The Capitol Flag Program began in 1937 when a Member of Congress requested a flag that had flown over the Capitol. Over the years the focus of the program gradually expanded to encompass the commemoration of national holidays and various special events, as well as to honor the work of groups such as schools and civic organizations. Requests for Capitol flags rapidly outgrew the supply; hence, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) instituted a program of flying smaller flags that may be purchased through Members' offices.
The AOC fulfills all flag requests from Members of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. Flags are flown daily year-round, weather permitting, excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Currently, the AOC fulfills on average more than 100,000 flag requests from Members of Congress annually, with the number of requests and the popularity of the Capitol Flag Program growing steadily each year. There are special flag poles where all flags are flown. After it is flown over the U.S. Capitol, each flag is issued a keepsake Certificate of Authenticity by the AOC.
For federal law relating to display and associated questions for flying the United States Flag, please read the CRS Report.
Members of the general public must contact their representative or senator to obtain a flag flown over the Capitol.
Resources for Congressional Staff
The following resources are for congressional staff use only:
- Flag Flying Guidelines — Updated October 1, 2016
- Flag Request Form (Fillable PDF)
- Fallen Heroes Flag Request Form (Capitol Network Only)