THE Department of State says it is pleased to announce that the US Embassy Kingston has been selected as a pilot location to allow eligible US citizens residing in Jamaica to pay their DS-82 passport renewal fees online thorough Pay.gov. The pilot programme is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2021.

Currently, all US passport applicants in Jamaica — including adults renewing their passports using form DS-82 — must arrange for in-person payment of their passport renewal fee at the US Embassy in Kingston, or with our Consular Agency in Montego Bay. We understand that payment arrangement may be inconvenient for some US citizens on the island, and we will soon introduce a new online payment option. This will also eliminate the need to schedule an appointment and come into the embassy or consular agency for many passport renewal applicants.

Who is eligible to pay online and renew their US passport?

You may be eligible to apply via online payment if you are an adult (16 years and older) who already has a 10-year US passport book issued no more than 15 years ago. You must be resident in and have a mailing address in Jamaica to arrange for delivery of the renewed passport via DHL or courier service.

Online fee payment and mail-in review is only available for adults (16 and older) with a 10-year passport book that was issued 15 years ago or less. To apply for a minor’s passport, both parents/guardians must sign in person to authorise the issuance of the child’s passport. For more information, please visit the US Embassy website. Children under age 16 cannot apply for a passport without parental consent. 

What if I don’t have a passport book? Can I still participate?

No. To renew your passport by mail or courier, you must have in your possession a passport book that is valid for 10 years. During the application process, you will be required to mail your current passport and your passport application to the US Embassy. If you do not have your passport book in your possession, because it was lost, stolen, or otherwise misplaced, you must apply for a new one in person using a DS-11 passport application form. 

What payment methods are available for use via Pay.gov?

You can pay the US$110 fee for passport renewal by electronic check/transfer from a US-based bank, credit/debit card, PayPal, or Amazon Pay on Pay.gov. This amount cannot be altered. You must pay the fee in US dollars. 

Do I need special software or computer equipment to pay for my US passport renewal via Pay.gov?

No. All you need is a computer or mobile device with Internet access and a web browser. Pay.gov is a secure portal used by more 40 US Government agencies use to collect forms and payments. Pay.gov uses 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your transaction. 

Who do I contact?

This information will all be available on the US Embassy website for the June 20 launch. If you currently have an appointment to renew your passport and would like to cancel that appointment and renew online, please e-mail KingstonACS@state.gov.

– The latest information on our operating status can be found on our website at www.jm.usembassy.gov or by visiting www.travel.state.gov Keep on top of Embassy news on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USEmbassyJamaica/ and by following @USEmbassyJA on Twitter. We also answer general consular questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.