Active Military Leave Guidance

FINRA provides registration and licensing relief to FINRA-registered persons and certain formerly registered persons who volunteer or are called into active military duty. The following provides information and guidance regarding such relief. (See FINRA Rule 1210 for additional information regarding the relief provided for active military service.)

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How firms should notify FINRA of a currently registered individual on military leave

The firm should provide to FINRA the following documentation:

  1. The individual's orders (official call-up notification) or letter of leave request for individuals that voluntarily join. Either document should include the following information:
    • the individual's start date
    • military branch
    • location of service duty
  1. A letter from the firm (on firm letterhead) to FINRA that includes the following information:
    • the firm's CRD number
    • the date that the individual started active military service
    • the individual's name
    • the individual's CRD Number

When the individual's military service ends and he or she returns to the firm or begins working at a new firm, the firm should provide to FINRA the following documentation:

  1. A letter from the firm (on firm letterhead) to FINRA that includes:
    • the firm's CRD number
    • the individual's name
    • the individual's CRD number
    • the date the individual returned to the original firm or began working at the new firm, as appropriate
  1. A copy of the individual's discharge papers that indicate the start and end dates of service

How previously registered individuals should notify FINRA of their active military service

An individual who was previously registered with a firm and commences active military duty within two years after ceasing to be registered with the firm must notify FINRA of his or her active service within 90 days following the completion of active service or re-registration with a firm, whichever occurs first.

An individual who is placed upon "inactive" status pursuant to FINRA Rule 1210 and ceases to be registered with a firm while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States must notify FINRA of the period of active service within two years following completion of active service or upon re-registration with a firm, whichever occurs first.

For those registered individuals who cease to be registered with a firm while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or who begin serving within two years after ceasing to be registered with a firm, the "two-year licensing expiration provisions" will be tolled. The tolling period will terminate 90 days following the completion of active service.

If the individual re-registers with a firm first, the individual's firm, after submitting a 

must provide to FINRA the following documentation:

  1. A letter from the firm (on firm letterhead) notifying FINRA that the individual was on active duty. The letter should also include the following:
    • the firm's CRD number
    • the individual's name
    • the individual's CRD number
    • the date that the firm submitted the Form U4
  1. A copy of the individual's discharge papers that indicate the start and end dates of active military service

If the individual does not re-register with a firm within the 90-day timeframe, he or she must provide FINRA the following documentation no later than the 90th day following completion of active service:

  1. A letter notifying FINRA that he or she was on active duty. The letter should also include the following:
    • the individual's name
    • the individual's CRD number
  1. A copy of the individual's discharge papers that indicate the start and end dates of active military service

How to submit the necessary documentation to FINRA

The required documentation can be submitted to FINRA by either facsimile, email or mail as follows:

Email Address:
[email protected]

Mailing Address:
FINRA
Registration & Disclosure, Reg Srvcs & Ops
9509 Key West Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850

Fax Number:
(301) 216-3716

Once the necessary documentation is received, FINRA will:

  • Contact the firm or individual (if he or she is not registered with a firm) to confirm receipt.
  • Enter the individual's military service in Web CRD/IARD so self-regulatory organizations and jurisdictions receive notice of the individual's service through the individual's record and reports.
  • Monitor and adjust the individual's Continuing Education requirements based on the period of active military duty.