The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office issues and manages Customs Seals for individuals requiring access to CBP security areas in order to perform their job duties.
Customs and Border Protection Security Seal (Customs Seal) Application Updates below as of May 12, 2025:
- CBP SEAL Process: Instructions for submitting a NEW/RENEWAL CBP SEAL request via the IDMS AS Portal can be found in the Authorized Signer Handbook page 14 & 15.
- IMPORTANT: Prior to the Authorized Signer uploading and submitting the CBP SEAL application(s) please review for accuracy as all fields must be completed. The application and Letter of Intent are to be submitted via the Portal at the same time. Incomplete applications will be rejected by CBP and the Authorized Signer will have to resubmit. A guide to which fields must be completed is linked here: CBP Step by Step Application Walk Through.
- Authorized signers may continue to email [email protected] to communicate with our unit for SEAL Audits and other SEAL-related inquiries.
- Applicant will also need form of identification that is REAL ID Act approved.
- For more information on the REAL ID Act and identification requirements, please refer to Real ID WA.
UPDATE as of 7/11/2025 REQUESTING SEAL FOR ACTIVE AND RENEWAL BADGES.
We are close to a more efficient process that will eliminate steps to request seals. More to come in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please see the note below that was sent on June 26th. This is especially important for badge renewals who are requesting seals. All this information is available on the CBP webpage - U.S. Customs Seal Application | Port of Seattle. Here is a step-by-step process and what you would see in the Portal.
Active Badge Holder Requesting a SEAL - Follow Step 1 - you will receive an email when it is approved.
Renewals Requesting a SEAL - Follow Step 1 & 2 - you will receive an email when it is approved and then the applicant can come in and process the renewal.
- Step 1: Submit a badge edit for the CBP SEAL. Do not Renew in the Portal. Submit the SEAL request as a stand-alone edit. Make SURE that the Seal application and LOI is COMPLETE and signed. It will be rejected by CBP if it’s not.
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Step 2: Once the SEAL Edit is in place, the RENEW button will be available in the AS Portal to select: Renew the Badge as you normally would.
If you forget to do the CBP badge edit prior to the renewal - The employee can come in and renew the badge without the SEAL and we will initiate the SEAL request at that time.
CBP SEAL pick up and contacts:
When your CBP Seal application has been approved you will receive an email from CBP. You may pick up your badge with a CBP Seal at the Employee Service Center, no appointment required. Please DO NOT send the applicant to the CBP Security Seal Office.
For any further questions please contact CBP via email - [email protected]
