Passport Information for Law Enforcement
Learn about limiting the use of a U.S. passport, when we may deny or revoke a passport, and when we release copies of passport records to law enforcement.
Limiting the use of a passport
If your law enforcement agency's request to limit the use of a passport falls into one of the categories on this page, mail or fax the request on official agency letterhead to:
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/A
44132 Mercure Cir
PO Box 1243
Sterling, VA 20166-1243
Fax: 202-485-6496
Placing subject in namecheck system
We have a system to check the name and verify the identity of every passport applicant. Law enforcement agencies may request to add a subject's name in this system. When we enter a name, we notify the law enforcement agency before issuing a passport.
Denying a passport
Learn how law enforcement agencies may request passport denial under 22 CFR 52.60. Some reasons to deny a passport include:
A valid, unsealed federal warrant of arrest
A federal or state criminal court order
A condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the United States or the jurisdiction of the court
A request for extradition
Revoking a passport
Law enforcement agencies may ask us to revoke a subject's passport under 22 CFR 51.60-65. After a U.S. passport is revoked, law enforcement and border agencies around the world are informed so the subject cannot travel.
When to keep and return a passport
Law enforcement may keep a U.S. passport as evidence and to prevent a subject from fleeing the country.
Law enforcement must return the passport:
- If the subject is sentenced to prison or probation under conditions which prevent leaving the United States. Provide information about the date and terms of the sentencing order.
- When the passport is no longer needed for law enforcement purposes and the subject is still in custody, under bond, or parole.
Mail the passport to:
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/A
44132 Mercure Cir
PO Box 1243
Sterling, VA 20166-1243
Let us know immediately if:
A subject is arrested.
A warrant is overturned or set aside.
You no longer need us to restrict use of the subject's U.S. passport.
For more information on how to return passports, dial 202-485-6400 or contact us by fax at 202-485-6496.
Requesting passport records
Law enforcement agencies may request certified copies of U.S. passport records if there is an investigation or prosecution.
Mail or fax the request on official agency letterhead to:
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/A
44132 Mercure Cir
PO Box 1243
Sterling, VA 20166-1243
Fax: 202-485-6496
Law enforcement can dial 202-485-6550 for questions.
Returning lost and stolen passports
When a customer reports a passport lost or stolen, we cancel it so that no one can use it to travel to a foreign country. If a lost or stolen U.S. passport is returned to a law enforcement agency office, send the passport and a letter on official agency letterhead to this address:
U.S. Department of State
Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
44132 Mercure Cir
PO Box 1150
Sterling, VA 20166-1150