation packet.
In order to visit Parris Island, you must have a vehicle pass, which is approved by the military police once driver information is reviewed. If you did not receive a packet including a parking pass from your recruit, you can obtain a vehicle pass at the Douglas Visitor’s Center.
Vehicle operators must possess:
- a valid driver’s license
- vehicle registration (for rental cars, present a copy of the contract you signed at the rental car agency)
- proof of automobile insurance
Vehicle operators failing to present these items will be denied entry to the Depot.
All vehicles coming aboard the Depot are subject to search by military police.
Persons other than the invited guests of the graduating Marines who use, or attempt to use, the battalion commander’s graduation invitation letter, or unauthorized reproductions of it or the vehicle pass to gain entry to the Depot will be guilty of trespassing aboard a military installation.
The online vehicle pass request IS NOT available to those attending Family Day or the graduation ceremony.
Driving Regulations
The operation of a motor vehicle aboard the Depot is a privilege granted by the commanding general under the condition that the driver adheres to all regulations. Drivers of vehicles must consent to the search of their vehicles by authorized personnel at any time while aboard MCRD Parris Island, S.C.
Driving Regulations are enforced by the military police who are under the direction of the Provost Marshall's Office. In order to visit Parris Island, you must have a pre-approved vehicle pass, which is approved by the military police once driver information is reviewed.
All driving rules and regulations are STRICTLY ENFORCED!
- All vehicles must stop at the front gate.
- Obey all posted speed limits.
- Turn signals must be used 100 feet before turning.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
- All children 5 years of age or younger must be secured in a child safety seat.
- Cell phone use while driving is prohibited unless phone is a hands-free device.
- Do not park on grass or in any reserved parking space, including curbs painted yellow.
- Do not move or circumvent barricades.
- Keep out of all restricted areas, i.e. on base housing and permanent personnel quarters.
For all passengers of vehicles, including hotel shuttles, the following applies:
- All persons entering the MCRD are subject to search and seizure of illegal substances.
- Weapons of any type, alcohol, glass bottles and illegal drugs or paraphernalia are strictly prohibited on base.
- All bags, packs, camera bags and personal property will be searched. Guests are encouraged to limit baggage brought into the MCRD. This will facilitate expeditious entry.
- Entry into the MCRD constitutes consent to search of personnel and the property under their control, pursuant to internal security act of 1950, section 21, 50 u.s.c. 797 (1979).
- The MCRD is an active military base. Due to national security concerns, any jokes or references will be treated seriously and will result in eviction from the base and possible arrest.
