How to Schedule Your LAWA Badge Appointment

What you need to know before booking

A LAWA badge — issued by Los Angeles World Airports — grants you access to restricted areas at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and other airports in the system. To get one, you must schedule an in-person appointment at the LAWA Badge Office. The appointment is where you'll be fingerprinted, photographed, and vetted before the badge is issued.

You cannot get a LAWA badge by mail or online. You must appear in person, bring specific documents, and pass a background check. The process typically takes several weeks from appointment to badge in hand, so plan ahead if you need access by a certain date.

Key Takeaways

• LAWA badge appointments are scheduled through the official LAWA website or by calling the Badge Office directly — walk-ins are not accepted.
• You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of employment or business need, and any other documents specific to your access category.
• The appointment itself takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes fingerprinting, a photo, and a background check interview.
• After your appointment, the badge office processes your background check, which can take two to four weeks before your badge is ready for pickup.

How to schedule your appointment online

The LAWA Badge Office maintains an online scheduling system on the official Los Angeles World Airports website. Go to the badge or credentials section, select "Schedule an Appointment," and you will see available time slots for the next several weeks. Choose a date and time that works for you, enter your contact information, and confirm your booking.

You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the date, time, location, and a list of documents to bring. Save this email or print it — you may need to show it when you arrive. If the online system shows no available slots, the Badge Office is temporarily full; check back in a few days or call to ask about cancellations.

Scheduling by phone if online booking is full

If the online system has no open slots, call the LAWA Badge Office directly. The phone number is listed on the Los Angeles World Airports website under "Contact Us" or "Badge Services." When you call, have your name, phone number, and a brief description of why you need the badge ready. The staff member will check for cancellations or upcoming openings and book you into the next available slot.

Phone lines are typically busiest in the morning and early afternoon. Calling early in the week often means shorter wait times. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name, callback number, and preferred appointment dates, and a staff member will return your call within one business day.

Documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your original, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof that you have a legitimate reason to access restricted airport areas. This might be an employment letter on company letterhead, a business license, a contract, or a letter from your employer stating your job title and access needs.

If you are applying for a badge in a specific category — such as airline employee, ground handler, vendor, or contractor — the Badge Office may ask for additional documents. Your confirmation email will list exactly what to bring. Do not guess; call the Badge Office if you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of need.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early. A staff member will verify your documents, check your ID, and ask you questions about your employment, criminal history, and access needs. Be honest and direct in your answers — the Badge Office conducts background checks that include fingerprinting and database searches.

You will be fingerprinted using a digital scanner and photographed for your badge. The entire process takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will not receive your badge at the appointment; instead, you will be told when to return for pickup, usually two to four weeks later, once your background check is complete.

After your appointment: waiting for your badge

The Badge Office will contact you by phone or email when your background check is finished and your badge is ready. Do not call to check on the status before two weeks have passed — the office will reach out to you. If you have not heard anything after four weeks, then call to confirm your application is still in progress.

When your badge is ready, you will pick it up in person at the Badge Office during business hours. Bring your ID again. Your badge will be valid for a set period — usually one to three years depending on your category — and you will need to renew it before it expires.

What to do if your appointment is cancelled or you need to reschedule

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, log back into the online scheduling system and select your appointment to cancel it. This frees up the slot for someone else and removes you from the queue. You can then book a new time slot immediately.

If you cannot access the online system, call the Badge Office and ask to reschedule. Cancelling without rescheduling means you will have to wait for the next available opening, which may be weeks away. If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you may lose your slot and have to start the booking process over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. The Badge Office needs to verify your identity, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. No proxy or representative can do this on your behalf.

What if I don't have a government-issued photo ID?

You cannot schedule an appointment without one. A government-issued ID is required to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, contact your state's DMV or the passport office to obtain one before booking your appointment.

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks take two to four weeks. Some take longer if the Badge Office needs to verify employment or follow up on information. You will be notified when the check is complete and your badge is ready for pickup.

What if my background check is denied?

The Badge Office will notify you in writing if your background check fails. The letter will explain the reason. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply after a certain period, depending on the reason for denial. Contact the Badge Office to ask about your options.

Do I need to renew my badge, and how?

Yes. LAWA badges expire after one to three years depending on your category. The Badge Office will send you a renewal notice before your badge expires. You will need to schedule another appointment, bring updated documents, and go through the background check process again.