Need help finding where your passport was issued?
Whether you’re filling out a DS-160 visa form or need it to book a flight, finding the “passport place of issue” on your travel document can be confusing.
But don’t worry—
In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of passport place of issue and where to find it.
Looking for more passport-related articles? Check these out:
- Help! I Lost My Passport, and I Fly Tomorrow
- Passport Renewal at the Post Office: Can You Apply at the USPS?
- Passport Application for Minors in the US
- When Should You Renew Your Passport?
What Does “Place of Issue” Mean on a US Passport?
The “place of issue” on a US passport refers to where your passport was officially issued.
Note that this doesn’t refer to the passport acceptance facility where you submitted your application (e.g., a post office) but rather the governmental office that processed and issued your passport.
Here are some common locations where US passports are issued:
- National Passport Center
- Regional Passport Agency
- Passport Service Center
- Designated US embassies or consulates abroad
💡 Did you know? Only 26 passport agencies and centers in the United States handle all passport applications.
Where Is the Place of Issue on a Passport?
The personal details page in your passport has all the information, such as the expiration date or birthplace, but there’s no mention of “place of issue.”
So, where is it?
Let’s navigate this together.
Passports issued in the US
The place of issue isn’t explicitly listed on US-issued passports.
Instead, the passport will have the issuing authority (i.e., issuing office), which is generally the “US Department of State” that reviews all applications. You can find this on the information page of your passport, often near your photo and personal details.
So, when providing the place of issue of your passport, you can write:
- US Department of State
- USDOS
- DOS
- US Department of State, USA
Note: Some older US passports might have a specific city listed under “Issuing Authority.” If your document mentions “Los Angeles,” “Chicago,” or anything else, simply write that.
Passports issued abroad
If you renewed your passport abroad due to loss or damage, the place of issue will typically be an embassy or consulate in a specific city, not the issuing country.
Example: If you had to apply for a passport in Australia, the place of issue could be “US Consulate in Sydney.”
Are you applying for a visa?
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FAQ
What’s the place of issue for my US passport?
The place of issue for a US passport typically refers to the passport agency or center where it was processed. You can find it on the information page of your passport under “Issuing Authority.”
How can I tell where my passport was issued?
If you’re a US passport holder, look at the issuing authority on the information page of your passport. In most cases, the place of issue is “US Department of State.”
What’s the difference between the country of issue and the place of issue?
The country of issue refers to the state that issued the passport, which is the United States for US passports. On the other hand, the place of issue is the specific location within that country where the passport was processed and issued.
Sources:
- https://diplomacy.state.gov/who-issues-your-u-s-passport/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
