Passport Services Mission Statement
A U.S. passport is your key to international travel. When presented abroad, it is a request to foreign governments to permit you to travel or temporarily reside in their territories and access all lawful, local aid and protection. It allows you access to U.S. Consular services and assistance while abroad. Most importantly, it allows you to re-enter the United States upon your return home.
The Department of State’s Passport Services Directorate issues U.S. passports to traveling Americans. We protect the integrity of the U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship at home and around the world.
Passport Services consists of:
Our National Processing Centers also issue passports for U.S. citizens that apply at our Embassies and Consulates abroad.
Your U.S. passport identifies you as a U.S. citizen or a U.S. national.
See the Difference Between a U.S. Passport Book and U.S. Passport Card ( PDF) to learn which document may best suit your travel needs.
The Department of State will issue to U.S. citizens secure travel documents while providing the highest level of customer service, professionalism, and integrity.
Service Standards