Obtaining and maintaining a security badge is a crucial part of employment at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) airport. Come July 27, several major changes will be implemented that affect the process of obtaining and renewing a badge.
As the result of a new TSA directive, all MSP employees must now be fingerprinted every two years in order to maintain their security clearance, effective July 27. To accommodate that directive, MSP’s badging office will be implementing several other major changes, including a new application to be used for both obtaining and renewing badges, expanded fingerprinting hours, and implementing class passes for SIDA training.
A list of answers to frequently asked questions can be found below to assist with transitioning to these new policies. For additional information, visit the badging section of mymspconnect.com or contact the badging office directly at 612-467-0623.
Do I need to be fingerprinted each time I renew my badge?
Whether you need to be fingerprinted each time you renew your badge depends upon how often you’re required to renew it. All employees must be fingerprinted every two years, effective July 27. If you’re required to renew your badge more frequently than every two years, you will not need to be fingerprinted each time you renew.
Airline employees renewing their badges after July 27 will either need to bring a new, revised airline certification letter or be re-fingerprinted.
Current fingerprinting fees still apply. If your company is not set up for automatic billing, make sure you bring a form of payment to cover these fees.
Does this new policy apply to everyone working at MSP?
There are a few exceptions to this new policy for select government employees – including the TSA, and Customs and Border Patrol – and law enforcement officers. If you’re unsure about your requirements, contact the badging office at 612-467-0623.
What hours will the badging office be open for fingerprinting?
As of July 27, fingerprinting will be available at the badging office on a first-come, first-serve basis from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
What will I need to renew my badge?
All employees must bring a completed, new four-page application that’s been signed by a company-authorized signer and two forms of ID to the badging office to receive their badges. Candidates who are missing any of these items will be turned away – including those who use the old application form. Check myMSPconnect.com for updated forms starting July 27.
What happens if I let my badge expire?
If your badge expires, you’ll need to wait until your fingerprints clear to receive a new badge, and return to work. This means if you arrive at the badging office with an expired badge you WILL NOT be able to leave with a new badge. Fingerprints can take two to three weeks to process, which can prohibit you from working at the airport during that time. Badges can be renewed up to 30 days before they expire, and the badging office encourages you to come well within that window to ensure you won’t experience an employment disruption.
How do I renew my badge if I work for multiple companies at MSP?
If you work for multiple companies at MSP, you must complete a separate badge application for each employer. So, one employer would require one application to be completed, while three employers would require three applications.
If you’re terminated from a company or quit one of your jobs, you must return to the badging office with a renewal form(s) signed by your remaining employer(s). Not doing this in a timely matter could result in your badge being turned off and you being unable to work. Additionally, continuing to work with a badge displaying a company that is no longer your employer could result in a fine or having the badge revoked by the Airport Police.
What materials do I need for SIDA training?
After being fingerprinted, employees who require SIDA training will receive a class pass, which they must present along with a government issued photo ID when they check-in to the class.
Check-ins will no longer occur at the badging office. Employees should report directly to the SIDA classroom, located on level four of the Blue/Red parking ramp – one level below the badging office. Beginning on July 27, trainings will occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon. Employees should check-in 30 minutes prior to each class.
