Protocol Procedural Manual

The following is intended to orient and assist the Permanent Missions in the
various requests they need to make at the Department of State. All requests made
to the Department of State, should be made through the OAS Office of Protocol
(Protocol/OAS) which serves as a liaison between the Permanent Missions and the
Department of State.
A diplomatic note from the Mission should always be sent together with the
documentation explaining the purpose of the request.

1. Visas
The correct visa for members of the Permanent Missions (both diplomatic
administrative and support staff) is a G-1 visa and for members of the
Permanent Observer Missions is a G-3 visa.
Personal domestic staff should have a visa G-5.
In cases where the applicant arrives with the incorrect visa, a change of
status must be requested at the beginning of the accreditation process. Please
refer to the Change of Status Section under Visas for further instructions.

1.1. Visa renewal for diplomats and for administrative and service staff at
the Mission (paid by the government and with visa G-1 or G-3) and their
dependents.
Send to Protocol/OAS with a diplomatic note the following:
Form DS-1648 (https://ceac.state.gov/agnato/), upload a 2x2 color photo
on a white background
Send the confirmation page with the bar code
Passport and I-94 if the applicant has more than one passport, i.e. an
expired and a new passport, please send both passports.

1.2 Visa request (G-5) for domestic staff in country of origin hired by a G-1
or G-3 visa holder.
The Department of State has determined that only diplomats with the rank of
Ambassador or Minister may hire and bring a personal domestic employee from
abroad or hire one who is already legally in the United States.
Complete a Pre Notification of Domestic Worker Form (send to
[email protected]).
When the domestic lives abroad, send a diplomatic note requesting for the
issue of a G-5 visa, specifying the city and country of the US consulate. The
note should include the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number,
address and telephone number of the domestic.
An employment contract in the language the domestic speaks
Copy of the approved Pre-Notification of Domestic Worker.
Copy of the Visa and both sides of the I-94 of the employer.

*NOTE: The domestic will have to fill out a DS-160, Non-Immigrant Visa
Application and submit it to the consulate. The domestic should look on the
particular consulates website and follow the instructions for obtaining a PIN and
for then making an appointment for an interview.
1.3.

Extension of stay for private domestics (visa G-5)

G-5 visas are not renewed in the United States and new G-5 visas can only
be issued outside the U.S. However, the Department of State Visa Office can give
an extension of stay in the U.S. to a domestic employee and the extension is noted
on the back of the I-94.
To request an extension of stay for a domestic employee and for their
dependents please send a diplomatic note and the following documents to
Protocol/OAS:

 Passports with a validity of at least two years and the I-94s of the domestic
and the domestics dependents. If the applicant has more than one passport,
i.e. an expired and a new passport, please send both passports.
Form I-539
An employment contract signed by both the employer and the domestic in
English and in Spanish
A copy of the employers visa and both sides of his I-94

1.4.

Change of Status
In cases where the applicant arrives with the incorrect visa, a change
of status must be requested at the beginning of the accreditation process. To
request the change of status attach the following documents to the
Notification of Appointment and send to Protocol/OAS:
Two original form I-566 signed in black ink for each individual that
needs to change their visa.

Once the I-566 forms have been approved Protocol/OAS will request:
Form DS-1648 (https://ceac.state.gov/agnato/), upload a 2x2 color photo
on a white background
Send the confirmation page with the bar code
Form I-539- one per family
Passport and I-94

1.5.

I-94 Replacement
To request a replacement I-94 in the case that the original is lost, send
the following documents to Protocol/OAS:
Form I-102

 Passport and visa

Written statement in English explaining the reason for requesting an I-94
replacement
Copy of the police report
Proof of last entry into the United States (i.e. flight itinerary, copy of
plane tickets, etc.)

2.

Accreditations

2.1.

Accreditation of diplomats, non-diplomatic staff, and their dependents:

For accreditations, send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:
Form DS-2003, Notification of Appointment of Foreign Diplomatic
Officer
Four recent passport color photos on a white background of the principal
and three photos for each dependent. No photographs are needed for
persons under 15 years of age.
Copy of the passports, both sides of the I-94 forms, and of the visas of
the principal and of each dependent.
Form DS-2007, Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic Consular and
Foreign Government Employees when there are more than 2
dependents.

*NOTE: In cases when the applicant does not have a G-1 visa (or in the case of
Observers, a G-3 visa) a Change of Status must be requested at the beginning of
the accreditation process. Please refer to the Change of Status Section under Visas
for further instructions.

2.2.

Accreditations of dependents whose arrival is after the principals

Send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:

 Form DS-2006 Notification of Change noting in the Remarks section,

the names, dates of birth, and date of arrival of the dependents.
Form DS-2007, Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic, Consular and
Foreign Government Employees
Copies of the passports, visas, both sides of the I-94, and photographs (of
persons over 15 years old) of the dependents
Copy of the visa and I-94 of the principal.

2.3.

Dependents over 21 years of age

Upon reaching the age of 21, children are no longer considered
dependents. However, dependency will be extended to children between 21
and 23 if these are studying full time and carrying a minimum of 12 credits
at an accredited university.
Dependents of non-diplomats will be able to continue working until the
age of 23.
In order to request a family justification and obtain a diplomatic id,
drivers license, and tax exemption card submit the following documents to
Protocol/OAS:
Form S/CPR-05; Family Status Justification
Copy of the official university listing of the classes being taken (a
minimum of 12 credits).
A letter or other official university document which indicates estimated
date of graduation.
If the student has a copy of the I-102 given to him by the university, a
copy should also be attached.

2.4. Accreditation when one spouse works at a Permanent Mission and the
other at an embassy.
Both spouses must be notified at the Department of State as principals by
their respective employer and each one should include in their
accreditation, the information concerning the spouse and their children.
Please send to Protocol/OAS the same documents listed in the
Accreditation Section.

2.5.

Accreditation of diplomats who are legal U.S. residents

Diplomats who are US residents must be notified at the Department of State

but will not be extended privileges and immunities unless they rescind their
resident status.
For purposes of this notification send to Protocol/OAS the following:
Form DS-2003, Notification of Appointment of Foreign Diplomatic
Officer
Form DS-2007, Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic, Consular and
Foreign Government Employees
Copies of the principals Permanent Resident Card and passport.
Copies of the dependents Permanent Resident Card and passport (if
applicable)

2.6. Accreditation of domestic staff (G-5 visa)

Send to Protocol/OAS the following:
Form DS-2004 Notification of Appointment of Foreign Government
Employee
Copies of the employers passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94

 Copies of the domestic employees passport, visa, and both sides of the
I-94
3 recent color photographs on a white background of the domestic
employee
Employment contract in English and in Spanish signed by the
employer and the domestic employee

3.

Drivers License and Vehicle Processes

3.1. Drivers Licenses

Individuals accredited as diplomats at the Department of State and their
dependents who wish to drive a vehicle are required to have a diplomatic
drivers license issued by the Department of State. Each eligible member of the
family (dependents between 16 and 21 years of age) should send the following
to Protocol/OAS:
Form DS-1972
Two color passport photos on a white background
Legible copy of both sides of a valid drivers license. This license
should specify dates of issue and expiration
3.2.

Learners Permit
Persons (16 years of age or older) who are requesting a US license for the
first time and who do not have a valid license from their country of origin
must indicate that they are applying for a Learners Permit, and send the
following documents to Protocol/OAS:
Form DS-1972
Two color passport photos on a white background

3.3. License for Motorcycles

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Form DS-1972 specifying the license requested is for a motorcycle
Copy of drivers license from country of origin (front and back)
Two color passport photos on a white background

3.4. Drivers License and Identification Card for Non-Diplomats

Persons with no diplomatic status who need a license or ID card should
request, through Protocol/OAS, a letter from the Department of State
addressed to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state in which
they reside.
For the letter the applicant should send Protocol/OAS the following
information:
Full Name
Date of Birth
PID Number
State of Residence (Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C.)
3.5.

Vehicle Registration
The Mission and the diplomat must register all acquired vehicles to
the Department of State, whether they are bought or leased, and must use the
diplomatic license plates that are assigned.
To register a vehicle, send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:
Form DS-100 for Mission vehicles
Form DS-101 for personal vehicles
Attach the original certificate of origin (for new vehicles)

 Attach the title (for used vehicles)

A copy of the insurance policy with the required minimum limits of
coverage (100,000/300,000/100,000 or combined 300,000)
In the case of new vehicles, a copy of the odometer statement and a
copy of the buyers order or receipt
In the case of used vehicles bought from a dealership, the original
Dealers Reassignment of Title must be submitted

3.6. Registering a vehicle imported to the United States

To register a vehicle that is being imported to the United States send the
following documents to Protocol/OAS:
Form DSP-101
Copy insurance policy covering this vehicle with the required minimum
limits of coverage (100,000/300,000/100,000 or combined 300,000)
Form DS-1504, Request for Customs Clearance of Merchandise
include the following information concerning the vehicle: Make, model,
year, value, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and whether or
not the vehicle meets the national safety and pollution standards.
Copy of the bill of lading
*NOTE: Please note that a vehicle that does not meet the national safety and
pollution standards may not be sold in the United States unless it is brought into
compliance.
3.7. Renewal of Vehicle Registration and decals
The Department of State automatically renews vehicle registration and
decals in the month that they expire. In order for this to occur, the
Department of State needs a copy of the current insurance policy in their
database. To avoid delays and complications, it is imperative to send to
Protocol/OAS a copy of the Declarations Page each time it is paid for and

renewed, noting on them by hand the plate number (or plate numbers, if the
owner owns more than one vehicle) and the owners PID number.

3.8.

Motorcycle Registration and Tags

To register a motorcycle and obtain tags send to Protocol/OAS the
following documents:
Form DS-101
Original title
Copy of the insurance policy with the required minimum limits of
coverage (100,000/300,000/100,000 or combined 300,000)

3.9.

Selling, exporting a vehicle, or self terminating

Send to Protocol/OAS the following:
Form DSP-102 specifying if the vehicle will be sold to a diplomat,
exported, or self-terminated
For self terminating cases a letter of termination should be sent
before requesting the title
If the vehicle was acquired with a loan then a copy of a letter from
the bank indicating that the loan has been paid must be included.
For vehicles that will be exported, the Department of State will
issue a provisional license plate for a month as long as they have a
copy of the current insurance policy.
*NOTE: A title may not be requested when selling a vehicle without a
buyer

4.

Tax Exemption Program

The importation of articles free of duties and the purchase of items in
bonded warehouses are among the privileges which are accorded to the
Permanent Missions and their diplomatic staff.

4.1.

Importation of Personal Effects and Other Articles

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Form DS-1504
Specify in the Carrier-Supplier box: the name of the ship, the
voyage number, and the estimated date of arrival
In the Description of Merchandise section include the number of
boxes and a general description of the cargo (i.e. used household
items and personal effects), the address where the cargo will be
stored before leaving customs and the importers delivery address
Attach a copy of the airway bill or bill of lading and Notice of
Arrival

4.2 . Bonded Warehouse

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Copy of the Duty-Free form that this office has prepared

4.3.

Tax Exemption Cards

Diplomats and their dependents 18 years or older that are accredited
through the Department of State are entitled to a tax exemption card.
To apply for a tax exemption card send the following documents to
Protocol/OAS:

 Form DS-1972
A recent passport photograph on a white background

4.4.

Gasoline Tax Exemption

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Business Application for a gas card
Form DS-99
Copy of the tax exemption card of the owner

4.5.

Tax Exemption on Utilities: Electricity, Gas, Water, and Telephone

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Form DS-98, one for each service
Copy of the tax exemption card

*NOTE: Some counties do not grant tax exemption on certain services.

5. Employment Authorizations

5.1.

Employment Authorization
Dependents of principals with G-1, G-3, and G-5 visas who are
recognized by the Department of State may request an Employment
Authorization Card. Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
2 original I-566 Forms signed in black ink
Form I-765 signed in blue ink and with the Mission address
Countries with De Facto Agreements with the United States must
include a letter from the employer specifying type of work,
working hours and salary. (Belize, Chile, Dominican Republic,
France, Haiti, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname)

 Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the
applicant
Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the
principal
Two color passport photographs on a white background

5.2.

Employment Authorization for dependents over age 21

Dependents between the ages of 21 and 23 who are fulltime (carrying a
minimum of 12 credits) students at an accredited university are allowed to
work.
In order to obtain a work permit send the following documents to
Protocol/OAS:
2 original I-566 Forms signed in black ink
Form I-765 signed in blue ink and with the Mission address
Countries with De Facto Agreements with the United States must
include a letter from the employer specifying type of work, working
hours, and salary. (Belize, Chile, Dominican Republic, France, Haiti,
Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname)
A document from the universitys Registrars Office indicating the
courses the student is enrolled in, number of academic credits and the
estimated date of graduation.
Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the applicant
Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the principal
Two color passport photographs on a white background

5.3.

Employment Authorization for dependents under age 16

In order to obtain a work permit for a dependent under the age of 16
the minor must be a full time student at an accredited school. Send to
Protocol/OAS the following:
2 original I-566 Forms signed in black ink
Form I-765 signed in blue ink and with the Mission address
Countries with De Facto Agreements with the United States must
include a letter from the employer specifying type of work, working
hours, and salary. (Belize, Chile, Dominican Republic, France, Haiti,
Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname)
A Labor Certificate issued by the school which based upon the
students academic record, authorizes him to work
Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the applicant
Copies of the passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94 of the principal
Two color passport photographs on a white background

6.

Termination of Functions

6.1.

Termination of Diplomatic Functions

Send to Protocol/OAS the following documents:
Form DS-2008
Attach all diplomatic identification cards, tax exemption cards, and
diplomatic drivers licenses issued by the Department of State to the
principal and dependents.

6.2.

Termination of services of domestic employees and administrative staff

Send Form DS-2008 to Protocol/OAS.