Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions

The United States Department of State’s, Office of Foreign Missions, and the American Institute of Taiwan issue exemption cards to some foreign diplomats and consular personnel. Each card contains the following:

• Official’s name
• Official’s picture
• Mission employed by
• Protocol identification (PID) number
• North American animal image
• What purchases are not taxable

There are two types of exemption cards:

• Mission Cards
  • Issued to the mission’s contact person. Mission personnel may purchase items in the name of the foreign mission. The contact person does not need to be present.
  • Purchases must be necessary for the mission’s operations and functions.
  • Cannot be used to purchase personal items, medical treatments, or travel/tourism.
  • Purchases must be paid directly by the foreign mission with a check, credit card, or wire transfer. Cash or personal payments are not allowed.
• Personal Cards
  • Issued to the individual listed on the card. Only that individual can use the card; it is not transferrable to anyone else.
  • Purchases must benefit the individual on the card.
  • No restrictions on the form of payment, including cash.

Animal symbols identify the type of exemption card and if any additional restrictions apply.