Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
DOSPASSP0003
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of State: Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Hearing Officer
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

Administrative proceedings for denial, revocation, or restriction of passports by the Department of State based on statutorily enumerated factors (e.g., certain loan defaults, HHS-certified arrearage in child support outstanding federal felony warrant, extradition request, previous passport denial, national security risk, fraudulently obtained passport). (22 CFR Parts E & F).

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Attorney
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as an agency representative?: 
Attorney
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
22 CFR Part 51, Subpart F
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
A person whose passport has been denied or revoked may request an oral hearing. If no hearing requested, the matter is adjudicated on a "paper" record. (22 CFR 51.70)
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
No
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
By Private Party
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Witness testimony is permitted at in-person hearings. This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Witness cross-examination is permitted at in-person hearings. This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
Are hearings open to the public?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
In-pearson hearings are always closed. This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Other
If "Other," please specify: 
The hearing officer makes findings of fact and makes recommendations to the Deputy Assistant Secretary based on the hearing record. The Deputy Assistant Secretary issues the final decision. (22 CFR 51.71(a), 51.74)
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
If "Yes," please specify these time limit(s): 
Regulations provide only that the Deputy Assistant Secretary should issue his/her decision "promptly." (22 CFR 51.74)
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
No
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified