Fill out SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) online
Standard Form 86 (SF-86) is a questionnaire used for national security background investigations in the United States. It collects detailed personal information to determine eligibility for access to classified information or to hold a sensitive position. The form is extensive and covers personal history, employment, education, residences, references, foreign contacts, and more.
How to fill out SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)
Gather your personal records
Before starting, collect: all addresses for the past 10 years, employment history for the past 10 years, education records, names and contact information for references and associates, foreign travel dates, and any court or police records.
Complete personal identification sections
Enter your full legal name, other names used, Social Security number, date and place of birth, citizenship information, and contact details. Provide your current and previous residences for the past 10 years.
Complete employment, education, and references
List all employment for the past 10 years (or since age 18), education history, people who know you well (references), and your relationships with foreign nationals and foreign governments.
Complete financial and legal sections
Disclose any financial issues (delinquent debts, bankruptcies, liens), legal issues (arrests, charges, convictions), substance use history, and mental health consultations. Answer all questions honestly and completely.
About SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)
Who needs this form
Individuals requiring a security clearance (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) for employment with the federal government, military, or government contractors. The sponsoring agency initiates the process and instructs the individual to complete the SF-86.
Where to submit
Typically completed online through the e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing) system. The paper version may be used for reference or preparation before entering data into e-QIP. Do not mail the paper form directly to OPM.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting or falsifying information (honesty is critical; omissions can lead to denial or revocation)
- Not providing complete address history for the past 10 years
- Forgetting to list all foreign contacts, foreign travel, and foreign financial interests
- Not disclosing prior drug use or alcohol-related incidents (these do not automatically disqualify you)
- Providing inconsistent dates between sections
Frequently asked questions
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Will past drug use or financial problems automatically disqualify me?
Not necessarily. The security clearance process evaluates the whole person, including the recency, frequency, and circumstances of any issues. Honest disclosure is far better than omission or falsification, which can independently be grounds for denial. Investigators understand that many applicants have imperfect histories, and they assess whether issues have been mitigated.
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