60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Supplemental Questionnaire To Determine Entitlement for a U.S. Passport

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to May 10, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the Internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2016-0001” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.
• Email: PPTFormsOfficer@state.gov.

You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to PPT Forms Officer, U.S. Department of State, CA/PPT/S/L 44132 Mercure Cir, P.O. Box 1227, Sterling, VA 20166-1227, or at PPTFormsOfficer@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Supplemental Questionnaire to Determine Entitlement for a U.S. Passport.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0214.
• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services, Office of Legal Affairs and Law Enforcement Liaison (CA/PPT/S/L).
• Form Number: DS-5513.
• Respondents: Individuals applying for a U.S. passport.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,257.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 3,257.
• Average Time per Response: 85 Minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 4,614 hours.
• Frequency: On occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain a Benefit.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of proposed collection: The primary purpose for soliciting this information is to establish entitlement for a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card. The information may also be used in connection with issuing other travel documents or evidence of citizenship, and in furtherance of the Secretary's responsibility for the protection of U.S. nationals abroad and to administer the passport program.

Methodology: The Supplemental Questionnaire to Determine Entitlement for a U.S. Passport is used to supplement an existing passport application and solicits information relating to the respondent's family and birth circumstances that is needed prior to passport issuance.

Additional information: The Privacy Act statement has been amended to clarify that an applicant's failure to provide his or her Social Security number may result in the denial of an application, consistent with Section 32101 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (Public Law 114-94) which authorizes the Department to deny U.S. passport applications when the applicant failed to include his or her Social Security number.