Headquarters Guidance Documents Collection
This page contains guidance documents that DHS headquarters components issue to help the public understand how DHS administers its statutory and regulatory authorities. You can find further information about DHS guidance documents, including guidance documents issued by other DHS components, at https://www.dhs.gov/guidance.
In general, guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract.
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DHS Privacy Compliance Instruction on the Collection Use Retention and Dissemination Personally Identifiable Information
This Instruction provides guidance on responsibilities and procedures regarding the collection, use, retention and dissemination of personally identifiable information.
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DHS Environmental Justice Strategy for Fiscal Years 2021-2025
This Environmental Justice Strategy is intended to promote a comprehensive, consistent, and adaptive method for identifying and addressing environmental justice through the activities, policies, and programs of DHS Operational and Support Components. The Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) began updating the DHS Environmental Justice Strategy in the fall of 2019, with the assistance of the DHS Environmental Justice Working Group. Through this process, DHS Components provided input on strategic goals and objectives to ensure alignment and consistency with Department priorities. From September 24, 2020 to November 5, 2020, DHS made the draft Environmental Justice Strategy available to the public in five languages by posting on a public website19 and distributed it among the CRCL stakeholder email list. One anonymous comment was received via email, and all comments have been taken into consideration.
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Vulnerability Disclosure Program Policy and Rules of Engagement
In accordance with Section 101 and Title I of the SECURE Technology Act (P.L. 115-390), this policy provides security researchers with clear guidelines for (1) conducting vulnerability and attack vector discovery activities directed at Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems and (2) submitting those discovered vulnerabilities. This policy has been developed in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of GSA, and non-governmental security researchers.
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Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are issuing an advisory guidance document to assist non-federal public and private entities interested in using technical tools, systems, and capabilities to detect and mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The advisory is intended to provide an overview of potentially applicable federal laws and regulations, as well as some factors relevant to whether those laws may apply to particular actions or systems.
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2018 Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan
The DHS Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan (Sustainability Plan) reflects the Department’s strategic vision for doing business more efficiently and sustainable.
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REAL ID Act of 2005 Implementation: Acceptance of Electronically Submitted Copies of Source Documents with Certain Restrictions in Advance of an In-Person DMV Visit
On February 19, 2020, DHS sent letters to the governors of all 50 states regarding the REAL ID program. The letters pertain to States’ ability to accept electronically submitted copies of source documents, with certain restrictions in advance of an in-person DMV visit. The attachments to this page reflect the two main templates used in the letters.
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REAL ID Act of 2005 Implementation: An Interagency Security Committee Guide (2019 Edition)
The REAL ID Act of 2005 Implementation: An Interagency Security Committee Guide outlines guidance for Federal departments and agencies specifically with regards to alternate access control options for individuals who are unable to present a driver’s license or identification card issued by a REAL ID compliant state.
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Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons
The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing guidance to recipients of Federal financial assistance regarding Title VI’s prohibition against national origin discrimination affecting persons with limited English proficient persons. This guidance is issued pursuant to Executive Order 13166 and is consistent with government-wide guidance previously issued by the Department of Justice.
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Guidance to State and Local Governments and Other Federally Assisted Recipients Engaged in Emergency Preparedness, Response, Mitigation, and Recovery Activities on Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
The United States Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Transportation (DOT) are issuing this guidance to assist recipients of federal financial assistance engaged in emergency management (e.g., state and local emergency management agencies, law enforcement, healthcare service providers, housing and transit authorities) to ensure that individuals and communities affected by disasters do not face unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency) in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).
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Reference Guide: Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services
The Reference Guide was originally developed in response to the requirement of H.R. 5441 (PL 109-295), Section 689: Individuals with Disabilities, to develop disability related guidelines for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. This Guide is not intended to satisfy all of the guidance requirements contained in Section 689. Additional guidelines to accommodate individuals with disabilities will be issued in the future.