Agency use block
Items A to K at the top of page 1 are for the agency, completed using instructions from OPM. The person filling out the form begins with item 1.
SF85
Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions
- Agency
- GSA
- Revision
- Revised December 2013
- Fillable fields
- 457
- Pages
- 8
- Official source
- GSA form page
- Checked
- October 20, 2026
Standard Form 85: Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions
Standard Form 85 (SF 85) is the Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions. It is printed as a U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) form, Revised December 2013, under 5 CFR Parts 731 and 736, with OMB No. 3206-0261. GSA's forms library hosts a copy.
The form says the U.S. Government conducts background investigations to establish that applicants or incumbents, employed by the Government or working for it under contract, are suitable for the job, and that this form is the main basis for the investigation. It says to complete the form only after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
SF 85 has 14 numbered items over five pages, plus an authorization for release of information on page 6. The questions about where you lived, went to school and worked look back 5 years. You can fill it out free in your browser on this page and download the result without an account.
What's on SF 85
Items 1 to 7: about you
Full name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, other names used, sex, and citizenship, with your mother's maiden name, proof of U.S. citizenship, dual citizenship or alien details.
Items 8 and 9: where you lived and went to school
Each place you lived over the last 5 years, with a person who knew you for any address in the last 3 years, and schools beyond junior high in the last 5 years.
Item 10: employment activities
All full-time and part-time work, military service, self-employment and periods of unemployment over 5 years without breaks, with a code, address and supervisor for each.
Items 11 to 13: references and service
Three people who know you well and live in the United States, your Selective Service record, and your military history, including Reserve, National Guard and Merchant Marine.
Item 14: illegal drugs
Asks about use, possession, supply or manufacture of illegal drugs in the last year. The form notes that a truthful response will not be used as evidence against you in a later criminal proceeding.
How to complete SF 85
- 1
Check the office's instructions
The form says to follow the instructions of the person who gave it to you and to find out how many copies to turn in. You may also be asked to submit it in an approved electronic format.
- 2
Answer every item
The form says all questions must be answered. Enter None or N/A where nothing applies, mark APPROX. or EST. for an estimated date, use two-letter state codes and include area codes.
- 3
Use continuation sheets
For more residences, schools or jobs, use continuation sheet SF 86A. For other items, use the continuation space or a blank sheet with your name and Social Security number at the top.
- 4
Sign the certification on page 5
Review your answers, then sign and date the certification that your answers are true. The form says changes made after signing are initialed and dated by you.
- 5
Sign the release on page 6
Sign and date in ink the Authorization for Release of Information. The form says it is valid for two years from the date signed, and photocopies of it are valid.
- 6
Return it as the office directs
Sign and date the original and each copy in black ink, and turn them in as the office that gave you the form instructs.
Why fill Form SF85 on indox
You get the real form, filled in a browser tab, with nothing standing between you and the finished PDF.
- Fill the form right in your browser, no software to install
- Free to fill and free to download, with no account
- The official blank straight from the GSA, not a copy someone retyped
- Works on a phone, tablet or computer
Submission, time and privacy
Where it goes
The PDF gives no filing address. It says to call the office that gave you the form with any questions. The OPM address in the burden notice is not for completed forms: the form says not to send it there.
Time to complete
OPM estimates the public burden at an average of 30 minutes per response, including time to review the instructions and gather the data.
Legibility
The form asks for typed or legibly printed answers in black ink and says an illegible form will not be accepted.
Final determination
The form says OPM or the Federal agency that requested the investigation is responsible for the final determination, and you may be given the chance to explain, refute or clarify information first.
Privacy
Collection and disclosure are governed by the Privacy Act. The form lists its routine uses and says copies of the relevant notices are available from the person who gave you the form.
Related forms
Who fills out SF 85?
The form describes the people its investigations cover and says to call the office that gave you the form with any questions.
Official sources and the blank
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Questions about Form SF85
Who issues SF 85?
The form is printed as a U.S. Office of Personnel Management form, OMB No. 3206-0261, Revised December 2013. GSA hosts a copy in its forms library.
When is SF 85 filled out?
The form says to complete it only after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
How many years does SF 85 cover?
Residences, schools and employment go back 5 years, and the three people who know you well should cover, as well as possible, the last 5 years. The illegal drugs question covers the last year.
What if I can't remember an exact date?
The form says to approximate or estimate the date to the best of your ability and mark it APPROX. or EST.
Will my current employer be contacted?
The form says your current employer must be contacted as part of the investigation, even if you indicated on applications or other forms that you do not want this.
How long is the SF 85 release valid?
The form says the Authorization for Release of Information is valid for two years from the date signed, and photocopies with your signature are valid.
What does the form say about false statements?
The form says that under 18 U.S.C. 1001, knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact is a felony which may result in fines of up to $10,000, and/or 5 years imprisonment, or both.