President Luis Abinader is on schedule to be the first to receive the state-of-the-art biometric passport this coming 14 January 2026, El Dia reports. As of that date, Dominicans who need to renew their passports or request a new passport will be able to do so at new headquarters off John F. Kennedy Avenue and Dr. Defillo Street. The Passport Agency is also keeping its old location in the Centro de los Heroes on the Malecon.
The Passport Agency (DGP) says appointment slots for the general public will open as of 15 January but in person applications are required. While data collection begins in mid-January, the actual issuance and delivery of the physical booklets is scheduled to commence in February.
The Passport Agency had reported that preference will be given to those who have expired passports.
While the progressive rollout at domestic offices begins in February, Dominican consulates abroad are expected to offer the service by June 2026.
“We are opening on this date to prepare, assess the demand for the new document, and begin enrolling citizens,” explained Rocío Quiroz, head of communications for the DGP. She noted that the initial phase at the new headquarters will focus exclusively on biometric data capture.
The shift to a biometric system represents a significant upgrade in national security. The new passport features a high-tech polycarbonate data page and an embedded electronic chip. This chip stores the holder’s digital signature, fingerprints, and facial recognition data.
Key features of the new document include 70+ security measures designed to prevent forgery and identity theft. The passports meet the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Unlike previous renewal processes, the biometric nature of the new document requires all applicants to appear in person. This is necessary for the precise capture of facial features and fingerprints, ensuring the document’s integrity for international travel.
The new passports will have a validity of five or ten years. Officials emphasize that the upgrade will not only bolster security but also streamline the authentication process at international borders for Dominican citizens.
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El Dia
8 January 2026