Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) Pay.gov DS-82 Program
Summary
The Department of State/U.S. Mission to Sierra Leone is pleased to offer online payment program for adult passport renewal for U.S. citizens resident in Sierra Leone. Effective September 15, 2023, adult passport renewal applicants in these countries, wishing to pay the application fees online may do so via electronic funds transfer from a U.S. based bank account, U.S. or international credit or debit card, Amazon Pay, or PayPal. The process is also more convenient because you can pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about this program, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to pay fees online?
A: You are eligible to renew your passport via Pay.gov if you are 16 years and older who already has a 10-year validity U.S. passport issued no more than 15 years ago. If you are eligible, please follow the instructions on the U.S. Embassy site here [https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/].
Q: I live in Liberia but the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone is closer to me than the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. I want to renew my passport in Sierra Leone. Can I use this program?
A: No. This program is limited to residents of Sierra Leone. However, you may still schedule an appointment to submit your passport application at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown. Detailed, step-by-step instructions on scheduling a passport appointment are available on their websites: https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
Q: Can minors (younger than 16 years) pay fees online?
A: No. Online fee payment is only available for those individuals that are 16 years of age or older. To apply for a minor’s passport, both parents/guardians must authorize in person the issuance of the child’s passport. For more information, click here [https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/]. Children under age 16 cannot apply for a passport by themselves.
Q: What if I don’t have a passport book? Can I still participate?
A: No. To participate in the program, you must have in your possession a passport book that is valid for ten years. If you do not have your passport book in your possession, you must apply for a new one in person using a DS-11 passport application form.
Q: What if I don’t have a passport book because it was lost or stolen? Can I still pay online?
A: No. You will need to apply for a new passport in person at the U.S. Embassy. Instructions can be found here [https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/].
Q: Can I pay for a passport card as well?
A: No. Currently, our overseas online fee payment form via Pay.gov is available only for passport book renewals. Instructions to apply for a passport card at the U.S. Embassy can be found here [https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/].
Q: What payment methods are available for use via Pay.gov?
You can pay the $130 fee by internationally accepted credit/debit card, electronic funds transfer (from a U.S. bank account), PayPal, or Amazon Pay. This amount cannot be altered. You must pay the fee in U.S. dollars. All transactions are processed in U.S. dollars. Cash and personal checks are not accepted via the Pay.gov site.
Q: Do I need special software or computer equipment to pay for my U.S. passport via Pay.gov?
A: No. All you need is a computer or mobile device with internet access and a web browser.
Q: Is the online process safe?
A: Yes. Pay.gov is a secured portal that uses 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure that your personal and payment information is protected. It is a trusted site used by more than 40 U.S. government agencies to collect forms and payments for customers
Q: Can I pay for more than one passport at a time in a single transaction on pay.gov?
A: No. You must complete a new payment form for each passport application.
Q: After a successful payment is made via Pay.gov for my passport renewal, where should I bring the email confirmation and completed DS-82 application?
A: Please bring a copy of your payment confirmation email, current passport, passport photo, and signed DS-82 application to the U.S. Embassy in Freetown.
Q: What are the steps for paying online for my U.S. passport renewal via Pay.gov?
A:
- Acknowledge the disclaimers and notices;
- Verify your eligibility;
- Visit the gov link;
- Pay for the U.S. passport;
- Await email confirmation for passport payment;
- Print email confirmation of passport payment;
- Fill out DS-82 Application including signature and photo; and
- Bring email confirmation for passport payment, signed DS-82 application, prior passport, and photo to the U.S. Embassy.
Q: What if I want to pay in person or I already have a U.S. postal money order?
A: Payments made in person or by U.S. postal money orders are still accepted. Please follow the instructions on [https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/]
Q: I live far away from [Freetown] can I just bring my application and pay.gov payment confirmation to the nearest consulate or embassy?
A: No. Doing so could result in unanticipated delays. Please bring the application to the U.S. Embassy in [Freetown].
Q: How long will it take to receive my passport in the mail?
A: You should receive your passport within 2-3 weeks, the Department’s current processing time for routine service. If you have a need for immediate international travel, we may be able to issue you a limited validity emergency passport that will be valid for one year. Please make an appointment and come to the Embassy or nearest consulate in person (https://sl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/). We are unable to process requests for expedited service through the pilot online payment process via Pay.gov.
Q: How do I check the status of my DS-82 application?
A: You may contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown by using this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAFVuWFgfcYN8YrwXxJMeLUdK-C7HuAr9N0GIfIXXeLfRpYw/viewform].
Q: When I try to click and pay, the webpage does not update to confirm payment. What do I do?
A: Refresh your webpage or switch to a new browser to continue with your payment. If you are concerned your payment was submitted, please contact onsitefees@state.gov.
