If you plan to travel abroad, there’s one identity document (ID) that you can’t leave without: your passport. This travel document verifies your identity and citizenship, so you must bring it with you whenever you go out of the country.
In the Philippines, the passport is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). If you’re 18 years old or older, your passport will be valid for 10 years. If you’re below 18, it will be valid for five years.
Applying for or renewing your passport is simple, but it’s easy to miss a step or two if you do not know what requirements are needed to get a passport. This guide will walk you through the requirements and procedures in applying for or renewing your DFA passport.
Requirements for New Passport Application
Adult Applicants
If you’re 18 years old or older and you’re applying for a new passport, there are a few documents you need to present:
- Accomplishedapplication form
- PSA-authenticated birth certificate on security paper(Note: The Local Civil Registrar copy is required if the PSA birth certificate is not clear.)
- Any of the following IDs:
- Social Security System (SSS) card
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver's License (Note: Student Permit in card format is accepted.)
- For other accepted IDs, click here
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If you’re a married female applicant using your spouse’s last name, you will also need to present your PSA-authenticated marriage certificate on security paper or Report of Marriage.
On the other hand, if you opt to retain your maiden name, you are not required to present a marriage certificate. Nevertheless, additional DFA passport requirements may be requested from you.
Minor Applicants
If you’re an applicant below 18 years old, the DFA passport application requirements include the following:
- Accomplished application form
- PSA-authenticated birth certificate on security paper (Note: The Local Civil Registrar copy is required if the PSA birth certificate is not clear.)
- School ID or Certificate of Enrolment containing the applicant’s photo and the school’s dry seal (if applicable)
The DFA requires that all IDs to be presented must be readable and untampered, and contain the same information as the documents presented for the application.
You must present the original copy and photocopy of the required IDs and supporting documents during the scheduled appointment date. Also, be prepared in case the DFA requests additional supporting documents.
If you’re applying for a passport overseas, you may use your host government-issued IDs showing your Philippine citizenship, such as your Residence Card.
How to Apply for a New Passport
Once you’ve gathered the documentary requirements and filled out the forms, you’re ready for the next steps of the application process.
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Set a passport application appointment online through the official DFA website. During the online appointment process, the system will only hold your slot for 20-30 minutes. If you don't finish your online application within that period, you may lose your slot.
The appointment slots for new passport applications may be limited. For instance, if you're applying in June, the earliest slot you might find is late August, early September, or later.If you have a scheduled overseas trip, it’s in your best interest to work on your application several months before your flight.
Since the DFA doesn’t allow walk-in applications, you could try scheduling an appointment in another branch if there are no available slots in the nearest DFA office.
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On the page titled Application Information, select “NEW” in the Application Type dropdown menu. Next, fill out the online application form.
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After completing the application form, pay the processing fee online. Regular processing costs P950.00 and takes 12 working days. Special processing costs P1,200.00 and takes six working days (within Metro Manila) or seven working days (outside of Metro Manila) to be completed.
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After paying the processing fee, you will receive a payment reference number through email together with the transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and the passport application checklist.Print these documents on A4 paper and bring them on the day of your appointment.
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Go to the DFA on your appointment date with the required documents. Ideally, you should be at the venue 30 minutes before your schedule since the DFA won’t accommodate late arrivals.
Other Reminders:
- Follow the dress code. Earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.
- Minor applicants must be accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult companion.
Requirements for Passport Renewal Application
Adult Applicants
Passport renewal is only necessary if you plan to travel. Unless you often travel overseas or intend to use your passport as your primary ID, you don’t need to have it renewed every time it expires.
The DFA recommends having a passport with at least seven to eight months of validity before your travel plans. That may entail renewing your passport at least 10 months before its expiration date.
Here are the application requirements for DFA passport renewal:
- Accomplished application form
- Current ePassport and photocopy of the data page
- If you’re a married female applicant who changed your last name, you must present the following:
- PSA- authenticated marriage certificate
- Annotated PSA birth certificate
- Annotated PSA marriage certificate to show annulment, divorce, or court-ordered instruction
- PSA death certificate (if applicable) of your spouse
On the other hand, if you opted to retain your maiden name, you are not required to present a marriage certificate. Nevertheless, additional DFA passport renewal requirements may be requested from you.
Minor Applicants
Just like the process for adult applicants, minor applicants are required to book an online appointment with the DFA before proceeding with the renewal process. Minors who are 7 years old or below must be accompanied by their parents, legal guardian, or authorized representative.
Here are the documentary requirements for applicants below 18 years of age:
You must present the original copy and photocopy of the required IDs and supporting documents during the scheduled appointment date. Also, be prepared in case the DFA requests additional supporting documents.
If you’re renewing your passport overseas, you may use your host government-issued IDs showing your Philippine citizenship, such as your Residence Card.
How to Apply for Passport Renewal
The steps for passport renewal application are similar to the passport application procedure, except for a few differences.
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Set a passport application appointment online through the official DFA website.
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On the page titled Application Information, select “RENEWAL” in the Application Type dropdown menu. Next, fill out the online application form.
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After completing the application form, pay the processing fee online. Regular processing costs P950.00 while special processing costs P1,200.00.
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After paying the processing fee, you will receive a payment reference number through email together with the transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and the passport renewal checklist.Print these documents on A4 paper and bring them on the day of your appointment.
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Go to the DFA on your appointment date with the required documents. Ideally, you should be at the venue 30 minutes before your schedule since the DFA won’t accommodate late arrivals.
Other Reminders:
- Follow the dress code. Earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.
- Minor applicants must be accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult companion.
Process Your Passport Application or Renewal Without the Hassle
Your passport is an important document you should always bring with you when you travel. Whether you’re renewing your passport or applying for a new one, be sure to follow the steps above to avoid the hassle. Remember, you must schedule your application months ahead of your trip to prevent unnecessary delays.
If you need a copy of your PSA birth certificate or marriage certificate for your passport application or renewal, you can process it in person at the nearest PSA Civil Registry System Outlet. If you prefer to order a copy online, PSAHelpline.ph offers a hassle-free online application process!
