Whether or not you’re planning to travel locally or internationally, passports can also be a valid ID when you’re planning to open a bank account and apply/fix documents. Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a passport.
Know your requirements
Before setting a schedule on when you can apply for a passport, you should have the following documents to apply for a passport.
For minor applicants, these are the following documents that should be present:
- An original and a photocopy of their Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) birth certificate
- A photocopy of valid passport or government ID of the adult companion.
Meanwhile, for adults who are applying for a passport, their requirements include:
- An original and a photocopy of their PSA birth certificate
- For married women who are using their spouse’s last name, they must also present an original and a photocopy of their PSA-issued marriage certificate or a report of marriage.
- A local Civil Registrar Copy is required if PSA-issued documents are not clear or cannot be read.
- Any acceptable IDs with a photocopy. You can see the following list of IDs for passport applications here.
Aside from knowing your requirements, an application for a passport will also be handed out.
Applicants should also take note that appearing physically in the Department of Foreign Affairs site is a must.
Schedule an appointment
After knowing the requirements that needs to be submitted, applicants can schedule their passport appointment via DFA’s website at: https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment.
Upon visiting the website, the applicant have a choice whether to choose between an individual appointment or group appointment. After choosing which type of appointment they’re going for, applicants can now pick the nearest site they prefer to have their appointment for their passport application.
Courtesy: Department of Foreign Affairs
After filling out their preferred site, they can now choose their preferred availability by clicking on the green highlighted date.
Courtesy: Department of Foreign Affairs
After filling out your preferred schedule, applicants will proceed on filing out their personal information along with their family information.
They will next proceed to the tab showing their application information where they can review their application and then proceed on further providing their contact information.
Applicants can confirm their application by sending out their payment to the authorized payment centers such as Bayad Center, EcPay, Pera Hub, Robinsons Business Center, Waltermart, 7-Eleven, USCC (Western Union), and Villarica Pawnshop.
DFA passport fees can vary from the price of P950 for regular processing and P1,200 for expedited processing. There will also be a P50 convenience fee that will be charged by authorized payment centers.
Also read: DFA allows married women to use maiden name in passports
How to apply for passport renewal in the Philippines
Each passport is subject to renewal and the Philippine passport—for adults, it is valid for 18 years while only 5 years for minors.
Upon renewal, people can renew their passport by booking an appointment at DFA’s website: https://passport.gov.ph/
The process of renewal of passports is just as same with the newbie applicants, however, your current passport along with its photocopy of the data page is required.
Other core requirements are as listed below:
- Confirmed Online Appointment
- Accomplished Application Form
- Personal appearance
- Current Passport with photocopy of data page
- Original PSA authenticated documents that will support the change of name
- Marriage Contract
- Annotated Birth Certificate
- Annotated Marriage Contract to show annulment/divorce/court ordered instruction
- Death Certificate of Spouse
- Any of the following Valid IDs with one (1) Photocopy (click here for the List of Acceptable IDs for Passport Processing)
DFA also noted that if the woman opts to retain maiden name, a marriage certificate is not required.
Take note
As written on the DFA’s website, the appointment booked at any DFA Consular office is non-transferable and cannot be rescheduled. However, if the application wishes to make changes in their appointment, their existing appointment must be canceled.
If the applicant has an urgent travel due to emergency and employment reasons, applicants are advised to choose a pick-up release of passport. Otherwise, applicants may avail of the online courier delivery service.
Passport processing released through courier will add 10-15 working days.
Frequently asked questions
1. What should I do if I lose my passport, either before or after my appointment?
If you lose your passport before your appointment, you should still attend your scheduled appointment if possible and inform the DFA personnel. You will likely need to execute an Affidavit of Loss. If you lose your passport after it has been issued, you must immediately report the loss to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate if you are abroad, or to the DFA Consular Office in the Philippines. You will also need to execute an Affidavit of Loss as part of the replacement application process.
2. Can someone else process my passport application or renewal on my behalf?
Generally, personal appearance is mandatory for all passport applications and renewals in the Philippines. There are very limited exceptions, such as for very young children (infants) or senior citizens/persons with disabilities under specific circumstances, where a representative may be allowed. However, it’s best to confirm the latest guidelines on the DFA website for these exceptions.
3. What happens during the actual appointment at the DFA office? What should I expect?
During your appointment, you will typically go through several steps. This includes document verification, where DFA personnel will check if you have the complete requirements. You will then proceed to the enrollment area for biometrics capture (photo and fingerprints). Finally, you will likely have a brief interview. Be prepared to answer basic questions related to your application.
4. How long is the typical processing time for a passport after my appointment?
The standard processing time is usually around 10-15 working days for regular processing and 5-7 working days for expedited processing within Metro Manila. For applications outside Metro Manila, it may take longer due to shipping. Keep in mind that these are estimates and processing times can sometimes vary.
5. If I have a dual citizenship, which documents should I present for my passport application?
If you are a dual citizen, you should generally present your PSA birth certificate (as a Filipino citizen) and any valid identification documents. You may also be asked to provide proof of your dual citizenship, such as a Certificate of Recognition as a Filipino Citizen or a foreign passport. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for dual citizens on the DFA website for the most up-to-date information.
