How to Renew Philippines Passport in USA [2024 Guide]

As a Philippine citizen living in the USA, if your passport is valid for less than a year or is lost, you must renew it as soon as possible, or you won’t be able to travel internationally. This complete guide will cover how to renew a Philippines passport in the USA, and the requirements for a passport Philippines renewal.

When Do I Need to Renew a Philippine Passport in the USA?

As a Philippine citizen living in the US, you must always hold a valid passport to ensure you can travel internationally. Under the following circumstances, you should renew your Philippine passport.

• Passport valid in no more than 9 months: It is highly advised to renew your passport at least nine months before expiration. If your passport expires in less than six months, you may encounter problems boarding a plane and entering another country.
• Passport runs out of pages: In the case of run-out pages of your passport, you should renew it as soon as possible to ensure your new visa can be issued and stamped.
• Lost or stolen passport: Another situation when you need to renew your Philippine passport is when the passport is lost or stolen. You need to report the loss to the police and obtain a notarized affidavit of loss for the renewal application. Then apply for a passport renewal immediately. 
• Damaged passport: If your passport is damaged or mutilated, you need to renew your Philippine passport immediately and provide an affidavit of mutilation in the application.

Philippines Renewal Passport Requirements in the USA

Before applying for your Philippine passport renewal in the USA, you should gather the following documents to ensure a smooth process.

• A completed application form for passport renewal
• Current passport and a photocopy of the bio page
• Valid US visa or green card in original and photocopy
• A self-addressed return envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking numbers

Additional requirements for dual citizens in original and photocopy:

• Retention Philippine citizenship (RA 9225): Identification Certificate, Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship, Oath of Allegiance, Order of Approval, or any equivalent document issued by the Bureau of Immigration
• By birth: PSA-issued Birth Certificate or Report of Birth

Additional requirements for minor applicants in original and photocopy:

• PSA-issued Birth Certificate or Report of Birth of the child
• Passports or valid IDs of parents, guardians, or authorized adult companion
• Notarized Special Power of Attorney executed by a parent for an authorized adult companion

Additional requirements for female applicants in original and photocopy:

For applicants who will use the husbands’ last names for the first time:

• PSA-issued Marriage Contract or Report of Marriage

For widowed applicants who will revert to their maiden name:

• PSA-issued Death Certificate or Report of Death of spouse or apostilled foreign Death Certificate
• PSA-issued Birth Certificate or Report of Birth

For annulled marriages or divorced applicants who will revert to their maiden name:

• PSA-issued Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage with annotation reflecting the nullity or dissolution of marriage
• PSA-issued Birth Certificate or Report of Birth

Additional requirements for non-ePassport holders in original and photocopy:

• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth on Security Paper
• Valid IDs: Driver’s License, State ID, and a valid Philippine ID (SSS card, Senior ID, School ID, PWD ID, or Voter’s ID)
• PSA-issued Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage, for married female applicants adopting a spouse’s last name.

How to Renew Philippines Passport in the USA

Here is a step-by-step guide to renewing a Philippines passport in the USA.

Step 1. Schedule for renewal of Philippine passport

1. Visit the Philippines Passport Appointment System website and click “Schedule an Appointment”.

2. Click “START INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT”.

3. Select a site in your residence and a date and time. Fill in all the necessary information and submit it. You will receive a provisional email in which you need to follow the instructions and make a confirmation. Then print the application packet.

Step 2. Prepare the necessary documents

Refer to the list of documents required for Philippines passport renewal above and prepare them.

Step 3. Attend the passport renewal appointment

On the appointment, visit the Consulate’s office with the necessary documents. It is advised to be at the office no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment schedule.

Step 4. Capture a Philippine passport photo on-site

The photo for your Philippine passport will be taken on-site at the Consulate, therefore, you should follow the dress code as per the Philippine passport photo requirements on the appointment.

Step 5. Pay the Philippine passport renewal fee

The Philippine passport renewal fees must be paid on-site in cash, company check, or money order. Personal checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Step 6. Receive the delivery of the new passport

Once your new passport is made, it will be mailed to you. You should provide a self-addressed return or prepaid envelope with stamps and tracking number (preferably USPS Priority Mail or Express Mail), except FedEx.

Where Can I Renew Philippine Passport in the USA

You may submit the Philippine passport renewal application at one of the following Philippines Embassy or Consulate General in your residence. Visit the official website and schedule an appointment online in advance.

What Should I Wear for Philippine Passport Renewal in the USA

To ensure a smooth application process, strictly follow the official Philippine passport photo guidelines and passport photo dress code properly.

What to Wear for Philippine Passport Renewal

Decent normal daily attire such as collared tops and blouses in a color that contrasts with the light blue background.

Head covering is acceptable for religious or medical reasons, which must not cover your facial features.

Prescription glasses with no glare on the lenses and clear contact lenses.

What Not to Wear for Philippine Passport Renewal

Sleeveless tops, camisoles, and the like.

Accessories such as hats, jewelry, piercings, and earrings.

Sunglasses and colored contact lenses.

Exaggerated makeup.

How Long Does Philippine Passport Renewal Take?

Generally, the processing time for Philippine passport renewals takes between 4 to 8 weeks from the date of application. During this period, you should monitor your email and SMS for updates on the passport renewal status, or track its status online regularly.

How to Track Philippine Passport Renewal Status?

Once you have applied for your Philippine passport renewal, you should stay informed of its status. In addition to receiving updates via email and SMS, you may keep track of the Philippine passport renewal status online. Here is how:

Access this link and enter your tracking number which can be found on your application receipt. Then click “Submit”.

If you fail to track your passport status with the link above, email newyorkpcg.passportreleasing@dfa.gov.ph, with the subject “status of passport release” and include your Philippine passport number, tracking number, and personal details.

FAQs

Can I renew my Philippine passport online in the USA?

No. To renew a Philippine passport, you must apply in person at a Philippine consulate in the US, with a confirmed appointment.

Can I go directly to the Philippine consulate without an appointment?

No. Philippine consulates do not offer walk-in services. You must make an appointment with the Philippine consulate in advance.

How many Philippine Embassies are there in the USA?

There are eight Philippine Embassies or Consulates in the US, including Honolulu, Washington, Guam, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

How to make an appointment with the Philippine consulate?

You can make an appointment on the Philippine Consulate’s official website.

Final Thoughts

The Philippine passport renewal in USA is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently renew your passport and continue your travels. Remember to bring all the necessary documents and dress properly on your appointment day to capture a compliant passport photo. With proper preparation, you can complete the passport renewal process smoothly.