old passport records

You say "old" so I presume you mean the 1790s, because the 1990s are practically current and the 1890's aren't all that old by archival standards. 

In all seriousness, I think this is the link you need:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/passport-records.html  

jdkersh 

Thank you for posting your question on History Hub.

Passport applications dating from March 1925 and later remain in the legal custody of the Department of State. 

• To request access to applications for genealogical or historical research, you must submit a Freedom of Information Act request to:U.S. Department of State, Office of Law Enforcement Liaison, FOIA Officer, 44132 Mercure Cir, P.O. Box 1227, Sterling, VA, 20166. 
• The requirements to requestyour own records or records of your minor child, any person for whom you are a legal guardian, or any person who has authorized you to obtain themare strict.  Please see the guidance at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/passport-records.html.

We invite you to continue the conversation with community members on History Hub, but should you have follow up questions for the staff at Archives II, please email us at archives2reference@nara.gov so that we can assist you further.   Be sure to refer to the correspondence control number noted below.

Sincerely,

Textual Reference Archives II Branch (RR2RR)

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