When you arrive
Getting a Researcher Identification Card
When you come to a National Archives and Records Administration facility to look at records, you will usually be issued a researcher identification card.
You do not need a researcher identification card:- When you are using only National Archives microfilm publications at the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C., or at regional records services facilities with separate microfilm research areas.
- When you are not doing research on the same day as your visit.
- When you are not at a National Archives facility.
- When there are no records or other materials on your topic in the National Archives or when you are better served by visiting your local library or another institution.
- When you are only using secondary or library resources at a Presidential Library or Regional Records Service Facility.
- Show official identification that includes a photograph. A driver's license, passport, school, and employment identification are among the acceptable IDs.
- Complete a short form giving full name, permanent address, telephone number, and a brief description of the proposed research topic.
- In the Washington area only, new researchers will view a short PowerPoint orientation emphasizing the safe handling of records and explaining the most basic research procedures, responsibilities, and rules.
- Research cards are only issued when you are doing research in a secure research room. Please do not come in advance of your research visit solely to get a research card.
- Your research card must be presented during each research visit.
- Your research card will be valid for one year.
- For security reasons, we request that you do not attempt to renew the card until it has actually expired. You can renew or replace your research card on your next research visit. Please do not come in advance of the expiration date solely to renew a research card.
- If you forget or lose your research card, talk to the staff when you arrive on your next research visit. Please do not come in advance of your next research visit solely to replace a lost research card.
- Procedures for replacing your research card vary slightly at different facilities.
