State Department Streamlines Rules for Safe Passport Courier Service
Published Date: 9/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of State is updating rules for companies that hand-deliver passport applications and passports. These courier companies must now register with the Department and follow clear delivery steps to keep passport handling safe and smooth. This affects courier businesses and passport applicants, with no extra fees but a focus on security and proper timing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Courier firms must register first
If you run a courier company that hand-delivers passport applications or U.S. passports to and from participating passport agencies, you must register with the Department of State before offering those hand-delivery services and follow a uniform set of hand delivery procedures. The rule continues the Department's existing program to oversee passport handling and security.
Applicants face no extra fees; security emphasized
If you use a courier to deliver your passport application or pick up your passport, the Department says the program focuses on security and proper timing and will not charge applicants extra fees. Couriers are required to follow the Department's uniform hand delivery procedures when transporting applications and passports to and from participating passport agencies.
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