SF 902 vs. SF 905: What’s the Difference Between These CUI Labels?
If you are marking computers, monitors, hard drives, or other devices that store or display Controlled Unclassified Information, one of the most common questions is:
What’s the difference between the SF 902 and SF 905 CUI labels?
The answer is simple: both labels are used to mark CUI on computers and digital media, but SF 902 includes “U.S. Government Property,” while SF 905 does not.
What is the SF 902 label?
The SF 902 is a CUI computer and digital media label used to identify devices and media that contain Controlled Unclassified Information. It's used to identify and protect electronic media and other equipment that contain CUI, and to alert holders to the presence of CUI stored on the device. The label includes the phrase “U.S. Government Property.”
The SF 902 label is available in:
- 100-label rolls
- 500-label rolls
- Approximate size 2.125" x 1.25"
What is the SF 905 label?
The SF 905 serves the same general purpose as the SF 902: it is used for marking digital media and equipment associated with CUI. The key difference is that it is a generic version and does not include “U.S. Government Property” on the label. This version is intended for organizations that need a CUI media label without that government-property wording.
Like the SF 902, the SF 905 is also available in:
- 100-label rolls
- 500-label rolls
- Approximate size 2.125" x 1.25"
The main difference: government property wording
This is the real deciding factor.
Choose SF 902 if:
You want the label to include “U.S. Government Property” and your environment prefers that wording. CUI Supply specifically says this version is recommended for many Defense Industrial Base contractors.
Choose SF 905 if:
You need a generic CUI label for computers or digital media, but do not want the label to say “U.S. Government Property.”
What do SF 902 and SF 905 have in common?
Both labels are designed to support clear visual marking of devices or media that contain CUI. These labels are used to alert holders to the presence of CUI on the device, referencing DFARS and 32 CFR 2002.20 requirements.
In practical terms, both can be used on items such as:
- laptops
- desktop computers
- monitors
- external hard drives
- other digital media or equipment containing CUI
Which one should you buy?
For many defense contractors, SF 902 is often the better fit because it includes the more explicit “U.S. Government Property” language. For commercial organizations, mixed environments, or teams that want a cleaner generic format, SF 905 may make more sense.
A simple way to think about it:
SF 902 = CUI media label with “U.S. Government Property”
SF 905 = CUI media label without “U.S. Government Property”
Final takeaway
If you are comparing SF 902 vs. SF 905, you are not really choosing between two completely different label types. You are choosing between the same general CUI media-marking function with two wording options.
If your organization wants or expects “U.S. Government Property” on the label, go with SF 902. If you need the same style of label without that language, go with SF 905.
This blog is designed to help readers understand the difference between SF 902 and SF 905 CUI labels and choose the right option for their environment. Many people searching for answers are looking for terms like SF 902 vs SF 905, SF 902 label, SF 905 label, CUI computer labels, CUI digital media labels, and CUI device labels. The article should also naturally address common questions such as when to use SF 902, when to use SF 905, which CUI label should I use, and what the difference is between a CUI label that includes U.S. Government Property and a more general CUI label. Since these labels are commonly used on computers, monitors, hard drives, laptops, and other digital media, related phrases like CUI labels for computers, digital media marking, CUI media identification, and device marking for CUI also fit well. Including this kind of language helps the post align with search intent from defense contractors and other organizations trying to properly mark devices and media that contain Controlled Unclassified Information.
