State Dept. Proposes Rule Providing for Third-Party Attendance at Certain Appointments

Good news for those navigating passport and citizenship services: a rule proposed by the Department of State in 2023 is now official and in effect as of June 12, 2024.

What's Changed?

The Department of State has finalized regulations allowing applicants to bring private attorneys, interpreters, or other third parties to certain appointments at passport agencies, centers, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Where Does This Apply?

The rule covers appointments for:

• U.S. passport applications (domestic and overseas)

• Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

• Certificates of Loss of Nationality (CLN)

• Other services provided by American Citizens Services (ACS) units at posts overseas

The Bottom Line

If you need assistance during your appointment—whether from a lawyer, interpreter, or another supporter—you can now bring someone of your choosing at your own expense. This policy is currently being implemented across all U.S. passport agencies, centers, embassies, and consulates.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2024, and is now codified in Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 50, 51, and 71).