SF-86 Relatives: What Section 18 Asks For
Section 18 asks about your close family. Most of it is names, birthdates, places, and citizenship. Gather it before you open eApp so you are not texting relatives mid-form.
Who Section 18 Covers
The official SF-86 (OPM PDF) asks you to list these relatives, living or deceased:
- Mother and father, including stepparents and foster parents
- Children, including adopted children and stepchildren
- Brothers and sisters, including half-siblings and stepsiblings
- Father-in-law and mother-in-law
- Guardians
Your spouse or cohabitant is covered separately, in Section 17. Read the instructions on the form itself, because they control what counts.
What to Gather for Each Relative
- Full legal name, and any other names used (such as a maiden name)
- Date and place of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Current address, for living relatives
- For relatives who are not U.S. citizens or who were born outside the U.S., citizenship or residency documentation details the form requests
Relatives Abroad or Not U.S. Citizens
Foreign family ties are common and are not automatically disqualifying. The form asks extra questions, such as contact frequency and any foreign government ties. Answer completely and accurately. Leaving a relative off is far worse than listing one. Our foreign contacts guide covers related questions.
Estranged or Deceased Relatives
- List them anyway. The form asks for relatives whether or not you are in touch.
- If you do not know a detail, such as a current address, provide what you know and explain in the comments. Do not guess wildly or skip the person.
- Ask your FSO or security office how to handle anything unusual.
Gather It in One Place
Make one list now: a row per relative with name, birth date and place, citizenship, and address. Older family members can help you fill gaps. ClearanceTrail's People section keeps this encrypted on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I list stepsiblings and half-siblings on the SF-86?
Yes. Section 18 covers brothers and sisters, including half and step relations. Check the instructions on the current form.
Do I list relatives I am estranged from?
Yes. List them with the details you know and explain any missing information in the comments.
Is having relatives abroad disqualifying?
Not automatically. Answer fully and accurately; the government decides each case individually.