AF Form 310: Document Receipt and Destruction Certificate – The AF Form 310, officially titled Document Receipt and Destruction Certificate, is a critical U.S. Air Force form used to document the receipt, transfer, and secure destruction of classified or sensitive materials. It plays an essential role in Air Force information security, records management, and compliance with Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force policies on handling classified information.
Military personnel, security managers, Top Secret Control Officers (TSCOs), and information protection professionals use this form to maintain strict accountability and create an auditable chain for sensitive documents.
What Is AF Form 310 Used For?
AF Form 310 serves two primary purposes:
- Receipt Acknowledgment: It formally documents that the recipient has received classified or controlled materials.
- Destruction Certification: It certifies that the documents have been properly destroyed (or transferred) according to security regulations, providing legal and regulatory proof of disposition.
The form is commonly used for:
- Transferring Top Secret material off an installation.
- Documenting the destruction of classified documents, pages from technical orders (TOs), or other sensitive items.
- Transmitting classified changes to plans or publications.
- Supporting accountability in security programs, including those involving credentials or controlled unclassified information (CUI) in certain contexts.
It helps ensure compliance with information security requirements and prevents unauthorized disclosure or improper disposal of national security information.
Key Regulations and Context
AF Form 310 supports broader Air Force and DoD policies on classified information handling and records management. Related guidance appears in publications such as:
- Air Force technical orders (e.g., TO 00-5 series) for shipping and receipt of classified media.
- Unit-level instructions for distributing classified plans.
- Records management under AFI 33-322 (Records Management and Information Governance Program), which emphasizes proper disposition of records.
While the form itself is straightforward, its use ties into stricter rules for Top Secret and other classified materials, often requiring coordination with security personnel or TSCOs. Always consult your unit’s Information Protection or Security Manager for current local procedures, as practices can vary by command or installation.
How to Fill Out AF Form 310?
The form includes structured blocks for clear documentation. Typical sections (based on official usage examples) include:
- Block 1: Address of the receiving activity (recipient’s full mailing or office address).
- Block 2: Address of the sending activity (sender’s details).
- Block 3: Control or serial number (often formatted with year, office symbol, and sequence, e.g., 25-ABC-01). This helps track the item in logs.
- Document Description: Detailed listing of the material (title, date, copy number, classification level, quantity, etc.).
- Receipt Section: Signature and date from the recipient acknowledging receipt.
- Destruction Section: Certification by the destroying official, including method of destruction (e.g., cross-cut shredding, pulping, or authorized incineration), date, and signatures of witnesses if required.
Best Practices for Completion:
- Use precise, legible information.
- Maintain consecutive numbering in your office’s container or document log.
- For transfers, place copies of the form inside the inner wrapper of the package; one copy may accompany a facsimile transmission.
- Retain the completed certificate as proof of destruction or transfer per your records disposition schedule.
For the most accurate filling instructions, refer directly to the form and any command-specific supplements. Some units pair AF Form 310 with AF Form 1565 (Entry, Receipt, and Destruction Certificate) for page-level changes.
Where to Download the Official AF Form 310?
Official Download:
AF Form 310 PDF – Hosted on the Air Force e-Publishing site.
Always obtain forms from the official Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil) to ensure you have the current version. Third-party sites may host outdated or non-fillable copies. The form is typically available as a fillable PDF for easier digital completion.
Note: Forms management falls under DAFI 90-160 and related publishing instructions. Check for any recent revisions through your unit publications manager.
Tips for Proper Use and Compliance
- Security First: Only authorized personnel (e.g., cleared individuals with need-to-know) should handle materials documented on AF Form 310.
- Chain of Custody: The form helps establish and maintain accountability from sender to recipient to final disposition.
- Destruction Standards: Follow approved methods for classified destruction. Incomplete or missing certificates can trigger security incidents or audit findings.
- Record Retention: File completed AF Forms 310 according to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) in AFRIMS. Do not destroy the certificate itself prematurely.
- Training: Security assistants and records custodians should receive training on proper use as part of the Security Assistant Toolkit or unit information protection programs.
If a document is lost or the form is not returned, immediately notify your security manager and follow incident reporting procedures.
Common Questions About AF Form 310
Is AF Form 310 only for Top Secret documents?
It is frequently used for Top Secret transfers and destruction but can apply to other classified or sensitive materials depending on unit policy.
Can I use a digital or electronic version?
Many units accept digitally completed and signed versions where authorized, but always confirm with your Information Protection office. Wet signatures may still be required in certain classified environments.
What if I need to destroy records that are not classified?
For non-classified records, follow standard records disposition procedures under AFI 33-322 and the applicable Records Disposition Schedule rather than (or in addition to) AF Form 310.
Conclusion
Proper use of AF Form 310 strengthens Air Force information security posture by ensuring every piece of sensitive material is accounted for from receipt through final destruction. Whether you are shipping classified technical orders, updating secure plans, or certifying destruction of controlled documents, this form provides the necessary documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
For the latest guidance, visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site and consult your local security or records management professionals. Accurate handling protects national security and supports mission effectiveness.
Download the form here: AF Form 310 – Document Receipt and Destruction Certificate
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force resources and usage examples as of 2026. Policies and procedures can be updated; always verify with official sources and your chain of command.