The SF-86 Is High-Stakes—Don’t Risk Guessing

You’re sitting at your computer staring at page after page of the SF-86, wondering what exactly you have to include. Do you really have to list that college roommate who now lives overseas? What about that expunged DUI from ten years ago? What if you forgot the exact dates of an old job? Can you leave it blank and hope for the best?

We get it. The SF-86 is not just another form—it’s a 100+ page deep dive into your life, and what you disclose (or don’t) can have a major impact on your future. At National Security Law Firm, we review hundreds of these forms and know exactly what the government expects.

This post breaks down the critical disclosures you MUST make—and just as importantly, what you are allowed to leave out. We’ll give examples, hypothetical scenarios, and plain-English explanations to help you protect your clearance, your career, and your peace of mind.

What You MUST Disclose on the SF-86

1. Arrests, Even if Expunged, Sealed, or Dismissed

Yes, even if the charge was dropped or the record was expunged. Section 22 of the SF-86 makes this crystal clear:

“Report information regardless of whether the record in your case has been sealed, expunged, or otherwise stricken from the court record, or the charge was dismissed.”

Example: Let’s say you were arrested for shoplifting in college and completed a diversion program. Even if the record was later sealed, you still must disclose it.

The only exception: Certain federal drug convictions expunged under 21 U.S.C. §844 or 18 U.S.C. §3607 do not need to be reported.

2. Every Address You’ve Lived at in the Past 10 Years

Even temporary housing must be included. If you stayed with a friend for three months between apartments, that counts. You also need to list a reference who can verify your residence at each location.

Hypo Example: A software engineer moves every year for short-term contracts. She needs to list each address—including a summer sublet—and provide a verifying contact for each.

3. Every Job, Internship, and Period of Unemployment (10-Year Work History)

Don’t skip short-term jobs, unpaid internships, or periods when you weren’t working. If you were unemployed, list it and provide a reference who can verify what you were doing.

Tip: Dates don’t have to be exact down to the day, but they need to be accurate to the best of your ability.

4. Foreign Contacts and Interests

This includes:

  • Foreign relatives
  • Romantic relationships with non-U.S. citizens
  • Foreign bank accounts, investments, or property
  • Business or travel ties with foreign governments

Guideline B: Foreign Influence is one of the most scrutinized areas. Transparency is key.

Hypo Example: A U.S. Army reservist dated a Canadian citizen for two years. Even though they broke up, this relationship must be disclosed.

5. Drug Use and Alcohol Abuse

Use of illegal drugs, even in states where legal recreational marijuana is allowed, must be disclosed. The federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance. Also disclose any drug treatment or rehab.

Alcohol-related incidents (e.g., DUIs, treatment for alcohol dependency) must be included under Guideline G.

6. Mental Health Treatment (Sometimes)

You must disclose mental health treatment if it falls into certain categories defined in Security Executive Agent Directive 4. Routine counseling for marital issues, PTSD, or grief may not require disclosure.

When in doubt, talk to a lawyer.

7. Military Service and Disciplinary Issues

If you served in the military, you must include:

  • Dates of service
  • Discharges (honorable or otherwise)
  • Any Article 15s, courts-martial, or non-judicial punishment

8. Financial Issues

The SF-86 requires you to disclose:

  • Bankruptcies
  • Wage garnishments
  • Foreclosures
  • Delinquent debts
  • Unpaid taxes

This is covered under Guideline F. Financial problems don’t automatically disqualify you, but failure to disclose them might.

9. Civil Court Actions

If you’ve been involved in lawsuits, including divorces involving restraining orders or allegations of abuse, you may need to disclose them.

What You Can Leave Out

1. Minor Traffic Tickets Under $300

You do not need to disclose minor traffic infractions unless:

  • They involved drugs or alcohol (e.g., DUI, DWI)
  • They resulted in a warrant or arrest
  • You were fined more than $300

2. Counseling for Non-Mental Health Issues

You can leave out counseling for things like grief, stress from a job loss, or marriage counseling unless it was court-ordered or tied to a criminal incident.

3. Job Applications That Didn’t Lead to Employment

The SF-86 doesn’t ask about jobs you applied for and didn’t get—only ones you actually held.

4. Lawful Activity That’s Not Material

The form is not asking for every detail of your life—only the things that reflect judgment, trustworthiness, and potential security risks.

Our Pricing: Clear, Flat, and Fair

At NSLF, we help clients complete or correct SF-86s with precision and care. Our pricing is transparent:

  • SF-86 Review: $950 flat fee
  • LOI (Letter of Interrogatory) Response: $3,500
  • SOR (Statement of Reasons) Response: $5,000 (with $3,000 credit from LOI)
  • Clearance Hearing: $7,500 (includes travel)

We also offer legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm so you can break up payments into 3, 6, 12, or 24 months. Learn more here.

Why Choose NSLF?

When your future hinges on your clearance, there’s no room for error. Here’s why National Security Law Firm is the top choice for SF-86 help:

  • 4.9-star Google reviews from clients across the U.S. See our reviews.
  • Located in Washington, D.C., the hub of all clearance activity.
  • Our attorneys are former prosecutors, military officers, and federal agency lawyers with real-world insight into how clearances are granted and denied.
  • We represent clients nationwide.
  • Founded by disabled veterans, our mission is to fight for those who serve.
  • We hold weekly Attorney Review Board meetings to provide multiple expert perspectives on complex cases.
  • We handle related areas like federal employment and FOIA appeals, giving our clients a strategic edge.
  • We maintain a network of expert witnesses and mitigation specialists.
  • Some of our attorneys hold active clearances, giving them unmatched credibility.
  • Our sole mission: maximize the outcome and value of every case.

The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Additional Resources

If you want to dig deeper into the SF-86 process, visit our main Security Clearance practice area page. You’ll find detailed articles on:

  • The most common SF-86 mistakes
  • How to win your case if you receive a denial
  • Mitigation strategies for finances, foreign influence, and more
  • Tactical guidance on interviews, appeals, and DOHA hearings

Want to Get This Right the First Time? Let’s Talk

Mistakes on your SF-86 can delay or derail your entire career. But the good news is this: With the right guidance, you can protect your clearance, your livelihood, and your future.

We make it easy to take the next step. Just book a free consultation online. No waiting. No phone calls. We’ll evaluate your background, flag potential issues, and give you a crystal-clear plan.

We’ll tell you exactly what to do next to get the best possible outcome. The quicker you take action, the better your chances of success.

So don’t wait. Go to sleep tonight knowing that everything has finally been taken care of. Book your consultation now.