After you get married or divorced, you have a lot of things to deal with, such as changing your name, address, or marital status. If you travel abroad, concerning information on your passport should be updated. In this passage, we are going to find out whether it is mandatory to change the marital status in a passport and how to change it.
What Is Marital Status in Philippine Passport?
Marital status refers to an individual’s status in relation to marriage. It is an essential demographical statistic in terms of public benefits, credit, and insurance. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it can be divided into 5 categories: Single, Married, Divorced, Separated, and Widowed. In the Philippines, females can use their husbands’ surname or after getting married and reinstate their maiden names after getting divorced or widowed. Changing the name on the Philippine passport can reflect your marital status.
Is It Mandatory to Change Marital Status in Passport?
No. As marital status does not show on the passport, it is not a must to update the passport status unless you want to change your name on the document due to a change of marriage. Additionally, changing the birth name due to marriage or annulment of marriage is also optional.
According to Article 370 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, married women can use any of the following as their surname.
- Use a Hyphenated Surname
It means to link your maiden name and your husband’s surname with a hyphen.
- Drop the Maiden Name
When hyphenating the husband’s surname with the wife’s makes a long name, some prefer to replace the maiden name with the last name of their husbands directly.
- Use the Husband’s Full Name
Women can use their husband’s full name with the prefix of Mrs. as a new name. It clearly indicates that someone is the wife of her husband, but it’s rarely seen.
Requirements for Passport Change Status from Single to Married
Proofs of your identity and marital status are required. The requirements for changing the status of the passport are the same as passport renewal, which are listed as follows.
- Visit the DFA office in person;
- Completed renewal application form which can be filled out online and printed;
- Prior passport change status appointment and appointment confirmation;
- Original current passport with a photocopy of the bio-data page;
- Marriage certificate;
- A valid identity document showing the married name (both original and photocopy), such as SSS, GSIS, UMID, LTO driver’s license, voter’s ID, firearms license, postal ID, etc.
How to Change Surname After Marriage
After learning about what are the requirements for passport change status, you can change the name on your passport through renewal. You are supposed to make an appointment online with the DFA office and attend the appointment. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- Visit the DFA official website and click on “Schedule an Appointment”.
- Read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS and check to confirm that you have understood and agree to them. Click “START INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT” or “START Group APPOINTMENT” depending on whether you are booking individually or along with other family members.
- Choose the location where you want to renew your passport. Fields with an asterisk must be filled. Read the notice and check the box at the end to proceed.
- Choose a favorable date among the dates marked green on the calendar and an available time slot.
- Fill out the application form online which gathers personal, family, and application information. Choose “RENEWAL” for the application type and enter details of the old passport, including passport number, date of issue, issuing authority, etc. Make sure to enter your new name in the name field.
- Review your application and fulfill payment as soon as possible.
- Receive a confirmation email that includes a checklist, accomplished application form, appointment reference number (ARN), and electronic receipt.
- Attend the passport change status appointment on the scheduled date and time with the required documents. Make sure to double-check check the name to be printed has changed to your married name.
- Collect the new passport when you are informed that it is ready. Show the receipt and an ID card to pick it up in person or by mail.
Pros and Cons of Changing Marital Status in Passport
Changing marital status in a passport has a long-term influence on the future of yourself and your family. As it is not mandatory to do that, you’re supposed to learn about the advantages and disadvantages, which helps you make a wise decision.
Pros of Passport Status Change
- Family Connection
When all family members, including parents and children, have the same surname, family members can form a sense of unity and belonging. In this case, you can easily prove you are the mother of your kid or the spouse of someone with a series of evidence. Things will become easier when using passports with the same surname as identity documents, such as traveling abroad with kids, conducting transactions on behalf of your spouse, etc.
- One Name Fits All
Customizing decorations and daily items is more and more popular. Families can monogram their shared last name on the goods. For example, cups with Manalo belong to the Manalo’s.
- Chances of Using a New Name
Sometimes you might dislike your birth name. Now you get a chance to change it through marriage. You can use the new name on passports and other identifications, thus starting a new life.
- Loyalty to Marriage
A married woman is usually expected to use her husband’s last name and follow his tradition. The change bonds two persons as a family, which is also considered a commitment to each other.
- Social Status Improvement
Some surnames earn a reputation in the community. Women who marry a member of such a reputable family tend to use their husband’s last name, thus improving their status and gaining more benefits from society.
- Enjoy Social Benefits for Family
Clearly stating your marital status in identity documents is required by some official departments or organizations, thus protecting your rights and interests. For example, you might be eligible for taxation deduction, social welfare, or beneficiaries as a spouse.
Cons of Passport Status Change
- Lack of Self-identity
Imagine that you have been using your birth name for years. Your name has become a symbol of your personal image. Changing it seems to change your identity. Some might feel a loss of a sense of personal identification. Worse still, if you earn a reputation in your field or industry, you might have to spend more time and effort to re-establish it as you got a less well-known surname from your husband.
- Violations of Equality
Women have been fighting for equal rights and positions to men. Some think giving up the birth name and using the husband’s surname somehow means subordination to men, which is not fair for women.
- Legal Disputes
Changing your maiden name might hinder you from accessing pre-marriage files and records, especially when it is related to finances and legal issues. The authorities will require you to present additional proof to verify your identity.
- Loss of Inheritance
The surnames serve as inheritance of the family tree. Changing your family name sometimes means you are no longer of the previous family, thus losing some specific benefits. Moreover, when your last name was changed due to marriage, you are not allowed to reinstate it unless your husband died or your marriage is dissolved.
- Complicated Process & Paperwork
Changing the passport status means you have to go through a series of application procedures. Moreover, you need to go to different offices to update different kinds of documents. It not only requires lots of paperwork but also takes extra time and energy.
FAQ
🔹Do I need to take a passport photo during passport renewal?
No. The officer will capture a photo for you at the DFA office. If you need a new Philippine passport photo, you can use AiPassportPhotos to make one easily online.
🔹Can I revert it back to my maiden last name?
No, unless you are widowed or separated from your spouse.
🔹How much does it cost to change your surname in the Philippines?
It depends on what document you are updating. For example, it costs PHP 950 to PHP 1,200 to renew a Philippine passport.
🔹When can I change my last name and renew my passport after getting married?
There is no deadline for name change after marriage, but you are suggested to do that only after getting your marriage certificate as proof of marital status.
Summary
Changing marital status in a Philippine passport is not mandatory. If you do want to change it, you can change the name on it through passport renewal. When deciding whether you should change or retain your surname after marriage, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks. Philippine passport change status from single to married is subject to your personal preferences and the mutual understanding between the spouses.
Dolores Xiao