Summary of information needed and who to contact to receive your background investigation.
The Defense Security Service (DSS) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducted the vast majority of security clearance background investigations over the past 35 years. In 2020 security clearance background investigations were transferred from OPM/NBIB to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Investigations conducted prior to 2020 can be requested by submitting a request to the FIS FOI/PA office. You may use the Freedom of Information, Privacy Act Record Request Form (PDF file) or submit a handwritten request. Use of the electronic form is not mandatory, but it’s encouraged to ensure you provide all of the required information.
For OPM investigations:
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
ATTN: FOI/P Office for Adjudications
601 10th Street
Fort Meade, MD 20755-5131
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)
For DCSA investigations mail a written request to:
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
ATTN: FOI/P Office
27130 Telegraph Rd.
Quantico, VA 22134-2253
Include the following information in your request:
- Full current name
- Any other names you may have used in the past
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- A brief description of the records you are seeking
- Any other information that you feel may help in searching for records pertaining to you