CHAPTER 4—PASSPORTS
211a.
Authority to grant, issue, and verify passports.
212.
Persons entitled to passport.
212a.
Restriction of passports for sex tourism.
212b.
Unique passport identifiers for covered sex offenders.
213.
Application for passport; verification by oath of initial passport.
213a.
Authority to designate additional passport acceptance agents.
214.
Fees for execution and issuance of passports; persons excused from payment.
214a.
Fees erroneously charged and paid; refund.
215 to 217. Omitted or Repealed.
217a.
Validity of passport; limitation of time.
218.
Returns as to passports issued, etc.
Section, R.S. §4075; act June 14, 1902, ch. 1088, §1, 32 Stat. 386, provided for issuance of passports. See section 211a of this title.
§211a. Authority to grant, issue, and verify passports
The Secretary of State may grant and issue passports, and cause passports to be granted, issued, and verified in foreign countries by diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, and by such other employees of the Department of State who are citizens of the United States as the Secretary of State may designate, and by the chief or other executive officer of the insular possessions of the United States, under such rules as the President shall designate and prescribe for and on behalf of the United States, and no other person shall grant, issue, or verify such passports. Unless authorized by law, a passport may not be designated as restricted for travel to or for use in any country other than a country with which the United States is at war, where armed hostilities are in progress, or where there is imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of United States travellers.
(July 3, 1926, ch. 772, §1, 44 Stat. 887; Pub. L. 95–426, title I, §124, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 971; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §127(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4299.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b)(1), substituted "such other employees" for "such employees".
Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b)(2), which directed the amendment of this section by substituting "United States" for "United States," was executed by making the substitution after "who are citizens of the", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "by diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, and by other employees of the Department of State who are citizens of the United States," for "by diplomatic representatives of the United States, and by such consul generals, consuls, or vice consuls when in charge,".
1978—Pub. L. 95–426 inserted provision prohibiting passport restrictions except for countries with which the United States is at war, where armed hostilities are in progress or there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of United States travellers.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title of 2023 Amendment
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6114(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "This section [amending section 214 of this title] may be cited as the 'First Responders Passport Act'."
Short Title of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–167, §1, Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3578, provided that: "This Act [amending section 214 of this title] may be cited as the 'Passport Services Enhancement Act of 2005'."
Special Hiring Authority for Passport Services
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6101, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 965, provided that: "During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary [of State], without regard to the provisions under sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, may directly appoint up to 80 candidates to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Department [of State] in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967."
Passport Travel Advisories
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6103, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 965, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Department [of State] should make prominent in United States regular passports, on the first three pages of the passport, the following information:
"(1) A prominent, clear advisory for all travelers to check travel.state.gov for updated travel warnings and advisories.
"(2) A prominent, clear notice urging all travelers to register with the Department prior to overseas travel.
"(3) A prominent, clear advisory—
"(A) noting that many countries deny entry to travelers during the last 6 months of their passport validity period; and
"(B) urging all travelers to renew their passport not later than 1 year prior to its expiration."
Limitations on Use of Funds for Procurement of Paper for Passports
Pub. L. 100–440, title VI, §617(b), Sept. 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 1755, provided that: "None of the funds made available by this or any other Act with respect to any fiscal year may be used to procure paper for passports granted or issued pursuant to the first section of the Act entitled 'An Act to regulate the issue and validity of passports, and for other purposes', approved July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a), if such paper is manufactured outside of the United States or its possessions or is procured from any corporation or other entity owned or controlled by persons not citizens of the United States. This subsection shall not apply if no domestic manufacturer for passport paper exists."
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation act:
Pub. L. 100–202, §101(m) [title VI, §622(b)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–390, 1329-428.
Persons Entitled to Diplomatic or Official United States Passport
Pub. L. 95–426, title I, §125, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 971, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress that a diplomatic or official United States passport should be issued only to, and used only by, a person who holds a diplomatic or other official position in the United States Government or who is otherwise eligible for such a passport under conditions specifically authorized by law."
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 11295. Rules Governing Granting, Issuing, and Verifying of Passports
Ex. Ord. No. 11295, Aug. 5, 1966, 31 F.R. 10603, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, and as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
Section 1. Delegation of authority. The Secretary of State is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without the approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority conferred upon the President by the first section of the Act of July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a), to designate and prescribe for and on behalf of the United States rules governing the granting, issuing, and verifying of passports.
Sec. 2. Superseded orders. Subject to Section 3 of this order, the following are hereby superseded:
(1) Executive Order No. 7856 of March 31, 1938, entitled "Rules Governing the Granting and Issuing of Passports in the United States."
(2) Executive Order No. 8820 of July 11, 1941, entitled "Amending the Foreign Service Regulations of the United States."
Sec. 3. Saving provisions. All rules and regulations contained in the Executive order provisions revoked by Section 2 of this order, and all rules and regulations issued under the authority of those provisions, which are in force at the time of the issuance of this order shall remain in full force and effect until revoked, or except as they may be hereafter amended or modified, in pursuance of the authority conferred by this order, unless sooner terminated by operation of law.
Lyndon B. Johnson.
§212. Persons entitled to passport
No passport shall be granted or issued to or verified for any other persons than those owing allegiance, whether citizens or not, to the United States.
(R.S. §4076; June 14, 1902, ch. 1088, §2, 32 Stat. 386.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
R.S. §4076 derived from act May 30, 1866, ch. 102, 14 Stat. 54.
Amendments
1902—Act June 14, 1902, substituted "those owing allegiance, whether citizens or not, to the United States" for "citizens of the United States".
§212a. Restriction of passports for sex tourism
(a) In general
Following any conviction of an individual for a violation of section 2423 of title 18, the Attorney General shall notify in a timely manner—
(1) the Secretary of State for appropriate action under subsection (b); and
(2) the Secretary of Homeland Security for appropriate action under the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.].
(b) Authority to restrict passport
(1) Ineligibility for passport
(A) In general
The Secretary of State shall not issue a passport or passport card to an individual who is convicted of a violation of section 2423 of title 18 during the covered period if the individual used a passport or passport card or otherwise crossed an international border in committing the offense.
(B) Passport revocation
The Secretary of State shall revoke a passport or passport card previously issued to an individual described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Exceptions
(A) Emergency and humanitarian situations
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may issue a passport or passport card, in emergency circumstances or for humanitarian reasons, to an individual described in paragraph (1)(A).
(B) Limitation for return to United States
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may, prior to revocation, limit a previously issued passport or passport card only for return travel to the United States, or may issue a limited passport or passport card that only permits return travel to the United States.
(3) Definitions
In this subsection—
(A) the term "covered period" means the period beginning on the date on which an individual is convicted of a violation of section 2423 of title 18 and ending on the later of—
(i) the date on which the individual is released from a sentence of imprisonment relating to the offense; and
(ii) the end of a period of parole or other supervised release of the covered individual relating to the offense; and
(B) the term "imprisonment" means being confined in or otherwise restricted to a jail, prison, half-way house, treatment facility, or another institution, on a full or part-time basis, pursuant to the sentence imposed as the result of a criminal conviction.
(Pub. L. 110–457, title II, §236, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5082.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of Title 8 and Tables.
§212b. Unique passport identifiers for covered sex offenders
(a) In general
Immediately after receiving a written determination from the Angel Watch Center that an individual is a covered sex offender, through the process developed for that purpose under section 21507 of title 34, the Secretary of State shall take appropriate action under subsection (b).
(b) Authority to use unique passport identifiers
(1) In general
Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary of State shall not issue a passport to a covered sex offender unless the passport contains a unique identifier, and may revoke a passport previously issued without such an identifier of a covered sex offender.
(2) Authority to reissue
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may reissue a passport that does not include a unique identifier if an individual described in subsection (a) reapplies for a passport and the Angel Watch Center provides a written determination, through the process developed for that purpose under section 21507 of title 34, to the Secretary of State that the individual is no longer required to register as a covered sex offender.
(3) Clarification with respect to continuing registration
An individual may not be issued or reissued a passport without a unique identifier solely because the individual has moved or otherwise resides outside the United States.
(c) Defined terms
In this section—
(1) the term "covered sex offender" means an individual who—
(A) is a sex offender, as defined in section 21503(f) of title 34; and
(B) is currently required to register under the sex offender registration program of any jurisdiction;
(2) the term "unique identifier" means any visual designation affixed to a conspicuous location on the passport indicating that the individual is a covered sex offender; and
(3) the term "passport" means a passport book or passport card.
(d) Prohibition
The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, and their agencies, officers, employees, and agents, shall not be liable to any person for any action taken under this section.
(e) Disclosure
In furtherance of this section, the Secretary of State may require a passport applicant to disclose that they are a registered sex offender.
(f) Effective date
This section shall take effect upon certification by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, that the process developed and reported to the appropriate congressional committees under section 21507 of title 34 has been successfully implemented.
(Pub. L. 110–457, title II, §240, as added Pub. L. 114–119, §8, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 24; amended Pub. L. 117–347, title III, §323(b), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6207.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2023—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 117–347 added par. (3).
§213. Application for passport; verification by oath of initial passport
Before a passport is issued to any person by or under authority of the United States such person shall subscribe to and submit a written application which shall contain a true recital of each and every matter of fact which may be required by law or by any rules authorized by law to be stated as a prerequisite to the issuance of any such passport. If the applicant has not previously been issued a United States passport, the application shall be duly verified by his oath before a person authorized and empowered by the Secretary of State to administer oaths.
(June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title IX, §1, 40 Stat. 227; Pub. L. 90–428, §3, July 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 446.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Second sentence of act June 15, 1917, which related to fees for taking application for passport, was omitted as superseded by sections 214 to 217a of this title.
Amendments
1968—Pub. L. 90–428 substituted provisions requiring that the initial passport application be duly verified under oath before a person authorized and empowered by the Secretary of State to administer oaths for provisions requiring that each passport application be duly verified under oath before a person authorized and empowered to administer oaths.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–428 effective on thirtieth day following July 26, 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–428, set out as a note under section 217a of this title.
Strengthening Passport Customer Visibility and Transparency
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6106, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 966, provided that:
"(a) Online Status Tool.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Department [of State] should modernize the online passport application status tool to include, to the greatest extent possible, step by step updates on the status of passport applications, including with respect to the following stages:
"(1) Submitted for processing.
"(2) In process at a lockbox facility.
"(3) Awaiting adjudication.
"(4) In process of adjudication.
"(5) Adjudicated with a result of approval or denial.
"(6) Materials shipped.
"(b) Additional Information.—The tool pursuant to subsection (a) should include a display that informs each passport applicant of—
"(1) the date on which his or her passport application was received; and
"(2) the estimated wait time remaining in the passport application process.
"(c) Report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] that outlines a plan for coordinated comprehensive public outreach to increase public awareness and understanding of—
"(1) the online status tool required under subsection (a);
"(2) passport travel advisories required under section 6103 [22 U.S.C. 211a note]; and
"(3) passport wait times."
Publication and Updates of Estimated Time for Processing of Passport Applications
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6108, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 967, provided that: "The Secretary [of State] shall publish and update on a quarterly basis on relevant websites of the Department [of State] the estimated time for processing of passport applications."
Use of Commercially Available Technology in Online Passport Renewal Program
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6111, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "The Secretary [of State] shall take such steps as may be necessary to compare and use the best commercially available technology in the private sector, as determined by the Secretary, in the development of the Department [of State]'s online passport renewal program or any successor program."
Agreements With Foreign Countries Regarding Passports Nearing Expiration
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6113, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "The President, acting through the Secretary [of State], shall seek to reach agreements with the governments of foreign countries that do not accept United States passports that are at or within 6 months of expiration to allow for the use of such United States passports."
Return of Supporting Documents for Passport Applications Through United States Postal Service Certified Mail
Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCVII, §9714, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3921, provided that:
"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary shall establish a procedure that provides, to any individual applying for a new United States passport or to renew the United States passport of the individual by mail, the option to have supporting documents for the application returned to the individual by the United States Postal Service through certified mail.
"(b) Cost.—
"(1) Responsibility.—The cost of returning supporting documents to an individual as described in subsection (a) shall be the responsibility of the individual.
"(2) Fee.—The fee charged to the individual by the Secretary for returning supporting documents as described in subsection (a) shall be the sum of—
"(A) the retail price charged by the United States Postal Service for the service; and
"(B) the estimated cost of processing the return of the supporting documents.
"(3) Report.—Not later than 30 days after the establishment of the procedure required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] that—
"(A) details the costs included in the processing fee described in paragraph (2); and
"(B) includes an estimate of the average cost per request."
Issuance of Passports for Children Under Age 14
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §236], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-430, provided that:
"(a) In General.—
"(1) Regulations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999], the Secretary of State shall issue regulations providing that before a child under the age of 14 years is issued a passport the requirements under paragraph (2) shall apply under penalty of perjury.
"(2) Requirements.—
"(A) Both parents, or the child's legal guardian, must execute the application and provide documentary evidence demonstrating that they are the parents or guardian; or
"(B) the person executing the application must provide documentary evidence that such person—
"(i) has sole custody of the child;
"(ii) has the consent of the other parent to the issuance of the passport; or
"(iii) is in loco parentis and has the consent of both parents, of a parent with sole custody over the child, or of the child's legal guardian, to the issuance of the passport.
"(b) Exceptions.—The regulations required by subsection (a) may provide for exceptions in exigent circumstances, such as those involving the health or welfare of the child, or when the Secretary determines that issuance of a passport is warranted by special family circumstances."
§213a. Authority to designate additional passport acceptance agents
(a) Authority to designate
The Secretary may designate any person described in subsection (b) that meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe pursuant to regulations to serve as a passport acceptance agent, unless the Secretary withdraws such authorization on a case-by-case basis with respect to a given person.
(b) Authorized persons
A person described in this subsection is any of the following:
(1) An employee of the clerk of any Federal court.
(2) An employee of the clerk of any State court of record.
(3) A postal employee at a United States post office that has been selected to accept passport applications.
(4) An employee of the Department of Defense at a military installation that has been authorized to accept passport applications.
(5) An employee of a Federal department or agency that has been selected to accept passport applications.
(6) Any other person specifically designated by the Secretary.
(c) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe or revise such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this division.
(Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6109, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 967.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This division, referred to in subsec. (c), is div. F of Pub. L. 118–31, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 963, known as the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023. For complete classification of div. F to the Code, see Tables.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Definition
For definition of "Secretary" as used in this section, see section 6002 of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.
§214. Fees for execution and issuance of passports; persons excused from payment
(a)(1) There shall be collected and paid into the Treasury of the United States a fee, prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulation, for the filing of each application for a passport (including the cost of passport issuance and use) and a fee, prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulation, for executing each such application except that the Secretary of State may by regulation authorize State officials or the United States Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for each application for a passport accepted by such officials or by that Service. Such fees shall not be refundable, except as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no passport fee shall be collected from—
(A) an officer or employee of the United States proceeding abroad in the discharge of official duties, or from immediate family of such officer or employee;
(B) an American sailor who requires a passport in connection with assigned duties aboard an American flag-vessel;
(C) a widow, widower, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such member;
(D) an individual or individuals abroad, returning to the United States, when the Secretary determines that foregoing the collection of such fee is justified for humanitarian reasons or for law enforcement purposes;
(E) at the discretion of the Secretary, an individual who—
(i) is operating under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the United States Government to participate in search, rescue, and other related disaster relief operations within a foreign country following a natural disaster; or
(ii) is required pursuant to such contract, grant, or cooperative agreement to be available to travel abroad to assist in search, rescue, or other related disaster relief efforts immediately upon notice from the United States Government.
(3) No execution fee shall be collected for an application made before a Federal official by a person excused from payment of the passport fee under this section.
(b)(1) The Secretary of State may by regulation establish and collect a surcharge on applicable fees for the filing of each application for a passport in order to cover the costs of meeting the increased demand for passports as a result of actions taken to comply with section 7209(b) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–458; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note). Such surcharge shall be in addition to the fees provided for in subsection (a) and in addition to the surcharges or fees otherwise authorized by law and shall be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account, to remain available until expended for the purposes of meeting such costs.1
(2) The authority to collect the surcharge provided under paragraph (1) may not be exercised after September 30, 2010.2
(3) The Secretary of State shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, the total cost of a passport application during fiscal years 2006 and 2007, including the surcharge authorized under paragraph (1), shall not exceed the cost of the passport application as of December 1, 2005.
(June 4, 1920, ch. 223, §1, 41 Stat. 750; Feb. 10, 1956, ch. 31, 70 Stat. 11; Pub. L. 90–428, §2, July 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 446; Pub. L. 92–14, §1, May 14, 1971, 85 Stat. 38; Pub. L. 93–417, Sept. 17, 1974, 88 Stat. 1151; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §116(a), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 279; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title IV, §407], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-55; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §233(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-426; Pub. L. 109–167, §2, Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3578; Pub. L. 109–210, §1, Mar. 24, 2006, 120 Stat. 319; Pub. L. 109–472, §5, Jan. 11, 2007, 120 Stat. 3555; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7081(f), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 716; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6114(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 designated first two sentences as par. (1); designated third sentence as par. (2), substituted "Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no passport fee shall be collected from—" for "No passport fee shall be collected from", inserted subpar. (A) designation before "an officer", substituted "or from immediate family of such officer or employee;" and subpar. (B) for "or from members of his immediate family; from an American seaman who requires a passport in connection with his duties aboard an American flag-vessel; from", inserted subpar. (C) designation before "a widow", substituted "memorial service for such member;" for "memorial service for such member; or", inserted subpar. (D) designation before "an individual", substituted "law enforcement purposes;" for "law enforcement purposes.", and added subpar. (E); and designated last sentence as par. (3).
2017—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–31 substituted "in the Consular and Border Security Programs account" for "as an offsetting collection to the appropriate Department of State appropriation".
2007—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–472 substituted "from a widow" for "or from a widow" and inserted "; or from an individual or individuals abroad, returning to the United States, when the Secretary determines that foregoing the collection of such fee is justified for humanitarian reasons or for law enforcement purposes" after "memorial service for such member".
2006—Pub. L. 109–167 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–210 substituted "or from a widow, widower, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such member" for "or from a widow, child, parent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such member".
1999—Pub. L. 106–113, in first sentence, substituted "the filing of each application for a passport (including the cost of passport issuance and use)" for "each passport issued" and "each such application except" for "each application for a passport; except" and inserted after first sentence "Such fees shall not be refundable, except as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe."
1996—Pub. L. 104–208 inserted "; except that the Secretary of State may by regulation authorize State officials or the United States Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for each application for a passport accepted by such officials or by that Service" before period at end of first sentence and struck out after first sentence "Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the right of the Secretary of State by regulation (1) to authorize State officials to collect and retain the execution fee, or (2) to transfer to the United States Postal Service the execution fee for each application accepted by that Service."
1982—Pub. L. 97–241 substituted provision that the Secretary of State prescribe by regulation the fee for passports for provision that a fee of $10 be charged for each passport and that the fees be collected and paid into the Treasury quarterly.
1974—Pub. L. 93–417 substituted provisions authorizing the Secretary of State to prescribe fees for execution of applications for passports by regulation for provisions prescribing a fixed fee of $2, substituted "United States Postal Service" for "Postal Service", and struck out references to the fee of $2 in the proviso relating to the rights of the Secretary of State.
1971—Pub. L. 92–14 authorized the United States Postal Service to receive the fee of $2 for execution of an application for a passport.
1968—Pub. L. 90–428 increased from $1.00 to $2.00 and from $9.00 to $10.00, respectively, the fees for the execution and the issuance of passports, struck out "to a citizen or person owing allegiance to or entitled to the protection of the United States" after "for each passport issued", restricted the exemption for seamen to American seamen requiring a passport in connection with duties aboard an American flag-vessel, and inserted provision excusing a person exempted from a passport fee from paying an execution fee.
1956—Act Feb. 10, 1956, increased from $1 to $2 the fee for executing passport applications, and reworded authorization of State officials to collect and retain $2 fee.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §233(c)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-426, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and repealing section 216 of this title] shall take effect on the date of issuance of final regulations under section 1 of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 [22 U.S.C. 214], as amended by subsection (a)." [Final regulations issued Feb. 23, 2000, effective May 15, 2000, see 65 F.R. 14211.]
Effective and Termination Date of 1971 Amendment
Pub. L. 92–14, §2, May 14, 1971, 85 Stat. 38, as amended by Pub. L. 93–126, §8, Oct. 18, 1973, 87 Stat. 453, provided that: "The amendment made by this Act [amending this section] shall become effective on the date of enactment [May 14, 1971] and shall continue in effect until June 30, 1974."
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–428 effective on thirtieth day following July 26, 1968, see section 4 of Pub. L. 90–428, set out as a note under section 217a of this title.
Electronic Payment for Passport Application Fees
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6112, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "The Secretary [of State] shall develop a process to accept electronic payment for all fees associated with the processing of passport applications, including for applications submitted by regular mail."
Deposit of Consular Fees in the Consular and Border Security Programs Account
Pub. L. 117–103, div. K, title VII, §7069(e), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 681, provided that: "Beginning on October 1, 2021 and for each fiscal year thereafter, fees collected pursuant to subsection (a) of section 1 of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(a)) shall, notwithstanding such subsection, be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account as discretionary offsetting receipts: Provided, That amounts deposited in fiscal year 2022 shall remain available until expended for the purposes of such account: Provided further, That the Secretary of State may by regulation authorize State officials or the United States Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for each application for a passport accepted by such officials or by that Service."
Extension of Consular Fees
Pub. L. 118–47, div. F, title VII, §7068(a), Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 848, provided that: "Section 1(b)(1) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1)) shall be applied through fiscal year 2024 by substituting 'the costs of providing consular services' for 'such costs'."
Prior extensions were contained in the following prior acts:
Pub. L. 117–328, div. K, title VII, §7068(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5089.
Pub. L. 117–103, div. K, title VII, §7069(a), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 681.
Pub. L. 116–260, div. K, title VII, §7069(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1812.
Extension of Authority To Collect Surcharge
Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCVIII, §9802(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3924, provided that: "Section 1(b)(2) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(b)(2)) shall be applied by striking 'September 30, 2010' and inserting 'September 30, 2026'."
Prior extensions were contained in the following prior acts:
Pub. L. 117–103, div. K, title VII, §7034(l)(1), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 623.
Pub. L. 116–260, div. K, title VII, §7034(l)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1749.
Pub. L. 116–94, div. G, title VII, §7034(l)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2872.
Pub. L. 116–6, div. F, title VII, §7034(m)(1), Feb. 15, 2019, 133 Stat. 326.
Pub. L. 115–141, div. K, title VII, §7034(l)(1), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 895.
Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7034(k)(1), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 651.
Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7034(k)(1), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2764.
Pub. L. 113–235, div. J, title VII, §7034(l)(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2625.
Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7034(m)(1), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 515.
Pub. L. 112–74, div. I, title VII, §7034(m)(1), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1216.
Deposit of Receipts From Expedited Passport Processing
Pub. L. 103–317, title V, Aug. 26, 1994, 108 Stat. 1760, as amended by Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7081(g), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 716, provided in part "That hereafter all receipts received from a new charge from expedited passport processing shall be deposited in this account as an offsetting collection or in the Consular and Border Security Programs account and shall be available until expended".
Information From United States Passports
Pub. L. 101–604, title II, §203(d), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3083, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, to the extent provided in appropriation Acts, for each fiscal year not more than $5,000,000 in passport fees collected by the Department of State may be credited to a Department of State account. Amounts credited to such account shall be available only for the costs associated with the acquisition and production of machine-readable United States passports and visas and compatible reading equipment. Amounts credited to such account are authorized to remain available until expended."
§214a. Fees erroneously charged and paid; refund
Whenever a fee is erroneously charged and paid for the issue of a passport to a person who is exempted from the payment of such a fee by section 214 of this title, the Department of State is authorized to refund to the person who paid such fee the amount thereof, and the money for that purpose is authorized to be appropriated.
(July 3, 1926, ch. 772, §3, 44 Stat. 887.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Certain Appropriation Accounts Abolished
Effective July 1, 1935, enumerated appropriation accounts appearing on the books of the Government were abolished and in lieu thereof there was established an account to be designated "Refund of Moneys Erroneously Received and Covered." See section 1322 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
§215. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section, act June 4, 1920, ch. 223, §2, 41 Stat. 750, provided for fees of $1 for each application for a visa and $9 for each visa. It was superseded by sections 2(h) and 7(h) of the Immigration Act of 1924 (act May 26, 1924, ch. 190, 43 Stat. 154, 157) which provided for fees in the same amounts. The 1924 Act was repealed by section 403(a)(23) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 279). See section 1351 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality, and section 9701 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
Section, act June 4, 1920, ch. 223, §4, 41 Stat. 751, authorized return of fees on refusal to visé.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
For effective date of repeal, see section 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II, §233(c)] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 214 of this title.
Section, act June 4, 1920, ch. 223, §3, 41 Stat. 751, limited time as to validity of passport or visé. See section 217a of this title.
§217a. Validity of passport; limitation of time
A passport shall be valid for a period of ten years from the date of issue, except that the Secretary of State may limit the validity of a passport to a period of less than ten years in an individual case or on a general basis pursuant to regulation.
(July 3, 1926, ch. 772, §2, 44 Stat. 887; July 1, 1930, ch. 782, 46 Stat. 839; May 16, 1932, ch. 187, 47 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 86–267, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 552; Pub. L. 90–428, §1, July 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 446; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §116(b)(1), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 279.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1982—Pub. L. 97–241 substituted provision that a passport be valid for a period of ten years from issuance and that the Secretary of State could limit the period to less than ten years in an individual case or on a general basis by regulation for provision that a passport be limited to a period of not more than five years, that the Secretary of State could limit the passport to a shorter period, and that a valid passport outstanding as of the effective date of Pub. L. 90–428 be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue, except where such passport was limited to a shorter period by the Secretary.
1968—Pub. L. 90–428 substituted provisions that passport be limited to a period of not more than five years, though the Secretary of State may limit it to a shorter period and provisions as to the length of validity of passports outstanding as of the effective date of Pub. L. 90–428 for provisions that a passport or passport visa be limited to a period of three years, that a passport be renewed pursuant to regulations of the Secretary for a period not to exceed two years, provided that the final date of expiration not be more than five years from the original date of issue, that the Secretary be authorized to limit the validity of a passport, passport visa, or period of renewal of a passport to less than two years, and that the charge for the issue of an original passport be $9.00 and the charge for the renewal be $5.00.
1959—Pub. L. 86–267 substituted "three years" for "two years", and "five years" for "four years".
1932—Act May 16, 1932, among other changes, increased payment for renewals from $2 to $5, for issue of original passport from $5 to $9, and restored final expiration date of renewal passport to four years from six-year period.
1930—Act July 1, 1930, among other changes, provided for $2 payment for renewal of passport, $5 payment for issue of an original passport, and changed from four to six years the final expiration date of renewal passport.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §116(b)(2), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 279, provided that: "The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] applies with respect to passports issued after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 24, 1982]."
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Pub. L. 90–428, §4, July 26, 1968, 82 Stat. 446, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 213 and 214 of this title] shall take effect on the thirtieth day following the date of its enactment [July 26, 1968]."
Notification of Passport Expiration
Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6110, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "The Secretary [of State] shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that each individual holding a valid United States passport is notified of the upcoming expiration of such passport not later than one year before the date of such expiration."
§218. Returns as to passports issued, etc.
All persons who shall be authorized to grant, issue, or verify passports, shall make return of the same to the Secretary of State, in such manner and as often as he shall require; and such returns shall specify the names and all other particulars of the persons to whom the same shall be granted, issued, or verified, as embraced in such passport.
(R.S. §4077.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
R.S. §4077 derived from act May 30, 1866, ch. 102, 14 Stat. 54.
Section 219, R.S. §4078; act June 14, 1902, ch. 1088, §3, 32 Stat. 386, related to issuance of false passports. See section 1541 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Section 220, acts June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title IX, §2, 40 Stat. 227; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §7, 54 Stat. 80, related to false statements in application for passports. See section 1542 of Title 18.
Section 221, acts June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title IX, §3, 40 Stat. 227; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §7, 54 Stat. 80, related to unlawful use of passports. See section 1544 of Title 18.
Section 222, acts June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title IX, §4, 40 Stat. 227; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §7, 54 Stat. 80, related to forging or altering of passports. See section 1543 of Title 18.
Section 223, acts May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §1, 40 Stat. 559; June 21, 1941, ch. 210, §1, 55 Stat. 252, related to wartime restrictions generally. See section 1185 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.
Section 224, act May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §2, 40 Stat. 559, related to requirement of passport for citizens during wartime restrictions. See section 1185 of Title 8.
Section 225, acts May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §3, 40 Stat. 559; June 21, 1941, ch. 210, §2, 55 Stat. 253, related to penalty for violation of wartime restrictions. See section 1185 of Title 8.
Section 226, acts May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §4, 40 Stat. 559; June 21, 1941, ch. 210, §2a, 55 Stat. 253, related to definition of "United States" and "person" as used in wartime restriction. See section 1185 of Title 8.
Section 226a, act May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §5, as added June 21, 1941, ch. 210, §3, 55 Stat 253, related to permit as guarantee of admission to the United States. See section 1185 of Title 8.
Section 226b, act May 22, 1918, ch. 81, §6, as added June 21, 1941, ch. 210, §3, 55 Stat. 253, related to proclamation, rule, etc., as bar to prosecution. See section 1185 of Title 8.
Section 227, act Mar. 2, 1921, ch. 113, §1, 41 Stat. 1217, related to continuation of regulations as to alien passport requirements.
Sections 228 and 229, act June 20, 1941, ch. 209, §§1, 2, 55 Stat. 252, related to refusal of visés to aliens whose admission might endanger the public safety, and to rules and regulations governing this refusal. See section 1102 of Title 8.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Termination of Emergency Provisions
Joint Res. Mar. 31, 1953, ch. 13, §1, 67 Stat. 18, provided for the extension of certain emergency provisions (previously extended to April 1, 1953 by Joint Res. July 3, 1952, ch. 570, §1(b), 66 Stat. 333) until July 1, 1953. Joint Res. Mar. 31, 1953, ch. 13, §2, 67 Stat. 18, provided that the extension did not apply to the provisions of sections 223 to 226b of this title.