No matter which country you travel to, you will need a passport that shows your biometric information. But you will find it difficult to make a DFA passport appointment. Some people have to book their new passport application or renewal application a couple of months in advance. If you do not, your travel abroad may be suspended or canceled. To keep you out of this dilemma, we have come up with these helpful tips to help you get a DFA passport smoothly in the Philippines. So make sure to follow the steps below to avoid the hassle and save time.
How to Apply for a New Passport
Step 1: Prepare Documents for New Passport Application
If this is your first time applying for a passport, you will need to prepare some necessary documents, such as a copy of the PSA birth certificate, IDs and other documents. And if you are a married woman who wants to use your married last name in the passport, you must show a copy of your PSA marriage certificate. To avoid missing anything on your appointment date, here is the list of required documents you must provide at the DFA.
Adult Applicants
If you’re 18 years old or older, you need to present these documents when you apply for a new passport.
- You must provide a completed application form.
- You must provide the original and copy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated birth certificate on security paper. If this is not clear, then provide a copy to the local civil registrar.
- If you are a married female who uses your spouse’s last name, you must present an original and submit a photocopy of the PSA authenticated marriage certificate on security paper or a Report of Marriage. But if you still keep your maiden name, then there is no marriage contract required.
- You must also provide a photocopy of any of the following acceptable passport identification documents, such as a Social Security System (SSS) Card, Philippine Identification (PhilID)/ePhilID, and Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card.
If you want to check other accepted IDs, click here.
In addition to the core requirements mentioned above, if you have other cases, such as a late birth certificate, a broken marriage, dual citizenship applicant, lack of birth certificate or birth report data, you still need to provide other supporting documents.
Minor Applicants
If you’re below 18 years old, the DFA passport application requirements include the following:
- You must accomplish the application form
- You must provide a PSA-certified birth certificate on security paper. If this is confusing, you need to provide a copy of the local civil registrar.
- You need to present a school ID containing the applicant’s photo and the school’s information.(if applicable)
- The DFA requires that all submitted IDs be readable and contain the same information as the documents submitted for the application.
- If only one parent is accompanying the child, he/she must show the marriage certificate.
- If the parents are unmarried, the applicant must provide Special Attorney’s Power (SPA) executed by the mother, if she is not accompanying the applicant. If the SPA is performed abroad, it must be verified by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Applicants must provide a passport or valid government ID issued by either parent with a photocopy, such as Social Security System (SSS) card, Philippine Identification (PhilID)/ePhilID and other acceptable IDs.
In addition to the documents required above, you must provide other supporting documents if you have such cases:
- No PSA Birth Certificate/Birth Report.
- The applicant is not traveling with his parents.
- The applicant is an illegitimate child or the mother is absent and the father is unknown.
- The applicant underwent the adoption process by the Intercountry Adoption Board (ICAB).
Step 2: Make an appointment online
After you have prepared all the documents below, then you need to make an online appointment. Please click here to schedule an online appointment.
On the application page, follow the pop-up instructions and complete the application form step by step. Select the nearest office, date and time that suits you. The system will only hold your selected slot for about half an hour during the appointment process. If you can’t complete your online application within that time, you can rearrange your slot. Ensure that all the information in the names fields (first name, middle name and last name) and date of birth are correct, as we are not allowed to make any changes to these fields on-site. Otherwise, you need to make a new appointment, which wastes your time and money. Check it carefully when you finish.
Step 3: Pay the Passport Fee
After completing the passport application form, pay the processing fee immediately. Philippine passport fees for new applications and renewals are as follows:
- Regular processing costs Php 950.00 (It takes about 12 business days)
- Expedited processing costs Php 1,200.00 (It takes about 7 business days)
You will be fined for a lost or damaged passport and will have to pay Php 350.00. Take care of your passport all the time. After paying the processing fee, you will receive a transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and a passport application checklist via email. Print these documents on A4-sized paper and bring them on the day of your appointment.
Step 4: Go to the DFA Office for Passport Application
On the day of your passport application, visit the DFA office of your choice. It’s suggested that you should arrive there 30 minutes early in case you missed the schedule. Remember to take all the original copies and photocopies of the required IDs and supporting documents that we just mentioned. According to the rules, if you are a minor applicant, you must be accompanied by your parent or an authorized adult companion. There you need to get your biometric information taken, such as taking passport photos and recording fingerprints. Or you can take at least two 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm printed passport photos with you. After the appointment, you can go home and wait for your passport.
📖 Also Read: How to Get a Philippine Passport-size Picture Online?
Step 5: Pick up your Passport
Depending on the processing of passport photos, the way you choose, wait for 7/12 working days and get your passport. But if you don’t have time to pick up your passport on the scheduled release date, you can allow someone to collect your passport. You must execute a Special of Attorney and state the reasons why you can not personally claim your passport. The SPA will verify the name and a copy of the ID of the person you authorize and let him/her pick up the passport on your behalf. However, for minor applicants, their passports will only be sent to their parents. Applicants can use a courier service, but this will add 3-5 days to getting your passport and you need to pay extra fees.
How to Apply for A Passport Renewal
You will find that the steps for applying for a passport renewal are similar to the new passport application procedure. Check out a few differences here.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents above.
- For adult applicants, you must provide your current old passport with a photocopy of the data page.
- For minor applicants, you still need to provide a current old passport with a photocopy of the data page, and an original and photocopy of proof of filiation or guardianship.
Step 2. Make an appointment to renew your passport online on the official DFA website. Select “RENEWAL” in the application option. Fill in the messages as required.
Step 3. Pay the processing fee online. Check the price above.
Step 4. Print the passport renewal checklist, transaction receipt, and a copy of your application form from your email.
Step 5. Go to the DFA with the required documents on your appointment day and renew your photo.
Step 6. Wait and get your passport.
But if your passport is lost, you will receive a penalty of Php 350.00 and need to offer a Police Report and an Affidavit of Loss.
📖 Read Also: Philippine Passport Renewal Requirements & Appointment 101
DFA Dress Code for Passports
No matter where you take a passport photo, at DFA or at home by yourself, you should know the dress code:
- No earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses. They are not allowed when you have a photo taken.
- You should choose dark or bright clothing that contrasts well with the blue background. Avoid flashy clothes and uniforms, just normal and everyday clothes. Also, make sure your neck and chin are visible.
- You are not allowed to wear too much makeup. Just keep a neutral facial expression. A gentle smile is okay, but no open mouth. Make sure your ears are visible and put your hair behind your back. Relax and focus.
- You are not allowed to have excessive accessories, such as facial adornments, earrings, piercings, hats, scarves and glasses.
- Sit straight with your head. Make sure all your faces are visible in the photo.
If you can’t find a suitable blue background to take your photo at home, you can use AiPassportPhotos, one of the professional online passport photo editors, to help you change the background and get a Philippine passport-size picture that meets DFA passport requirements.
What is the Validity of a Philippine Passport?
For those over 18, the Philippine passport has a 10-year validity period. Those under 18 will receive valid five-year passports.
When Should I Apply for My Philippine Passport?
As the DFA doesn’t allow walk-in passport applications, you will find that the new passport application appointment slots are limited. If you don’t want to risk canceling your trip, you should start your passport application 2/3 months before your trip. Be smart. If there are no slots available at the nearest DFA office, you can make an appointment at other branches.
Conclusion
We have shown you how to set up your passport appointment online and the steps to get your passport, including adult and minor applicants. Now you can take a breath and get your passport smoothly!
📖 Further Readings
Dolores Xiao