Public Search Facility User ID and Badging

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required by 35 U.S.C. 41(i)(1) to maintain a Public Search Facility to make publically accessible USPTO patent and trademark collections for search and retrieval. The Public Search Facility is located in a publicly accessible portion of USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, and offers the public access to the collection’s paper, microfilm, and electronic files and trained staff to assist users with searches. The USPTO also offers training courses to assist users with the advanced electronic search systems available at the facility. This information collection covers information collected in applications required for those members of the public who wish to use the electronic search systems at the Public Search Facility to establish a USPTO online access account, and to obtain, renew, or replace online access accounts. The public may apply for an online access account at the Public Search Facility reference desk by providing the necessary information and proper identification. The access account includes a bar-coded user number and an expiration date. Users may renew their account by validating and updating the required information and may obtain a replacement for a lost account information by providing proper identification. Users who wish to register for the voluntary training courses may do so by completing the appropriate form. This information collection also covers information in applications to establish, renew, or replace security identification badges issued, under the authority provided in 41 CFR part 102– 81, to members of the public who wish to access the Public Search Facility. Users may apply for a security badge in person at the USPTO Security Office by providing the necessary information and presenting a valid form of identification with photograph. The security badges include a color photograph of the user and must be worn at all times while at the USPTO facilities.

The latest form for Public Search Facility User ID and Badging expires 2027-08-31 and can be found here.

Application for Public User ID (Access Card) (Individuals or Households)

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Economic Development - Intellectual Property Protection

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