Effective April 8, 2002, US Embassies and Consulates overseas will no longer issue US passports abroad, except in emergency cases.

Domestic passport facilities will issue highly secure photo-digitized passports with state-of-the-art security features. Americans will continue to submit their passport applications at their nearest Consulate or Embassy for processing. Applications will be sent to the United States for completion. This will increase processing time at some US Embassies and Consulates, but the Department of State is committed to ensuring that American citizens receive secure documents in a timely manner. American citizens are strongly encouraged to apply early for renewal of expiring passports.

The US Mission in India recommends, for example, that if a US passport is valid for less than six months, the passport holder should apply for a new passport.

US Embassies and Consulates will continue to issue passports in emergency cases. Such passports will be limited in validity, and cannot be extended. Such passports must also be turned in before a new full validity passport can be released.

Parents are also reminded that for American citizen children under age 14, both parents must consent in writing to passport issuance for the child. Exceptions to this policy are very limited.