Who Needs to Complete DD Form 2842?
This certificate of acceptance is required for all individuals who receive a DoD PKI certificate. That includes active duty military personnel, reserve and National Guard members, DoD civilian employees, government contractors with system access, and any other authorized users issued a certificate for secure digital communications. If your organization requires digital signature capability or encrypted email communication through DoD networks, completing this form is a legal prerequisite before you can use your certificate.
How to Fill Out DD Form 2842 Online
Completing the DoD PKI certificate acceptance form is straightforward with FormsPal's PDF editor. Follow these steps to fill in all required fields and save your completed document:
Step 1: Click the "Get Form" button at the top of this page to open the online PDF editing tool.
Step 2: The tool lets you work with the form in multiple ways. Add your information, adjust existing text, and apply your digital signature where required.
This document requires particular information to be entered accurately. Begin by filling out the fields in the first section of the certificate:
1. Start with the initial section of the form, entering all required personal and certificate details:
2. Complete the remaining fields carefully. Double-check that all information is accurate before moving to the next section:
Step 3: Once you have reviewed all entries, click "Done" to finalize your document. Create a free 7-day account to download or email the completed certificate form. Your document is securely stored in your account for future reference. FormsPal's platform keeps your personal data and key information protected throughout the process.
Key Information Fields in the Form
The DD 2842 certificate form includes several sections that must be completed correctly:
- Certificate holder information - Your full legal name, rank or position title, DoD identification number, and organizational unit.
- Certificate type and details - The type of public key certificate issued, the issuing certification authority, and the certificate serial number or reference.
- Acknowledgment statement - Your signed acceptance confirming you understand your responsibilities for safeguarding the private key and using the certificate only as authorized by DoD policy.
- Certifying authority section - Completed and signed by the registration authority (RA) or issuing official, confirming your identity was verified and the certificate was properly issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of DD Form 2842?
DD Form 2842 is the official DoD record documenting that a user has received a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate and formally accepts legal responsibility for protecting it. The form confirms the user understands their obligations to secure their private key, report any compromise, and use digital signatures only in authorized ways.
Who signs DD Form 2842?
Both the certificate holder and the registration authority (RA) or issuing certifying official must sign the form. The holder's signature confirms personal acceptance of the stated security responsibilities. The RA's signature verifies that the holder's identity was properly authenticated before the certificate was issued.
Is a new DD Form 2842 required when a PKI certificate is renewed?
Yes. Each time a PKI certificate is reissued or renewed, a new certificate of acceptance form is required to document the updated certificate details and confirm the holder's continued acknowledgment of their responsibilities under the new certificate's terms.
What happens if a PKI certificate is lost or compromised?
Holders who signed DD Form 2842 are required to immediately report any loss, theft, or suspected compromise of their certificate or private key to their issuing registration authority. Failure to report a compromise violates the conditions acknowledged in the signed form and may result in disciplinary action.
Related DoD Security Forms
If you are setting up access to DoD systems and networks, you may also need to complete the DD Form 2875 (System Authorization Access Request), which authorizes access to specific DoD information systems and networks. This form is separate from the PKI certificate acceptance and is required for each system you need to access. Additionally, the Privacy Act Statement is often required when your personal information is collected as part of the security clearance or identity verification process. You may also need to review forms such as DD Form 2656 if your role involves access to benefits data systems within the DoD.