Acceptable Identification
All EMSL users must be approved for access to EMSL or its resources, whether working remotely or onsite. Registration can take up to two months for non-U.S. citizens. Regardless of citizenship, badging must be arranged in advance of your arrival and will not be issued without all of the required identification documents. The information below provides a summary of the basic information you need to know to get started.
BADGING - How to request a badge
All EMSL visitors, regardless of nationality, will need to have PNNL badges to go past the EMSL Lobby. These badges must be worn on the outermost layer of clothing at all times while in PNNL buildings, except general access areas such as the EMSL lobby or Dr. Bill's Bistro. PNNL issues two types of badges for non-staff, and you should work with your host or the User Support Office to determine which type is appropriate. All individuals must show approved photo identification when picking up their badges.
Visitor badges are temporary paper badges for U.S. citizens coming to PNNL for short-term, miscellaneous meetings, tours, or seminars and are not actively working in the facility. You will need to work with your PNNL host to coordinate your badge request.
User badges are hard picture badges for individuals coming to actively work with EMSL resources or site hazards. For users not associated with PNNL's internship or Alternate Sponsored Fellowship programs, badges will be arranged through the EMSL User Support Office (USO). The User Coordinators will work with you in advance of your arrival to gather the personal information that is required by the Department of Energy for badging purposes. The badging process for foreign nationals is more involved, and the request for citizens of some countries must be submitted as much as 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the visit. See ID for Non-U.S. Citizens for details of the documentation required to process your badge.
Note: If you are an intern or Alternate Sponsored Fellow, badges (and training) will be arranged as part of your orientation through PNNL's Human Resources Organization or the STEM Education and Work-Based Learning office.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - What to expect
The identification (ID) requirements to obtain access to EMSL vary depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen or not, and whether you are working remotely or onsite.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will be asked to share some personal information in advance for registration, but you will not need to provide copies of identification records to obtain a PNNL network account. If you will be onsite, however, or if you have recently become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you will need to bring an acceptable form of ID for U.S. citizens to obtain a badge.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, the identification requirements are more complex (see ID for non-U.S. citizens). You will need to provide copies of all immigration documents to complete the registration process. If visiting onsite, you must also bring the original documents with you each time you are badged. If you're traveling to the U.S., we advise you to work closely with your institution and your country to understand the visa or documentation requirements. Requirements differ based on many factors:
- the port of entry
- your specific type of visit
- whether you are an independent researcher or paid by EMSL or PNNL
- your total length of stay
- your complete itinerary plans while in the U.S.
While EMSL cannot offer guidance for the appropriate travel documents, we can provide you with a Letter of Support regarding the visit if it will help you in obtaining your visa. To request a letter, please contact the User Support Office after your dates at the Laboratory have been confirmed.
Questions?
- EMSL Users: contact the User Support Office at 509-371-6003.
- Visitors/guests: contact your PNNL Host.