The Evolution of Our Badges
The first mention in historical records of the badges worn by Secret Service operatives was during Hiram C. Whitley’s tenure as Chief in 1869. He issued permission for the operatives to obtain their own badges if they wished to wear them. In 1873, the Secret Service issued its first standard badges to its operatives. A private firm designed and manufactured the new badges; however, no records remain of the actual appearance of the badges.
A Legacy of Protection
Don't miss our complete History section.
Learn More
Service Star - 1875
Secret Service Chief Whitley then asked the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a new badge for the Secret Service. Issued in 1875, this version was the first to feature the “Service Star” – the official emblem still used today by the Secret Service. The star’s five points each represent one of the agency’s five core values: justice, duty, courage, honesty and loyalty.
Size Redesign - 1890
Fifteen years later, in 1890, the Bureau of Engraving modified the design for the Secret Service, making the badge smaller and easier for the agents to carry in their commission books.
Uniformed Division - 1922
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1922.
Uniformed Division - 1940
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1940.
Uniformed Division - 1951
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1951.
Uniformed Division - 1963
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1963.
Uniformed Division - 1968
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1968.
Uniformed Division - 1969
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1968.
Uniformed Division - 1970
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1970.
Badge Consistency - 1971
This badge remained unchanged until the Secret Service adopted a new badge design in early 1971 to promote consistency among all law enforcement agencies within the Department of the Treasury. The Secret Service’s own graphic artists created this badge.
Uniformed Division - 1978
The badge of our Uniformed Division beginning in 1978.
Badge Today - 2003
A new special agent badge was introduced in September 2003, which is the badge special agents use today.
