Selective Service Changes to Note When Filling Out Your SF-86

The Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) has always had a section on it where applicants must provide their Selective Service registration status (if it applies to them).  Nowadays the question that asks “were you born a male after December 31, 1959, is not so straightforward anymore.  The Selective Service has updated their guidance on who is required to register because of the increase in the number of people who undergo gender change. Generally, all males residing in the U.S. are required to register between the ages of 18 to 26 with certain exceptions. The below chart shows the latest guidance for transgender people:

It is important to note that if you are using a different name to go with your changed gender, you are still required to disclose your birth name and gender, and unless the name was legally changed through the courts, that is the name the investigation would be run under. Also, failure to register when required would make you ineligible for a security clearance, as well as other government benefits such as financial aid, federal employment, and some state funded benefits.

A 2023 RAND report noted the potential for bias based on gender identity or sexual orientation by investigators and adjudicators during the security clearance process and recommended implementing standardized training to prepare security personnel for interactions with applicants from diverse lifestyles. They also suggested changes to the collection of demographic information where applicants could choose whether to voluntarily provide information.