Identification of Foreign Consular Officers in the U.S. in the United States

The United States Department of State, Office of Protocol, issues identification documents to foreign government personnel who are entitled to immunity. Samples of the ID’s are provided here. Because there are different degrees of immunity, law enforcement officers should read carefully identification cards presented to them. Questions regarding an individual’s status or immunity should be referred during working hours to the Office of Protocol (202) 647-1985; after hours to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (202) 647-7277.

Blue bordered cards are issued to diplomatic officers and their families. They are entitled to full criminal immunity and may not be arrested or detained.

Blue bordered cards are issued to UN diplomatic officers and their families. They are entitled to full criminal immunity and may not be arrested or detained.

Green bordered card are issued to embassy administrative and technical staff employees and their families. This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to full criminal immunity and may not be arrested or detained.

Green bordered card are issued to embassy service staff employees. This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to immunity for official acts only.

Red bordered cards are issued to career consular officers. This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to immunity for official acts only.

Red bordered cards are issued to consular officers/employees and their families from countries with which the United States has special agreements. They are entitled to full criminal immunity and may not be arrested or detained.

Red bordered cards are issued to career consular employees. This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to immunity for official acts only.

Red bordered cards are issued to honorary consular officers. This card signifies that the bearer is entitled to limited immunity for official acts only.