[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 93 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Page 20735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08600]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 12721]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Affidavit of 
Identifying Witness

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 of State will accept comments from the public up 
to July 14, 2025.

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-2025-0005 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.
    Email: [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: Affidavit of Identifying 
Witness.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0088.
     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-71.
     Respondents: Individuals.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 44,340.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 44,340.
     Average Time per Response: 5 minutes.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 3,695 hours.
     Frequency: On Occasion.
     Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain 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 Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction 
with an application for a U.S. passport. It is used by Passport Agents, 
Passport Acceptance Agents, and Consular Officers to collect 
information for the purpose of establishing the identity of the 
applicant. This affidavit is completed by the identifying witness when 
the applicant is unable to establish their identity to the satisfaction 
of a person authorized to accept passport applications.

Methodology

    The Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction 
with an application for a U.S. passport. Due to legislative mandates, 
the DS-71 form is only available at acceptance facilities, passport 
agencies, and U.S. embassies and consulates. This form must be 
completed and signed in the presence of an authorized Passport Agent, 
Passport Acceptance Agent, or Consular Officer.

Amanda E. Smith,
Managing Director for Passport Support Operations, Bureau of Consular 
Affairs, Passport Services, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2025-08600 Filed 5-14-25; 8:45 am]
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