Your United States passport is issued by the U.S. Department of State, specifically through its Bureau of Consular Affairs. While local post offices, public libraries, and clerk offices collect your paperwork, they do not grant or print the actual document. Every passport book and passport card originates from federal adjudication centers under the authority of the Secretary of State.
Understanding the exact issuing authority matters when you're filling out official paperwork like Form I-9, applying for travel credentials, or replacing a lost booklet. Let's break down how the issuance chain works, what local acceptance facilities actually do, and what you need to write on legal forms.
The Federal Authority Behind Your Passport
Congress granted the power to issue passports to the Secretary of State under federal law (22 U.S.C. 211a). The Secretary delegates this responsibility to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which operates regional passport agencies and high-security printing centers across the country.
When you submit an application, federal adjudicators review your proof of citizenship, verify your identity, and run background checks against federal databases. If approved, the physical passport book or card is printed with specialized security features at a secure federal printing facility before being mailed to your home. Additional insights into this topic are covered by Condé Nast Traveler.
Role of Acceptance Facilities vs. Issuing Agencies
People often confuse the place where they submit an application with the agency that issues the passport.
- Acceptance Facilities: Post offices, public libraries, and local government offices act as intake points. They verify your identity, witness your signature, collect your fees, and seal your documents in a secure envelope. They do not make decisions on your application or print your passport.
- Passport Agencies and Centers: These are direct federal facilities run by the Department of State. They process routine mail-in renewals and handle urgent, life-or-death travel appointments.
What to Write as the Issuing Authority on Form I-9
If you're starting a new job or filling out employment eligibility verification, you'll need to record your passport details on Section 2 of Form I-9.
The correct entry for the issuing authority is United States Department of State (or U.S. Department of State, DOS, USA, or United States).
Don't write down the city where your passport was printed, the name of the post office where you submitted your application, or the phrase "National Passport Center." HR systems look specifically for the federal department that stands behind the document. Make sure you enter your nine-character passport number in the document number field, keeping it separate from the issuing authority line.
Common Misconceptions About Passport Issuance
Many applicants run into confusion because multiple entities touch a passport file before it reaches your hands.
Another common point of confusion involves foreign passports. If an employee presents a foreign passport for Form I-9 purposes, the issuing authority is the foreign government that created the document (such as Canada or Mexico)—not the United States.
Finally, don't confuse the passport card with a state driver's license. While both are official identification cards, a passport card is federal identification issued by the Department of State, whereas driver's licenses are issued by individual state motor vehicle departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the post office print my passport?
No. Post offices only verify your identity, witness your signature, and mail your sealed application packet to a regional federal processing center.
What should I put down as the issuing agency on government forms?
Always write the United States Department of State. You can also use acceptable abbreviations like U.S. Department of State or DOS.
Is a passport card issued by the same authority as a passport book?
Yes. Both the passport book and the wallet-sized passport card are issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Why does my passport list a specific city if the State Department issues it?
Passport books feature a specific data page layout that includes the location of issuance or printing, but the overarching legal authority remains the federal Department of State.
