Confused About Security Clearances? You’re Not Alone. We’ve Got the Answers.
Whether you’re applying for your first security clearance, trying to keep one, or fighting to get it back after a denial, you likely have a million questions—and almost no clear answers. You’ve probably Googled around and found conflicting information, outdated forums, or legal jargon that left you even more confused.
We hear you. At National Security Law Firm, we handle hundreds of security clearance matters every year. Our clients include military service members, federal employees, defense contractors, law enforcement officers, intelligence professionals, and civilian applicants.
We created this guide to answer the most common—and most important—questions people ask us about the security clearance process.
This is your go-to FAQ for understanding how clearances really work and what you can do to protect your career and your future.
General Questions
1. What is a security clearance?
A security clearance is an official determination by the federal government that an individual may access classified information. It means the government has vetted your background and determined you pose no unacceptable risk to national security.
2. Who needs a security clearance?
Anyone whose position requires access to classified national security information. This includes military personnel, government employees, intelligence agency workers, and private sector employees working on government contracts involving classified material.
3. What are the levels of clearance?
The three standard levels are:
- Confidential – The lowest level; unauthorized disclosure could cause damage to national security.
- Secret – Disclosure could cause serious damage.
- Top Secret – Disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage. Additional designations include:
- Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) – Access to intelligence sources/methods.
- Special Access Programs (SAP) – Highly classified programs with limited access.
4. How do I apply for a clearance?
You can’t apply on your own. You must be sponsored by a federal agency or an employer with a government contract requiring classified access. Your sponsoring entity will initiate the process and guide you through completing the SF-86.
5. Can I apply for a clearance on my own?
No. Self-sponsorship is not allowed. You need a job offer for a position that requires a clearance before the process can begin.
The SF-86 and Background Investigation
6. What is the SF-86?
The SF-86 is a lengthy form that requests detailed information about your life, including your addresses, employment history, foreign contacts, financial history, criminal background, and drug and alcohol use. It must be completed truthfully and accurately—misstatements or omissions can lead to denial.
7. How far back does the SF-86 go?
It depends on the question. Employment, residence, and education typically go back 10 years. Foreign contacts, criminal conduct, and mental health may have no time limit if relevant to current suitability.
8. What happens after I submit my SF-86?
An investigation begins. Investigators verify the information you provided, conduct interviews, review your credit history, criminal records, tax filings, and may interview friends, employers, neighbors, and family. For Top Secret clearances, the process includes an in-person subject interview.
9. How long does it take to get a clearance?
Timelines vary widely based on clearance level and background complexity. A Secret clearance may take 2-6 months. Top Secret can take 6-18 months. Delays often result from missing or inaccurate SF-86 responses or issues that require further investigation.
10. Will I be interviewed?
Yes, if you’re applying for a Top Secret clearance or have red flags on your record. The subject interview is your opportunity to explain issues directly to the investigator.
Disqualifying Issues
11. What can disqualify me from getting a clearance?
Concerns under SEAD 4’s 13 Adjudicative Guidelines can trigger denial. These include financial delinquencies, drug use, alcohol misuse, criminal history, foreign influence, mental health conditions, personal conduct, and mishandling classified info. The government looks at the whole person, meaning one issue isn’t necessarily fatal if properly mitigated.
12. Is bankruptcy an automatic disqualifier?
No. In fact, filing bankruptcy can sometimes show responsible behavior if you took legal steps to manage insurmountable debt. What matters is whether the financial issues are ongoing and whether you’ve demonstrated reliability.
13. Will a DUI prevent me from getting a clearance?
A single, dated DUI that’s been addressed is often not disqualifying, especially if you show rehabilitation. Repeated or recent incidents raise greater concern and often require evidence of treatment or sustained sobriety.
14. Can I get a clearance with a felony conviction?
It depends on the nature, severity, and age of the offense, and what you’ve done since. Rehabilitation, clean record, and positive references can help mitigate the concern.
15. What if I used drugs in the past?
Past drug use can be mitigated, especially if you’ve been clean for a substantial period. But recent use—particularly after submitting an SF-86—is viewed seriously.
16. Can I have foreign family members and still get a clearance?
Yes. Many clearance holders have foreign-born relatives. The key is whether these relationships could create a risk of coercion or pressure. You’ll need to disclose them and demonstrate that your loyalty lies with the United States and that the relationship poses no security concern.
17. What if I was born outside the U.S.?
Birthplace alone isn’t disqualifying. Many naturalized U.S. citizens hold high-level clearances. The government focuses more on ongoing foreign influence, such as dual citizenship, foreign financial interests, or regular travel to high-risk countries.
18. Can I hold dual citizenship and still get cleared?
Possibly, but dual citizenship can be a red flag. In many cases, applicants are advised to formally renounce their foreign citizenship and surrender their foreign passport to mitigate the concern.
19. Is foreign travel a problem?
Frequent travel to certain countries (particularly those on the U.S. intelligence community’s watch list) can raise concerns, especially if the purpose is unclear. Travel to low-risk nations (e.g., France, Japan) is typically not a problem if disclosed properly.
20. Do I need to report foreign bank accounts or investments?
Yes. Any foreign financial interest must be disclosed on the SF-86. Unreported assets, especially in adversarial countries, raise red flags under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations).
Clearance Denial and Appeals Process
21. What is a Statement of Reasons (SOR)?
An SOR is the formal notice of intent to deny or revoke your clearance, issued after the background investigation. It outlines the specific concerns and the adjudicative guidelines they fall under.
22. How do I respond to an SOR?
You must submit a written rebuttal within the agency’s deadline (often 20-30 days). Your response should include detailed explanations, supporting documents, and legal arguments referencing SEAD 4’s mitigating conditions.
23. What happens if I don’t respond to the SOR?
Failure to respond typically results in an automatic denial or revocation of your clearance rights. It also suggests a lack of responsibility, which can be a negative factor if you reapply.
24. Can I get a hearing to fight the denial?
Yes. Most federal employees and contractors are entitled to a hearing before a DOHA or agency judge. You can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine government witnesses.
25. Can I appeal if I lose at the hearing?
Yes. You can file an appeal with the DOHA Appeal Board or relevant agency appellate authority. However, appeals are limited to legal and procedural errors.
Reapplication and Reinstatement
26. How long do I have to wait to reapply after a denial?
Generally, you must wait one year to reapply unless the agency sets a shorter or longer timeframe. You must demonstrate that the concerns leading to the denial have been fully resolved.
27. Will a clearance denial affect future applications?
Yes. Future investigators will see your prior denial, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be denied again. A strong showing of rehabilitation and time elapsed can help mitigate previous concerns.
28. What is reciprocity?
Reciprocity allows a cleared individual to transfer their clearance from one agency to another without undergoing a new investigation, provided the clearance is current and there’s no break in service.
29. What happens if I change jobs?
If the new employer requires a clearance and can sponsor you, your clearance can transfer if it’s still active. If there is a significant gap or change in status, reinvestigation may be required.
30. What is Continuous Vetting (CV)?
CV is the real-time, ongoing monitoring of cleared individuals using automated databases. It can alert adjudicators to new issues (e.g., arrests, debt, foreign travel) as they occur.
Financial Issues
31. Can debt affect my clearance?
Yes. Debt raises concerns under Guideline F. The issue isn’t the debt itself, but whether it’s being responsibly managed. Defaulted loans, tax liens, or wage garnishments are red flags.
32. Will student loans count against me?
Not if you’re current on payments or in a valid deferment plan. Problems arise if loans are delinquent or in default.
33. Do I have to pay off all my debts before applying?
No. What matters is whether you are taking responsible steps to address them. Payment plans and documented efforts to resolve debt can mitigate concerns.
34. How do I fix financial problems before applying?
Start by pulling all three credit reports, paying off delinquent accounts, setting up payment plans, and documenting efforts. A strong pre-application strategy can make a huge difference.
35. What if I filed for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy isn’t an automatic disqualifier. In some cases, it shows responsible financial management if done to prevent worsening debt. Disclose it and explain the circumstances.
Drug and Alcohol Use
36. Is past marijuana use disqualifying?
Not necessarily. If use was infrequent and occurred years ago, it may be mitigated. However, recent use—especially in violation of federal law—is a major concern.
37. What about legal marijuana use in my state?
Federal law governs the clearance process. Even if marijuana is legal in your state, it’s still illegal federally and must be disclosed. Current use is often disqualifying.
38. Will CBD products trigger a concern?
Possibly. Some CBD products contain trace THC, which may lead to positive drug tests. Use of CBD is still a gray area and should be disclosed.
39. Do I need to disclose past treatment for alcohol or drugs?
Yes. Disclosure doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In fact, successful completion of treatment and sustained sobriety can mitigate concerns.
40. What if I used prescription medication recreationally?
Misuse of prescription drugs is a serious concern. You’ll need to demonstrate cessation, insight, and rehabilitation.
Personal Conduct and Legal History
41. Do I need to disclose expunged or sealed records?
Yes. The SF-86 requires disclosure of all arrests and criminal activity, even if records were sealed or expunged.
42. Will a juvenile offense affect my clearance?
It depends on how recent and serious the offense was. Many juvenile issues can be mitigated with time, rehabilitation, and responsible adult behavior.
43. What if I was never charged or convicted?
You still must disclose the arrest or investigation if asked. The government considers patterns of behavior, not just convictions.
44. Is lying on the SF-86 a dealbreaker?
Yes. Falsification or omission is often viewed more harshly than the conduct you were trying to hide.
45. Will a restraining order hurt my chances?
It could, especially if it relates to violence or harassment. Mitigation depends on the circumstances, age of the incident, and your behavior since.
Working With an Attorney
46. Do I need a lawyer to respond to an SOR?
Yes. A well-written, properly documented response can make or break your case. An experienced attorney ensures the strongest possible mitigation and avoids fatal mistakes.
47. What does NSLF charge for security clearance services?
- SF-86 Review: $950
- LOI Response: $3,500
- SOR Response: $5,000 (includes $3,000 credit if we handled LOI)
- Hearing Representation: $7,500 (includes travel)
We offer legal financing through Affirm so you can pay in affordable monthly installments. Learn more here: https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/financing/
48. How fast can you start working on my case?
We can usually begin within 24 hours. Once you book a consultation, we’ll assess your situation and create a custom legal strategy immediately.
49. Does hiring a lawyer make me look guilty?
No. It shows you’re taking the process seriously and respect the system. Clearance adjudicators value well-prepared, thorough responses.
50. How do I get started?
The fastest and easiest way is to book a free consultation online here: https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/contact-us/
Why Choose National Security Law Firm?
When your career, reputation, and future are at risk, you need a team that’s built for this battlefield.
- ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating: Read our reviews
- 🛡️ Attorneys with real-world government and clearance experience—former prosecutors, adjudicators, and JAG officers
- 🧠 Weekly Attorney Review Boards to ensure strategic oversight of every complex case
- 📍 Located in Washington, D.C., the hub of national security and clearance decisions
- 🪖 Founded by disabled veterans; built by those who’ve served
- 🔒 Deep bench strength across related areas: federal employment, military law, FOIA, appeals, and more
National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.
Additional Resources
If you want to dive deeper into the clearance process, visit our main practice area page here:
👉 https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/security-clearance/
There, you’ll find helpful content on:
- Top mistakes to avoid
- How to win a clearance appeal
- Defensive strategies for each guideline
- Timeline and expectations for your case
- Frequently asked questions and myth-busting tips
Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.
The best defense starts early. Whether you’re applying, facing an SOR, or planning to reapply after a denial, the sooner you act, the better your chances of success. Every day you wait could put your clearance—and your job—at greater risk.
We’ll tell you exactly what to do next to get the best possible outcome. Our process is quick, easy, and free to start. We can help you:
- Respond to concerns the right way
- Avoid unnecessary delays or denials
- Protect your job, pay, and peace of mind
Book your free consultation now and go to sleep tonight knowing your case is in the hands of professionals. 👉 https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/contact-us/
National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.