Getting a Passport in Ceiba, PR: Appts, Checklists & Tips

Getting a Passport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico

Ceiba's ferry ports to Vieques and Culebra drive high passport demand, especially during spring break, summer, and winter peaks when families rush for cruises or mainland flights from nearby Roosevelt Roads. Facilities like the local post office prioritize appointments amid these surges—walk-ins are rare and often turned away. Plan 6-8 weeks ahead for routine service (or 2-3 weeks expedited); book off-peak Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Avoid pitfalls like non-compliant photos (2x2 inches, color, white background, recent), unsigned forms, or uncertified PR birth certificates (hospital versions fail). Use travel.state.gov wizards for forms/fees; call 1-877-487-2778 if unsure.

Quick-Start Checklist for Urgent Needs

For travel in <8 weeks:

• Confirm type: First-time/minor/lost → DS-11 in-person. Eligible renewal → DS-82 mail.
• Book appointment at Ceiba Post Office (787-885-2720) or nearby.
• Order PR birth cert if needed (registrocivil.salud.pr.gov, 10-15 days).
• Get compliant photo (CVS/Walgreens).
• Gather: Original citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, fees (check/money order).
• Apply expedited (+$60) or urgent (proof required for <14 days).
• Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Determine Your Passport Service

Puerto Rico uses standard U.S. rules. Match your situation:

Download at pptform.state.gov. First-timers/replacements expect 2-3 hour visits; sign DS-11 on-site only. Mail DS-82 from Ceiba USPS (priority tracked). Common error: Using DS-82 for ineligible cases (4+ week rejection).

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Ceiba offers one main site; nearby options within 20-min drive handle overflow from ferry traffic. All require appointments (call/book online); walk-ins rare, especially peaks—confirm via iafd

b.travel.state.gov or USPS locator. Expect agent review, signature witnessing, fee collection (1-2 hrs).

Aim early weekdays; bring extras (photos/docs).

Gather Documents and Photos

Citizenship: PR Dept of Health certified birth cert (not hospital; order via registrocivil.salud.pr.gov or VitalChek, 10-15 days). Pre-1931: Delayed cert.

ID: Current PR driver's license + front/back photocopy (plain paper).

Photos: 2x2 inches, color, white background, <6 mos old, head 1-1⅜ inches, no glasses/selfies/shadows (PR sun/glare common fail). $15 at CVS/Walgreens/Fajardo USPS.

Minors <16: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized; valid 5 yrs.

Photocopy all originals. Pitfall: No copies = return mail.

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Wizard confirm: pptform.state.gov.
2. Book appt.
3. Complete unsigned DS-11.
4. Arrive early w/ checklist items.
5. Agent verifies/signs; pays fees.
6. Track after 7 days.

Mail Renewal (DS-82): Form + old passport + photo + $130 check to Philadelphia P.O. Box 90155.

Lost/Stolen: DS-64 report first (online), police report, then DS-11.

Fees and Processing

Check/money order (no personal checks); no cards at PR posts. Urgent (<14 days): Proof (itinerary) for San Juan agency appt (1.5hr drive).

Special PR Tips and Pitfalls

• Ferry Demand: Vieques/Culebra trips domestic (no passport), but surges affect appts.
• Birth Certs: Expedite via VitalChek; peaks delay.
• Mistakes: Early DS-11 signature, wrong photos (50% reject), no DS-64/police report, peak walk-ins.
• Multiple Passports: Possible for frequent travelers (valid first book).
• What to Expect: 15-30 min waits off-peak; a

gent oaths/docs check.

Apply 3-6 mos pre-travel.

Renewing by Mail from Ceiba

Eligible adults: DS-82 + docs to Nat'l Processing Center. Track online; ideal for low-urgency.

FAQs

Same-day in Ceiba? No; agencies only w/ proof.

PR Birth Cert? https://registrocivil.salud.pr.gov/ (10+ days).

Appt at Ceiba PO? Yes, call 787-885-2720.

Vieques? No passport needed (U.S. territory).

Track? passportstatus.state.gov (post-7 days).

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Multiple Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/multiple-passports.html
[3] PR Registro Demográfico: https://registrocivil.salud.pr.gov/
[4] Photo Specs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html
[5] USPS Locator: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm
[6] Facility Search: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[7] Fees: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[8] Expedited: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html