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Western Passport Center and Special Issuance Agency explained
By Tom Jones
Editor-in-Chief, PassportOfficesLast reviewed Editorial policy
Short answer
What are the Western Passport Center and Special Issuance Agency?
The Western Passport Center in Tucson, Arizona, is a State Department facility that processes and prints passport books. It doesn't serve the public in person. The Special Issuance Agency in Washington, DC, handles diplomatic, official and other no-fee passports for government travelers.
Next step
Open the Regional passport agencies guide
Actionable steps, requirements, and tools to move forward.
Key takeaways
- You can't make an appointment at either for a regular passport.
- Regular urgent travelers use a regional passport agency.
- Status questions go to the National Passport Information Center.
Full answer
Your application may be processed at any of several centers regardless of where you live.