how to get a us diplomatic passport
How to get a us diplomatic passport
How to get a us diplomatic passport. The U.S. Department of State’s Special Issuance Agency (SIA) maintains strict eligibility rules. You qualify for a diplomatic passport only if you meet one of the following criteria:
Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats: Appointed diplomats, ambassadors, and Foreign Service Officers serving abroad under Chief of Mission authority.
High-Ranking Government Officials: The President, Vice President, Cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices, and select members of Congress traveling on official business.
Eligible Family Members (EFMs): Immediate family members (spouses and dependent children) accompanying an eligible government official on an overseas assignment.
Delegates on Official Foreign Duty: Individuals granted explicit diplomatic or consular titles by the Department of State for specific official missions.
Note: General U.S. federal employees, military service members, or contractors on routine government business typically receive an Official Passport (maroon cover) or a Service Passport (gray cover), not a diplomatic passport.
Apply for official passport online
To apply for a diplomatic passport, you must compile a specific set of official documents:
Proof of Authorization (Travel Orders): A signed copy of your official travel orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or an official agency memo detailing your foreign assignment.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship: A previous regular U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization.
Application Form:
Form DS-11: If applying for the first time or replacing a lost/stolen passport.
Form DS-82: If renewing a previously issued special-issuance passport.
Passport Photo: One standard 2×2 inch color photo taken within the last 6 months against a plain white or off-white background (no glasses).
Government Photo ID: Official federal agency ID or driver’s license.
How to Get a US Diplomatic Passport
If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to complete the application process through your sponsoring agency.
Step 1: Obtain Official Agency Authorization
Before filling out passport forms, secure your official authorization documents.
State Department Employees: Submit a request to your bureau’s executive office for a signed letter of authorization.
Department of Defense (DoD): Submit DD Form 1056 along with your approved travel orders through a DoD passport facility.
Other Federal Agencies: Request an official Letter of Authorization from your agency’s travel coordinator.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Use the Department of State’s online Passport Wizard or we can help you to fill out Form DS-11 or Form DS-82.
Print the generated application single-sided.
Do NOT sign Form DS-11 until instructed by an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Step 3: Submit Package Through Your Agency Travel Office
Diplomatic passport applications are handled through internal government channels rather than local public post offices:
In Washington, D.C.: Submit your package via your agency’s designated travel management office or directly to the Special Issuance Agency (SIA) office.
Outside D.C. or Overseas: Coordinate with your Regional Security Officer (RSO), agency travel coordinator, or the consular section at the local U.S. Embassy.
Verification passport
The SIA verifies your foreign destination, job duties, and agency authorization. Once approved, the diplomatic passport is issued without a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a diplomatic passport for personal vacations?
No. Diplomatic passports are strictly reserved for official government travel. For personal travel or vacations, you must use a standard blue U.S. tourist passport.
Does a diplomatic passport grant diplomatic immunity?
Diplomatic immunity depends on accredited status under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as accepted by the host country. Buy a diplomatic passport online .
How much does a US diplomatic passport cost?
There is no fee charged to the applicant for a diplomatic passport. The processing costs are covered by the issuing federal agency.
How long is a diplomatic passport valid?
Diplomatic passports are generally valid for up to 5 years or for the duration of the official assignment. Upon conclusion of official duty, the passport must be returned or surrendered according to agency guidelines.