SF-86 Form Walkthrough
A detailed guide to completing the Standard Form 86 (SF-86) for your security clearance investigation.
What is the SF-86?
The SF-86 (Standard Form 86) is the questionnaire used for national security positions. It collects detailed information about your background that investigators use to determine your eligibility for a security clearance. The form is completed electronically through e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing).
Information You Will Need
Before starting, gather: Full legal names and dates for all family members, addresses for the past 10 years with landlord/neighbor contacts, employment history with supervisor names and contact info, education records, foreign travel history, foreign contacts, financial information, and any legal issues. Having this ready will make the process much smoother.
Key Points
- Create a spreadsheet to organize dates and addresses
- Contact former employers for supervisor information
- Gather documentation for any legal or financial issues
- Have your passport ready for travel history
Section-by-Section Overview
The SF-86 covers: Personal Information, Citizenship, Residence History, Employment History, Education, Military History, Foreign Activities/Contacts, Financial Records, Legal History, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Mental Health, and References. Each section requires specific date ranges - typically 7-10 years depending on the question.
Completing the Form
Work through the form methodically. Use the comments sections to explain anything unusual or provide context. If you cannot remember exact dates, provide your best estimate and note that in comments. The system will flag incomplete sections. You can save your progress and return later. Review everything before submitting.
Key Points
- Be thorough - incomplete applications cause delays
- Explain gaps in employment or residence
- List all foreign contacts, even brief ones
- Disclose everything - investigators will find it anyway