60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Affidavit of Identifying Witness

AGENCY:

State Department.

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments.

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.

DATE(S):

The Department will accept comments from the public up to January 8, 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-2015-0065” 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 (if applicable), 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 information collection and supporting documents, by mail to PPT Forms Officer, U.S. Department of State, CA/PPT/S/L/LA 44132 Mercure Cir., P.O. Box 1227 Sterling, VA 20166-1227, by phone at (202) 485-6373, or by email at PPTFormsOfficer@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Affidavit of Identifying Witness.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0088.
• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services, Office of Legl Affairs and Law Enforcement Liaison (CA/PPT/S/L/LA).
• Form Number: DS-0071.
• Respondents: Individuals.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 61,000 affiants per year.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 61,000 affiants per year.
• Average Hours per Response: 5 min.
• Total Estimated Burden: 5,083 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 performance of our functions.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 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 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 Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction with an application for a U.S. passport. It is used by Passport Services to collect information for the purpose of establishing the identity of the applicant. This affidavit is completed by the identifying witness when the applicant is unable to establish his or her identity to the satisfaction of a person authorized to accept passport applications.

Methodology: The Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction with an application for a U.S. passport. Due to legislative mandates, Form DS-0071 is only available at acceptance facilities, passport agencies, and U.S. embassies and consulates. This form must be completed and signed in the presence of an authorized Passport Agent, Acceptance Agent, or Consular Officer.