THIRD PARTY ATTENDANCE AT PASSPORT AND CRBA APPOINTMENT INTERVIEWS

Generally, immediate family members may accompany passport or CRBA applicants to their appointment interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and all minor children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Passport or CRBA applicants also have the option of being accompanied by an attorney at their appointment interview.  Attendance by any third party, including an attorney, accompanying an applicant is subject to the following parameters designed to ensure an orderly appointment interview process and to maintain the integrity of the adjudication of the application(s):

• Given space limitations in the consular section, not more than one attendee at a time will be allowed to accompany an applicant (or the applicant’s parent or guardian if the applicant is a minor).
• Attendance by an attorney does not excuse the applicant and/or the minor applicant’s parent or guardian from attending the appointment interview in person.
• The manner in which a passport or CRBA appointment interview is conducted, and the scope and nature of the inquiry, shall at all times be at the discretion of the consular officer, following applicable Departmental guidance.
• It is expected that attorneys will provide their clients with relevant legal advice prior to, rather than at, the appointment interview, and will advise their clients prior to the appointment interview that the client will participate in the appointment interview with minimal assistance.
• Attorneys may not engage in any form of legal argumentation during the appointment interview and before the consular officer.
• Attendees other than a parent or guardian accompanying a minor child may not answer a consular officer’s question on behalf or in lieu of an applicant, nor may they summarize, correct, or attempt to clarify an applicant’s response, or interrupt or interfere with an applicant’s responses to a consular officer’s questions.
• To the extent that an applicant does not understand a question, s/he should seek clarification from the consular officer directly.
• The consular officer has sole discretion to determine the appropriate language(s) for communication with the applicant, based on the facility of both officer and applicant and the manner and form that best facilitate communication between the consular officer and the applicant.  Attendees may not demand that communications take place in a particular language solely for the benefit of the attendee.  Nor may attendees object to or insist on the participation of an interpreter in the appointment interview, to the qualifications of any interpreter, or to the manner or substance of any translation.
• No attendee may coach or instruct applicants as to how to answer a consular officer’s question.
• Attendees may not object to a consular officer’s question on any ground (including that the attendee regards the question to be inappropriate, irrelevant, or adversarial), or instruct the applicant not to answer a consular officer’s question.  Attendees may not interfere in any manner with the consular officer’s ability to conduct all inquiries and fact-finding necessary to exercise his or her responsibilities to adjudicate the application.
• During a passport or CRBA appointment interview, attendees may not discuss or inquire about other applications.
• Attendees may take written notes, but may not otherwise record the appointment interviews.
• Attendees may not engage in any other conduct that materially disrupts the appointment interview.  For example, they may not yell at or otherwise attempt to intimidate or abuse a consular officer or staff, and they may not engage in any conduct that threatens U.S. national security or the security of the embassy or its personnel.  Attendees must follow all security policies of the Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate where the appointment interview takes place.

Attendees may not engage in any conduct that violates this policy and/or otherwise materially disrupts the appointment interview.  Failure to observe these parameters will result in a warning to the attendee and, if ignored, the attendee may be asked to leave the appointment interview and/or the premises, as appropriate.  It would then be the applicant’s choice whether to continue the appointment interview without the attendee present, subject to the consular officer’s discretion to terminate the appointment interview.  The safety and privacy of all applicants awaiting consular services, as well as of consular and embassy personnel, is of paramount consideration.

• Adult Passport Application/Renewal
• Minor Passport Application

ADULT PASSPORT

STEP 1: Complete Application Form

• Complete Form DS-11

Enter your information online and print the completed Form DS-11 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on the front and back of the same sheet.

Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your Social Security Number (SSN), may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

• Do NOT sign Form DS-11 until instructed to do so by an authorized official at the U.S. Embassy on the day of your appointment.

STEP 2: Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

• Complete Form DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. Provide the details, then print and sign and date the form, ensuring you have provided all applicable information. Provide as much detail as possible regarding the loss or theft of your passport.

STEP 3: Schedule an Appointment

• To submit the application,request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

STEP 4: Appointment Day

On the day of the appointment, please bring:

• Proof of citizenship (expired, valid passport books, passport card, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)
• Proof of identity (government issued ID with photograph)
• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

• A police report

We request that the adult report the loss/theft of his/her passport to a police station close to where the loss took place.  The police report must be submitted when submitting your passport application at the U.S. Embassy.

• The fee is $165, payable in USD or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover).

STEP 5: Collect Passport

• Allow approximately 10 working days for processing. Passports must be collected at the Consular Section by the applicant or authorized representative. Once the passport is ready, you will receive an email.

MINOR PASSPORT (for children under the age of 16)

STEP 1: Complete Application Form

• Complete Form DS-11 (online)

Enter your information online and print Form DS-11 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on the front and back of the same sheet.

Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your Social Security Number (SSN), may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

• Do not sign Form DS-11 until instructed to do so by an authorized official at the U.S. Embassy on the day of your appointment.

STEP 2: Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

• Complete Form DS-64(PDF 49.6 KB) Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.  Complete the details and print the form, ensuring you have provided all applicable information. Provide as much detail as possible regarding the loss or theft of your passport. Both parents should sign the form.

STEP 3: Schedule an Appointment

• To submit the application,request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

STEP 4: Appointment Day

On the day of the appointment, please bring:

• Original birth certificate of the child/children
• Proof of citizenship (expired passport books, passport card, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad), if available
• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.   

• Police report from the nearest police station. Report the loss or theft of the child’s passport to a police station close to where the loss took place.  You must bring this police report with you to the U.S. Embassy when you apply for the child’s passport.
• The fee is $135 payable in dollars or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, USD or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover).

• Both parents must be present with the child and bring their own passports or government issued identification with them.

If one parent is not available, the applying parent should present one of the following:

• A DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16. The form must be notarized and include the child’s full name and date of birth and list the non-applying parent’s/guardian’s relationship to the minor, along with a copy of front and back of a photo identification from the non-applying parent/guardian authorizing passport issuance for the child.  Limited or qualified consent statements are not acceptable.
• A court order specifically permitting the applying parent/guardian to apply for the child’s U.S. passport; or
• A court order granting sole legal custody to the applying parent/guardian (unless the child’s travel is restricted by that order); or
• A certified U.S. birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, or Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) listing only the applying parent; or
• An adoption decree if the applying parent is the sole adopting parent; or
• A judicial declaration of incompetence of the non-applying parent/guardian; or
• A power of attorney that specifically grants the applying parent/guardian permission to apply for the child’s U.S. passport. The power of attorney must be notarized and include the child’s full name, date of birth, affiant’s relationship to minor, the affiant’s street address, email address and phone number; or
• The death certificate of the non-applying parent/guardian.

Please note: Form DS-3053 is only valid for 90 days following the date of notarization.

If neither parent is appearing with the minor applicant (under age 16) at the time of appointment:

• Each parent should provide a notarized original Statement of Consent (DS-3053),

• Please submit a separate notarized statement from both parent(s)/guardian(s) along with copies of the front and back of their photo identification authorizing the third party to obtain a U.S. passport on behalf of the child.  Limited or qualified consent statements are not acceptable.  When a notarized consent statement from only one parent/guardian is provided, evidence that the authorizing parent/guardian has sole custody of the child or specific authority to apply for the child’s U.S. passport must also be submitted.

It is recommended that minors, aged 16 and 17, be accompanied by at least one parent.

STEP 5: Collect Passport

• Allow approximately 10 working days for processing. Passports must be collected at the Consular Section by the parent or authorized representative. Once the passport is ready, you will receive an email.

Passports that are damaged or in poor condition should be replaced, regardless of remaining validity. For security reasons, damaged passports must be retained by this office.  Please note that your damaged passport is not proof of citizenship or identity. You will be required to present either evidence of citizenship or appropriate identification.

Please review the following SIX STEPS before submitting your application.

Step 1 – Complete Form DS-11– Application for a U.S. Passport

Enter your information online and print Form DS-11 on separate sheets of plain white paper; do NOT print this form on the front and back of the same sheet.

Step 2 – Present evidence of U.S. Citizenship

When applying for a U.S. passport in person, applicants must present evidence of U.S. Citizenship with Form DS-11.  All documentation furnished as evidence will be returned to applicants.

Applicants should be prepared to furnish one of the following:

• a U.S. Birth Certificate;
• a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad;
• a U.S. Certification of Birth;
• a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship;
• a U.S. Naturalization Certificate;
• a prior U.S. Passport that was not reported damaged 
• U.S. Passport Card

Step 3 – Present proof of identity

When applying for a U.S passport in person, acceptable identification must be presented at the time of application.  Acceptable identification includes:

• a valid passport of any country;
• a valid U.S. driver’s license with photograph;
• a national identity card with photograph;
• a valid U.S. federal  government ID card; or
• a U.S. military ID card.

Step 4 – Passport Photographs

• Bring one (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• taken against a white or off-white background;
• clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

Step 5 – Damaged product

Applicants should be prepared to furnish the following:

– the damaged passport book and/or passport card

– a signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of your passport book and/or passport card.

Step 6 – Scheduling the Appointment

You are required to submit the application for the passport in person through a pre-arranged appointment.   Upon scheduling an appointment, you will receive a Confirmation Sheet.  Please print this page and bring it with you to the interview. Please schedule your appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

Step 6 – Pay the applicable fee on the appointment day

The application fee for an applicant under the age of 16 is $135; aged 16 and over is $165, payable in USD or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover)

Please do NOT sign Form DS-11 until instructed to do so by an authorized official at the U.S. Embassy on the day of your appointment.

Applicants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by both parents.

Applicants aged 16 and 17 should be accompanied by one parent.

If you have an emergency and need to travel in 2 weeks or less, please first check online to see if we have an available appointment before your travel date.  To check for an appointment please click here.

If you need to travel prior to our earliest appointment, send an email to KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov.

Emergencies are generally considered to be:

• Lost or stolen passport with an urgent need for travel within the next 2 weeks.  For lost and stolen passports without an urgent need for travel, please click here. (Link to Passport Replacement Document/site)
• A medical emergency in the United States
• An emergency situation that does not meet the above criteria but is severe enough to warrant emergency action.
• Please be aware that the rules for emergency passport issuance are strict, and a consular officer will determine if your situation meets the standard for an emergency.  If your situation is not considered an emergency, you will need to book an online appointment and return to the embassy on that day.  Emergency passports have the same fees as regular passports but have very limited validity.

If you believe your situation meets the criteria for an emergency, please bring the following:

• Passport Application Form

• For a replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged passport:

Complete Form DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport and Form DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card

Enter your information online and print Form DS-11 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on front and back of the same sheet.  Do NOT sign Form DS-11 until you are instructed to do so by an authorized official at the U.S. Embassy on the day of your appointment.

Fill out Form DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card (PDF 51KB). Provide details, sign and date the form.

To view PDF files, you need a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat.  Get a free download from the Adobe website.

Failure to provide information requested on these forms, including your Social Security Number (SSN), may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

• For adults who require an emergency passport for reasons other than a lost, stolen or damaged passport and who have a recently expired or valid passport with a ten year validity in their possession:

Complete Form DS-82.

Enter your information online and print Form DS-82 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on front and back of the same sheet.

Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your Social Security Number (SSN), may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application

• A valid government issued ID with photograph

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (current passport book, passport card, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad)

For lost or stolen passports:

Photocopy of your old passport if available and a police report

• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

• Fees for the replacement of a lost or stolen passport:

$165 for applicants age 16 and above

$135 for applicants age 15 and below

The fee is payable in USD or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover).

Applicants under the age of 16 must additionally appear with:

• Birth Certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Both parents

(Parents must bring their own passports or government issued identification, as well)

If one parent is not available, the applying parent should present one of the following:

• A DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16. The form must be notarized and include the child’s full name and date of birth and list the non-applying parent’s/guardian’s relationship to the minor, along with a copy of front and back of a photo identification from the non-applying parent/guardian authorizing passport issuance for the child.  Limited or qualified consent statements are not acceptable.
• A court order specifically permitting the applying parent/guardian to apply for the child’s U.S. passport; or
• A court order granting sole legal custody to the applying parent/guardian (unless the child’s travel is restricted by that order); or
• A certified U.S. birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, or Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) listing only the applying parent; or
• An adoption decree if the applying parent is the sole adopting parent; or
• A judicial declaration of incompetence of the non-applying parent/guardian; or
• A power of attorney that specifically grants the applying parent/guardian permission to apply for the child’s U.S. passport. The power of attorney must be notarized and include the child’s full name, date of birth, affiant’s relationship to minor, the affiant’s street address, email address and phone number; or
• The death certificate of the non-applying parent/guardian.

Please note: Form DS-3053 is only valid for 90 days following the date of notarization.

If neither parent is appearing with the minor applicant (under age 16) at the time of appointment:

• Each parent should provide a notarized original Statement of Consent (DS-3053),

• Please submit a separate notarized statement from both parent(s)/guardian(s) along with copies of the front and back of their photo identification authorizing the third party to obtain a U.S. passport on behalf of the child.  Limited or qualified consent statements are not acceptable.  When a notarized consent statement from only one parent/guardian is provided, evidence that the authorizing parent/guardian has sole custody of the child or specific authority to apply for the child’s U.S. passport must also be submitted.

The fee is $135 payable in USD or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, USD or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover)

Do you need to change your name in your Passport?

If you have a fully valid passport that was issued less than 1 year ago, and your name has been legally changed due to marriage or court order, you will need to provide the following:

• Your current, valid U.S. Passport
• Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement.
• The original marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change
• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

• No fee

To submit the application, request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

Once the passport application is approved, allow approximately 10 working days for processing. Passports must be collected at the Consular Section by the applicant or authorized representative. Applicants will receive an email when their passports are ready.

If your passport was issued more than 1 year ago and your name has been legally changed due to marriage or court order, please bring the following documents with you to your appointment:

• Your current U.S. passport
• Application Form
  • Completed Form DS-82 for applicants who were issued a passport with a 10 year validity;
  • Completed Form DS-11 for applicants who were issued a passport with a 5 year validity or whose passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

Enter your information online and print Form DS-82 or Form DS-11 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print your form on front and back of the same sheet.

• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

• The original marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change

• The fee is $ 130 if filing a DS-82 application and $165 if filing a DS-11 The fee is payable in dollars or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, USD or international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover).

To submit the application, request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

Once the application is approved, allow approximately 10 working days for processing. Passports must be collected at the Consular Section by the applicant or authorized representative. Applicants will receive an email when their passports are ready.

The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards.

When outside the U.S. and the above mentioned countries, the passport card can be used as a valid citizenship identification, though it is not valid for travel internationally (for example traveling from Uganda to Kenya, etc.)

Application Forms

You are eligible to submit form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals) if:

• You are able to submit your most recent passport
• You were at least 16 years of age when your most recent passport was issued
• Your passport was issued less than 15 years ago.
• The submitted passport is not limited in validity.
• The submitted passport is not altered, severely damaged or mutilated
• You are using exactly the same name as on most recent passport or have legal documentation to show your name change. Acceptable proof of name change for form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals)are:
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Court Order
  • Divorce Decree which references your name change
  • Deed Poll

Any name change documentation submitted should be an original or a certified copy

Complete Form DS-82 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on the front and back of the same sheet.  Please sign and date on page 1.

Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your social security number, may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

It is possible to apply for a passport book and a passport card simultaneously. Fees apply to each.

The fee for the passport card using a DS-82 is US$ 30 payable in dollars or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover). If applying for a passport book and a passport card, using a DS-82, the total amount is US$ 160.

To submit the application, request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

The average processing time for a Passport Card is between 4 and 6 weeks.

Complete Form DS-11 if:

• you are under the age of 16;
• you are applying for your first 10 year validity passport/adult passport;
• you are reporting a lost, stolen or damaged passport; or
• your previous passport book or passport card was issued more than 15 years ago

Complete Form DS-11 on plain white sheets of paper. Do NOT print this form on the front and back of the same sheet.   Do NOT sign the form until you are instructed to do so during your appointment.

Failure to provide information requested on this form, including your social security number, may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application.

It is possible to apply for a passport book and a passport card simultaneously. Fees apply to each.

To submit the application, request an appointment through the American Citizen Services Appointment System.

The photograph and document requirements are the same as for a passport book application.

Please bring the following to the appointment:

• Proof of citizenship (current passport book, passport card, U.S. birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or naturalization certificate)
• One (1) photo

The passport photograph must be:

• Taken within the last six months, showing current appearance;
• 2 x 2 inches in overall size;
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin;
• Taken against a white or off-white background;
• Clear with a centered, full-frontal view of the applicant’s face;
• Taken in normal attire:
  • Military attire and law enforcement uniforms cannot be worn in passport photographs;
  • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline unless for religious or medical reasons;
  • Glasses/eyewear should be removed.

For further information regarding the photo, please click here.

• Applicants over the age of 16: Proof of identity (U.S. driver’s license or other government issued ID.)
• Applicants under the age of 16 must bring their birth certificate and be accompanied by both parents. Both parents must bring valid identification
• Applicants aged 16- 17 should be accompanied by one parent

Fees

• Applicants over the age of 16 applying for a passport card using a DS-11: US$ 65.00 payable in USD, Ugandan Shillings, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover). If applying for a passport book and passport card simultaneously, the total is US$ 195.

• Applicants under the age of 16 applying for a passport card using a DS-11: US$ 50.00 payable in USD, Ugandan Shillings, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express, or Discover). If applying for a passport book and a passport card simultaneously, the total is US$ 150

Background

The Department of State is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal.

Please Note: To facilitate the frequent travel of U.S. citizens living in border communities and to meet DHS’s operational needs at land borders, the passport card contains a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This chip points to a stored record in secure government databases. There is no personal information written to the RFID chip itself.