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How to Request a Badge
We grant Pentagon press badges to media in the D.C. area who are at the Pentagon on a recurring basis - at least three times a month. To request a pass:
Have your bureau chief or designate provide a letter on company letterhead addressed to Deputy Director, Defense Press Operations (DPO), email it to osd.pentagonpressbadges@mail.mil, hand carry it to DPO in Room 2D961, or fax it to 703-697-3501.
Please allow 5-10 working days for processing. We will contact you once the badging office approves your application. You have 10 working days to pick up your approved application. After 10 days, we must resubmit the request and wait for approval.
You will receive an initial three-month badge, followed by a six-month badge upon renewal. After having two consecutive passes, you may request a one-year pass in the next request letter.
Foreign Press Badges
In addition to the request letter from your bureau chief or designate, for non-U.S. citizens we require a letter from your embassy and a copy of your passport, visa and Social Security card.
Reasons for Possible Denial of a Press Badge
The Deputy Director may deny your request if your organization has too many badges or you are not here often enough to merit granting a badge. Our general rule of thumb is no more than five for correspondents, couriers or producers and no more than eight for photographers and technicians. We will handle all exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Getting Your Badge
Once you sign a security-awareness briefing form explaining your responsibilities as a Pentagon pass holder, we will give you your application to take the badge office. If this is your initial badge and you are a U.S. citizen, bring one form of government-issued photo ID and identification to verify your Social Security number. Foreign citizens must bring their passport, visa, and Social Security card to receive a badge, whether it is the initial or a renewal. The badge office closes at 4 p.m., and there is often a long wait. Please plan accordingly. The wait gets longer as it gets closer to the end of the month.
Renewing Your Badge
To avoid a lapse in your access, it is best to submit your paperwork early in the expiration month so we can process it and get it back to you before your badge expires.
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