Quick Answer
The Iranian Interests Section is the only body in the United States authorized to provide Iranian consular services. It is located at 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, inside the Pakistani Embassy, because Iran severed diplomatic relations with the U.S. on April 7, 1980. It can be reached at (202) 965-4990. Services include passport renewal, Kart Melli, Shenasnameh, power of attorney authentication, and birth registration for Iranians abroad.
Why Iran Has No Embassy in the United States
Iran severed all diplomatic relations with the United States on April 7, 1980, in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran. Because no diplomatic relations exist, neither country maintains a full embassy on the other's soil. To handle the basic consular needs of Iranian nationals living in the U.S., an 'Interests Section' arrangement was made. Iran's Interests Section operates within the Pakistani Embassy building, and Pakistan serves as the protecting power for Iranian interests in the U.S. Switzerland serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.
Location, Address, and Contact Information
The Iranian Interests Section is physically located inside the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. Its details are:
- Address: 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Phone: (202) 965-4990
- Operating within the Pakistani Embassy building — the building is shared but the Interests Section is a separate Iranian-staffed unit
- Not a full embassy — it cannot issue visas to non-Iranian nationals or perform full diplomatic functions
What Services the Interests Section Provides
The Iranian Interests Section provides a range of consular services to Iranian nationals residing in the United States:
- Iranian passport issuance and renewal
- Kart Melli (Iranian National ID card) issuance and renewal
- Shenasnameh (civil registry booklet) renewal and amendment
- Birth registration for children of Iranian citizens born in the United States
- Death registration for Iranian nationals who die in the United States
- Authentication and legalization of power of attorney documents
- Marriage and divorce registration for Iranians married or divorced in the U.S.
- Notarization of certain documents for use in Iran
- Military service-related documentation
How the Interests Section Processes Applications
The Interests Section functions as a pass-through for most document requests. Applications received in Washington, D.C. are reviewed for completeness, then forwarded to the relevant ministry in Iran (such as the Ministry of Interior for passports and IDs, or the Civil Registry Organization for Shenasnameh). The Iranian ministry processes the request, and the resulting document is sent back to the Interests Section, which then returns it to the applicant by mail. This two-stage process is why processing times are measured in weeks, not days.
Mandatory Mikhak Registration Before Any Service
All Iranians seeking services from the Interests Section must first register on the Mikhak system at mikhak.msrt.ir. This applies regardless of which service you are requesting. The Mikhak reference number must appear on your application. The Interests Section will not process applications from individuals who are not registered on Mikhak.
Appointment vs. Mail-In Applications
The Interests Section processes most routine document renewals (such as passports and Kart Melli) through mail-in applications. Walk-in appointments are generally not offered. For services requiring an in-person appearance — such as certain first-time applications or situations requiring sworn statements — appointments must be scheduled in advance by contacting the Interests Section at (202) 965-4990. Appointment availability is limited and scheduling can take several weeks. Always confirm the current application procedure before sending documents, as policies change.
What the Interests Section Cannot Do
There are important limitations on what the Interests Section can handle:
- It cannot issue Iranian visas to non-Iranian nationals (no visa services for Americans or other foreigners)
- It cannot provide U.S. immigration assistance or advice
- It cannot assist with legal disputes between Iranian nationals and U.S. authorities
- It does not provide emergency travel documents on the same day in most circumstances
- It cannot process applications submitted without Mikhak registration
- It does not accept cash payments
How Iranian Citizen Services Can Help
Navigating the Iranian Interests Section's requirements can be time-consuming, particularly for applicants unfamiliar with Iranian document systems or who do not read Persian. Iranian Citizen Services (ICS), based in Irvine, CA, helps clients prepare complete and accurate application packages for submission to the Interests Section, assists with Mikhak registration, and reviews documents to reduce the likelihood of rejection. ICS charges a consulting fee; consular fees are paid separately to the Interests Section. ICS is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Iranian visa at the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C.?
No. The Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C. does not issue visas to non-Iranian nationals. It provides consular services exclusively to Iranian nationals residing in the United States. Non-Iranian nationals seeking to travel to Iran must apply for visas through an Iranian diplomatic post in a third country, such as an Iranian embassy in Europe or Canada.
Is the Iranian Interests Section the same as the Iranian Embassy?
No. An embassy represents a country with full diplomatic relations. Because Iran severed diplomatic relations with the United States in 1980, there is no Iranian Embassy in the U.S. The Interests Section is a lesser diplomatic arrangement — it handles consular functions for Iranian nationals but cannot perform full diplomatic activities. It operates inside the Pakistani Embassy under Pakistan's protection.
Can Iranians living in Canada use the Interests Section in Washington, D.C.?
Iranians residing in Canada should use the Iranian consulates in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, or Montreal), as Canada has full diplomatic relations with Iran and maintains Iranian consulates. Using a Canadian consulate typically results in faster service than the Interests Section. However, Canadians of Iranian origin who are primarily in the U.S. may contact the Interests Section about their options.
How do I know if the Interests Section received my application?
Send your application via a trackable courier service (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS) and save the tracking number. The Interests Section does not typically send acknowledgment emails or letters upon receipt. You can follow up by calling (202) 965-4990 after sufficient time has passed — typically wait at least two weeks after confirmed delivery before calling to inquire.