Domestic violence can lead to a security-clearance review, suspension, denial, or revocation, depending on the facts. The issue is not limited to whether a prosecutor obtains a conviction. Adjudicators assess reliable information relevant to judgment, trustworthiness, and recurrence through the national security guidelines. A pending allegation is not itself a finding of guilt, but it may require reporting and review rather than being ignored until criminal proceedings end. [1]
Rules that determine the answer
The SF-86 demonstrates why criminal disposition is only part of the inquiry. Its police-record questions address qualifying arrests and charges, include lifetime questions concerning convictions involving domestic violence or specified violence, and separately ask whether a current domestic violence protective or restraining order exists. The form also gives instructions for dismissed, sealed, and expunged matters. Follow the exact question and applicable agency reporting rules; do not replace them with a personal belief that a case “does not count.” [2]
Mitigation depends on the record: the seriousness and recency of conduct, credible rehabilitation, compliance, truthful reporting, and likelihood of recurrence can all matter. [1] Firearm eligibility is a separate issue. Certain qualifying protective orders and misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can trigger restrictions under 18 USC 922(g)(8) or (9), even if a job also involves a clearance. Neither clearance approval nor a workplace badge cancels a firearm prohibition. [3] The exact order, offense, and statutory conditions require separate review.
What to do next
- Comply with protective orders, release conditions, and any workplace restrictions while contesting inaccurate allegations through proper channels.
- Notify the security office of reportable developments using the required timetable and method; preserve confirmation of the report.
- Provide the actual complaint, orders, dispositions, and reliable corrective evidence. Distinguish an allegation, a temporary order, a final finding, and a conviction.
- Address substantiated behavior with documented compliance and appropriate professional guidance. If adverse action is proposed, respond to the particular stated concerns and review rights.
Practical example
An employee has no criminal conviction but is subject to a current domestic violence restraining order. Answering “no conviction” does not answer the form’s separate question about that order. If the order is later dissolved or charges are dismissed, the employee should provide the outcome, while recognizing that the agency may still evaluate reliable information about the underlying events.
For related situations, see security-clearance review after a DUI and responding to a clearance denial.
Primary sources
- State Department 12 FAM 233.2: conduct, rehabilitation, and national security review
- OPM Standard Form 86: domestic violence, court orders, and police-record disclosures
- 18 USC 922: specified protective-order and domestic-violence firearm prohibitions
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.