Whether you’re currently in a cleared job, uncertain of your clearance status, or know it has lapsed, it may be a good idea to request a copy of your intelligence community security clearance background investigation. If you’ve held a security clearance with multiple agencies, it’s important to remember the Intelligence Community’s system of record, Scattered Castles, does not share information with the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).
If you’ve held a security clearance through the IC, you’ll need to make a specific request through the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). If requesting a copy of your own investigation, note that you’re making a privacy act request for your own investigation file.
Include the following information in your request:
• Full name
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Current home address (a Post Office Box is not acceptable)
You can submit your request via snail mail, email, or fax. If submitting a written request, direct it to:
Information Management Division
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20511
Electronic Requests
You may also make an email request to dni-foia@dni.gov.
Keep in mind that regardless of how you make the request, you’ll still need to submit a letter with the information required above. Failing to list something such as place of birth, or listing the incorrect information, may result in a delayed or unfilled request.
If you’ve filled a request previously and are curious about the status, you may call (301) 243-1499.
(Note: ClearanceJobs has had multiple reports that email requests to ODNI for Scattered Castles records are going unanswered – you may want to follow your email up with a phone call).
Why Would You Want a Copy of Your Investigation?
There are a number of reasons why a person may want to receive a copy of his or her background investigation. The first is simple curiosity. If you received a favorable clearance determination but are wondering what notes were uncovered in the investigation process (or perhaps who you can remove from your Christmas card list), the investigation will provide you of an idea of what the investigator uncovered. If you’re uncertain about your security clearance status, your investigation should provide you with your investigation and adjudication dates. If your clearance has lapsed and you’re planning to apply for a new clearance, it may be worth obtaining a copy of your investigation as a reminder of what the process looked like the first time, and which references were most useful.
Regardless of the reason, it is always within your rights to obtain a copy of your background investigation, whether through the Department of Defense, or the IC’s Scattered Castles system.
