How to Get a SAG Card in 2023 (simplified) - Headshots NYC & NJ

On the surface, getting a sag card can seem extremely complex. But in this guide, I'll simplify it so it's super easy to understand!

There are four main steps to getting a SAG card:

1. Decide whether it's the right time to join SAG.
2. Become eligible to join SAG by meeting their requirements.
3. Gather your materials and submit an application.
4. Pay their dues and join.

​We'll dive deep on each of these so you know exactly how to get a SAG card and perhaps even more importantly – whether you

join right now.

SAG and AFTRA used to be two separate unions, but combined into one entity called SAG-AFTRA on March 30th, 2012.

Joining SAG-AFTRA is something most actors aspire to because they'll be guaranteed higher wages, health benefits, strictly enforced protections on set, pension plans, and plenty of other benefits.

Ready to learn how to get a SAG card? Let's dive right in.

Step 1: Decide Whether You Should Get a SAG Card

Most new actors look at SAG-AFTRA and think to themselves, "If only I could get my SAG card... then tons of new opportunities would open up to me!"

But is that really true? Will tons of opportunities actually open up the moment you join?

Sadly, the answer is no. In fact, most actors find it

to get auditions once they join because of something called Global Rule One.

 "No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect, in any jurisdiction in which there is a SAG-AFTRA national collective bargaining agreement in place. This provision applies worldwide."

Basically, this means that once you join SAG-AFTRA, you're no longer allowed to work in non-union jobs anymore. You're going to find much more difficult to get acting work because your competition will be WAY more fierce – you'll be competing for jobs with the best of the best actors – union, high-level performers who have been acting for many years and are competing for roles in bigger, higher-budget projects.

You'll no longer be able to submit yourself for independent internet projects, student films, and even industrials anymore. And joining SAG-AFTRA does NOT make it any easier to get an agent – in fact if you join the union without an agent, you'll probably be in the worst place possible because most

(those found on

and

, etc.), are for non-union jobs.

For that reason, I recommend you read the below questions to determine whether you should realistically begin trying to get a SAG card:

• Do you have at least 3-4 Lead or Supporting screen credits on your resume?
• Do you have at least 1 co-star credit or union franchised film credit on your resume (meaning you're SAG-Eligible)?
• Do you have a professional reel with at least 3 high-budget scenes in it?
• Do you feel very confident in your auditioning ability?
• Do you have a relationship with at least 2-3 casting directors?
• Do you have a SAG-Franchised agent?
  • Related: Contact info of over 140 legit agencies across the world.
    

You should be able to answer yes to at least 4 out of 6 questions above – if you can't, I recommend waiting a bit longer before trying to get a SAG card.

​Step 2: Become Eligible to Join SAG-AFTRA

​Once you've decided you're ready to join, you need to actually become "eligible" (called SAG-Eligible). SAG-AFTRA actually has a real-time eligibility checker you can use to see if you're eligible to join: 

If you're not yet eligible, here's a list of all the possible ways to become eligible:

• Taft-Hartley: Non-union actors can be hired in union projects for speaking roles. The moment you are hired for a principal or speaking role on your first SAG-AFTRA production, you become eligible to join (provided the production submitted the necessary paperwork with your information on it). This is called being "Taft-Hartleyed," and is one of the most common ways of getting into SAG-AFTRA.
  • Note 1: There are ways to improve your chances of being Taft-Hartley'd. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for SAG-AFTRA productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major SAG-AFTRA project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
    • ​Free Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Strategies to Get Casting Directors to Invite You to SAG-AFTRA Auditions (includes word-for-word email templates and a tutorial on how to become friends with any major casting director – even if you've never met)​
  • Note 2: Once you've performed in a principal role on a union film, you are considered "SAG-Eligible," and have 30 days to perform in as many union productions as you want. After that 30 day period is up however, you MUST join the union on the next SAG-AFTRA production you work on (unless it's as a background actor).
• Background Vouchers: If you perform three days of work as a background actor in a SAG-AFTRA production, you will become eligible to join – but only if they give you a "voucher." If the production has any vouchers left (they give them out to union actors first) you'll receive one. Your goal is to collect three vouchers, one for each day of work. Unlike with the Taft-Hartley rule, there is no time frame or limit to the number of background roles you can do in SAG-AFTRA productions before being required to join. This is typically the easiest and most straightforward way to become eligible to join the union.
  • Note 1: To improve your chances of landing a background union role, you can try working in productions that are more difficult to get to – those outside a major production city like NYC or LA. You can also perform in roles that require more harsh working conditions, such as outdoor scenes in bad weather. These techniques will decrease the number of union actors looking for background work in those productions, thereby increasing your chances as a non-union actor of getting booked.
  • Note 2: Background vouchers are not guaranteed. Some productions might not issue one, so be aware that this method isn't always as easy as it sounds.
• Put Together Your Own SAG-AFTRA Production: SAG-AFTRA offers plenty of agreement options for low budget productions, including the New Media, Special New Media, and Ultra Low Budget options. If you create your own project and submit the necessary paperwork and pay the necessary fees, you can make your own production a union project and then hire yourself on it! Basically you'd be Taft-Hartleying yourself with this option.
• Reciprocity: AEA (Actors' Equity Association), ACTRA (The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists), AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists), and AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) are all affiliated with SAG-AFTRA, and as long as you've been a member of one of those unions for at least a year and have performed as a principal at least once under one of their contracts, you'll generally be allowed to join SAG-AFTRA (provided of course that you pay the initiation fee).
• Be Upgraded to a Speaking Role: Similarly to being Taft-Hartleyed, you can start by joining a union production as a background actor, and if they decide to give you a line for whatever reason, you'll instantly become eligible to join the union because you're now considered a "principal" actor.
• Special Cases: If the national board for SAG-AFTRA determines that you're "engaged in work that advances the [union’s] active organizing efforts or general goals," it might decide to admit you. Note that this is extremely rare and generally outside of your control.

Step 3: Gather Paperwork & Submit Your Application

​Once you're eligible to join SAG-AFTRA, it's time to submit your application! Here's what you'll need to do:

• ​Gather the required documentation. If you use the link to check your eligibility status and you're deemed ineligible but you know you ARE eligible per their requirements as outlined above, you'll need to gather the following items as proof of work:
  • Original Paycheck stubs: make sure your pay stubs indicate the date(s) of employment, your name and social security number, the production title, the signatory company, and the wages you were paid. Do not submit copies – only originals are accepted!
  • Performer contract: You'll also need your original contract with the production company (again, not a copy). It should include your name and social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company, and wages paid.
  • Payroll Printout: Finally, you'll be required to submit a payroll printout that includes your name, social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
  • Note: They don't accept background work vouchers as sole proof of work. You'll need the three above items in addition to your vouchers when applying!
• Submit all of the required documents. Along with the documents above, you'll also be required to include your professional name, primary address, telephone number, date & place of birth, and social security number with your submission. You can simply write these down on a separate page in the envelope you mail, or as the text in the email you send.
  • If sending by email: employmentverification@sagaftra.org.
  • If sending by mail: Screen Actors Guild, Membership Services Department – Proof of Eligibility, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
    • Note 1: When sending by mail, be sure to make copies of your documents for your own records before sending them in! You should also include a return-addressed, pre-stamped envelope so they can send your documents back to you after verification.
  • ​If delivering in-person: Drop them off with the first floor receptionist at 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
  • ​​Note: No two actors can have the same name in the SAG-AFTRA database, meaning your application might be denied if you have a common name. For that reason, you might be required to submit a Stage Name instead.
• Schedule an appointment to join. Once they send a letter or email back to you confirming your eligibility, you'll need to schedule an appointment to speak with them. Call their office at (323) 549-6769 to schedule this appointment, where you'll initiate your membership and pay the initiation fee.
• If you run into trouble, just call their nearest office. You can visit www.sagaftra.org/locals to find the nearest office to you – they're usually very friendly and and can walk you through the process, send you step-by-step instructions, and help you get together the necessary paperwork!

​

Keep in mind that every application is individually vetted to ensure everything submitted is legit. Your proof of employment paperwork will checked and any inaccurate information will be discovered and impact future possibility of getting in – so don't lie about anything on your application!

​Step 4: Join and Pay the Initiation Fee

On the scheduled call, you'll be able to ask any final questions you have before joining, and then they will instruct you on how to place payment to join SAG-AFTRA.

All new members pay an initiation fee of $3,000 when joining SAG-AFTRA (this amount is subject to change). In certain states, the initiation fee might be a bit lower.

There are also semi-annual dues required, which are usually a few hundred dollars plus a percentage of your earnings. These dues slowly increase over time.

Payment can be made with cashier's check, money order, or any major credit card. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

​To see the most up-to-date dues and initiation fees,

.

How to Get a SAG Card: Think Strategically

So as a summary, how do you become a member of SAG? Well here's the most strategic order I recommend you go about it:

​

• ​​Step 1: Start saving to have $3,500 in the bank. Your money should be there so you can join as soon as you have to. Why? Because there have been cases of actors who booked an amazing SAG-AFTRA role who were required to join the union but couldn't afford the initiation fee. They lost out on the role of a lifetime because of it. Don't let this be you!
• Step 2: Build up non-union credits (while saving). Spend a year or two building up your credits so your acting resume is strong. Make it your goal to get at least 3-4 Supporting or Lead credits in student or indie non-union films (you can find these roles through casting websites). Also, make sure to ask for your footage so you can begin the process of putting together a professional demo reel.
• Step 3: Find a Union Franchised agent and begin applying for union gigs. Start looking for a union-franchised agent (you don't need to have a SAG card to get representation from one of these acting agencies). While searching for an agent, start building relationships with a few big casting directors by attending workshops and keeping in touch with them via social media or email.
• Step 4: Wait until you become SAG-AFTRA Eligible and then add that to your resume (or work in 3 SAG background roles and request vouchers). Once you have an agent and you've completed all the items above, you can safely join the union whenever you're ready. The simplest way to join would be by either getting booked as a co-star in a television show (or any speaking role in a union film), or by working as a background actor for three days on a union production.
• Step 5: Join SAG-AFTRA. Congratulations! You're ready to join SAG and you're NOT going to lock yourself into a world of hurt by joining too early.​

3 Numbers All Actors Should Know

Knowing how to get a SAG card is important, but it's just one small part of growing your acting career.

If your goal is to act full-time, you should know these 3 numbers:

• 40-60 Submissions – This is how often full-time, working actors submit themselves (whether they have an agent or not) each month.
• 10-20 Auditions – This is how many times full-time working actors audition (or at least record and submit self-tapes) each month.
• 3-5 Bookings  – This is how often full-time working actors book real, paid acting jobs each and every month.

If your numbers aren't there yet, that's OK! It's certainly not easy to audition and book that much.

But those are 

 from busy, working actors 

.

 – for them, the biggest question swirling in their minds at the time was:

It's the classic actor's catch 22.

When we're struggling to get our careers off the ground, our minds can slip into "desperation mode" and start looking for quick-fix solutions. We'll ask ourselves questions like:

• "Should I take another acting class?"
• "Do I need better headshots or s hould I pay to shoot a reel?"
• "What's the fastest way to get an agent?"

But questions like those mean you're focused on 

, instead of 

.

Think about it this way: Would you bake a cake by randomly sliding a pile of flour, eggs, and chocolate into the oven? Of course not! How you combine the ingredients, the temperature you cook it at, and for how long are all just as important.

Similarly, the long-term, well thought-out 

 you follow as you grow your acting career matters. A LOT.

So today I'd like to give you a gift: 3 tools specifically designed to help you start thinking and operating 

These tools have helped over 14,000 actors so far, many of whom have gone on to:

• Book Broadway roles
• Land network television and Netflix shows
• Sign with agents and managers
• And much more – faster than you'd expect (you can see some success stories here).

​ The Actor's Toolkit

​​ The Top 6 Casting Websites to Find Auditions, plus 3 specific submissions strategies to get higher-quality auditions from them 3 Pro Actor Resume Templates, professionally formatted (they work on any device – just add your info) Contact info of over 140 Top Talent Agencies & Submissions Techniques to save you the hassle of trying to find legitimate (non-scam) agents

​ Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses strategic thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 14,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. ​ Want to book more acting work by thinking strategically? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com.

​Some Additional Q&A

Can I Do Non-Union Work When I'm a Member of SAG-AFTRA?

Unfortunately, no. SAG-AFTRA has a rule called the Global Rule One, which means no matter where you are in the world, you MUST only act in SAG-AFTRA productions. If you try to work on a non-union project and SAG-AFTRA finds out, you'll get fined, suspended or even expelled from the union.

This is why it's important to only join the union when you're ready – or in other words, when you're competitive. If you're still building your reel and resume and don't have much experience yet, I highly recommend waiting to join, otherwise you're going to find it MUCH harder to get work. Remember that when you join, you'll be competing with other extremely experienced union actors for every single role.

​What does a SAG card cost?

​Do you have to have a SAG card to be an actor?

You do not need a SAG card to be an actor! You can act in non-union productions for as long as you like, but if you eventually want to perform in bigger projects, like network-level film & television, joining the union will be a must.

How to get a SAG card as an extra?

To get a SAG card as an extra, all you need to do is perform as an extra (background actor) for three full days on set and make sure to ask for your SAG vouchers each day. Then, follow the instructions in the rest of this guide and you'll be able to join!

​Additional Helpful Links:

​Further Reading: