The Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) is a component of the

United States Department of State The United States Department of State (DOS), or State Department, is an executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for the country's foreign policy and relations. Equivalent to the ministry of foreign affairs of other n ...

to provide services to American diplomatic personnel abroad and foreign diplomats residing in the

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. It was created by the

U.S. Congress The United States Congress is the legislature of the federal government of the United States. It is Bicameralism, bicameral, composed of a lower body, the United States House of Representatives, House of Representatives, and an upper body, ...

to help implement the Foreign Missions Act of 1982, which provides the legal foundation for facilitating secure and efficient operations of U.S. missions abroad, and of foreign missions and

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in the U.S.; pursuant to the act, the OFM ensures all diplomatic benefits, privileges, and immunities are properly exercised in accordance with federal laws and international agreements.Dept Org Chart (state.gov)
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Mission

The Office of Foreign Missions has four missions. #Ensure equitable treatment for United States diplomatic and consular missions abroad and their personnel through reciprocity; #Regulate the activities of foreign missions in the United States in a manner that will protect the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States; #Ensure compliance of diplomatic privileges and immunities for foreign diplomats and officials residing in the United States to enhance U.S. security; #Provide appropriate privileges, benefits, and services on a reciprocal basis to the foreign mission community in the United States. As an advocate for reciprocal agreements, OFM presses for fair treatment of U.S. personnel abroad while assuring foreign diplomats based in the United States receive the same treatment that each respective government provides in return. Additionally, OFM assists foreign missions in dealing with local government offices in the United States. OFM also provides a range of services to the foreign diplomatic community, including issuance of vehicle titles, vehicle registrations,

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, and

license plates A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate (British English), license plate (American English), or licence plate (Canadian English), is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identificat ...

; processing of

tax exemption Tax exemption is the reduction or removal of a liability to make a compulsory payment that would otherwise be imposed by a ruling power upon persons, property, income, or transactions. Tax-exempt status may provide complete relief from taxes, redu ...

and duty-free customs requests; and facilitation of property acquisitions through local zoning law procedures. By assisting, advising, and regulating services for foreign diplomats, their dependents, and their staffs while residing in the United States. Finally, OFM establishes and maintains relationships with U.S. law enforcement and security communities at the national, state, and local levels to educate them about diplomatic privilege and immunity issues.

References

External links

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DC Plates

State Department Eyes Walter Reed To Be D.C.’s Next Embassy Enclave

{{authority control United States Department of State agencies Government agencies established in 1982

Mission

See also

References

External links