A purple passport is a limited-validity passport issued to U.S. citizens in specific circumstances, such as when a regular passport is lost or stolen while traveling abroad. It's a temporary document that allows the individual to return to the United States, but it typically has a shorter validity period than a standard passport.
The U.S. Department of State issues purple passports to citizens in emergency situations, enabling them to return home safely. While it's not a typical passport, it plays a crucial role in assisting travelers in distress.