Losing your security clearance can feel like a career-ending event. For many military members, federal employees, and government contractors, a clearance isn’t just a credential—it’s your livelihood. Without it, opportunities vanish, pay drops, and career trajectories stall.

But here’s the truth: a revoked clearance does not always mean permanent loss. With the right legal strategy and evidence, many people successfully fight back and win reinstatement.

At the National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we’ve helped countless clients nationwide appeal revocations, challenge denials, and restore their clearances. This guide covers everything you need to know if you’re facing—or have already faced—a revocation.

What Does Security Clearance Revocation Mean?

Revocation is the most serious adverse action in the clearance process. Unlike a denial (which happens before you ever hold a clearance), revocation strips away a clearance you already had, often after years of service and trust.

Common reasons for revocation include:

  • Financial issues (delinquencies, tax debts, bankruptcy)

  • Foreign influence concerns (close ties to foreign nationals or businesses)

  • Personal conduct (false statements, dishonesty, criminal behavior)

  • Alcohol or drug involvement

  • Mental health or psychological conditions raising concerns about reliability

  • Security violations (mishandling classified information)

Revocation means your agency or DOHA determined you currently pose an unacceptable risk to national security. But that finding can be challenged—and often overturned.

Can You Get a Clearance Back After Revocation?

Yes. Clearance reinstatement is possible, but the path forward depends on the facts of your case:

  1. Appeal the revocation decision

    • You generally have the right to appeal to DOHA (for contractors) or the appropriate agency board (for federal employees and service members).

    • This is where evidence, documentation, and strong advocacy matter most.

  2. Wait and reapply

    • If your appeal fails or you miss the deadline, you may need to wait a mandatory period (often one year) before reapplying.

    • During that time, you must resolve or mitigate the issues that caused the revocation.

  3. Prove rehabilitation or mitigation

    • The government is not looking for perfection. It is looking for evidence of honesty, reform, and reduced risk.

What Factors Influence Whether Reinstatement Is Possible?

Several factors shape whether you can get a clearance back:

  • Nature of the concern → Some issues, like unpaid debts, can be resolved more quickly than others, like foreign influence.

  • Recency of the conduct → The more time that passes, the easier it is to show rehabilitation.

  • Pattern vs. isolated incident → A single DUI may be overcome, but multiple recent ones create a harder case.

  • Evidence of change → Documentation of repayment plans, counseling, or compliance with treatment can tip the scales.

  • Credibility → Your candor during the process matters as much as the facts.

Case Studies: Real-World Clearance Reinstatements

  • Financial Concerns Mitigated
    A contractor lost his clearance after years of unpaid tax debt. By showing repayment agreements, consistent compliance with the IRS, and financial counseling, DOHA is persuaded to reinstate his clearance.

  • Foreign Influence Overcome
    A defense employee was revoked for close family ties abroad. We demonstrated limited influence, full transparency, and long-standing U.S. loyalty. The judge agreed risk was minimal, and the clearance was restored.

  • Personal Conduct Rehabilitated
    A service member faced revocation after a DUI. By documenting treatment, character references, and post-incident conduct, we proved rehabilitation. His clearance was reinstated, saving his military career.

Each case highlights the importance of strategic evidence, expert advocacy, and timing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait before reapplying?

  • Usually one year, but it varies. Some agencies may allow earlier reapplication if circumstances change.

What are my chances of winning an appeal?

  • Every case is different, but with strong mitigation evidence and skilled representation, many revocations can be overturned.

Do I have to disclose a past revocation in future applications?

  • Yes. Failing to disclose past clearance issues can lead to denial for dishonesty—even if the underlying issue was otherwise resolved.

What’s the difference between suspension and revocation?

  • Suspension is temporary while an investigation is pending. Revocation is final unless successfully appealed.

Do I need a lawyer for reinstatement?

  • Technically, no—but appeals are legal proceedings, and agencies have experienced counsel on their side. Without legal representation, applicants are often at a severe disadvantage.

What Does It Cost to Defend a Clearance Denial or Revocation?

At NSLF, we offer flat-fee pricing so you can budget with confidence:

  • Statement of Reasons (SOR) Response: $5,000

  • Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) Response: $3,500

    • If escalated to an SOR, we credit $3,000 toward the SOR response

  • Hearing Representation (Includes Travel): $7,500

  • SF-86 Review (Pre-Application or Risk Assessment): $950

We also offer flexible legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm, allowing clients to spread payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months with no hard credit check.

👉 Learn more about financing here

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

You don’t just need a lawyer. You need the right team—one that knows how to fight, and win, clearance reinstatements.

At NSLF, we are:

  • The go-to clearance firm with a 4.9-star Google rating

  • Staffed by attorneys with decades of combined experience in military law, national security, federal employment, and DOHA litigation

  • Former adjudicators, military prosecutors, judges, and federal investigators

  • Located in Washington, D.C., at the hub of federal clearance decision-making

  • Built by disabled veterans who understand service and sacrifice

  • A team that meets weekly to strategize every complex case

You get not just an advocate—but an army behind you.

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

Additional Resources

Want to explore more ways to strengthen your case?

Check out our Security Clearance practice area page to access:

  • Common mistakes applicants make

  • How to win your clearance back

  • Breakdown of adjudicative guidelines

  • Strategies for responding to each type of concern

  • Timeline and expectations for clearance appeals

Book a Free Consultation—Let’s Build Your Winning Defense

Every day you wait is another day without clarity. Whether you’ve just received your SOR or already lost at a hearing, we can help you take back control.

We’ll create a personalized legal plan, walk you through your options, and fight for the best possible outcome. You don’t have to do this alone.

The sooner you act, the stronger your position.

👉 Book your free consult here

It’s quick, easy, and confidential—and it might be the most important step you take today.

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