diff --git a/maven-release-plugin/src/main/java/org/apache/maven/plugins/release/PerformReleaseMojo.java b/maven-release-plugin/src/main/java/org/apache/maven/plugins/release/PerformReleaseMojo.java
index aa6ac09d8..fc66baa74 100644
--- a/maven-release-plugin/src/main/java/org/apache/maven/plugins/release/PerformReleaseMojo.java
+++ b/maven-release-plugin/src/main/java/org/apache/maven/plugins/release/PerformReleaseMojo.java
@@ -88,6 +88,18 @@ public class PerformReleaseMojo
     @Parameter( defaultValue = "false", property = "localCheckout" )
     private boolean localCheckout;
 
+    /**
+     * The SCM private key to use.
+     */
+    @Parameter( property = "privateKey" )
+    private String privateKey;
+
+    /**
+     * The SCM Private Key Pass Phrase to use.
+     */
+    @Parameter( property = "passphrase" )
+    private String passphrase;
+
     /**
      * The SCM username to use.
      */