Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to what people ask most about police records, passports, the Tax Office and how we work.
Questions in four groups
Police records (JCF)
Why do police record photos get turned away?
The police record needs one plain photo. Unlike a paper passport application, it must not be signed, stamped or embossed by a Justice of the Peace. A certified photo is a common reason people are sent away.
The name on your application must also match your photo ID exactly.
Can I use one police record for several applications?
No. A Jamaican police record is addressed to one recipient you name when you apply, such as a specific embassy or employer. It cannot be reused for anyone else, so confirm who it should be addressed to before you apply.
Passports (PICA)
Do both passport photos need a JP's signature?
No. It depends on how you apply:
- Online renewal: you upload a digital photo. No JP signature or stamp is needed.
- Paper application (first adult passport, children and name changes): you supply two photos, and only one is certified by a JP or Notary along with the form. The other stays plain.
Can someone submit my passport application for me?
For an adult renewal by digital application, yes: we make it for you from start to finish.
For paper applications, including a renewal with a name change, you complete and submit the application yourself. A consultation (J$5,000, US$50 overseas) can help you get it right. PICA does accept a paper application lodged by someone you authorise with a notarised letter, but it is strict on signatures: the signature on the letter must match the one on your ID, or the application is turned down. We do not offer this in-person submission service.
What does a consultation include?
For first adult passports, children's passports, name changes, lost, stolen or damaged passports and citizenship by descent, you apply yourself. A consultation helps you get it right:
- a 30-minute call
- a checklist for your case
- a look over your documents
- guidance on completing the form
- follow-up questions answered for 5 working days
It costs J$5,000, or US$50 overseas (citizenship by descent is US$50), paid by bank transfer after you agree to our terms. We do not fill in the form or submit it for you.
Do I need to send you my original ID?
No. For our services you send clear photos or scans of your documents. We do not carry clients' original IDs to PICA.
For an overseas police record or driving abstract, you send a notarised letter of authorisation instead. For a police record from overseas, you also send a prepaid DHL envelope for the certificate's return.
Tax Office (TAJ) and vehicles
Why is TAJ blocking my motor vehicle renewal?
The TAJ portal usually stops a renewal for one of two reasons:
- Unpaid traffic tickets: outstanding tickets or court dates linked to your TRN.
- Insurance not showing: your insurer has not yet updated your cover in the central database.
Our renewal service checks both before anything is paid.
Why didn't I get a windscreen sticker?
Since 21 July 2025, TAJ no longer issues a sticker. Your proof is the Electronic Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate (eMVRC), which you can view, save or print at any time on the TAJ Certificate Portal. Keep a copy on your phone.
Can you help with my S04 tax return?
We do not prepare or file tax returns. Our free guides explain the S04 and S04a, and our free kits help you get your records in order. For questions about your own figures, contact TAJ on 888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or a qualified accountant.
About us and your data
Are you part of PICA, RGD, TAJ or JCF?
No. Laura Clarke Administrative Services is a private, independent business registered with the Companies Office of Jamaica. For the services we offer, we prepare your documents, pay fees and handle filings for you. Government fees are paid to the agency and are separate from our fee. You can always apply to any agency yourself.
What do your services cost?
Each service page shows our fee. Government fees are separate, and courier is quoted by your delivery address. If you live in Jamaica you are quoted in Jamaican dollars; overseas, in US dollars.
How do you protect my personal information?
We follow the Jamaica Data Protection Act. Before we take any personal information, we explain how it is used and you agree to our terms through a personal link. Your information is used only for your service, and copies of your documents are deleted within 30 days of completion.
Are your guides and kits free?
Yes. Our guides and printable kits are free and are general information, not legal or tax advice. If you would rather have the work done for you, each guide links to the matching service and its fee.