Getting a Passport in Fajardo, PR: Post Offices, Forms, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Fajardo's marinas and El Conquistador Resort fuel passport demand from ferry travelers to Vieques and Culebra, peaking March-May (spring break), December-February (winter escapes), and cruise seasons. Local post offices book weeks ahead—start 4-6 weeks early to secure slots amid tourism surges [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Confirm eligibility with the State Department's online wizard [1]. DS-11 requires in-person submission (new passports, minors, lost/stolen); DS-82 allows mail-in renewals if your prior passport was issued at 16+ and within 15 years, undamaged.

Puerto Rico requires long-form "Certificado de nacimiento literal" originals from the Demographic Registry [4]—short versions or hospital certs rejected. Download forms at travel.state.gov [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Fajardo

Verify appointments, hours, and services via USPS locator [5]—Fajardo-area spots fluctuate with ferry crowds. Expect 15-30 min: ID scan, form review, DS-11 signing, optional $15 photos, separate fee payments (checks/money orders only, no cards). Walk-ins uncommon; mid-week mornings best to dodge tourists.

Comprehensive list (search USPS for latest; photos available at most):

• Fajardo Main Post Office (primary, handles DS-11/renewals): 52 Munoz Rivera Ave, Fajardo, PR 00738. Phone: (787) 860-0600. USPS Locator. Google Maps.
• Luquillo Post Office (~10 min drive, overflow option):

PR-3 Km 28.6, Luquillo, PR 00773. USPS Locator. Google Maps.

• Río Grande Post Office (~15 min drive): PR-3 Km 25.1, Río Grande, PR 00745. Phone via locator. USPS Locator. Google Maps.
• Naguabo Post Office (~20 min drive): PR-3 Km 40.7, Naguabo, PR 00718. Appointments key. USPS Locator. Google Maps.
• Humacao Post Office (~25 min drive, reliable backup): 258 Muñoz Rivera Ave, Humacao, PR 00791. USPS Locator. Google Maps.
• San Juan Passport Agency (urgent life/death <14 days only): 150 Carlos Chardin St, San Juan, PR 00918. 1-877-487-2778; appt via 1-877-487-2778 [3].

Pro tip: Use USPS "Fajardo PR passport" search [5] for real-time slots; ferry peaks fill Fajardo fastest.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only (photocopy your set). PR birth certs: Literal long-form from salud.pr.gov/DR [4]—order early (1-2 wks standard, $10-20; $50+ expedite via VitalChek).

• DS-11: Citizenship proof, photo-matching ID (PR license), 2x2 photo, $130 app + $35 exec fee.
• DS-82: Old passport, photo, $130 (mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155).
• Minors <16: Parents'/guardian docs + DS-3053; $100 app + $35 exec (20% rejections from consent gaps).

Black ink, no staples/whitEOUT. Full fees [7].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

1. State Dept wizard for form/type [1].
2. Get PR long-form birth cert [4].
3. Match ID to citizenship proof (photocopy both sides).
4. Secure compliant photo (see below).
5. Complete forms via wizard (no signing DS-11).
6. Fees: Check to "U.S. Dept of State" (app); "Postmaster" (exec).
7. Book USPS appt/phone [5].
8. Full photocopy packet; verify minors/DS-3053.

Pitfalls causing 15% delays: Wrong form, 25% photo fails, fee mismatches.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submission Day

1. Arrive 15 min early with originals.
2. Staff verifies ID/docs; sign DS-11 on-site.
3. Pay fees separately; receive receipt/tracking.
4. Photos if unprepared ($15).
5. Select routine/expedited (+$60).
6. Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [3].

20-45 min typical; no staff expedites.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% rejected [6]. Strict specs:

• 2x2" (head 1-1⅜" high).
• White/off-white background; uniform lighting, no shadows/glasses/selfies.
• Neutral expression, eyes open/mouth closed; normal clothes (no uniforms).

Fajardo PO/CVS/Walgreens: $15, retakes free if rejected. DIY tip: Use white wall, natural light, crop precisely.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at acceptance).
• Urgent: <14 days (San Juan agency appt) [3].

Fajardo peaks add 1-2 weeks. Passport card ($30) suffices for closed-loop cruises/ferries [1].

Special Considerations for Puerto Rico Residents

Literal birth certs only [4]; students/exchanges apply 3+ months early. Lost: DS-64 immediately [2]. Vieques/Culebra ferries: ID suffices for U.S. citizens—no passport [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Walk-ins at Fajardo PO? Rare; book USPS [5]—tourist demand fills fast.

PR birth cert? Long-form from Registro Demográfico (salud.pr.gov/DR) [4]; no hospital shorts.

Expedited or urgent? Expedited (+$60, post office); urgent agency-only [3].

Photo fails? Reshoot on-site; follow specs [6].

Solo parent for minor? Notarized DS-3053 required [2].

DS-82 mail address? PO Box 90155, Philadelphia [2].

Passport for local ferries? No, U.S. ID OK [1].

Next Steps After Approval

Track weekly [3]. Booklet mails 6-8 weeks. Problems: 1-877-487-2778.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[4] Puerto Rico Departamento de Salud - Registro Demográfico
[5] USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7] [U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees](https:

Passport Fees

Check the official U.S. Department of State passport fees page for the most up-to-date amounts and breakdowns: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html.

Practical Clarity for Fajardo Applicants:

• Application Fee: Paid by check or money order (made payable to "U.S. Department of State") directly to the State Department—covers processing and covers both book and card options.
• Execution (Acceptance) Fee: Paid in person at your local facility (cash, credit/debit card, check, or money order)—this funds the facility's services, not the passport itself.
• Minors (under 16): Lower application fee, but execution fee applies per parent/guardian; renewals aren't available until age 16.
• Expedited Service: Adds $60+ (plus overnight delivery fees if needed)—ideal if your trip is within 2-3 weeks.
• Optional Extras: Passport card ($30 application fee) for land/sea travel only; 1-2 day delivery ($21.36).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Bringing personal checks for the execution fee—many facilities prefer certified funds or card.
• Assuming cash-only; confirm card acceptance to save time.
• Forgetting separate payments: Application fee goes to State Dept., execution fee stays local.
• Underestimating totals: New adult passport book is ~$165 total ($130 app + $35 exec); add-ons pile up fast.

Decision Guidance:

• Standard vs. Expedited: Use standard (6-8 weeks) if >3 months from travel; expedited (2-3 weeks) for urgency—life-or-death emergencies qualify for free expediting.
• Book vs. Card: Book for all international air travel; card saves money for Caribbean cruises/ferries from PR.
• First-Time vs. Renewal: First-timers in Fajardo must apply in person; renewals can mail if eligible (check eligibility tool online).
• Budget buffer: Factor in photos ($15 locally) and mailing ($20). Total for adult first-time: $200+ typically. Always verify fees before visiting to avoid surprises.