There are several types of US passport books that are issued to travelers for various reasons. Our guide to US passport books will teach you about the various types of passport books, allowing you to determine which one you require and why. Continue reading for more information on passport books.
Passport for Individuals (blue cover)
The passport book with the blue cover, also known as "tourist passports," "regular passports," and "ordinary passports," is the one issued to the vast majority of US citizens. It is appropriate for all types of travel, with the exception of travel for US government purposes, such as tourist, business, and flight crew travel, as well as travel for education or employment. Passports for individuals are issued at all US Passport Agencies.
Passport Authentication (brown cover)
Official passports are issued to US government employees and contractors travelling on official business. They are also given to active-duty military personnel who will be travelling overseas on military duty. Official passports are only issued in Washington, DC, at the Washington Passport Agency's Special Issuance Agency.
Citizens of the United States may have both a valid official passport and a valid personal passport at the same time. Official passports are only to be used for official business, so any leisure travel must be done with a personal passport.
Passport with Diplomatic Seal (black cover)
Diplomatic passports are issued to US State Department employees who are required to travel or work abroad on State Department business. Diplomatic passports are only issued in Washington, DC, at the Washington Passport Agency's Special Issuance Agency. Travel Documents for Non-Citizens: Re-Entry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, and Advance Parole Travel Document.
These documents, issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, resemble passport books and function as identification and travel documents in the same way that passports do. They are not, however, citizenship documents; they are only issued to non-US citizens who are legally residing in the United States. These travel documents are typically issued to people who are unable to obtain a new passport from their home country. Non-citizen travel documents, like passports, can be used to gain entry into other countries and obtain visas. They also establish the bearer's right to return to the United States.