Controlled Unclassified Information Markings

Controlled Unclassified Information

Markings

September 3, 2020

OUSD(I&S)/DDI(CL&S)

Information Security

Markings are for training purposes only

DOPSR20-S-2093

CLEARED

For Open Publication

Department of Defense

OFFICE OF PREPUBLICATION AND SECURITY REVIEW

Sep 15, 2020

Table of Contents

Markings are for training purposes only

Process for CUI Determination 3

Marking Guidelines for Unclassified Documents Containing CUI 4

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents 5

Marking Guidelines for Classified Documents Containing CUI 11

CUI Markings for Classified Documents 12

CUI Designation Indicator 15

Limited Dissemination Controls 16

Distribution Statements 17

Use of NOFORN Marking with CUI 18

Use of REL TO Markings with CUI 19

Cover Sheet and Label 20

Decontrol 21

CUI Registry 21

Process for CUI Determination

Markings are for training purposes only

Yes

START

Does the

information meet

the standards for

classification in

accordance with

DoDI 5200.01?

Does the

information fall

within a law,

regulation, or

government-wide

policy?

Identify the category(ies)

the information falls within.

Go to DoDI 5200.01 for

guidance on processing

classified information.

DoD CUI Registry

https://www.dodcui.mil

This information

cannot be marked as

CUI.

Yes

To determine if unclassified information in your document is CUI, check the information against

the CUI Registry. Does it potentially fit within a broad category of CUI? Examples of some

common categories would be Privacy, Legal, Budget.

At a minimum, CUI markings for unclassified documents will include:

• The

acronym “CUI” at the top and bottom of each page

• The

CUI designation indicator.

Do not add “UNCLASSIFIED” before ”CUI.”

Do not add the CUI category to the top and bottom of the page. The category is listed in the CUI

designation indicator block.

Portion markings are optional on unclassified documents. However, if annotated, they must be

applied to all portions, to include subjects, titles, paragraphs, subparagraphs, bullet points,

figures, charts, tables, etc. Do not apply portion markings to the CUI designation indicator.

The CUI designation indicator must be annotated on the first page or cover of all documents

containing CUI.

Line 1: the name of the DoD Component (not required if identified in the letterhead)

Line 2: identification of the office creating the document

Line 3: identification of the categories contained in the document

Line 4: applicable distribution statement or limited dissemination control (LDC)

Line 5: name and phone number or email of POC

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Marking Guidelines for Unclassified Documents Containing CUI

Markings are for training purposes only

CUI

CUI//OPSEC

U//CUI

Markings are for training purposes only

Example of markings on a CUI document without portion markings.

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Header

CUI

Designation

Indicator

Footer

Markings are for training purposes only

Example of markings on a CUI document with portion markings.

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

If all the sub-paragraphs or sub-

bullet points carry the same

classification as the main

paragraph or bullet point,

portion marking is not required

for the sub-paragraphs or sub-

bullet points.

However, if any of the sub-

paragraphs or sub-bullet

points carry different

classifications from the main

paragraph or bullet point,

portion marking is required

for all the sub-paragraphs or

sub-bullet points as

demonstrated here.

Portions include subjects,

titles, paragraphs and sub-

paragraphs, bullet points and

sub-bullet points, headings,

pictures, graphs, charts,

maps, reference list, etc.

The CUI designation indicator

block does not require a

portion mark.

Portion marks

Header

CUI

Designation

Indicator

Footer

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

CUI

• First impressions matter!

• There’s no point doing work if others don’t know about it or

can’t understand what you did.

• Good practice for any career!

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

Example of markings on a CUI slide presentation without portion markings.

CUI

Pow erPoint

Present at ion Tips

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): PRVCY

Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

Example of markings on a CUI slide presentation with portion markings.

CUI

(U) Pow erPoint

Present at ion Tips

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): PRVCY

Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

• (U) First impressions matter!

• (CUI) There’s no point doing work if others don’t know about

it or can’t understand what you did.

• (U) Good practice for any career!

CUI

Minimum markings

Portion markings included

Banner line

Footer

CUI Designation Indicator

Portion

markings

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

Banner line

Footer

CUI Designation Indicator

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

Minimum markings

Portion markings included

Banner line

Footer

Portion

markings

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

Banner line

Footer

CUI Markings for Unclassified Documents

The CUI designation indicator block does not need to be placed on an unclassified e-mail that serves as

a transmittal document for a CUI document. As an option, the banner and footer lines can read:

CUI (with attachment)

Documents containing classified information will be marked in accordance with DoDM

5200.01, Volume 2. All documents will be portion marked, contain the overall classification,

and include the classification authority block.

CUI markings in classified documents will appear in portions known to contain only CUI and

will be marked as “(CUI).” If possible, segregate CUI from classified portions. If this is not

possible, the portion marking will reflect the highest classification level in the portion.

“CUI” will not appear in the banner line.

Classified documents containing CUI will include both the CUI designation indicator and the

classification authority block.

A warning statement will be placed at the bottom of the first page of multi-page documents

alerting readers to the presence of CUI in a classified DoD document:

This content is classified at the [insert highest classification level of the source data] level and may

contain elements of controlled unclassified information (CUI), unclassified, or information classified

at a lower level than the overall classification displayed. This content shall not be used as a source

of derivative classification; refer instead to [cite specific reference, where possible, or state

the applicable classification guide(s)]. It must be reviewed for both Classified National

Security Information (CNSI) and CUI in accordance with DoDI 5230.09 prior to public release.

[Add a point of contact when needed.]

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

Marking Guidelines for Classified Documents Containing CUI

Process

Check the unclassified information in your document against the CUI Registry. Does it

potentially fit within a broad category of CUI? Examples of some common categories

would be Privacy, Legal, Budget.

Apply portion marks to entire document.

Add overall classification to top and bottom of the document. The overall classification is

determined by the portion markings. Do not include CUI in the overall classification.

Add the classification authority block.

Add the CUI designation indicator.

If all the sub-paragraphs or sub-bullet

points carry the same classification as

the main paragraph or bullet point,

portion marking is not required for the

sub-paragraphs or sub-bullet points.

However, if any of the sub-paragraphs or sub-

bullet points carry different classifications from

the main paragraph or bullet point, portion

marking is required for the sub-paragraphs or

sub-bullet points.

CUI Markings for Classified Documents

References: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

DoDM 5200.01, Volume 2, DoD Information Security Program: Marking of Information, Enclosure 3

Warning

statement: placed

on the first page

of multi-page

classified

documents

containing CUI

”CUI” is not

placed in banner

line.

All portions,

including the CUI

portions, are

marked.

Portion marking is

mandatory on

classified documents.

Portions include

titles, subjects,

paragraphs and sub-

paragraphs, bullet

points, charts, etc.

The categories

and dissemination

controls are not

carried forward to

the banner line.

Markings are for training purposes only

Both the classification

authority block and

CUI designation

indicator are placed

at the bottom of the

first page.

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4

Markings are for training purposes only

Example of markings on a classified slide presentation including CUI.

• (U) First impressions matter!

• (CUI) There’s no point doing work if others don’t know about

it or can’t understand what you did.

• (U) Good practice for any career!

CUI

CUI Markings for Classified Documents

(U) Pow erPoint

Present at ion Tips

Classified By: Scott Smith, Program Analyst

Derived From: DGW Memo, dtd June 5, 2015,

same subject

Declassify On: 20250605

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): PRVCY

Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

SECRET

Markings are for training purposes only

Step 1: Apply portion marks.

Step 2: Add overall classification to top and bottom of the document.

The overall classification is determined by the portion markings. Do not

include CUI in the overall classification.

Step 3: Add CUI warning statement.

Step 4: Add the classification authority block.

Step 5: Add the CUI designation indicator.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 5

Step 4

Step 3

CUI Markings for Classified Documents

CUI Designation Indicator

Controlled by: insert the name of the DoD component if not otherwise identified in the letterhead

Controlled by: insert the name of the office creating the document and making the CUI determination

CUI Category: identify all types of CUI contained in the document

Distribution/Limited Dissemination Control: insert applicable distribution statement or LDC*

POC: include the name and phone number or office mailbox for the originating DoD component or authorized CUI holder

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): NNPI

Distribution/Limited Dissemination Control: NOFORN

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4(f)

The CUI designation indicator must be readily apparent and shall appear only on the first page or cover. It is placed at

the bottom right side of all documents containing CUI, including classified documents.

The CUI designation indicator is comparable to the classification authority block used for classified documents.

However, it is not carried over from a source document to a newly created document. The CUI designation indicator

will be individualized for each document containing CUI.

• Do not confuse the CUI LDC with the dissemination controls that are authorized for use on

classified documents. While there may be similarities, for the most part, the CUI LDCs are not

carried forward to the banner line. The CUI LDCs apply to the document. Dissemination

controls on classified documents apply to specific information and are annotated in the

portion markings and carried forward to the banner line.

• For unclassified documents containing CUI, only those dissemination controls specified and

required by law, regulation, or government-wide policy will be annotated in the banner line.

Markings are for training purposes only

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): PRVCY, OPSEC

Distribution/Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Note: FEDCON will not be placed in the

banner line.

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): PRVCY, OPSEC

Distribution Statement: C

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Note: The distribution statement will not

be placed in the banner line.

Note: Because NNPI must be marked

NOFORN, any portions containing NNPI will

be portion marked (CUI//NF). Because NF

is in the portion marking, NOFORN will be

placed in the banner line.

Limited Dissemination Controls

LDCs are CUI executive agent-approved controls agencies may use to limit or specify CUI dissemination.

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 4.2

Access to CUI should be encouraged and permitted to the extent that access or determination:

• Abides by the laws, regulations, or Government-wide policies that established the information as CUI.

• Furthers a lawful government purpose.

• Is not restricted by an authorized limited dissemination control established by the CUI executive agent.

• Is not otherwise prohibited by law.

Agencies may place limits on disseminating CUI for a lawful government purpose only using the dissemination

controls listed in Table 2 of DoDI 5200.48 or methods authorized by a specific law, regulation, or government-wide

policy.

LDCs or distribution statements cannot unnecessarily restrict CUI access.

Markings are for training purposes only

Distribution Statements

The distribution statement will be reflected in the CUI designation indicator and will be annotated

in full on the first page or cover of the document.

Distribution Statements

Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Distribution Statement B: Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies only [fill in reason

and date of determination]. Other requests for this document shall be referred to [insert controlling

DoD office].

Distribution Statement C: Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies and their contractors

[fill in reason and date of determination]. Other requests for this document shall be referred to

[insert controlling DoD office].

Distribution Statement D: Distribution authorized to Department of Defense and U.S. DoD

contractors only [insert reason and date of determination]. Other requests for this document shall

be referred to [insert controlling DoD office].

Distribution Statement E: Distribution authorized to DoD Components only [fill in reason and date of

determination]. Other requests shall be referred to [insert controlling DoD office].

Distribution Statement F: Further dissemination only as directed by [insert controlling DoD office and

date of determination] or higher DoD authority.

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)/DDI(CL&S)

CUI Category: CTI

Distribution Statement B

POC: James Smith, 703-555-0123

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.7.c.(1)

Markings are for training purposes only

Distribution statements will be used with:

• CUI export-controlled information

• Other scientific, technical, and engineering information

• Controlled technical information

Export controlled information must also be marked with an export control warning as directed

in DoDI 5230.24, DoDD 5230.25, and Part 250 of Title 32, CFR.

WARNING - This document contains technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms

Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administration Act of 1979

(Title 50, U.S.C., App. 2401 et seq.), as amended. Violations of these export laws are subject to

severe criminal penalties. Disseminate in accordance with provisions of DoD Directive 5230.25.

Use of NOFORN Marking with CUI

Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) is an explicit foreign release marking used to indicate intelligence

information that may not be released in any form to foreign governments, foreign nationals, foreign organizations, or non-

U.S. citizens. It can also be applied to controlled unclassified intelligence information properly characterized as CUI.

DoD exceptions to use of NOFORN. DoD allows the following types of non-intelligence information (classified and

unclassified) to be marked as NOFORN:

• Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI).

• Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI).

• National Disclosure Policy (NDP-1).

• Cover and cover support information.

• Can be applied to unclassified information properly categorized as CUI having a licensing or export control

requirement.

NOFORN is always carried forward to the banner line.

CUI//NOFORN

Marking Requirements for CUI

• Portion markings.

o Portion markings are optional. However, if portion

markings are annotated, they must be applied to all

portions, to include subjects, titles, headings, paragraphs,

subparagraphs, bullet points, etc.

o Portions containing CUI NOFORN information will be

annotated “(CUI//NF).”

• Banner line.

o At a minimum, CUI markings for unclassified documents

will include the acronym “CUI” at the top and bottom of

each page.

o If there is NOFORN information in the document, this will

be reflected in the banner line as shown in this example.

CUI//NOFORN

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): NNPI

Limited Dissemination Controls: NOFORN

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

CUI//NOFORN

(U) Marking Requirements for CUI

• (U) Portion markings.

o (CUI//NF) Portion markings are optional. However, if portion

markings are annotated, they must be applied to all portions,

to include subjects, titles, headings, paragraphs,

subparagraphs, bullet points, etc.

o (U) Portions containing CUI NOFORN information will be

annotated “(CUI//NF).”

• (U) Banner line.

o (CUI) At a minimum, CUI markings for unclassified documents

will include the acronym “CUI” at the top and bottom of each

page.

o (CUI//NF) If there is NOFORN information in the document,

this will be reflected in the banner line as shown in this

example.

CUI//NOFORN

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): NNPI

Limited Dissemination Controls: NOFORN

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Minimum markings

Portion markings included

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4.d.

Markings are for training purposes only

Use of REL TO Markings with CUI

Authorized For Release To (REL TO) markings:

• An explicit foreign disclosure and release marking to indicate the information has been predetermined by

the originator to be releasable to foreign countries or international organizations through established

foreign disclosure procedures and channels. Consult your Foreign Disclosure Office for specifics on CUI.

• Can only be applied, when warranted and consistent with relevant law, regulation, government-wide policy,

or DoD policy, to information properly categorized as CUI with an export control or licensing requirement

with a foreign disclosure agreement in place.

• Export-controlled CUI transfers to foreign persons must be in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act,

International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Export Control Reform Act, Export Administration Regulations, and

DoDI 2040.02. In accordance with DoDDs 5230.11 and 5230.20, a positive foreign disclosure decision must

be made before CUI is released to a foreign entity.

• D

operational CUI not related to intelligence may be marked as REL TO.

CUI//REL TO USA, FVEY

Marking Requirements for CUI

• Portion markings.

o Portion markings are optional. However, if portion

markings are annotated, they must be applied to all

portions, to include subjects, titles, headings, paragraphs,

subparagraphs, bullet points, etc.

o Portions containing CUI REL TO information will be

annotated “(CUI//REL TO).”

• Banner line.

o At a minimum, CUI markings for unclassified documents

will include the acronym “CUI” at the top and bottom of

each page.

o If there is REL TO information in the document, this will

be reflected in the banner line as shown in this example.

CUI//REL TO USA, FVEY

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): NNPI

Limited Dissemination Control: REL TO USA, FVEY

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

CUI//REL TO USA, FVEY

(U) Marking Requirements for CUI

• (U) Portion markings.

o (CUI//REL TO) Portion markings are optional. However, if

portion markings are annotated, they must be applied to all

portions, to include subjects, titles, headings, paragraphs,

subparagraphs, bullet points, etc.

o (U) Portions containing CUI REL TO information will be

annotated “(CUI//REL TO).”

• (U) Banner line.

o (CUI) At a minimum, CUI markings for unclassified

documents will include the acronym “CUI” at the top and

bottom of each page.

o (CUI//REL TO) If there is REL TO information in the

document, this will be reflected in the banner line as shown

in this example.

CUI//REL TO USA, FVEY

Controlled by: OUSD(I&S)

Controlled by: CL&S INFOSEC

CUI Category(ies): NNPI

Limited Dissemination Control: REL TO USA, FVEY

POC: John Brown, 703-555-0123

Minimum markings

Portion markings included

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.4.d.(3)

Markings are for training purposes only

Note: “REL TO” is always carried forward to the banner line. However, if there are portions marked NF and

portions marked REL TO in the same document, NOFORN takes precedence and will be annotated in the banner

line.

Cover Sheet and Label

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.3.d

Markings are for training purposes only

SF 901, CUI Cover Sheet

SF 902, CUI Label

Decontrol

Reference: DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), para. 3.3.d

Markings are for training purposes only

There are no timelines to decontrol CUI unless specifically required in a law, regulation, or

government-wide policy.

Decontrol will occur when the CUI no longer requires safeguarding.

Agencies must decontrol CUI, unless doing so conflicts with the related law, regulation, or

government-wide policy.

Decontrolling CUI through the public release process relieves authorized holders from

requirements.

CUI Registry

The DoD CUI Registry:

• Provides an official list of the Indexes and Categories used to identify the various types of CUI used in

DoD.

• Mirrors the National CUI Registry www.archives.gov/cui

• The registry is located on the NIPRNet Intelink Sharepoint site at:

https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/ousdi/hcis/sec/icdirect/information/CUI/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

• Future state: the DoD CUI Registry will be located at https://www.dodcui.mil