Steps to Join

Here's what you need to qualify: 

Proof of Employment 
SAG-AFTRA membership is available to those who work in a position covered by a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement, provided that any person qualifying through work as a background actor must have completed three (3) days of work as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement. Membership is also available to those who work one (1) day of employment in a principal or speaking role (actor/performer), or as a Recording Artist in a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) covered production.

Employment Under an Affiliated Performers' Union
Performers may join SAG-AFTRA if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers' union such as ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA for a period of one year, and has worked and been paid for at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

Potential broadcast members should contact the National Broadcast Department or their local for information on joining.

Each application is vetted for legitimacy. That means your proof of employment will be fully investigated by SAG-AFTRA for validity. Your application for membership will be denied if you have falsified your credentials, or if your qualifying employment is not bona fide.

While it is your responsibility to ascertain the validity of your qualifying employment, the Union will be the sole arbiter in determining whether the employer was legitimate or bogus, and whether the qualifying employment which you performed was actual production work or work created solely to enable you to gain Union membership. Please be aware that false representation or deception on your part will jeopardize your chances to join SAG-AFTRA.

Moreover, if after your application has been granted the Union discovers such misconduct on your part, you may find yourself subject to disciplinary proceedings, which could result in your being fined, suspended and/or expelled from SAG-AFTRA.

Appointments for Admission 
If you are eligible under the conditions stated above, please contact your nearest SAG-AFTRA local so that we can advise you of the amount of your joining fees.

Submitting Proof of SAG-AFTRA Eligibility 
If your work history is not on record or incomplete, please submit one of the following documents as proof of eligibility:

• Paycheck Stubs - The paycheck stubs must indicate date(s) of employment, performer's name and social security number, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
• Performer Contract - The original contract with the performer's name and social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
• Payroll Printout - The payroll printout will include the performer's name and social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company and wages paid.

Please note: Background vouchers are not acceptable as proof of work. Submitting these types of documents will delay SAG-AFTRA eligibility verification.

In addition to enclosing proper eligibility documentation, you must include the following information:

• Professional name
• Current primary address
• Current telephone numbers
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city & state)
• Social security number

Please email these documents and info to employmentverification@sagaftra.org.

Thank you for your interest in joining SAG-AFTRA.

Have a question? See the FAQs below.