National Political Conventions Credentials
Foreign Publication Instructions

To obtain credentials, begin by completing the appropriate application below. This is the first step in the application process.

You must also complete a letter of introduction, obtain a letter of certification from your appropriate embassy and provide the two most recent copies of your publication. The letters (one from your publication and one from your embassy) and sample publications should be mailed to our office:

Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents
C/O Senate Periodical Press Gallery
Ed Pesce, Director
U.S. Capitol, S-320
Washington, DC 20510

Please allow three to four weeks for your package to arrive at our office. You should mail the letter and publications shortly after completing the online application.

Step One: Online Application

The Convention Credentials Application is for credentials, press stand seats requests and work space requests.

Step Two: Letter of Introduction, Embassy Certification Letter, and Copies of Publication

The letter of introduction must include verification of employment, justification for press credentials, guarantee that the applicant has read and will abide by the rules and a contact number for the signatory. The publication's Point of Contact must submit one letter of introduction which addresses the organization’s coverage needs. Individual reporters planning to attend the conventions do not need to submit individual letters.

Foreign applicants must include a letter of certification from their embassy.

Two of the most recent editions of your publication must also be included in your package. Please do not send two copies of the same edition.

Application Deadlines

February 1, 2012: Deadline for applying for work space.

April 15, 2012: Deadline for applying for press credentials and press stand seats.

Mailed letters and editions of the publication must be postmarked by April 15, 2012. The Periodical Press Gallery will not consider applications that are incomplete.

All Credentials Will Be Distributed On Site

To pick up your credentials, you will receive a confirmation letter approximately one month before the first convention. The conventions will be occurring back to back. You will receive two confirmations—one for each convention—if you are attending both. It is your responsibility to bring the proper confirmation letter and any required identification or documentation to the appropriate venue.