| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: August 24, 2017 |
American mariners exempt from fee when obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport in connection with employment aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel
To renew a passport under the fee exemption, contact the U.S. State Department's Special Issuance Agency at (202) 485-8200. After the automated menu has concluded, callers can press '0' to speak with a representative.
U.S. merchant mariners can receive instructions on how to apply for a U.S. passport or passport renewal under the fee exemption. These instructions may include: completing the required renewal form (DS-82), providing a photo copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential (front and back), providing a letter from the vessel's captain or the vessel's operating company on company letterhead verifying your employment onboard a U.S.-flagged vessel, and providing additional information such as social security number, rating and/or vessel particulars.
The mailing address for obtaining a passport under the fee exemption is:
U.S. Department of StateThe applicable section in the Code of Federal Regulations (b)(2) is as follows:
Special Issuance Agency (CA/PPT/SIA)
44132 Mercure Cir.
PO Box 1185
Sterling, VA 20166-1185
22 CFR 51.52 Exemption from payment of passport fees
(a) A person who is exempt from the payment of passport fees under this section may obtain a passport book only for no charge. A passport card will not be issued for no charge to the individuals exempt from the payment of passport fees under this section.
(b) The following persons are exempt from payment of passport fees except for the passport execution fee, unless their applications are executed before a federal official, in which case they are also exempt from payment of the passport execution fee:
(1) An officer or employee of the United States traveling on official business and the members of his or her immediate family. The applicant must submit evidence of the official purpose of the travel and, if applicable, authorization for the members of his or her immediate family to accompany or reside with him or her abroad.
(2) An American seaman who requires a passport in connection with his or her duties aboard a United States flag vessel.
(3) A widow, widower, child, parent, brother or sister of a deceased member of the United States Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such service member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such member.
(4) Other persons whom the Department determines should be exempt from payment of passport fees for compelling circumstances, pursuant to guidance issued by the Department; or
(5) Other categories of persons exempted by law.
| Copyright © American Maritime Officers, All Rights Reserved |