DAF Form 4428: Tattoo Screening & Verification Guide – The DAF Form 4428, officially titled Tattoo/Brand/Body Marking Screening/Verification, is a key Department of the Air Force document used to document and ensure compliance with tattoo, brand, and body marking policies. It supports recruitment, accessions, and ongoing personnel management for active-duty Airmen, Guardians, Reservists, and Air National Guard members.
Whether you’re joining the Air Force, already serving, or seeking an exception to policy (ETP), understanding DAF Form 4428 is essential for maintaining a professional military image while aligning with updated DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel.
Why DAF Form 4428 Matters in 2026?
The Air Force (and Space Force) maintains one of the more flexible tattoo policies among U.S. military branches. Recent updates to DAFI 36-2903 emphasize content restrictions and visibility rules over strict size limits on most body areas. The form helps commanders verify that markings comply with standards and documents any grandfathered or ETP-approved tattoos.
Key purposes of the form:
- Accurate documentation of all tattoos, brands, and body markings.
- Verification for compliance with unauthorized content and location rules.
- Recording of approved exceptions to policy (ETPs), especially for hand tattoos.
- Support for personnel records and career management.
Download the official form here: DAF Form 4428 PDF
Current Air Force Tattoo Policy Overview (DAFI 36-2903)
Tattoos, brands (burned markings), and body markings (scarring) must follow these rules:
Prohibited (Unauthorized) Content and Locations
- Locations: Head, face, tongue, lips, eyes, or scalp (with limited cosmetic exceptions).
- Content: Obscene, indecent, gang-related, extremist/supremacist, or those advocating sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination. Markings prejudicial to good order, discipline, or that discredit the DAF are banned in and out of uniform.
- No covering prohibited tattoos with bandages or makeup for compliance.
Commanders consult AFOSI for gang/extremist identification questions.
Authorized Locations and Limits
- Chest and back (not visible through or with open-collar uniforms).
- Arms, legs, feet.
- Neck: One tattoo, max 1 inch in any direction, placed behind the ear line (specific approved area).
- Hands: Limited to one ring tattoo (max 3/8 inch wide on one finger per hand) plus one additional small tattoo (max 1 inch) per hand. Larger or additional hand tattoos may require ETP.
- Visible hand/arm/leg/neck/ring tattoos are generally allowed in uniform; chest/back must remain covered.
No overall size limits on arms/legs/chest/back as long as content and visibility rules are met. Cosmetic tattooing (e.g., permanent makeup) has specific allowances.
Hand Tattoo ETPs: Senior waiver authorities can approve limited hand tattoos (≤25% of hand) for exceptionally qualified applicants in critical fields. These are documented on DAF Form 4428.
How to Complete DAF Form 4428?
The form has two main sections and requires honesty and commander involvement.
Section I (Airman Information):
- Full name, DOB, SSN.
- Certification that all markings are disclosed.
Section II (Identification):
- Commander or designated official numbers and describes each marking on a body diagram (front/back).
- Details: Location, size/shape, meaning/content.
- Airman initials each entry.
- Signatures from Airman and commander/supervisor confirming accuracy and compliance.
Tips for filling it out:
- Provide photos if requested.
- Be thorough — omissions can lead to issues.
- For ETPs or grandfathered tattoos (pre-2017 hand tattoos), include supporting documentation.
Previous editions are obsolete; use the current version from e-Publishing.
Who Needs to Complete DAF Form 4428?
- New recruits/applicants during processing.
- Airmen with questionable or hand tattoos.
- Anyone requesting or receiving an ETP.
- During periodic screenings or when joining specific units.
Many Airmen with standard tattoos have blank or minimal forms.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violations can result in:
- Administrative actions (reprimands, performance reports).
- Tattoo removal requirements (at own expense if needed).
- Potential discharge or UCMJ action (Article 92).
Always prioritize professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I have full sleeves?
Yes, as long as they don’t violate content rules and chest/back remain non-visible in uniform.
What about neck tattoos?
One small (≤1 inch) in the approved rear area only.
Do I need the form if I have no tattoos?
Often yes for verification during accessions.
How do I get an ETP?
Submit through command channels before getting the tattoo; approved ones go on the 4428. Content ETPs are not considered.
Is the policy the same for Space Force?
Yes, aligned under DAF guidance.
Stay Compliant and Informed
Tattoo policies evolve — always check the latest DAFI 36-2903 on the official AF e-Publishing site. Consult your commander, recruiter, or servicing personnel office for personalized guidance.
Maintaining standards ensures mission readiness and reflects the excellence of the Department of the Air Force. For the official form and full policy, visit trusted Air Force resources.
This article is for informational purposes based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026.