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For the Media

Badges & Passes

The Pentagon Logo United States Department of Defense
Pentagon Press Badges

Media contact: 703-697-5131 Public contact: https://www.defense.gov/contact

 

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 basis — at least three times a month. To request a pass:

  • Have your bureau chief or designate provide a letter on company letterhead addressed to Deputy Director, Defense Press Operations (DPO) and either email it to osd.pentagonpressbadges@mail.mil or hand carry it to DPO in Room 2D961.
  • To ensure smooth processing of your paperwork, please follow the content in the example request letter.

Please allow 5-10 working days for processing. We will contact 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 three-month badge, followed by a six-month badge upon renewal. After having two consecutive passes, you may request a one-year pass in the next request letter.

Foreign Press Badges

In addition to the request letter from your bureau chief or designate, for non-U.S. citizens 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 a security-awareness briefing form explaining your responsibilities as a Pentagon pass holder, 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 early in the expiration month so we can process it and get it back to you before your badge expires.

Parking

Press parking is reserved in the far left lane of the Boundary Channel Drive lot off Connector Road. Be sure to call DPO at 703-697-5131 to have your vehicle cleared to park there to avoid ticketing and/or towing. You will need to provide the driver’s first and last name, license plate number and state where it is registered.

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.

Media Queries

Press & Media

The Department of Defense responds to media requests and queries through our Defense Press Operations office in the Pentagon.

Media with queries during our normal business hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (Eastern Time Zone) — should call 703-697- 5131 or email osd.pa.dutyofficer@mail.mil.

Public Inquiries

Members of the public should submit questions or comments using this contact form.