In the Philippines, as the National Statistics Office (NSO) has been transferred to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), many Filipinos are confused about the validity of the old NSO-issued documents and how it affects their passport applications. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences between NSO and PSA, explain whether NSO certificates remain valid, and walk you through the passport application process with an NSO birth certificate.
What Is NSO in the Philippines?
The National Statistics Office, known as NSO, was a government agency responsible for managing civil registry documents and national statistics in the Philippines. Established long before 2013, the NSO played a vital role in issuing certificates for birth, marital status, and death. These documents were essential for legal transactions, school enrollment, employment, and most importantly, passport applications. However, in 2013, the Philippine government introduced a significant change to streamline statistical services, leading us to the next question.
Is NSO and PSA the Same?
No. NSO and PSA are not the same, but they are closely related. Under Republic Act No. 10625 (the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013), the NSO merged with three other agencies to form the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), including the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).
The PSA now serves as the Philippines’ central authority for civil registration and statistical data. It collects, compiles, analyzes, and publishes statistical information concerning economic, social, demographic, and political affairs. While the NSO no longer operates independently, its functions, including issuing civil registry documents, continue under the PSA. Therefore, we can think of the PSA as an upgraded, more efficient version of the NSO.
What Certificates Did NSO Issue in the Philippines?
Before the merger into PSA, the NSO was the primary source for the following documents.
- Birth Certificates
This official document serves as proof of identity and citizenship, containing an individual’s birth details, including full name, sex, date and time of birth, place of birth, and parents’ basic information. The birth certificate is necessary for passport/government ID application or renewal, school enrollment, etc.
- Marriage Certificates
The marriage certificates prove the conjugal relationship of two individuals, containing a couple’s names, the date and place of marriage, and the names of the witnesses. It can be used for legal name changes, spouse benefits, and visa applications.
- Death Certificates
The death certificate records the details of a person’s death, such as the deceased’s name, date and place of death, cause of death, and other relevant personal information. This certificate is crucial for settling estates, claiming insurance benefits, inheriting a legacy, canceling government records, and other legal processes.
- Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR)
The CENOMAR verifies that the applicant has never contracted marriage, which is the main requirement for Filipinos who wish to get married or work overseas.
Is NSO Still Valid for Passport Application?
Yes! According to the PSA, documents issued by the NSO before the merger do not expire and remain valid. Therefore, you can still use a certificate bearing the NSO’s logo for passport applications in 2025. Moreover, your NSO document must be original, authentic, clear, legible, unmodified, and printed on security paper with a dry seal or barcode.
How to Apply for a Passport with an NSO Birth Certificate
The birth certificate, the key evidence for Philippine nationality, is one of the required documents for passport application. If you are holding a valid NSO birth certificate and want to apply for a Philippine passport, please do as follows.
Collect Required Documents
The required documents might vary slightly according to the age and identity of the applicant, but the following general ones must be included.
- Accomplished DFA passport application form.
- Original and photocopy of your NSO birth certificate (get a PSA-authenticated copy if it is unclear).
- Valid government-issued ID, such as Social Security System (SSS) ID, UMID, driver’s license, voter’s ID, senior citizen ID, etc.
- Marriage certificate or report of marriage (for women using married last name).
- Parent’s valid ID and parental consent (for minor applicants).
- School ID or enrollment certificate (for minor applicants, if applicable).
Make a Passport Application Appointment
The passport issuing authority, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), does not accept walk-in applications, so passport applicants must make an appointment in advance with DFA through the steps below.
- Visit the official website of DFA and click on “Schedule an Appointment”.
- Read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS, check the box at the end to agree to them, and click on the “START INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT” (for single applicant) or “START GROUP APPOINTMENT” (for multiple applicants).
- Choose a site where you want to apply, agree to the notice, and click on the “NEXT” button. Please note that fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required to be filled.
- Choose a desired date and time from the available slots.
- Fill out the online application and provide personal information, family information, application information, as well as contact information.
- Submit the application form and pay the processing fee online or over the counter. The regular processing costs PHP 950 and expedited processing costs PHP 1,200. Additionally, there are extra delivery fees or service fees and they depend on the location and payment methods.
- Receive an application confirmation notice by email and print it out. The email includes a payment reference number, payment receipt, a copy of the application form, and a checklist for the application.
Visit DFA
You must attend the appointment at the selected location on the scheduled date with the printed confirmation page and the required documents. It is suggested to arrive 30 minutes earlier. At the DFA office, the officer will capture your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) and have a brief interview with you.
Collect the New Passport
The regular processing time usually takes 12 working days while the expedited processing time takes 6 working days (within Metro Manila) or 7 working days (outside of Metro Manila). During this period, you can visit the DFA website or send an SMS to track your case status. If there is any further requirement, remember to respond promptly. Once your application is approved, the authority will inform you to collect the new passport at the same DFA office where you submit the application or receive it by mail.
Expert Tips on Using NSO-issued Documents in the Philippines
If you do want to apply for a Philippine passport with documents issued by NSO, here are some useful tips to prevent your application from being rejected.
- Avoid mixing documents. Using both NSO and PSA certificates in one application may cause delays, so please stick to one type or replace the old NSO documents with PSA versions as soon as possible for future-proofing.
- Keep the documents safe. The NSO-issued documents remain valid and acceptable for legal procedures, so it is necessary to keep them in a secure place to prevent moisture, damage, stains, or theft whether they remain valid or not.
- Check the clarity. All contents on the documents must be clear and intact. If your NSO birth certificate is faded or illegible, request a PSA-authenticated copy.
- Apply as early as possible. It is advised to apply for your passport a few months before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
- Verify authenticity for international use. Some countries may require an Apostille or red ribbon authentication for your NSO document when traveling or migrating abroad. Please check the embassy’s requirements beforehand.
- Replace the lost or damaged NSO certificates in time. If your NSO certificate is lost or torn, apply for a PSA-authenticated copy immediately, which can be done at a PSA Serbilis Center or through the PSA online portal.
- Keep digital copies. Scan your NSO documents and save them in cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive) as a backup. It helps you reach it convenient if you need to present them.
- Clarify legal requirements. Verify whether NSO documents are acceptable for specific legal processes, such as property claims, court cases, etc.
FAQ
Can expired NSO be used for passport 2025?
No. NSO documents are invalidated after the expiry date or become damaged or illegible.
How to check if my birth certificate is PSA or NSO?
Look for the logo in the top right corner of the document. NSO certificates have the old agency name and emblem while PSA ones display the PSA seal.
Can I get a passport without a PSA birth certificate?
Yes. A valid NSO birth certificate is also acceptable, but make sure it meets the DFA’s clarity requirements.
Is the NSO birth certificate still valid for passport application?
Yes, as long as it is clear, legible, and intact.
Summary
Although NSO has been replaced by the NSO, you can still use certificates issued by NSO for passport application or renewal in 2025 as long as they are intact and legible. All you need is to prepare the required documents, book an appointment in advance, and visit DFA to apply for a Philippine passport. Whether you’re traveling abroad for work, study, or leisure, this article will help you get prepared and ensure a smooth journey.
Dolores Xiao