Diplomatic Processes: Accreditations

Accreditation of diplomats, non-diplomatic staff, and their dependents

For accreditations, send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:

  • Form DS-2003, "Notification of Appointment of Foreign Diplomatic Officer"
  • Four recent passport color photos on a white background of the principal and three photos for each dependent. No photographs are needed for persons under 15 years of age.
  • Copy of the passports, both sides of the I-94 forms, and of the visas of the principal and of each dependent.
  • Form DS-2007 "Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic Consular and Foreign Government Employees" when there are more than 2 dependents.

*NOTE: In cases when the applicant does not have a G-1 visa (or in the case of Observers, a G-3 visa) a Change of Status must be requested at the beginning of the accreditation process. Please refer to the Change of Status Section under Visas for further instructions.

Accreditations of dependents whose arrival is after the principals'

Send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:

  • Form DS-2006 'Notification of Change' noting in the 'Remarks' section, the names, dates of birth, and date of arrival of the dependents
  • Form DS-2007, 'Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Government Employees"
  • Copies of the passports, visas, both sides of the I-94, and photographs (of persons over 15 years old) of the dependents
  • Copy of the visa and I-94 of the principal.

Dependents over 21 years of age

Upon reaching the age of 21, children are no longer considered dependents.  However, dependency will be extended to children between 21 and 23 if these are studying full time and carrying a minimum of 12 credits at an accredited university.

In order to obtain a diplomatic id and driver's license and tax exemption card submit the following documents to Protocol/OAS:

  • Form S/CPR-05; "Family Status Justification"
  • Copy of the official university listing of the classes being taken (a minimum of 12 credits).
  • A letter or other official university document which indicates estimated date of graduation.
  • If the student has a copy of the I-102 given to him by the university, a copy should also be attached.

Accreditation when one spouse works at a Permanent Mission and the other at an embassy

  • Both spouses must be notified at the Department of State as principals by their respective employer and each one should include in their accreditation, the information concerning the spouse and their children.

Accreditation of diplomats who are legal U.S. residents

Diplomats who are US residents must be notified at the Department of State but will not be extended privileges and immunities unless they rescind their resident status. 

For purposes of this notification send to Protocol/OAS the following:

  • Form DS-2003, "Notification of Appointment of Foreign Diplomatic Officer"
  • Form DS-2007, "Notification of Dependents of Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Government Employees"
  • Copies of the principal's Permanent Resident Card and passport
  • Copies of the dependents' Permanent Resident Card and passport

Accreditation of domestic staff (G-5 visa)

Send to Protocol/OAS the following:

  • Form DS-2004 "Notification of Appointment of Foreign Government Employee" 
  • Copies of the employer's passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94
  • Copies of the domestic employee's passport, visa, and both sides of the I-94
  • 3 recent color photographs on a white background of the domestic employee
  • Employment contract in English and in Spanish signed by the employer and the domestic employee