Find Official U.S. State Dept. Forms: Passports & More
Are you planning a trip abroad, navigating international affairs, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of U.S. government processes? The U.S. Department of State offers a comprehensive array of resources, from official forms for passports and visas to vital information on diplomacy and consular services, readily accessible online.
The Department of State serves as the primary agency responsible for U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Navigating its various departments and the forms they require can feel daunting. Fortunately, the department provides a centralized system to locate and access these vital documents.
One of the most frequently accessed resources is the application for a U.S. passport. To initiate this process, you can complete and submit the application in person at a designated passport acceptance facility, a passport agency (by appointment only), or a U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency if you are abroad. Once you've submitted your application, you can track its status online at passportstatus.state.gov, typically 14 business days after you apply.
For those unsure which form to use, the Department of State provides a form wizard. This tool guides you and your family through a series of questions to determine the appropriate passport form. The wizard is not an online application itself, and completing it does not guarantee the issuance of a passport, but it provides a crucial first step. After answering a few questions, the wizard will recommend the correct form(s) and provide you with the next steps to submit your application.
The scope of Department of State forms extends far beyond passports. You can find resources related to consular affairs, including visa forms and American citizen services. The site also houses forms for various State Department employee matters. This resource is a vital tool for those employed by the Department, including members of the Foreign Service Reserve Corps (FSRC), who remain subject to conduct and ethics standards.
Whether you need an Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration or require information on international parental child abduction, a wealth of information is at your fingertips. Additionally, the Department of State has a centralized forms program that provides customers worldwide with standardized electronic forms.
The Office of Directives Management (A/GIS/DIR) manages the official forms of the Department. If you have received your passport via mail, you are advised to inquire about the issuance date, tracking number, and the issuing passport agency's name and address. Use the tracking number to monitor its delivery through the shipping company or postal service.
For those needing to request authentication and/or Apostille certificates for documents used internationally, a specific form is available. These certificates are sealed by the U.S. Department of State for legal and administrative purposes abroad. The information gathered in this form may be shared with other government agencies or contractors to aid in issuing certificates or responding to requests for related services. These forms are also vital for law enforcement agencies.
For a citizen of the United States of America, a child born abroad to U.S. citizen parents can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if certain statutory requirements are met. An "Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad" is required, and the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides the necessary documentation.
The Department encourages the use of a trackable mailing service when submitting applications. Parental awareness is often a requirement for issuing a U.S. passport for a minor. In many instances, the passport authorizing officer can verify parental awareness of the application. Keep in mind that if you need to report a lost or stolen passport or card, you can report the issue to the Department of State via travel.state.gov.
The Department of State employment application for locally employed staff and travel.state.gov offer an array of resources.
