Federal gov’t changes payment method for passport applications.

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Thursday that the federal government has implemented a new online payment system for passport applications submitted at acceptance centers on the island.

The new directive eliminates the use of money orders and personal checks and requires applicants to pay federal fees through the pay.gov platform before visiting the center to complete the process.

“This method simplifies the process for citizens,” Rivera Santana said in a written statement. “The applicant makes the payment online and receives a receipt via email, which they must present when they go to the office to complete the passport application.”

According to the official, the system allows payment by credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo through an official link or QR code provided by Passport Services.

The new directive from the U.S. State Department applies to applications submitted at acceptance centers in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and American Samoa, including U.S. Postal Service offices, court clerks, public libraries and other authorized offices.

Rivera Santana said applicants must first complete the digital application using the Form Filler tool before making the online payment. The requirement applies to those who qualify for the DS-11 form, used to apply for a passport for the first time, or to minors.

Federal fees vary depending on the document requested. The adult passport book costs $130, and the passport card costs $30. For minors under 16, the book costs $100, and the card costs $15.

In addition to the online federal payment, applicants must pay a $35 processing fee directly at the acceptance center when submitting their application.