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How to Use Your Special-Issuance Passport

Learn about your new special-issuance passport and tips for traveling abroad. You may not be able to access some links on this page if you're not on a U.S. government-issued computer or mobile device.

A special-issuance passport is only for official or diplomatic U.S. government travel. You can only use it if you hold the position or status for which it was issued. It is not valid for personal travel, except when entering or exiting your country of assignment. Learn more about your regular tourist passport on After You Get Your Passport.  

A special-issuance passport is the property of the U.S. government and remains valid only while you or your sponsor maintains the status for which it was issued. You must return it, if it is still valid, to your sponsoring agency when you separate from your position. If you are a Department of State employee, return the passport to the Special Issuance Agency, your bureau’s executive office, or a post American Citizens Services unit.

A special-issuance passport does not:

  • Provide diplomatic immunity
  • Exempt you from foreign laws, including customs, immigration, or labor laws
  • Allow you to carry classified or sensitive material across international borders
  • Allow you to avoid questions by foreign immigration officials or to ignore security checkpoints
  • Provide a shield from arrest
  • Shield you from the dangers of war, criminal violence, or terrorism
  • Grant benefits to you which you are not otherwise entitled

You may face increased scrutiny by foreign governments and other entities when using a special-issuance passport.

Protect your passport

Your new passport is secure and durable, but you should still take steps to protect your passport and avoid damage. If you have a damaged passport, it may get rejected by airline or border officials and delay your travel.

  • Store in a cool, dry place.

    • Avoid keeping your passport in a bathroom or other moisture-prone area.
    • If you live in an area of high humidity, check your passport regularly. Use desiccant packs to avoid mold growth. 

  • Avoid extreme temperatures.

    • Do not leave your passport in the sun. 
    • Do not store your passport near heat sources like vents or radiators. 

  • Keep out of reach of pets and children.

    • Store in a secure location to prevent pets or children from damaging your passport.

  • Do not add unofficial stamps or markings.

    • Unofficial novelty or souvenir stamps are not allowed and may cause problems when you travel.
    • Do not write or add markings to any other pages besides your signature or emergency contact information.

Tips for travel 

  • You must sign your full name in your passport in black or blue ink. Do not edit your signature. 
  • On a passport for a child under 16, a parent should print the child's full name on the signature line. The parent should also:
    • Sign their name next to the printed name of their child, and  
    • Note their relation to the child (example: mother, father, or guardian). 
  • Keep passport in a safe location. If you lose your special-issuance passport or it is stolen in the United States, report it online. If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 
  • When you report a passport lost or stolen, we cancel it and you cannot use it to travel.  

Getting a visa 

  • Many countries have more visa requirements if you have a special-issuance passport.  
  • Having an official or diplomatic visa does not result in diplomatic status or immunity. 
  • For more information on visa requirements, go to Official and Diplomatic Visa Information. You must be on a U.S. government-issued computer or mobile device. 
  • If you do not have access to OpenNet and need to contact our Visa Office, use our  Contact Us Portal.  

Placing a special-issuance passport on file 

If you no longer need your passport but are moving to a new federal agency that may require you to travel in the future, you can place it on file.  

  • You can only place diplomatic, official, or service passports on file that are valid for 1 year or more. 
  • If the passport has more than 6 months of validity, and you are still entitled to the same type of passport, we can return it to your federal agency if you need to travel again. 
  • If you send us a passport that has less than 6 months of validity, we will destroy it. 

Placing a passport on file means: 

  • You do not have to submit a new application if you remain eligible for the same type of passport. 
  • Your federal agency does not have to pay the Department of State to process a new application.
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How to access the Special Issuance Agency's website

The Special Issuance section is restricted to devices with federal government IP addresses. Contact us to add new IP addresses to the access list.

If you cannot access our website, please follow these steps:

  1. Get at least 1 IP number from your federal agency

    • Type in ip4.me into your web browser’s address and hit “Enter”
    • You will see a series of numbers like 555.555.555.5 at the top of the page. This series of numbers is your IP address.

  2. Provide the top-level domain name of your agency like army.mil, state.gov, or trade.gov

    Find this information by opening up your agency’s default web browser and looking at the URL in the address bar.

  3. Email the Special Issuance Agency

    Email the IP address and top-level domain name of your agency to the Special Issuance Agency.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

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