# Station 12

Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/station-12
Last updated: 2026-09-14
Author: Nick Harty, Storiara

> Station 12 is SAG-AFTRA's cast clearance department and process. Signatory producers submit each performer's name and work date before the performer works, and Station 12 confirms whether that person is a member in good standing, eligible, or needs to resolve dues or status issues. "Being Station 12'd" means a performer wasn't cleared.

## What clearance tells you

A Station 12 check comes back with one of a few answers. The performer is a paid-up member and cleared to work. Or they're not a member, in which case the producer needs to decide whether to hire them under the [Taft-Hartley](https://storiara.com/glossary/taft-hartley) process. Or they're a [must-join](https://storiara.com/glossary/must-join) who has used up their 30-day window and has to join first. Or they're a member who owes dues or has another status issue, and they have to fix it with the union before they work.

## When it happens

Casting clears principal performers as offers go out, before the deal is final. For a day player booked Thursday, the [casting director](https://storiara.com/roles/casting-director)'s office sends the name to Station 12 as soon as the booking is made, not Wednesday night. For background, the SAG-AFTRA production checklist asks for name, Social Security number, and work date for each background performer at least one week before employment begins. On a show with changing background counts, the [extras casting director](https://storiara.com/roles/extras-casting-director) sends updates as the list changes.

## A sample day

Here's how clearance looks for a day with four new speaking roles:

| Cast # | Role | Status from Station 12 | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Nurse Kim | Member, cleared | Send deal |
| 15 | Bus driver | Non-member | Taft-Hartley report due within 15 days of work |
| 16 | Teen at bus stop | Must-join | Performer contacts union to join before work |
| 17 | Detective | Member, dues owed | Performer contacts Station 12 to clear |

Cast #17's agent gets a call the same afternoon. If the dues aren't sorted before the shoot day, the producer has a problem: hire someone else, or risk a claim.

## Why it matters to producers

Station 12 protects the producer as much as the union. Hiring a performer who hasn't cleared can mean damages under the agreement's union security and preference of employment provisions, and those claims arrive long after wrap when nobody remembers the details. A cleared list with dates, kept in the production files, is the record that shows the production did its part.

## Common mistakes

Clearing only the leads. Every performer counts, including stunt performers, day players added the night before, and a background actor upgraded on set to a line.

Relying on what the actor says. "I'm in good standing" is sincere most of the time, but Station 12 is the check. The union's [overview for producers](https://storiara.com/blog/the-screen-actors-guild-sag-aftra-what-every-producer-needs-to-know) covers where clearance fits with the rest of the paperwork.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who submits Station 12 clearance?

The signatory producer, usually through the casting office, production coordinator, or extras casting for background. SAG-AFTRA accepts requests by email, phone, fax, and online for registered producers.

### What happens if a performer doesn't clear?

SAG-AFTRA's guidance says it's the producer's responsibility to tell the performer to contact Station 12 right away to bring their membership status or financial obligations up to date before working.

### How far ahead should background be cleared?

SAG-AFTRA's checklist asks producers to send background names and work dates to Station 12 at least one week before the start of employment under the Basic Agreement.

## Sources

- [SAG-AFTRA: Station 12 Information Form](https://www.sagaftra.org/station-12-information-form)
- [SAG-AFTRA: Theatrical/Television Production Checklist](https://www.sagaftra.org/sites/default/files/production_checklist_theatrical_television_4_7_2.pdf)
- [SAG-AFTRA: Casting Professionals](https://www.sagaftra.org/casting-professionals)