The interactive magazine was published 11 times per year, with a combined July and August issue, and features news of interest to employees, retirees and the general public.

A Department Notice dated April 21, 1961, announced that "the Foreign Service News Letter, formerly published by the Director General of the Foreign Service, will be retitled the Department of State News Letter and published by the Bureau of Administration, effective with the issue of May 15, 1961."

In its new form, the News Letter was intended to "acquaint the Department's officers and employees, at home and abroad, with developments of interest which may affect operations or personnel."

The occasion was marked with a revamped design and a retrospective article that recounted major events covered during the preceding 45 years.

Citing fiscal and environmental benefits, State Magazine transitioned to a dynamic digital-only multimedia publication available online and via mobile app on web-enabled Apple iOS and Android devices, beginning with the October 2015 issue.