Government Agency Profile

Department of State

Learn what Department of State does, where it fits in government, and which official services visitors may need.

The Department of State is the federal government’s lead foreign affairs agency. It advises the President on foreign policy, represents the United States overseas, supports U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad, and helps manage the country’s diplomatic relationships.

For visitors, the State Department is often most visible through passports, visas, travel advisories, embassy services, emergency help overseas, and public information about U.S. foreign policy.

Foreign policy is where America’s choices meet the rest of the world.
TypeCabinet Level Department
Established1789
Top OfficialSecretary of State
Official Sitestate.gov

What State Does

The Department of State is the President’s lead foreign-affairs department. It advises the President on international relations, conducts diplomacy through embassies and consulates, negotiates treaties and agreements, assists U.S. citizens abroad, administers visa and passport services, explains U.S. foreign policy to the public, and works with other federal agencies on international issues.

Applications and FormsApply for or renew a U.S. passport.
Official InformationReview travel advisories and country information.
Programs and OfficesFind a U.S. embassy or consulate and get help overseas.
Rules and GuidanceRead official statements, treaties, sanctions, and foreign-policy releases.

How It Fits In Government

Government RoleDepartment of State operates as a federal agency, commission, or public institution with responsibilities assigned by law, executive organization, or federal practice.
Public AccountabilityIts work may appear through official notices, regulations, reports, data systems, service portals, hearings, inspections, grants, enforcement actions, or public contact channels.
Where To VerifyUse the official agency website first for current forms, deadlines, leadership, program rules, contact information, and legal notices.
Public Service Guide

How visitors may use State

This profile is designed to help visitors find practical government services, not just describe the agency in the abstract. Start with the official sources below, then use related public service links when a specific form, record, benefit, complaint, data tool, or office is needed.

Public Services Visitors May Need

Apply for a U.S. passportOpen official sourceTravel advisoriesOpen official sourceU.S. embassies and consulatesOpen official sourceVisasOpen official sourceState.govOpen official source

Learn More

Official records and updatesLook for current announcements, notices, rulemaking, public data, forms, and contact information directly from official sources.
Related servicesMany agency services connect to benefits, taxes, passports, safety, records, grants, complaints, inspections, research, or public information requests.
When to use this profileUse this page to understand what the agency does, then follow official links for applications, deadlines, eligibility rules, data, and legal text.