Would my husband be able to get my no fee passport at his base in Germany or would I have to go to a base in the states?

2023-11-08T13:13:03-05:00

My husband is currently in Germany and I am state side. We have command sponsorship approved and all we need is my no-fee passport. I am aware I need to get it done at a military passport office but it is a couple hours away. Would my husband be able to get my no fee passport at his base in Germany or would I have to go to a base in the states?

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Nov 8 at 2023 2:23 PM

2023-11-08T14:23:10-05:00

Disclaimer: I've been retired for several years so policy/procedure may have changed....

IF (and that's a BIG IF!) memory serves me correctly, your husband should be able to start the initial paperwork for your passport at his local Military Personnel Office (MPO). You will need to be physically present at your nearest MPO to complete the application as official photographs and signatures will need to be obtained. Best bet is to have your hubby contact his local office and ask them what the best course of action is.

Best of luck! I enjoyed my time in Germany and would love go back again some day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2023 3:31 PM

2023-11-08T15:31:06-05:00

If you provided him all the documents and pictures, sure. But, the matter of how you're going to get that passport into your hands is another matter. We are talking a delay of a few hours for you to do it at the nearest base or a delay of weeks to have your husband do it and then find a way to have it mailed officially to you.

But, if we are talking about the Blue Book Passport, you can skip a lot of middle people and go thru your local USPS office.

https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

Passport Application & Passport Renewal | USPS

Learn how to apply for or renew a passport at Post Offices around the U.S.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 8 at 2023 8:31 PM

2023-11-08T20:31:25-05:00

You have to apply for it at the nearest military personnel office. You’ll need a copy of the orders to show an accompanied tour (you are listed by name on the orders) and any passports you have been issued. Military personnel offices issue official passports. You can’t get this at a standard post office passport counter. You will receive a passport with a SOFA stamp in the back which indicates command sponsored and allows you to work while in country.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Nov 9 at 2023 9:25 AM

2023-11-09T09:25:10-05:00

All you need is the signed DDFORM 1056, but you have to show up in person at the appointment for the picture with the certifying ID documents. I don't see how your spouse can get it on your behalf.
If all else fails, you can get it at RAB if you travel to Germany on a tourist passport, but they don't tell you that because you could be held up at the airport or enroute to the base if you are claiming travel as "DoD military spouse" without the SOFA stamp in a no-fee passport.

U.S. citizens and foreign nationals from countries not requiring a visa for Germany, may enter without a SOFA certificate if unable to obtain one prior to departure. However, they should carry a copy of the sponsor’s travel orders to Germany and must visit their servicing passport office to request the identification certificate within 90 days of arrival.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 9 at 2023 10:03 AM

2023-11-09T10:03:22-05:00

I thought no fee passports were the red ones for official travel. Why would a dependent do official travel, except, possibly a spouse of a flag O needed for social duties?

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Jan 10 at 2024 10:36 PM

2024-01-10T22:36:43-05:00

Why ask a question here and wait who knows how long for an answer? Use your ombudsman.