Fermilab ID Badges
First-time Application for Fermilab ID Badge
Renewal of Fermilab ID Badge
Fermilab ID Badges - Generally
Application for Fermilab Visitor ID Badge
First-time Application for Fermilab ID Badge
- Before you arrive at Fermilab:
- Computing Privilieges and Visitor ID Number -- If you do not already have a Kerberos account, request Fermilab Computing Privileges. This results in the issuance of a Visitor ID Number to you.
- Complete your Safety and Training requirements.
- Medical Insurance -- Obtain evidence of medical insurance
- Apply for a Visitor ID Badge -- Complete the Application for Fermilab Visitor ID Badge The experiment spokesperson does not need to sign Section 4 of the Application if step 1 from above is completed.
If you are a foreign national, you will need the appropriate U.S. visa or be able to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Please note that we cannot issue a Fermilab Visitor ID Badge to you if you hold tourist status (if B-2, VT, or VWT is marked on your I-94 Arrival Card). If entering as a Business Visitor, you must have B-1 marked on your I-94 Card. If entering under the Visa Waiver Program, you must have VB or VWB marked on your I-94 Card, to denote that you are permitted to engage in business activities.
- When you arrive at Fermilab:
- Apply in-person at the Users’ Office for the ID Badge. During the application, you must present the completed application form and evidence of medical insurance mentioned above, each time you apply for an ID Badge (regardless of whether it is your first or fiftieth ID Badge). U.S. Citizens must bring photo ID on your first visit to the Users’ Office. Foreign nationals must bring their valid, unexpired foreign passport, I-94 card, and any other documentation associated with your visit to the U.S., such as your visa, I-20, DS-2019, EAD (Employment Authorization Document), I-797 Approval Notice, or LPR card, as appropriate.
Completion of the steps above before your arrival at the Users’ Office will greatly reduce the time involved in processing and issuing your first ID badge (reducing the time involved from 2-3 hours to roughly 5 minutes). This will get you out into the Lab and working much faster.
Renewal of Fermilab ID Badge
To renew your ID Badge, you must be physically present on site at Fermilab.
- Renew your Fermilab Computing Privileges online, if your computing privileges also will expire. Go to the appropriate experiment site and follow the directions there to renew your account.
- Obtain evidence of medical insurance
- Complete Visitor ID Badge Application Form - Renewals and submit the signed form in person at the Users’ Office to renew your ID Badge. You must present evidence of medical insurance mentioned above, along with the same kinds of documents as you presented during your original arrival, each time you apply for an ID Badge (regardless of whether it is your first or fiftieth ID Badge). U.S. Citizens must bring photo ID, and Foreign nationals must bring their valid, unexpired foreign passport, I-94 card, and any other documentation associated with your visit to the U.S., such as your visa, I-20, DS-2019, EAD (Employment Authorization Document), I-797 Approval Notice, or LPR card, as appropriate.
Scientists and professionals from other institutions who need to access the Fermilab Site must have valid and unexpired ID badges. On-site privileges are not the same as computing privileges. A User who needs only computing privileges need not apply for an ID Badge, but need merely obtain a Visitor ID number. Please see our information on Fermilab Computing Privileges.
| U.S. Citizen | Non U.S. Citizen | |
| PhD | 3 years | 1 year* maximum |
| Engineer | 3 years | 1 year* maximum |
| Technician | 3 years | 1 year* maximum |
Post-Doctorate, Graduate or Under-Graduate student |
1 year | 1 year* maximum |
Within the maximums listed above, the validity of the ID Badge cannot exceed the shortest of:
- Your U.S. medical insurance coverage,
- Your need to be present at the Fermilab site,
- The period of time you may legally stay in the U.S. (the “authorized stay”), as shown on the I-94 Arrival Departure Card issued to you at the airport, during arrival, or
- In certain circumstances, the validity of your passport (U.S. citizens and greencard holders are not subject to this requirement).
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requires that Fermilab collects certain information and documents from all ID badge applicants, including all Users. The DOE also requires that we track the immigration status of all non-U.S. citizen Users. Foreign Users’ must advise the Users’ Office of changes in visa status, such as the issuances of new visas, extensions of status, or changes from one type of visa to another.
The DOE requires that all Users’ and visitors to Fermilab present information and/or documentation relating to identity and/or citizenship status. The provision of the requested information/documents is voluntary; however, failure to comply may result in denial of an ID badge. Information/documentation provided by non-US citizens is entered into a DOE database. All Users' Office files, including any information and copies of any documentation provided during an ID badge application, may be reviewed by DOE and other federal agencies at any time, without notice or any other explicit permission.
While the ID Badge can be issued only once you have physically arrived at Fermilab, there are many steps that you should complete before you arrive here that will speed the Badging process.
Questions? Comments? Contact the Users’ Office!