Four Steps to Getting an ID Badge
Four Steps to Getting an ID Badge
The instructions below describe the four steps each applicant must take to successfully complete the PIV process and obtain an HHS ID Badge at the NIH Bethesda campus.
[For applicants at NIEHS-RTP and RML, please note: Special instructions for completing the PIV process at these facilities can be found at NIEHS-RTP (PDF, 4 Pages) and RML (PDF, 3 Pages) respectively]
Step 1. Sponsoring the Applicant
The process of obtaining a new badge or renewing an expiring badge begins when the Sponsor -- usually an Administrative Officer (AO) -- enters your information into the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED). This information includes a request to issue you an ID Badge (PIV Card).
HSPD-12 requires all Federal employees and contractors working at NIH be sponsored for an HHS ID Badge. The Sponsor is responsible for substantiating that you need an HHS ID Badge.
When you show up for your fingerprinting appointment, DPSAC staff will confirm your sponsorship and proceed to fingerprint you.
Step 2. Fingerprinting Appointment
Once you have confirmed with your AO that you are sponsored for a new ID Badge, you will need to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with DPSAC. NEW Federal employees are fingerprinted as part of the Entry-on-Duty (EOD) training.
Please note: If during your fingerprinting appointment the Personnel Security Specialist determines that your fingerprints and a valid background investigation (BI) are on file, DPSAC will issue you a new badge at that time.
An applicant can choose from three options to schedule an appointment:
I. Make an appointment
- Contact your AO to schedule your appointment online
- Stop by the DPSAC Enrollment Center (Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B03)
- Call the appointment line: 301-496-0051
(Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
II. Same day service
- Sign up starts at 7:00 a.m. in Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B03
- Registration will be limited to the first 14 people who sign up
- Service is available Monday through Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- This service is not available on EOD days (the first Monday of every pay period)
III. Wednesday evening walk-in hours
- Evening hours are from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B03
- No sign up is necessary
- Everyone who comes before 8:00 p.m. will be processed
On Your Appointment Day
Before you arrive for your appointment, verify that your AO has:
- Sponsored you for an ID Badge
- Provided a Common Account Number (CAN) in the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED)
Bring these documents to your appointment:
- A completed HHS ID Badge Request Form (HHS-745, Section A)¹
- Two forms of acceptable identification (one must be a Federal or State-issued photo ID) Click here to view the table (PDF, 1 Page)
¹If necessary, DPSAC can provide you with this form to complete when you arrive for your appointment.
Complete the process:
- Personnel Security will take your fingerprints
- Personnel Security will initiate your background investigation
Step 3. Background Investigation
Watch for an e-mail alert with the subject line:
“DPSAC: Background Investigation Initiation”
This e-mail provides a link to ‘e-QIP’ (the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing). Clicking on this link will connect you to a secure website that allows you to complete your personnel investigations forms online. If you have not received this e-mail notification within 5 days of completing your fingerprinting, call the DPSAC Help Desk at 301-402-9755 or write ORS Personnel Security to notify them that you have not yet received your e-QIP e-mail.
- Complete your e-QIP and additional required forms within 7 business days and print your e-QIP Signature form and other forms as directed. DPSAC will advise you on which of the following forms you will need to complete and sign:
- e-QIP Signature Form
- Background Investigation Form (SF85, SF85P) or SF-86
- OF 306 – Employees and Contractors
- OF 612– Employees only
- Any other required forms (as necessary)
- Helpful Tip: Collect the required information in advance of logging on to e-QIP to avoid interruptions and to save time. You will need employment, education and residence history as well as personal references. You can save your work, close out of e-QIP, and return to the forms without having to start over. Once you’ve completed your questionnaire you must hit the "Release Request/Transmit to agency" button to finalize the e-QIP process.
- Foreign national applicants without a social security number must manually complete their personnel investigation forms.
- Deliver your required, signed forms to Personnel Security in the DPSAC Enrollment Center, Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B03. DPSAC will forward your information to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct your background investigation. Depending on the level of your investigation, this process could take between ninety days and one year to complete. DPSAC will notify you when your investigation is complete.
IMPORTANT: If all of these steps are not accomplished in the allotted time, you will be locked out of e-QIP and DPSAC must re-initiate the process for you. Failure to complete the e-QIP process will result in your ID badge being disabled.
Step 4. Obtain Your New HHS ID Badge
Watch for a second e-mail with the subject line:
“DPSAC: ID Badge Authorization”
- Within 3-5 business days following your fingerprint appointment, DPSAC receives and reviews the results of your fingerprint check from the OPM.
- DPSAC will then send out an e-mail authorizing you to come to the DPSAC Enrollment Center (Building 31, 1B03) to pick up your ID badge. You must bring your badge authorization e-mail with you. You will not be issued an ID badge without your e-mail. DPSAC will then take your photograph and print your new badge.
