San Juan PR Passport Guide: Steps, Forms, Facilities & Photos

Getting a Passport in San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, as Puerto Rico's bustling capital, sees heavy passport demand driven by frequent international flights to the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America for business, tourism, and family visits. Seasonal peaks during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays amplify this, alongside student exchanges and last-minute trips for emergencies or opportunities. Local residents often face challenges like booked-out appointments at acceptance facilities, photo rejections from glare or improper sizing, missing documents (especially birth certificates for minors), and confusion over renewals versus new applications. This guide walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid pitfalls and prepare effectively. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can update.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right form prevents wasted trips and fees. Here's how to decide:

First-Time Applicants (Adults 16+)

Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, expired over 15 years ago, or was damaged/lost.[2] You must apply in person at an acceptance facility—no mail option.

Renewals (Adults 16+)

Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, and expires within 5 years? Use Form DS-82 to renew by mail. Not eligible? Treat as first-time with DS-11.[3] Many in San Juan mistakenly use DS-11 for simple renewals, causing delays.

Replacements (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged)

Report lost or stolen passports immediately to the U.S. Department of State using Form DS-64 (free; complete online at travel.state.gov for fastest processing, or download and mail). If stolen, also file a police report with local Puerto Rico authorities right away—this serves as key proof for your application, insurance claims, or reimbursement, and avoids common delays. Delaying the DS-64 report by even a few days can complicate processing and raise fraud flags.

For replacement, use Form DS-11 in person at a passport acceptance facility in most cases, as lost, stolen, or damaged passports generally disqualify you from mail renewal (DS-82). DS-82 by mail is rarely eligible here—only if your passport is undamaged, recently issued (within 5 years, when you were 16+), name/gender unchanged, and you can submit the old book. Use the State Department's online eligibility quiz at travel.state.gov to confirm; common mistake is attempting DS-82 for lost/stolen passports, which leads to rejection and wasted time/fees.

Always include:

• Your DS-64 confirmation number/email.
• Police report (for stolen).
• A signed written statement explaining the loss, theft, or damage details (e.g., "Lost on [date] during travel in San Juan").

Decision guidance: Prioritize in-person DS-11 for speed/security in San Juan—bring 2x2 photos (recent, white background; avoid selfies or common errors like hats/glasses), ID, fees (check current at travel.state.gov), and proof of U.S. citizenship/travel urgency if expediting. Mail-ins take 6-8 weeks; in-person can be 2-3 weeks or faster with proof of imminent travel. Track status online post-submission.

Child Passports (Under 16)

Always DS-11 in person, with both parents/guardians present (or notarized consent).[5] Common issue: Incomplete minor documentation leads to 50%+ rejection rates locally.

Other Scenarios

• Name change? Provide marriage/divorce decree.
• Urgent travel (within 14 days)? Expedited service or life-or-death emergency.[6] Use the State Department's wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/ to confirm your form.[1]

Required Documents and Eligibility

Gather originals—no photocopies except where specified. U.S. citizenship proof (e.g., Puerto Rico birth certificate) is essential; certified copies from the Puerto Rico Department of Health cost $5–$10 and take 1–4 weeks.[7]

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Long-form birth certificate (not hospital short-form), naturalization certificate, or prior passport.
• Photo ID: Driver's license, Puerto Rico ID, or military ID. Name must match citizenship doc.
• Photocopy of ID: Front/back on standard paper.
• Payment: $130 application fee (book/check to "U.S. Department of State"); execution fee $35 to facility.[1]
• One passport photo (2x2 inches, see below).

For minors: Both parents' IDs, birth certificate, and parental consent Form DS-3053 if one absent.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections in high-volume areas like San Juan due to tropical lighting issues. Specs:[8]

• Size: Exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), head 1–1 3/8 inches.
• Background: Plain white/off-white, no shadows/glare/textures.
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open.
• Attire: Everyday (no uniforms); glasses OK if eyes visible, no hats unless religious/medical.
• Recent: Within 6 months.

Pitfalls in San Juan: Harsh sunlight causes glare/shadows—shoot indoors with natural light. Walgreens/CVS (e.g., Plaza Las Américas) offer compliant photos for $15; confirm "passport-ready." Selfies fail specs.[8] Print on matte paper.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in San Juan

San Juan has 10+ facilities, but book ahead—slots fill fast during peaks (Dec–Apr, Jun–Aug). Use the locator: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ (enter ZIP like 00901).[9]

Examples:

• Hato Rey Post Office (1549 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Ave): Mon–Fri 8:30AM–3PM. Phone: (787) 622-4022.[9]
• Santurce Post Office (605 Ave Ponce de Leon): Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM. High demand.[9]
• USPS Carolina (e.g., main branch): Serves metro area.[10]
• Ponce de Leon Clerk of Court: Limited hours.

Bring all docs; agents verify but don't process federally. No federal agencies in PR—State Department offices are in major cities like Miami.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Use this printable checklist to stay organized:

1. Confirm eligibility: Use wizard; download correct form (DS-11/DS-3053).[1]
2. Gather citizenship proof: Order PR birth cert online if needed (salud.pr.gov).[7]
3. Get photo: At pharmacy/post office; double-check specs.
4. Complete form: Fill DS-11 in black ink, unsigned until instructed. Do not sign early.
5. Photocopy ID: Front/back.
6. Prepare payment: Cashier's check/money order for $130 (State Dept); cash/card for $35 execution.
7. Book appointment: Call facility or use online scheduler (USPS: usps.com).[10]
8. Arrive early: Bring all originals. Agent witnesses signature.
9. Track status: After submission, use online tracker (7–10 days for number).[1]
10. Mail if needed: Facilities forward to State Dept (no tracking usually).

Time: 30–60 min per visit. Peaks mean 2–4 week waits for slots.

Renewals and Mail-In Process (DS-82)

Simpler if eligible:

1. Download/print DS-82.[3]
2. Include old passport, photo, fee ($130).
3. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Track via email alerts.[1]

Not mail-eligible? In-person DS-11.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Standard processing: 6–8 weeks (routine).[1] Expedited (+$60, 2–3 weeks) available at acceptance facilities or mail.

• Travel in 14 days? Expedite mandatory; life-or-death (funeral, medical) within 3 days—call 1-877-487-2778 for appointment at agency (nearest: Miami).[6]
• Last-minute pitfalls: No guarantees during peaks; San Juan travelers report 2x delays. Apply 9+ weeks early.

Private expeditors (e.g., via USPS) charge extra but use official channels.[10]

Special Considerations for Puerto Rico Residents

• Birth Certificates: PR Dept of Health (Demographic Registry) issues long-form. Online/app: https://www.salud.pr.gov/NSF/App/RegistroDemografico/. Expedite for $15 extra (15 days).[7]
• ID Alternatives: PR driver's license valid.
• Minors: Both parents or Form DS-3053 notarized (notary at banks/post offices).
• Military/Students: Check waivers; exchange programs need visas post-passport.

High international traffic (e.g., to DR, Colombia) means plan ahead—cruise ports like Pan American Pier require passports for closed-loop but recommend for all.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

Times from receipt; add mail (1–2 weeks).[1] Peak seasons (winter breaks, summer) add 2–4 weeks—no hard promises. Track weekly; 80% on-time but surges hit PR hard.

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in San Juan?
Apply 9–13 weeks before travel. Seasonal demand books facilities weeks out; urgent slots rare.[1]

Can I get a passport photo taken at the acceptance facility?
No—bring one. USPS/CVS nearby comply; glare rejections common without preview.[8]

What if my child’s other parent can’t attend?
Provide DS-3053 notarized consent + their ID copy. Both signatures required.[5]

Is a Puerto Rico birth certificate sufficient?
Yes, long-form certified copy from Dept of Health. Short-forms rejected.[7]

What are peak times for passport services in San Juan?
Dec–Apr (winter), Jun–Aug (summer), spring break. Book 4+ weeks ahead.[9]

Can I expedite at any USPS?
Yes, add $60 fee; mark forms clearly. For <14 days, call federally.[6]

Lost my passport abroad—what now?
Contact U.S. Embassy/Consulate; apply for emergency travel doc. Report DS-64 on return.[4]

Do cruises from San Juan require passports?
Recommended; birth cert/driver’s license for closed-loop to U.S., but passport safest.[1]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Apply In Person for a Passport
[3]Renew an Adult Passport
[4]Report a Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]State Department - Children
[6]Get a Fast Passport
[7]Puerto Rico Demographic Registry
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10]USPS Passports