The U.S. Department of State is an executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for foreign policy and relations. The State Department processes U.S. passports.
How to reach a person at U.S. Department of State
Customer service: (202) 647-4000
U.S. Department of State Responsiveness rating
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What you need to know about U.S. Department of State
The State Department has historically handled passport applications and renewals slowly. In recent months, the wait times have become unacceptably lengthy.
How to resolve a problem with U.S. Department of State
If you have travel booked within 14 calendar days, you can get an expedited passport by making an appointment to visit one of the 26 regional passport agencies. Many passport agencies are fully booked, and for first-time applicants, the State Department says it can’t guarantee an appointment will be available.
Note: If you’re having customer service trouble, please use our proven methods for fixing any consumer problem before contacting a manager.
U.S. Department of State mailing address
600 19th Street, N.W.
First Floor
Sidewalk Entry
Washington, DC 20006
U.S. Department of State executive customer service contacts
Primary Contact
Don Jacobson
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services
600 19th Street, N.W.
Sidewalk entry
Washington, DC 20006
[email protected]
(202) 485-6378
Secondary Contact
Rena Bitter
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs
600 19th Street, N.W.
Sidewalk entry
Washington, DC 20006
[email protected]
(202) 647-2522
Chief Executive
Antony Blinken
Secretary of State
600 19th Street, N.W.
Sidewalk entry
Washington, DC 20006
[email protected]
(202) 647-6575
Can I resolve a customer service problem through social media?
No, do not try to resolve a customer service problem involving passports through social media.
How can I track my passport application status?
Follow these steps:
- Visit the U.S. passport application status page on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
- Before entering your personal information for a passport application status check, review the Department of State’s privacy and computer fraud and abuse acts notices and disclaimers.
- After reading the notice and disclaimer, close that window and click the box to confirm that you have read them.
- Input your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- The status of your application may be one of the following:
- Not available: This could indicate your application is in transit to a passport agency, experiencing technical issues, or requiring you to re-enter your name.
- In process: Your application is under review at one of the agencies or centers.
- Approved: The review is complete, and the printing of your passport will begin.
- Passport mailed: Your passport is being sent to the address you provided on your application.
- Supporting documents mailed: Your supporting documents are being sent via First Class Mail to the provided mailing address.
- Additional information needed: More information is required to complete your application, causing a delay in processing times.
- Note that it may take up to 2 weeks from the day of application until your status shows as “in process.” During this period, your application undergoes processing at mail and intake facilities. When your tracking number indicates “arrived,” your application is at the mail facility, and when your payment is processed, your application is at the intake facility. If any issues arise during this process, the intake facility will contact you for further information.
How can I contact U.S. Department of State customer service?
Call (202) 647-4000 or email [email protected].
What are the U.S. Department of State customer service hours of operation?
Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, call (877) 487-2778 to schedule an appointment. Ensure that you keep track of your confirmation number.
How to get professional help with your U.S. Department of State problem
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