[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51435-51436]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19835]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 11487]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for 
a U.S. Passport

ACTION: Notice of request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. 
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are 
requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals 
and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for 
public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to 
November 15, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on 
this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the 
document by entering ``Docket Number: DOS-2021-0020'' in the Search 
field. Then click the ``Comment Now'' button and complete the comment 
form. Email and regular mail options have been suspended to centralize 
receiving and addressing all comments in a timely manner.
     Direct requests for additional information regarding the 
collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the 
proposed collection instrument and supporting documents to [email protected]. You must include the DS form number (if 
applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number 
in the email subject line.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
     Title of Information Collection: Application for a U.S. 
Passport.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0004.
     Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport 
Services, Office of Program Management and Operational Support (CA/PPT/
S/PMO).
     Form Number: DS-11.

[[Page 51436]]

     Respondents: Individuals or Households.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 9,217,667.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 9,217,667.
     Average Time per Response: 85 minutes.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 13,058,362 hours.
     Frequency: On occasion.
     Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a 
Benefit.
    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
     Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost 
burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, 
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are 
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you 
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your 
personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

    The DS-11 solicits data necessary for Passport Services to issue a 
United States passport (book and/or card format) pursuant to 
authorities granted to the Secretary of State by 22 U.S.C. 211a et 
seq., and Executive Order (E.O.) 11295 (August 5, 1966) for the 
issuance of passports to U.S. nationals. The issuance of U.S. passports 
requires the determination of identity, nationality, and entitlement 
with reference to the provisions of Title III of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1401-1504), the 14th Amendment to the 
Constitution of the United States, other applicable treaties and laws, 
and implementing regulations at 22 CFR parts 50 and 51. The specific 
regulations pertaining to the Application for a U.S. Passport are at 22 
CFR 51.20 through 51.28.
    This form has been amended based on a change in Department policy. 
The Department's new policy permits passport applicants to select the 
gender marker on their passport without presenting medical 
documentation of gender transition. This policy change includes 
updating forms to add a third gender marker ``X'' for applicants 
identifying as non-binary, intersex, and/or gender non-conforming (in 
addition to the existing ``M'' and ``F'' gender markers).

Methodology

    The information collected on the DS-11 is used to facilitate the 
issuance of passports to U.S. citizens and nationals. The primary 
purpose of soliciting the information is to establish citizenship, 
identity, and entitlement to the issuance of a U.S. passport, and to 
properly administer and enforce the laws pertaining to the issuance 
thereof.
    Passport Services collects information from U.S. citizens and non-
citizen nationals when they complete and submit the Application for a 
U.S. Passport. Passport applicants can either download the DS-11 from 
the internet or obtain one from an Acceptance Facility/Passport Agency 
or U.S. embassy/consulate abroad. The form must be completed and 
executed at an acceptance facility, passport agency, or U.S. embassy/
consulate (if abroad), and submitted with evidence of citizenship and 
identity.

Rachel M. Arndt,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport 
Services, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2021-19835 Filed 9-14-21; 8:45 am]
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