What is the DS-326 Form?
The DS-326 form, also known as the "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions," is a document used by the U.S. Department of State to evaluate the medical qualifications of individuals who are applying for a U.S. passport and require a disability exception. The form is typically completed by a qualified medical professional and is submitted along with the passport application.
Why is the DS-326 Form Important?
The DS-326 form is crucial for individuals who require a disability exception to travel internationally. It helps the U.S. Department of State to assess the applicant's medical condition and determine whether they are eligible for a passport. The form provides essential information about the applicant's medical history, diagnosis, and treatment, which is used to evaluate their suitability for international travel.
Who Needs to Submit the DS-326 Form?
The DS-326 form is typically required for individuals who have a medical condition that may impact their ability to travel internationally. This includes individuals with:
- Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease
- Physical disabilities, such as mobility impairments or visual impairments
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Where to Send the DS-326 Form
Once the DS-326 form is completed, it should be submitted along with the passport application to the U.S. Department of State. The form can be submitted in person at a Regional Passport Agency or a Passport Acceptance Facility, or it can be mailed to the National Passport Processing Center.
Here are the addresses and contact information for the National Passport Processing Center and the Regional Passport Agencies:
- National Passport Processing Center:
- Address: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
- Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Toll-free)
- Email:
- Regional Passport Agencies:
- Boston Passport Agency: 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222-1093
- Chicago Passport Agency: 230 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604
- Dallas Passport Agency: 1100 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75242
- Denver Passport Agency: 1999 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
- Honolulu Passport Agency: Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96850
- Houston Passport Agency: 1919 Smith St., Houston, TX 77002
- Los Angeles Passport Agency: 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Miami Passport Agency: 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
- Minneapolis Passport Agency: 212 3rd Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- New Orleans Passport Agency: 365 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
- New York Passport Agency: 376 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
- Philadelphia Passport Agency: 200 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- San Francisco Passport Agency: 95 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105
- Seattle Passport Agency: 300 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
- Washington, D.C. Passport Agency: 600 19th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
How to Submit the DS-326 Form
The DS-326 form can be submitted in person or by mail. If submitting in person, the applicant should bring the completed form and supporting documents to a Regional Passport Agency or a Passport Acceptance Facility. If submitting by mail, the applicant should include the completed form and supporting documents in a sealed envelope and mail it to the National Passport Processing Center or a Regional Passport Agency.
Here are the steps to submit the DS-326 form:
- Complete the DS-326 form: The applicant's medical professional should complete the form and provide supporting documentation, such as medical records and test results.
- Gather supporting documents: The applicant should gather supporting documents, such as proof of citizenship, identification, and photocopies of both sides of their ID.
- Fill out the passport application: The applicant should fill out the passport application (Form DS-11) and sign it.
- Submit the application: The applicant should submit the completed application, including the DS-326 form and supporting documents, to a Regional Passport Agency or a Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Pay the application fee: The applicant should pay the application fee, which includes the passport book or card fee, the execution fee, and any additional fees for expedited processing or overnight delivery.
Tips for Submitting the DS-326 Form
Here are some tips for submitting the DS-326 form:
- Make sure to complete the form accurately and thoroughly.
- Provide all required supporting documentation.
- Submit the application well in advance of the applicant's planned travel date.
- Use expedited processing or overnight delivery if the applicant needs their passport quickly.
- Make sure to sign the application in front of an acceptance agent.
Conclusion
The DS-326 form is an essential document for individuals who require a disability exception to travel internationally. By following the steps outlined above, applicants can ensure that their form is submitted correctly and efficiently. Remember to complete the form accurately, provide all required supporting documentation, and submit the application well in advance of the planned travel date.
What is the DS-326 form?
+The DS-326 form, also known as the "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions," is a document used by the U.S. Department of State to evaluate the medical qualifications of individuals who are applying for a U.S. passport and require a disability exception.
Who needs to submit the DS-326 form?
+The DS-326 form is typically required for individuals who have a medical condition that may impact their ability to travel internationally, such as chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions.
Where can I submit the DS-326 form?
+The DS-326 form can be submitted in person at a Regional Passport Agency or a Passport Acceptance Facility, or it can be mailed to the National Passport Processing Center.