How do I renew my security clearance?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 23, 2026
Renewing your clearance: You may renew your clearance when you are within 30 days of expiration. To renew your Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance you are required to complete the online Electronics Questionnaires for Investigation Processing (eQip) applications.
What happens when your security clearance expires?
Once your secret clearance expires, you will have to start the whole process over. That means filling out Standard Form 86 again and undergoing a background investigation before your new secret clearance will be granted.How long does it take to renew secret security clearance?
Current Top Secret clearance processing times are 159 days, and Secret clearance processing times are 132 days. These numbers only represent industry applicants – processing times are slightly faster for all DCSA cases, which included DoD civilians and service members.How much does it cost to renew top secret clearance?
The average cost to process a SECRET clearance can run from several hundred dollars to $3,000, depending upon individual factors. The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon individual factors.How do I know if my secret clearance is still active?
To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agency's personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your company's facility security officer may also be able to assist you.How do I renew my SIA Security Officer Licence?
How do I check my security clearance status?
You can check on your clearance three ways:
- Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)
- Security Investigations Index (SII)
- Call DoD at 1-888-282-7682.
How long can a security clearance be inactive?
A security clearance becomes “inactive” once a person leaves the military or if their job responsibilities change and their need for clearance ends. Even after it has expired, a security clearance can be re-activated up to 24 months after its lapse date without having to go through the application process again.What are the 5 levels of security clearance?
Contents
- 3.2.1 Controlled Unclassified.
- 3.2.2 Public Trust Position.
- 3.2.3 Confidential.
- 3.2.4 Secret.
- 3.2.5 Top Secret.
- 3.2.6 Compartmented.