UNCLASSIFIED (U)

3 FAH-1 H-2430

DIPLOMATIC, CONSULAR, AND COMMISSIONED titles

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Office of Origin:  PAS)

3 FAH-1 H-2431  GENERAL

3 FAH-1 H-2431.1  Purpose

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)

(Department of State/Department of Commerce/USDA Foreign Agricultural Service/US Agency for Global Media)
(All USG Departments and Agencies With Employees Under Chief of Mission Authority)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees assigned overseas)

When authorized by law, and consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR), diplomatic and/or consular titles are granted in the interest of the U.S. Government to enable individuals assigned to Foreign Service posts or to special details, regardless of the departments or agencies they represent, to perform their duties effectively, and to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the diplomatic missions or consular posts of the United States.

3 FAH-1 H-2431.2  Eligibility Guidance

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. The core functions and official work-related needs of the member of the Service (Foreign Service employees of the foreign affairs agencies and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad) and of the Foreign Service post are key factors in deciding whether a member requires a diplomatic or consular title in the assignment to discharge official duties in an effective and efficient manner. Titles will not be granted or authorized for the personal, social, or financial benefit of personnel in the Foreign Service and Civil Service except as defined in 3 FAH-1 H-2438.  There must normally be a work-related need for the title.

b. The fact that a member of the Service possesses a diplomatic and/or consular appointment commission does not by virtue of such possession mean a diplomatic title will be authorized at a post abroad.  The member may use a diplomatic and/or consular title only when so authorized by the U.S. Department of State (Department).

c.  The possession of a diplomatic passport will not be justification for requesting or receiving a diplomatic and/or a consular title.

d. When serving abroad in a temporary capacity of less than 90 consecutive days, diplomatic titles generally will not be authorized.

e. Diplomatic titles are generally authorized only when the incumbent resides in the metropolitan area of the post and generally works on mission premises.

f.  Diplomatic and/or consular titles are authorized for use only in the position approved at the post of assignment and will not be retained upon transfer from the position and the post.  A diplomatic and/or a consular title must be authorized each time a member is assigned to an embassy or a consular post or reassigned at post.  The only exception to this is for those who have served as Ambassadors, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.  Upon retirement, a former Ambassador may continue to use the title of Ambassador in appropriate interactions with others and may be referred to as Ambassador in informal communications, conversations, and introductions to public audiences.  (See 3 FAH-1 H-2439 for use of Ambassadorial title upon retirement.)

g. The fact that an individual had a diplomatic and/or a consular title at a previous post will not be justification for requesting or receiving a diplomatic and/or a consular title for subsequent assignments.

h. The personal class (grade) designations of career minister, minister-counselor, counselor for career members of the Senior Foreign Service, and first secretary for classes 1 and 2 commissioned Foreign Service officers, are the same as diplomatic titles commonly used, and should not be confused with the diplomatic title which the Department authorizes them to use.  An officer may use only the diplomatic title specifically authorized by the Department in the position for which it has been approved at the post of assignment, and should not use any other title on calling cards, invitations, correspondence, diplomatic lists, or any other way which would suggest they have been authorized to use their personal class (grade) designations.

3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-1  Diplomatic Titles at U.S. Diplomatic Posts

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service-USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

To enable individuals assigned to a U.S. diplomatic post overseas (i.e., embassy, mission, or embassy branch) to perform their diplomatic duties effectively, and consistent with the VCDR, diplomatic titles are granted to U.S. government direct-hire employees serving in a position under Chief of Mission authority and performing functions extending beyond the administrative and technical service of the mission and consistent with all the elements of the criteria outlined below.

The following are the diplomatic titles that may be granted in accordance with this section:

Defense Attaché

Military Attaché

Assistant Military Attaché

Assistant Attaché

Attaché

Third Secretary

Second Secretary

First Secretary

Counselor

Minister-Counselor

3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2  Criteria for Diplomatic Titles (Function-Based)

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)

(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The following criteria must be used for authorizing diplomatic titles at U.S. embassies diplomatic missions and international organizations.  These are consistent with the VCDR.  Individuals must meet all of the following criteria, which focus on core functions, to be eligible for a diplomatic title.  In addition, individuals must meet all applicable title-specific criteria as outlined in other sections below:

(1)  The incumbent contributes to the protection of U.S. interests abroad, including the execution of the embassy’s diplomatic mission and overseas operations in support of U.S. foreign and domestic policy priorities;

(2)  The incumbent develops and maintains professional-level knowledge of official U.S. policy and guidance within their designated field, in order to inform U.S. diplomatic practice and operations overseas, including advising the Chief of Mission as required;

(3)  The incumbent serves as a representative of the U.S. government overseas in support of the embassy’s diplomatic and operational objectives in varied settings within their area of expertise, including day-to-day interactions, official meetings, and representational events; and

(4)  The incumbent cultivates, maintains, and leverages a network of external contacts in support of U.S. diplomatic interests.  Relevant contacts will be position-specific but may include national and sub-national public sector and elected officials; U.S., foreign, and international private sector representatives; media; and civil society including non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

3 FAH-1 H-2431.3  Functional and Organizational Titles

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Functional titles (for example, military liaison officer, employee relations officer) and organizational titles (for example, chief of political section, chief of personnel unit) may be established by the post and used locally.  Such functional and organizational titles must not include words, such as, secretary, counselor, or consul, that may be confused with unauthorized diplomatic titles, commissioned consular titles, personal grades or classes. However, a functional or organizational title may include such words so long as the functional or organizational title and the individual’s authorized diplomatic or consular title convey the same level of privileges and immunities.  For example, an individual who has been authorized the diplomatic title of “Secretary” or “Attaché” may use a functional or organizational title that includes the word “Secretary” or “Attaché” when doing so will preserve the titling legacy/practices of certain non-foreign affairs agencies abroad programs (for example, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) “Legal Attaché”).

3 FAH-1 H-2431.4  Diplomatic Titles With Adjectives or Descriptive Phrases

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Use of modifying adjectives or phrases in a diplomatic title to denote a field of specialization will only be considered in rare instances when the Department determines that the modifying adjective or phrase provides a more useful title than that which is internationally recognized, and/or where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the receiving state requests it.  The post will make recommendations to the Department's Diplomatic Titles Officer, in the Office of Presidential Appointments (PAS).

3 FAH-1 H-2432  COMMISSIONED TITLES

3 FAH-1 H-2432.1  Types of Appointment Commissions and Assignment Commissions

3 FAH-1 H-2432.1-1  By the President, By and With the Advice and Consent of the Senate

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

In the Foreign Service, appointment and assignment commissions may be granted by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate for the following:

(1)  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary;

(2)  Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary;

(3)  Personal Rank of Career Ambassador;

(4)  Ambassador at Large;

(5)  Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service (of the class of Career Minister, Minister-Counselor, or Counselor);

(6)  Foreign Service Officer;

(7)  Secretary in the Diplomatic Service; and

(8)  Consular Officer of the United States of America.

NOTE:  In the context of an appointment commission as a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, the words Career Minister, Minister-Counselor, and Counselor are used to describe, in descending order, the permanent class or grade level of the appointee, not necessarily the specific diplomatic title assigned to the appointee at a particular post.

3 FAH-1 H-2432.1-2  By the President (without Senate Confirmation)

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. In the Foreign Service, appointment and assignment commissions may be granted by the President (without Senate confirmation) for the following:

(1)  Charge d'Affaires; and

(2)  Personal rank of ambassador/minister on a temporary special mission not to exceed six months.

b. The Department does not currently have a practice of assigning individuals to posts as Charge d’Affaires, which would require, among other things, seeking agrément from the receiving state.  Section 502(c) of the Foreign Service Act provides that the President may assign a career member of the Foreign Service as Charge d'Affaires, which includes Charge d’Affaires ad interim (CdA a.i.).  The President has delegated this assignment authority to the Secretary who has further delegated the authority to M.  The name of the Charge d'Affaires ad interim shall be notified by the head of mission – or, in cases when the head of mission is unable to do so, Department of State (not the Embassy) - to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the receiving State.

3 FAH-1 H-2432.1-3  By the President (Subsequent to Appointment as Consular Officer)

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State//USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

In the Foreign Service, appointment and assignment commissions may be granted by the President (subsequent to appointment as consular officer) for the following:

(1)  Consul General;

(2)  Consul; and

(3)  Vice Consul.

3 FAH-1 H-2432.1-4  By the Secretary of State

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

In the Foreign Service, appointment and assignment commissions may be granted by the Secretary of State for the following:

(1)  Vice Consul (under section 312 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended); and

(2)  Consular agent (under section 303 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended).

3 FAH-1 H-2432.2  Consular Appointment and Assignment Commissions

3 FAH-1 H-2432.2-1  Consular Appointment Commissions

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. Members of the Service of class 6 and above may be recommended for appointment as Consular Officers of the United States of America (hereafter referred to as Consular Officer(s) of the USA).  Such appointments are made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and evidenced by an appointment commission.  Such appointments continue in force at the pleasure of the President, unless specifically resigned by the member.  (Appointment as a Consular Officer of the USA should not be confused with the functional title of consular officer or with the assignment commission as a consul general, consul, or vice consul).  Under exceptional circumstances, and to meet urgent needs of the Service, members of rank lower than class 6 may be recommended for appointment as Consular Officer of the USA and granted a title for the duration of the assignment for which selected.

b. The Secretary of State commission of a member of the service as a vice consul for purposes of a consular assignment, remains valid for all consular assignments until separation from the Department of State.

3 FAH-1 H-2432.2-2  Consular Assignment Commissions

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Members of the Service with appointments as Consular Officers of the United States, as well as vice consuls appointed by the Secretary, who are assigned abroad to a consular post or to a diplomatic mission where they are to perform consular functions receive consular titles.  In most countries notification and recognition of a consular officer is accomplished by an exchange of diplomatic notes between the Embassy and the foreign office, and no separate assignment commission is required.  However, when required by the receiving state, the President and/or the Secretary of State, will issue consular assignment commissions as consul general, consul, or vice consul at a specific post.  Consular assignment commissions lapse upon the member's reassignment.  When a member is temporarily detailed from post of assignment, the consular assignment commission does not lapse until that member is transferred to a new post. Those members whose assignments abroad do not involve consular activities will not normally be given a consular title and, consequently, they do not have authority to perform those consular functions which require consular recognition by the receiving government, or which are recognized by domestic law of the states in the United States.

3 FAH-1 H-2433  NONCOMMISSIONED TITLES

3 FAH-1 H-2433.1  Titles Which May Be Granted

3 FAH-1 H-2433.1-1  By the President (Under Section 302(a)(2)(B) of the Foreign Service Act)

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Noncommissioned titles may be granted as follows for a period not to exceed 6 months:

(1)  Personal rank of ambassador; and

(2)  Personal rank of minister.

3 FAH-1 H-2433.1-2  Use With a Commissioned Title

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

When authorized by the Department, noncommissioned diplomatic titles may be used simultaneously with commissioned consular and diplomatic titles.

3 FAH-1 H-2434  CRITERIA FOR AMBASSADORIAL, MINISTERIAL, AND COUNSELOR TITLES

3 FAH-1 H-2434.1  Ambassador

3 FAH-1 H-2434.1-1  Personal Rank of Career Ambassador

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service Corps-USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Under section 302(a)(2)(A) of the Act, the President may, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, confer the personal rank of career ambassador upon a career member of the Senior Foreign Service in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period.  Such member may use the title of ambassador of the United States, except when that member is serving in a position in which the use of the title of ambassador would not serve the best interests of the United States; then that member must use such other title as may be authorized.

3 FAH-1 H-2434.1-2  Personal Rank of Ambassador or Personal Rank of Minister

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. Under section 302(a)(2)(B) of the Act, the President may confer the personal rank of ambassador or personal rank of minister on a member of the Service or other individual in connection with a special mission of the President of a temporary nature not exceeding 6 months in duration.  Such personal rank may be conferred only if, before such conferral, the President transmits to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a written report setting forth:

(1)  The necessity for conferring such rank;

(2)  The dates during which such rank will be held;

(3)  The justification for not submitting the proposed conferral of personal rank to the Senate as a nomination for advice and consent to appointment; and

(4)  All relevant information concerning any potential conflict of interest which the proposed recipient of such personal rank may have with respect to the special mission.

b. Such report must be transmitted not less than 30 days before conferral of the personal rank of ambassador or minister except in cases where it is certified in the President's report that urgent circumstances require the immediate conferral of such rank.  The title will terminate upon completion of the mission, but in all cases at the end of the 6 months' legal limitation.

3 FAH-1 H-2434.2  Minister-Counselor

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. “Minister-Counselor" is a diplomatic title higher than that of counselor, but subordinate to that held by a chief of mission.  The diplomatic title of minister-counselor may be granted only to members who have received an appointment commission as a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America.  In addition, the diplomatic title of minister-counselor may be granted only to such members who also meet the function-based criteria described 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2.

b. The diplomatic title of minister-counselor will not be conferred when a member is serving in a position to which the member has not been assigned.

c.  The diplomatic title of minister-counselor is conferred on a member only for use in the position to which it pertains.  The member will lose the title upon termination of assignment to the position.

d. The diplomatic title of minister-counselor will be conferred on members who hold appointment commissions as Secretaries in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America and are assigned as deputy chiefs of missions at pay level FA-13 missions.

e. The diplomatic title of minister-counselor may be conferred on members who hold appointment commissions as Secretaries in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America and who are assigned to such other positions as may be approved on an exceptional basis by the Director of the Office of Presidential Appointments.

3 FAH-1 H-2434.3  Counselor

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. The diplomatic title of counselor may only be granted to those members that meet the function-based criteria described in 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2 and who have appointment commissions as a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America and have been assigned as follows:

(1)  Deputy chief of mission (DCM) at pay level FA-14 missions; and

(2)  Chiefs of sections at all missions (section consists of at least three direct-hire Americans), regardless of the position level, if the rank of the member is of class 1 or above.  If a class 2 officer is assigned to a chief of section position, his/her listing on the diplomatic list should be reflected as first secretary – head of (pertinent) section.

b. The diplomatic title of counselor may be conferred, in rare and exceptional circumstances, by the Director of the Office of Presidential Appointments on other members of class 1 or above who have appointment commissions as a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America and who are assigned to a position at any mission where the lack of such title would constitute a major impairment to the effective performance of the member's duties or the function of the mission.  The diplomatic title of counselor will not be conferred when a member is serving in a position to which the member has not been assigned.

c.  The fact that a member held a counselor diplomatic title at a previous post is not justification for receiving the title for subsequent assignments.  A member is authorized to use a counselor diplomatic title only in the position for which it has been approved at the post of assignment.  The member does not retain the title upon transfer from the position and the post of assignment.

3 FAH-1 H-2435  CRITERIA FOR OTHER TITLES IN ORGANIZATIONAL OR FUNCTIONAL POSITIONS

3 FAH-1 H-2435.1  Titles in Organizational Positions

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

A member of the Service who has not received the title of ambassador or minister, or who has not been commissioned as a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service of the classes of Career Minister, Minister-Counselor, or Counselor, subject to 3 FAH-1 H-2431, 3 FAH-1 H-2432, and 3 FAH-1 H-2434, may be deemed to require a diplomatic or consular title, or both, as may be appropriate to the member's assignment in one of the following organizational positions as:

·         Deputy or principal assistant to the chief of section or director of a program;

·         Special assistant to the chief of mission;

·         Principal officer of a consular post;

·         Deputy or principal assistant to such principal officer;

·         Chief or director of a major section or program activity at a consular post, or deputy or principal assistant to such chief or director; or

·         When assigned to an organizational position which requires the performance of statutory consular duties or functions.

NOTE:  In no instance, however, will a non-commissioned officer be authorized a commissioned title.

3 FAH-1 H-2435.2  Titles in Functional Positions

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. A member of the Service who is not assigned to one of the organizational positions listed in 3 FAH-1 H-2435.1, subject to 3 FAH-1 H-2431, 3 FAH-1 H-2432, and 3 FAH-1 H-2434,may be deemed to require a diplomatic or consular title, or both, as may be appropriate to assignment in a functional position:

(1)  When the principal duty under the position to which a member is assigned requires the implementation of one or more diplomatic or consular functions; and

(2)  When the effective performance of such duty requires a close and consistent pattern of relations with officials of the national government or of other foreign missions, or in the case of a consular officer, with senior officials of the government within the consular district.  The chief of mission or principal officer of a consular office should communicate the justification to the Department for decision.

b. A member of the Service who does not meet the criteria of 3 FAH-1 H-2435.2 paragraph a may be deemed, nevertheless and subject to 3 FAH-1 H-2431, 3 FAH-1 H-2432, and 3 FAH-1 H-2434S, to require a diplomatic or consular title, or both, as may be appropriate to the member's assignment, where a denial thereof would impair the effective performance of one's duties and of the diplomatic or consular functions of the Foreign Service post concerned.  In those circumstances, the chief of mission or principal officer of a consular office should communicate this determination with justification to the Department's Diplomatic Title Officer (PAS) for decision.  In no instance, however, will a non-commissioned officer be authorized a commissioned title.

c.  In the event the chief of mission or principal officer of a consular office is unable to make the determination called for in 3 FAH-1 H-2435.2 paragraphs a and b before the arrival of the member concerned at post, the granting of authority to use the title will be deferred pending reassessment of the conditions after the member has reported for duty.

d. When a member is assigned as a position replacement for another who used a title, which had been authorized by the Department, in that position, the presumption is that the requirements of the position continue to satisfy the criteria for the need of a title, but not necessarily the same one used by the member's predecessor.  Such presumption will form the basis for the Department's grant of a title and the authority to use it, consistent with law and Department policy.

3 FAH-1 H-2436  GRANT AND USE OF DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR TITLES

3 FAH-1 H-2436.1  Procedures

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

All individuals, regardless of their parent agency, do not have and should not use a diplomatic or a consular title unless the Department has authorized one as follows:

3 FAH-1 H-2436.2  Diplomatic Titles

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

U.S. government direct-hire employees from all U.S. agencies assigned overseas under Chief of Mission authority who meet the criteria of 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2 may be authorized a diplomatic title.  Commission and grade will still be determining factors for authorizing commissioned diplomatic titles consistent with Section 312 of the Foreign Service Act.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.2-1  Secretary Diplomatic Title

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. Personnel who meet all the criteria of 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2, and are thus eligible for a diplomatic title, may be authorized a Secretarial title on the basis of class and grade level as follows:

      A Senior Foreign Service officer, a member of the Foreign Service (Generalist or Specialist) of class 1 or 2, and a Civil Service employee of a non-foreign affairs agency abroad grades GS-13 or higher may be designated a first secretary diplomatic title; a member of the Foreign Service (Generalist or Specialist) of class 3 or 4, and a Civil Service employee of a non-foreign affairs agency abroad grades GS-12 or higher may be designated a second secretary diplomatic tile; and a member of the Foreign Service (Generalist or Specialist) of class 5 or 6, and a Civil Service employee of a non-foreign affairs agency abroad grades GS-11 or lower may be designated a third secretary diplomatic title.

NOTE: Operational needs of certain Embassy/Branch sections, or offices of other government agencies under Chief of Mission authority may require consideration of an alternate diplomatic title designation from what is outlined above, to provide functional effectiveness at their individual mission.  In any such instances, the Embassy/Branch/Other Government Agency under Chief of Mission authority should engage with PAS.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.2-2  Attaché and Assistant Attaché

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State /USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service USDA)
(Applies to employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The Department of State diplomatic titles policy minimizes the use of the "Attaché" diplomatic title and standardizes the issuance of a “Secretary” diplomatic title for eligible non-commissioned and civil service personnel who meet all the criteria for a diplomatic title.  However, Attaché titles will continue to be granted for active duty military personnel on the basis of class or grade level:

(1)  Officers in the Foreign Service:  The title of attaché may be accorded to Senior Foreign Service officers (or SFS career candidates), to Foreign Service officers (or FSO career candidates), and other members of the Service at classes 1 through 4.  The title of assistant attaché may be accorded to Foreign Service officers (or FSO career candidates) and other members of the Service at classes 5 through 7; and

(2)  Officers Not in the Foreign Service:  The title of Defense Attaché,  Military Attaché or Assistant Military Attaché may be accorded to active duty military personnel serving overseas under Chief of Mission authority on the basis of their grade and commissioning status. Granting the "Attaché" diplomatic title to other members of the Service and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad may be authorized on an exceptional basis by the director of the Office of Presidential Appointments when determined that not doing so will negatively affect diplomatic accreditation of the individual.  For example, if the receiving state has titling restrictions or limitations.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.3  Consular Titles

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The consular title of a member of the Service deemed to require such a title will be specified in the member's consular assignment commission if one is required by the receiving state or by State cable. A member's consular title will equate, normally, with the member's class, but the nature of a particular assignment may require a higher or lower title than that to which a member would otherwise be eligible by virtue of the member's grade or class (e.g., a country does not recognize the title of Second Secretary-Vice Consul, so a consul title is authorized).  The conferral of a higher consular title does not signify reward nor does that of a lower title reflect discredit upon a member.  As a matter of policy, the Department will not lower a member's consular title during the course of an assignment. Subject to the needs of the Service, consular titles may be accorded.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.3-1  Consul General

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The title of consul general may be accorded to:

(1)  A member of the Service, regardless of class, at a diplomatic mission, who is either the supervisory consular officer or chief of the consular section, if the position level is class 1 or above; or

(2)  A member of the Service, regardless of class, who is principal officer at a consulate general, if the position level is class 1 or above.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.3-2  Consul

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The title of consul may be accorded to:

(1)  Senior Foreign Service officers (and SFS Career Candidates);

(2)  Foreign Service officers and other members of the Foreign Service in classes 1 through 3; and

(3)  Foreign Service officers and other members of the Foreign Service in class 4 when assigned as principal officers at consular posts.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.3-3  Vice Consul

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The title of vice consul may be accorded to:

·         For Foreign Service officers and other members of the Service in classes 4 through 6, the title is limited to the duration of the assignment.

3 FAH-1 H-2436.3-4  Consular Titles at U.S. Embassies

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Consular officers at U.S. embassies are generally notified as diplomatic agents and as such must be authorized both a diplomatic title and a consular title.  The consular title authorizes the individual to perform consular functions in the receiving state.

3 FAH-1 H-2437  POST DIPLOMATIC LISTING

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)

3 FAH-1 H-2437.1  Policy

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The size of a diplomatic list may vary from post to post depending on a number of variable factors including the local requirements of the receiving state.  Thus, not everyone authorized to use a diplomatic title at a mission is thereby assured of a place on the diplomatic list.  As a matter of policy, the best interest of the United States is reflected by a list that is limited to the needs of the mission.  Such needs include a fair and equitable representation of all sections and agencies at the post consistent with local conditions and circumstances.

3 FAH-1 H-2437.2  Responsibility

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The chief of mission is responsible for the composition and control of the list of names submitted to the authorities of the receiving state for inclusion in its diplomatic list.

3 FAH-1 H-2437.3  Post Diplomatic List Criteria

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. Every member of the Service and every non-Foreign Service civilian officer serving at a diplomatic mission and authorized by the Department to use a diplomatic title must be considered for a place on a diplomatic list to be submitted to the receiving state.

b. Every member of the Armed Forces serving at a diplomatic mission as a defense attaché, military attaché, assistant military attaché, or a member of a military assistance group or mission under an agreement which accords the officer full diplomatic status, must be considered for a place on the diplomatic list.

c.  In preparing the list of names for submission to the receiving state, the chief of mission (COM) must select from among the officers under consideration for diplomatic listing those for whom the COM determines listing is necessary for the effective performance of their functions.  When, however, the COM decides it would be in the best interest of the U.S. government to reduce the size of such list or when local conditions and circumstances require reduction, the COM may do so either on the basis of rank and/or function or under such other criteria as deemed just and proper.  After its modification, such list must reflect a fair and equitable representation of all sections and agencies at the mission consistent with its needs.

3 FAH-1 H-2437.4  U.S. Order of Precedence

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

The State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol (S/CPR), establishes the U.S. Order of Precedence. Precedence and rank among U.S. officials abroad may affect many aspects of the conduct of business and of social intercourse.  Therefore, it is important for governments of the receiving states and officials of other embassies in the receiving state to know the precedence of visiting U.S. Government officials, as well as the precedence of U.S. representatives at post.  The order of precedence on the lists submitted to the governments of receiving states for inclusion in their diplomatic lists must be governed by the provisions of 2 FAM 300.

3 FAH-1 H-2438  EXCEPTIONS AND CHANGES OF DIPLOMATIC TITLES

3 FAH-1 H-2438.1  Exceptions for A&T Staff

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Diplomatic titles may be authorized on an exceptional basis by the director of the Office of Presidential Appointments to personnel accredited as Administrative and Technical staff (A&T).  Consistent with provisions of 12 FAM 430 Exhibit H-431, Marines Security Guards (MSGs) assigned to the Security Detachment at an embassy are covered under the criteria of these exceptions. 

3 FAH-1 H-2438.1-1  Financial Inequities

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Requests for issuance of diplomatic titles for personnel accredited as A&T to alleviate substantial financial inequities must meet the following criteria:

(1)  The title arrangement is transparent, with the receiving state concurring in the grant of titles to A&T under these prescribed four conditions, and embodied in writing;

(2)  The Department prospectively waives the diplomatic-agent level of civil immunity for non-official acts prescribed under Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) (resulting in A&T level civil immunity for official acts only and no civil immunity for dependents as prescribed under Article 37 of the VCDR), and the A&T staff and dependents would be instructed not to invoke the diplomatic-agent level of "in transit" inviolability and immunity provided under VCDR Article 40;

(3)  The post does not include the A&T staff in the published diplomatic listing in the host country; and

(4)  The receiving state accepts that there would not be a reciprocal recognition of diplomatic titles for their A&T staff in the United States, only a reciprocal grant of tax and customs privileges to their A&T staff notified at their bilateral mission (or dually accredited to a bilateral and multilateral mission).

3 FAH-1 H-2438.1-2  Security Reasons

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Requests for issuance of diplomatic titles for A&T staff abroad for security reasons, such as the refusal of the receiving State to respect the inviolability and criminal immunity granted under the VCDR to A&T staff must meet the following criteria:

(1)  There exists no alternative in receiving State law or practice for assuring the inviolability and criminal immunity of our A&T staff granted to them under the VCDR;

(2)  The receiving  State consents to the grant of titles or accepts titles for A&T staff under its existing practices;

(3)  The Department waives in advance or at the time of suit the diplomatic-agent level of civil immunity for non-official acts prescribed under Article 31 of the VCDR (resulting in A&T level civil immunity for official acts only, and no civil immunity for dependents, as prescribed under Article 37 of the VCDR).  The A&T staff and dependents would be instructed not to invoke the diplomatic-agent level of "in transit" inviolability and immunity provided under Article 40 of the VCDR;

(4)  Acceptance of titles for receiving State's A&T staff in the United States will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be permitted only if necessary to assure acceptance of diplomatic titles for our A&T staff abroad.

3 FAH-1 H-2438.2  Other Exceptions

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Occasionally there may be an urgent need to notify and request accreditation of personnel who do not meet the criteria for a diplomatic title.  A decision to do so must be made by the Under Secretary of State for Management or his/her designee.  Such a request normally requires a stipulation by the United States to the receiving state that the United States will not reciprocate for employees of the receiving state in the United States.  The receiving state may or may not accede to the request.

3 FAH-1 H-2438.3  Change of Titles

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

Foreign Service posts may recommend to the Department the granting or changing of diplomatic or consular titles, but they have no authority to grant or change any titles other than functional or organizational titles established for local use.

3 FAH-1 H-2439  USE OF TITLES UPON RETIREMENT

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)
(Uniform State/USAGM/Commerce/Foreign Agriculture Service -USDA)
(Applies to Foreign Service employees and Civil Service employees of non-foreign affairs agencies abroad)

a. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service who has attained under the Foreign Service Act of 1980 the personal rank of career ambassador, or the class of career minister, minister-counselor, or counselor, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may use the following titles, as appropriate, upon retirement:

·         Career Ambassador of the Foreign Service of the United States of America, Retired;

·         Career Minister of the Foreign Service of the United States of America, Retired;

·         Minister-Counselor of the Foreign Service of the United States of America, Retired; or

·         Counselor of the Foreign Service of the United States of America, Retired.

b. An individual who has served as an Ambassador, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may use the title of ambassador, as appropriate, upon retirement:

·         U.S. Ambassador, Retired; or

·         Ambassador-at-Large of the United States, Retired.

c.  A member of the Service who attained under the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended, the rank of career ambassador, career minister, or career minister for information, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may use the following titles, as appropriate, upon retirement:

·         Career Ambassador of the United States of America, Retired;

·         Career Minister of the United States of America, Retired; or

·         Career Minister for Information of the United States of America, Retired.

d. Upon retirement, a member of the Service is authorized to retain and use one of the following titles to which the member is entitled:

·         Foreign Service Officer of the United States of America, Retired;

·         Foreign Service Information Officer of the United States of America, Retired;

·         ·Consul General of the United States of America, Retired; or

·         Consul of the United States of America, Retired.

 

3 FAH-1 Exhibit H-2439 
Diplomatic and Consular Privileges and Immunities

(CT:POH-295;   08-03-2026)

A.   PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF DIPLOMATIC AGENTS OR ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF

This exhibit is intended to assist agencies in accreditation of personnel stationed abroad and in requesting diplomatic status if appropriate.  For further assistance, please contact the Diplomatic Title Officer, in the Office of Presidential Appointments (PAS).

NOTE:  Diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities are held by the United States, not by the individual, and can be waived only by the United States.

DIPLOMATIC STAFF

JUSTIFICATION

In order for a position to carry diplomatic status and an employee to be considered a diplomatic agent criteria of 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2 and three broad principles must be met:

·         The position must be under chief of mission (COM) authority;

·         The position is permanently assigned to the embassy with the incumbent working out of the embassy or an embassy annex; and

·         There is a clear justification of work-related need with specific examples of how a lack of title would result in an inability to perform essential duties.

REQUESTS

If the above criteria are met, the agency should submit a request for title to the Diplomatic Title Officer, (PAS) as follows:

·         Foreign Affairs Agencies covered by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, should submit a completed Form DS-1474, Request for Diplomatic or Consular Title.  If the position has carried status in the past, the name of the present incumbent is required.  If the position is new, a copy of the National Security Decision Directives (NSDD) 38 approval with a justification of work-related need is required.  This justification must specifically identify why a lack of diplomatic title would impede work performance; and

·         Non-Foreign Affairs Agencies submit a memorandum to include, the position, candidate’s name, grade, clearance level, estimated date of arrival and name of predecessor.  If a new position, a copy of the NSDD 38 approval with a justification of work-related need is required.  This justification must specifically identify why a lack of diplomatic title would impede work performance.

NOTIFICATION TO POST/AGENCY

All Diplomatic Titles are authorized by the Department of State via cables (SMART).

PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES

For personnel authorized a diplomatic title at an embassy, the United States obtains:

·         Complete personal inviolability;

·         Complete immunity from criminal jurisdiction;

·         Residence and property inviolability;

·         Immunity from civil suit except for (a) real property transactions not conducted on behalf of the embassy, (b) any role they play as executor for or heir to an estate being distributed in the receiving country, (c) commercial or professional duties performed outside the scope of their official duties, and (d) counterclaims on the same subject matter when they have been the initiating party in a suit;

·         Complete immunity from the obligation to provide evidence as witnesses; and

·         Family members forming part of the household, other than nationals of the receiving state, enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the diplomatic agent.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF (A&T)

DIRECT-HIRE EMPLOYEES

If an individual is a direct-hire employee permanently assigned to an embassy and under chief of mission authority and does not meet the criteria of 3 FAH-1 H-2431.2-2 to be notified as a diplomatic agent, he/she would generally be notified as a member of the administrative and technical (A&T) staff.  These personnel perform duties that are critical to the internal operations of the embassy.

JUSTIFICATION

In order for a position to carry A&T status and an employee to be considered part of the A&T staff, the following conditions normally apply:

·         The position must be under chief of mission authority;

·         The position is permanently assigned to the embassy with the incumbent working out of the embassy or an embassy annex;

·         The duties of the position support the internal functions of the embassy; and

·         The individual does not enjoy privileges and immunities under an existing bilateral status agreement (e.g., Bilateral Agreement on Status of Development Assistance Personnel).  If covered under an agreement, they should be notified to the receiving state as in country under the appropriate bilateral agreement.

REQUESTS

There is no formal process for requesting A&T status for direct-hires.

NOTIFICATION

Notification is normally sent to the receiving state by the embassy in a diplomatic note upon arrival of the employee. Embassies typically notify individuals to the receiving state as part of the in-processing formalities to obtain host government identity cards, residence visa, import of household effects, etc.

PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES

If not nationals or permanently resident in the receiving state:

·         Complete personal inviolability;

·         Complete immunity from criminal jurisdiction;

·         Residence and property inviolability;

·         Immunity from the obligation to provide evidence as witnesses;

·         Civil immunity only in connection with the performance of their official duties (official acts immunity); and

·         Family members forming part of the household (who are not nationals or permanently resident in the receiving state) enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the employee.  This means that family members forming part of the household have no immunity from civil jurisdiction because, unless they are separately accredited to the diplomatic mission as a member of the staff of the mission, family members forming part of the household are not considered to perform official duties.

B.   PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF CONSULAR OFFICERS OR CONSULAR EMPLOYEES AT CONSULAR POSTS

CONSULAR OFFICER

JUSTIFICATION

In order for a consular title to be considered for a position, the following criteria must be met:

·         There must be an expectation of performance of consular duties;

·         The employee must hold a Presidential appointment commission as a Consular Officer of the United States of America or be authorized a Vice Consul appointment commission by the Secretary of State.  Both are processed through PAS;

·         The officer must be an employee of one of the Foreign Affairs agencies (State, Foreign Commercial Service, or Foreign Agricultural Service ) to be authorized a consular title; and

·         The officer must be assigned to and working out of a consular post.

·         Training/experience requirements must be met:

·         The employee must have been actively performing consular duties in a consular adjudicating position within the last 5 years; or,

·         Foreign Service Officers who have not served in a full-time, consular adjudicating position within the past 5 to 9 years can obtain a title by successfully completing either the Basic Consular course (PC530) or the Consular Fundamentals for Mid-Level Officers course (PC546);

·         Other employees who have not served in a full-time, consular adjudicating position in more than 5 years must take the Basic Consular course (PC530) in order to obtain a title;

·         Any employees, including Foreign Service Officers, who have not served in a full-time, consular adjudicating position in more than 9 years must take the Basic Consular course (PC530) in order to obtain a commission;

·         Exceptions to these requirements must be approved by CA.

REQUESTS

If the above criteria are met, the Foreign Affairs agency’s Washington office would submit a request to the Diplomatic and Consular Title program in PAS as follows:

·         Form DS-1474, Request for Diplomatic or Consular Title, indicating the name, grade, post of assignment, name of present incumbent, estimated time of arrival, dates of consular training, and dates of commissioning; and

·         If a new position, the NSDD 38 approval for the position must be attached to the request.

NOTIFICATION TO POST/AGENCY

All Diplomatic Titles are authorized by the Department of State via cables (SMART).

PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES AT CONSULAR POSTS FOR CONSULAR OFFICERS (PURSUANT TO THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON CONSULAR RELATIONS AND WITHOUT REGARD TO BILATERAL TREATIES):

·         Official acts immunity only in respect to both criminal and civil matters, and no immunity for vehicular accidents;

·         No immunity for residence and personal property;

·         Limited personal inviolability:  may be arrested pending trial if the offense is a “grave crime” (as defined under local law in the receiving state) and the arrest is made pursuant to a decision by a competent judicial authority; and

·         Not obliged to provide evidence as witnesses in connection with matters involving their official duties.

NOTE:  Family members have no immunity or inviolability.

CONSULAR EMPLOYEE

Consular employees are those assigned to a consular post who have neither the training nor the commissioning to be authorized a consular title, and there is no expectation of such duties being performed based on the position to which they are assigned.  Non-foreign affairs agency personnel fall into this category of personnel.

NOTIFICATION TO POST/AGENCY

Notification is normally sent to the receiving state by the embassy in a diplomatic note upon arrival of the employee.

PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES AT CONSULAR POSTS FOR CONSULAR EMPLOYEES

·         Official acts immunity only in respect to both criminal and civil matters, and no immunity for vehicular accidents;

·         No personal inviolability;

·         No immunity for residence or personal property;

·         Not obliged to provide evidence as witnesses in connection with matters involving their official duties; and

·         NOTE:  Family members have no immunity or inviolability.

C.   CONTRACTORS

For information regarding notification of contractors, see 2 FAM 221.

UNCLASSIFIED (U)