DA Form 2805: Polygraph Examination Authorization (2026)

DA Form 2805: Polygraph Examination Authorization (2026) – DA Form 2805 is the official Polygraph Examination Authorization used by the United States Army. It formally requests and grants approval to conduct a polygraph (lie detector) examination on a specific individual as part of criminal investigations, counterintelligence, or intelligence activities.

This form is prescribed by Army Regulation (AR) 195-6, Department of the Army Polygraph Activities. It ensures strict oversight, compliance with legal standards, and protection of rights before any examination proceeds.

What Is DA Form 2805 Used For?

The primary purpose of DA Form 2805 is to document and authorize polygraph examinations in Army operations. It serves as the official request from an investigative or intelligence agency to an authorizing representative.

Key uses include:

  • Criminal Investigations: For serious offenses punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) by confinement of one year or more, where reasonable cause exists that the examinee has relevant knowledge or involvement.
  • Military Intelligence and Counterintelligence: For matters involving espionage, sabotage, treason, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, or resolving derogatory information affecting security clearances and national security.

The form confirms that other investigative methods have been exhausted or are insufficient, and that the polygraph is essential and timely.

Who Uses DA Form 2805?

  • Requesting Agencies: Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), military police investigators, or intelligence units.
  • Authorizing Representatives: Designated officials (often senior commanders or security managers) who review and approve or deny the request.
  • Examinees: Soldiers, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, contractors, or sources with relevant information or security concerns.

Polygraphs are not routine for standard enlistment or most Army positions but are required for specific intelligence MOS (e.g., 35L, 35P), sensitive assignments, or specific investigations.

Key Sections of DA Form 2805

The form (dated OCT 1976, with updates) includes structured fields for accuracy and accountability:

  • Examinee Information: Name, grade/rank, SSN, unit/address, date and place of birth.
  • Justification: Detailed statements confirming thorough prior investigation, compliance with AR 195-6, and specific legal thresholds for criminal or intelligence cases.
  • Basis and Summarized Justification: Explains the investigative purpose.
  • Requester Details: Typed name, grade, position, signature.
  • Authorization Block: Decision by the authorizing representative (approved/not authorized), remarks, signature, and date. It can also confirm prior telephonic authorization.

The form includes privacy notices, special handling instructions, and classification markings.

How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 2805?

  1. Complete the Request Section — The requesting agency fills out examinee details and provides detailed justification.
  2. Submit to Authorizing Official — Via the form, electronic message, or email (including all required elements).
  3. Review and Authorization — The authorizing representative evaluates the request against regulatory criteria and indicates approval or denial.
  4. Distribution — Copies go to relevant parties; the form becomes part of the investigation record.

Download the Official DA Form 2805 Here:
DA Form 2805 PDF

Always use the latest version from official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) sources.

  • DA Form 2801: Polygraph Examination Statement of Consent (examinee rights and voluntary consent).
  • DA Form 2802: Polygraph Examination Report (documents results).
  • AR 195-6: Governs all Army polygraph activities, examiner qualifications, and procedures.

Examinees must receive rights advisements (similar to Article 31 UCMJ and Miranda-like warnings) and provide informed consent.

Importance of Compliance and Rights

Polygraph examinations in the Army are tightly controlled to protect national security while respecting individual rights. Participation is generally voluntary, though refusal can impact security clearances or assignments in sensitive roles. Results are used as an investigative tool alongside other evidence, not as sole proof.

For the most current guidance, refer to official Army sources, AR 195-6, and consult your chain of command, CID, or legal advisor. Policies can evolve with DoD directives on personnel security.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official Army advice. Always verify with primary sources on armypubs.army.mil.