# 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
**ACTION:**
Notice of request for public comment.
**SUMMARY:**
The Department of State (the Department) 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.
**DATES:**
The Department will accept comments from the public up to March 23, 2026.
**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-2026-0067” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.
• *Email: [email protected].*
• *Regular Mail:* Send written comments to: U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/MSU, SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710. 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 collection instrument and supporting documents, to *[email protected].* or CA/OCS/MSU at SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
*Title of Information Collection:* Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
*OMB Control Number:* OMB Control No. 1405-0152.
*Type of Request:* Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.
*Originating Office:* Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS).
*Form Number:* DS-4024e, DS-4024.
*Respondents:* United States Citizens and U.S. non-citizen Nationals, Third Country Nationals.
*Estimated Number of Respondents:* 1,750,000.
*Estimated Number of Responses:* 1,750,000.
*Average Time per Response:* 5 minutes.
*Total Estimated Burden Time:* 145,833 hours.
*Frequency:* On occasion.
*Obligation to Respond:* Voluntary.
We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this 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 information 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 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) makes it possible for U.S. nationals to enroll travel plans or simply subscribe to travel messaging. In the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or international crisis, U.S. embassies and consulates rely on this information to provide enrollees with critical information and assistance. The main legal authorities for use of this form are 22 U.S.C. 2715 and 22 U.S.C. 4802(b).
**Methodology**
All responses are received via electronic submission on the internet. The service is available on the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs website *https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step.* The paper version of the form is not in use though we are seeking its reactivation to coincide with third-party enrollment capability in STEP's software.
Elizabeth M. Gracon,
Managing Director, Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.