Santo Domingo.- The Director General of Passports (DGP), Lorenzo Ramírez, announced that the Dominican Republic will issue its first electronic passport in 2025 as part of a comprehensive modernization plan aimed at transforming the institution into a model of efficiency in public service. Appointed through presidential decree 314-24, Ramírez has prioritized enhancing the institution’s services, revealing that daily capacity has increased to serve around 2,000 citizens. A stabilized electronic appointment system has eliminated long queues, and office hours at Sambil and Megacentro have been extended to Saturdays, with future plans to introduce home delivery of passports.
The introduction of biometric passports, featuring advanced security measures like polycarbonate materials and embedded microchips, aims to reduce identity theft and forgery risks. A rigorous tender process is underway to procure the necessary materials, software, and hardware for the project. Despite the complexity of implementation due to high technological and security requirements, the first electronic passports are expected to roll out next year.
The modernization effort extends to infrastructure upgrades. The current DGP headquarters, built in the 1970s, lacks the space and accessibility required for modern operations. Plans are in motion to relocate most services to a new, state-of-the-art building designed to improve user experience, reduce waiting times, and accommodate expanded technological systems. While some operations will remain at the original site, the transition underscores the institution’s commitment to providing efficient and accessible services to citizens.