The first thing to understand about Dominican consular work in the United States is that two separate institutions are involved. The consulate issues passports, powers of attorney and legalisations. The electoral board, which runs its own offices in several U.S. cities, issues birth certificates and identity cards. Going to the wrong one is the most common wasted trip.
Quick facts
The document that gates everything is the birth certificate: it must be the current version with a barcode or QR code, issued from 2014 onwards, or one issued by an electoral board office in the United States. An older copy is refused at the window.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport renewal on expiry | Standardised consular tariff | Confirm the current amount |
| Replacement, first loss | $194 | Police report required |
| Replacement, second loss | $300 | Escalating penalty |
| Replacement, third loss | $384 | Escalating penalty |
| New birth certificate on the spot | Charged separately | If yours is the old format |
The escalating charge for repeated losses is unusual and worth knowing: it is not a flat replacement fee but a penalty that rises each time.
How to renew
- Check the format of your birth certificate before anything else, and order a current one if needed.
- Book an appointment online. Walk-ins are accepted at some posts but slots are limited and queues start early.
- Bring the identity card as well as the birth certificate.
- Attend for photograph and fingerprints.
- Pay the applicable tariff.
- Collect the passport or receive it by the method the consulate uses.
Required documents
- Legalised birth certificate with barcode or QR code, issued from 2014, or one from an electoral board office in the United States.
- Dominican identity and electoral card.
- Previous passport, where you hold one.
- Police report where the passport was lost or stolen.
- For naturalised applicants: evidence that at least one parent is of Dominican origin, where the category requires it.
- For minors: accompanied by a parent, guardian, or an adult holding a power of attorney for that purpose.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your area. Electoral board offices sit alongside several consulates and handle identity cards and certificates by order of arrival.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Police reports in New York
New York residents are asked to obtain a letter from the consulate first and only then go to a precinct for the police report. Residents of other states bring the local report directly.
Two institutions, two queues
Passports at the consulate, certificates and identity cards at the electoral board. They share buildings in some cities but they are not the same office.
Electronic passports
The network has been rolling out the electronic passport city by city. Ask which version your post is issuing before travelling to it.
Arrive early
At the busiest posts the queue forms well before opening. An appointment is worth the effort of booking it.