Transfer Clearance
Transferring a clearance refers to the process of having your security clearance eligibility recognized by a new employer or agency. The clearance itself doesn't literally transfer - rather, the new organization verifies your eligibility and sponsors your access.
Quick Facts
| Process | New employer requests access based on existing eligibility |
| Timeline | Days to weeks (if clearance is current) |
| Investigation | Usually not required if within validity period |
| Requirement | New employer must be cleared and have need |
How Transfer Works
When moving between cleared positions[1]:
- New employer verifies - Checks your clearance status in DISS
- Sponsorship request - New employer submits request for access
- Verification - Government confirms eligibility is current
- Access granted - You can begin cleared work
This is not a new investigation - it's recognition of existing eligibility.
Transfer Between Contractors
Moving between defense contractors[2]:
What the new employer needs:
- Valid Facility Clearance (FCL)
- Contract requiring cleared personnel
- Position justifying your access level
- Ability to sponsor your clearance
The process:
- Your FSO coordinates with new company's FSO
- Out-processing from old company (debriefs as needed)
- In-processing at new company
- Access granted through new sponsor
Transfer to Government
Moving from contractor to government employee:
- Government agency verifies your clearance
- May require suitability determination
- SCI/SAP access doesn't automatically transfer
- May need agency-specific processing
Transfer from Government
Moving from government to contractor[3]:
- Contractor verifies clearance through official channels
- FSO sponsors your access
- Generally straightforward if clearance is current
- Some positions may have cooling-off periods
Timing Considerations
Best case (active clearance):
- Transfer happens within days
- Verification is routine
- No gaps in access
Current but not active:
- May take longer to verify
- Check if eligibility is still valid
- Within 2-year window is usually fine
Approaching expiration:
- May need reinvestigation
- New employer may start process
- Could cause delays
What Doesn't Transfer
Even with clearance transfer, some things don't automatically carry over[1]:
- SCI compartment access - Must be read into new programs
- SAP access - Program-specific approval required
- Need-to-know - Determined by new position
- Polygraph - May need new polygraph for some positions
Avoiding Gaps
To maintain continuous access:
- Don't resign before verifying transfer timeline
- Coordinate between old and new FSOs
- Document your clearance level, investigation date, polygraph status
- Start early - begin transfer process before last day
What to Tell New Employer
Have this information ready:
- Current clearance level
- Date of last investigation
- Date investigation closes/reinvestigation due
- Polygraph type and date (if applicable)
- Any special accesses (SCI, SAP)
- Current FSO contact information
Related
References
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ DoD 5220.22-M: National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.