A “no-fee passport” is issued by the Special Issuance Agency to military personnel or Federal Employees traveling to a foreign country to perform work for the U.S. government, and where appropriate – to their family members. It is not a substitute for a regular tourist passport and it cannot be used for personal travel. Below we will talk about the different types of no-fee passports and go over all the documentation you will need to provide to apply for this type of passport.
Types of no-fee passports
Keep in mind that holders of no-fee passports are not entitled to any preferred treatment or diplomatic immunity. It is solely a passport issued to government employees or military members set to conduct government-related work overseas. The three no-fee passport categories are:
- Diplomatic – issued to personnel appointed to overseas diplomatic missions.
- Official – issued to persons conducting official state business overseas.
- Regular – issued to some individuals involved in U.S. government-run volunteer programs overseas (such as the Peace Corps).
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Required paperwork
No-fee passports are handled by the U.S. Department of Defense. If you are required to apply for a visa, it will also be stamped into your passport. You will have to gather the following paperwork:
- DS-11 Form if you’re applying for a new passport OR DS-82 if you’re applying for a passport renewal.
- DD-1056 (Authorization to Apply for a No-Fee Passport).
- Your most recent U.S. passport – if you also have a tourist passport, you have to submit both
- Proof of citizenship – original birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Original marriage certificate, legal name change document, or divorce decree (if you the name on your new passport is to differ from the old passport).
- Military ID card (if applicable).
- 2 (two) 2″ x 2 ” passport photos no older than 6 (six) months; members of the military must be dressed in civilian attire.
The processing times are about 6-8 weeks and the passports are delivered only to government agencies – never to a private home address.
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No-fee passport: FAQ
Can I apply for a no-fee passport?
If you are a government official or part of the military personnel, you may be eligible to apply for this type of passport.
Can a no-fee passport be used in lieu of a tourist passport?
No, it can only be used for government-related work performed overseas.
How long is the no-fee passport valid?
The no-fee passport is usually valid for 5 (five) years.
Summary
No-fee passports are reserved solely for the military, Department of Defense civilian personnel, and other U.S. government employees performing state-related work abroad. However, this type of passport does not exempt its holder from any mandatory requirements (for example, necessary immunization) nor does it grant any special treatment. This type of travel document cannot be used for personal travel.
A Polish & American English native, Magda grew up in Queens, New York, speaking both English and Polish. She studied Art at the Frank Sinatra School of Arts in Astoria, Queens, the Miami International University of Art & Design, and Criminal Justice at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her passions are art & drawing, all things late-Victorian, Madrid and Spain, colonial African history, and languages.
