So You Got the "Red Light"?
Don't Panic. Here is the Manual Protocol.
🛑 Stop! Read This First.
If you fall into any of the categories below (New, Lost, Damaged, Child, Name Change), you cannot just walk into PICA.
You must have an Appointment. If you show up without one, the security guard will turn you back at the gate. No exceptions.
Book Your Appointment Here First
👋 Protocol 1: First Time Applicant
Welcome to the club. Since PICA has no record of your face, you must go in person to verify your identity.
The "Must-Haves" Checklist
✓
Birth Certificate: The original bearing the raised seal. No photocopies.
✓
Valid ID: Driver’s License, Elector ID (Voter's ID), or a passport from another country.
✓
Two (2) Photos: One must be signed by a JP or Minister of Religion.
✓
The Recommender: Section B of your form must be signed by a JP/Official who has known you for at least 12 months.
👶 Protocol 2: The Child (Under 18)
Children's passports are valid for 5 years. The rules are strict to prevent trafficking.
The Parent Trap (Don't Miss This)
✓
The Parent's ID: The parent applying must have a valid ID (Passport/License) that matches the name on the child's birth certificate.
✓
The Child's Presence: Yes, the baby must come. They need to see the child's face.
✓
Legal Guardians: If you are not the biological parent, you need the court order proving legal guardianship. A letter from the mom is not enough.
💍 Protocol 3: Name Change
Did you get married or divorced? Your passport must match your current legal name.
The Paper Trail
✓
Marriage Certificate: The original Registrar General's Department (RGD) copy.
✓
Divorce Decree: If you are reverting to your maiden name, you need the Decree Absolute.
✓
Deed Poll: If you changed your name for other reasons, the Deed Poll must be registered at the RGD.
Critical Note: If your ID (Voter's/License) still has your old name, fix that first. PICA wants your supporting ID to match the name you are asking for.
🚨 Protocol 4: Lost or Stolen
This is the most expensive mistake. You cannot just "renew." You are replacing a security document.
Step-by-Step Recovery
1.
Report to Police: Go to the nearest station immediately. Get a sealed Police Report referencing the passport.
2.
Get the Affidavit: You need a JP or Attorney to sign a PICA affidavit stating how it was lost.
3.
Prepare the Fee: The cost is significantly higher ($11,500 JMD) because there is a penalty for losing the document.
💧 Protocol 5: Damaged Passport
Did it go through the washing machine? Is the photo faded? PICA treats this seriously.
The Damage Control
✓
Bring the Evidence: You must surrender the damaged book. Do not throw it away.
✓
Written Statement: You will likely need to write a statement explaining exactly how the damage happened.
Warning: If the data page (the one with your photo) is damaged, you cannot travel on it. Do not try.
🏁 The Finish Line: Collection
Once you survive the interview, don't waste time going back to pick it up.
🚚 DHL Delivery (Recommended)
For about $1,500 JMD extra, they deliver straight to your gate or workplace. Ask for this at the counter.
🏢 Pick-Up Locations
If you must pick up, you can choose a location closer to you (e.g., Knox, Portmore, Mandeville) so you don't have to return to the head office.
Still Unsure? Book a Consultation