Dear Bureaupat,
I worked for both US Customs and the FBI since 2000, however, when I have attempted to get a copy of my SF-50 from the National Archives Center they do not have my records. What can I do?
Dear Bureaupat,
I retired from the Border Patrol 12 years ago. I can't locate my last SF-50 directing my retirement. In order to apply for my Retired Border Patrol Identification that will allow me to carry a concealed weapon, I need a certified copy of my final SF-50 which is required as proof of retirement from the Border Patrol. Please direct me to the correct office that can help me.
Dear former feds seeking SF-50s,
I receive questions daily about this most important of documents to a federal employee, the SF-50 or “Notification of Personnel Action.” It's like a fed's social security card, only you shouldn't lose it or transfer it upon death to an illegal immigrant, even if you do share the same last name.
The SF-50 is a permanent record in your Official Personnel Folder. It is the required form of notification for accessions, conversions, and separations (from government not your wife), and for corrections and cancellations of those actions. The form is also used to document and report all personnel actions except mass transfer and mass change actions. Simply put, it proves that you did indeed work where you said you worked as well as when and how much you were paid. I strongly recommend that every former federal employee request a copy of this form and keep it in your own personal records far from the reach of your dog, coffee cup, boiler, or car where it could be destroyed or lost.
How do you get it? If you are a recent retiree or job-changer and left federal employment within the last 90 days, you may be able to request a copy from the HR at your previous agency.
If HR is not able to help, then you may request a copy of your final SF-50, a complete copy of your official Personnel Folder (OPF), or certain other forms by writing to:
National Personnel Records Center, 111 Winnebago Street, St. Louis, MO 63118-4126
It is important to note that The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC 552a) and OPM requires a signed and dated written request for information from federal records. Only written requests for records may be made. No calls, emails or faxes regarding these requests will be accepted. At least someone's keeping the postal service afloat...
The only,
- Bureaupat
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