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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.

Your agency's request to add a subject's name to this system must include:

  • The name, date of birth, and place of birth of the subject

  • A list of the crimes you are investigating with the statutory citations

  • Reasons for the request

  • The names, agency addresses, and phone numbers of the law enforcement officer and supervisor whom we can contact

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

When an agency requests passport denial, the request must include:

  • The name, date of birth, and place of birth of the subject

  • A copy of the valid arrest warrant or criminal court order

  • The names, agency addresses, and phone numbers of the law enforcement officer and supervisor whom we can contact

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. 

The agency requesting to revoke a passport must include:

  • The subject’s name, including aliases

  • Date and place of birth

  • Social security number

  • Known previous passport numbers

  • Last known physical address

  • Any other identity documents and photographs of the subject

  • Copies of any criminal court orders or valid arrest warrants

  • The names, agency addresses, and phone numbers of the law enforcement officer and supervisor whom we can contact

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.

The request must include the following information:

  • Subject’s name

  • Date of birth

  • Place of birth

  • Reason for the request

    • Explain if you are prosecuting or investigating the subject
    • Include the names of the defendants, or those under investigation
    • Identify the crimes and include statutory citations, and
    • Explain how the records you want relate to the investigation or prosecution of the subject

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