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 (at least four to eight
times a month) basis. To request a pass, do the following:
- Have your bureau chief (or designate) fax, email, or hand carry
a letter on company letterhead, addressed to Ms. Tara Rigler,
Deputy Director, Defense Press Operations, to 703-697-3501. If
emailing, send your request to osd.pentagonpressbadges@mail.mil.
- See the example
for what type of information needs to be included in the letter. To ensure
smooth processing of your paperwork, please follow the content in the template
- Call to ensure we received your fax.
Please allow 5-10 working days for processing. We will call 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, temporary three-month badge, followed by a
temporary, six-month badge upon renewal. After having two consecutive,
temporary passes, you may request a permanent one-year pass in the next
request letter.
Foreign Press Badges
In addition to the request letter from your bureau chief (or designate),
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 the security-awareness briefing form, 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
earlier in the expiration month so that we can process it and get it
back to you before your badge expires.
Parking
Press parking is reserved for Lane 45, in North Parking. Be sure
to call the press office at 703-697-5131 to call your car in to
avoid ticketing and/or towing. You will need to provide the driver’s
first and last name, license plate number and state of registration.
Useful Phone Numbers/Information
Defense Press Operations: 703-697-5131
Defense Press Operations Fax Number: 703-697-3501
Badge Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
