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| Applying for a Philippine passport as a new applicant has never been easier! Familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements and follow the step-by-step process for a stress-free experience. |
(UPDATED) If you aspire to travel, engage in global business activities, or pursue educational opportunities abroad, obtaining a passport is the first step you need. As a new applicant in the Philippines, it's important to understand the requirements and procedures involved in the passport application process.
Your passport is an official travel document recognized as proof of identity and citizenship. It enables you to cross borders and is your gateway to the global community. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issues it.
Applying for a passport as a new applicant in the Philippines is simple. You only need to book an appointment through the DFA passport appointment portal. Once you have the necessary requirements, you must bring them on your appointment date.
In this blog post, we will provide comprehensive information on the passport application requirements for new applicants.
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Basic Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the requirements, let's first outline the basic eligibility criteria for new passport applicants:
- Citizenship requirements: To be eligible for a Philippine passport, you must be a Filipino citizen. This includes both natural-born and naturalized citizens.
- Age requirements: Individuals of any age can apply for a passport. However, there are specific requirements for minors (below 18 years old) and applicants between 18 and 20 years old. These requirements may include additional documents and parental consent.
- Valid identification documents: You must present valid identification documents that establish your identity, citizenship, and residency, such as PSA Birth Certificate and valid government-issued-IDs. These documents serve as proof of your eligibility to apply for a passport.
New Passport Application Requirements (For Adults)
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| Photo courtesy: DFA |
If you are an adult applying for a new Philippine passport, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill. These requirements ensure that you meet the necessary criteria for obtaining a passport. Here is a breakdown of the core requirements and supporting documents you need to prepare:
1. Personal Appearance
To apply for a passport, you must appear at the DFA office on the date and time of your confirmed appointment, which you can schedule online.
This requirement is necessary to verify your identity, ensure that the application is submitted by the correct person, and collect your biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. By physically showing up, you can provide the necessary documentation and information to help expedite the processing of your passport application.
2. Confirmed Online Appointment
Securing a confirmed online appointment ensures your passport application process goes smoothly and without delay. Due to the current circumstances and the high demand for passport services, scheduling your appointment at least three months before your intended travel date is highly recommended.
To book an online appointment, simply go to the official website of the DFA Online Passport Appointment System. This user-friendly platform allows you to choose your desired date and time for your passport application. Remember to act quickly, as appointment slots fill up quickly.
3. Accomplished Application Form
You need to fill out the passport application form accurately and completely. Make sure to provide all the necessary information and ensure that everything is correct. By doing so, you can prevent any potential delays or complications arising from incomplete or incorrect information.
Take your time to review the form before submission to ensure its accuracy. You can download an application form at the DFA website and print it on an A4 size.
4. Original and Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate
To prove your Philippine citizenship, you must present the original, and a photocopy of your Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated birth certificate on security paper.
This document should clearly indicate your full name, date of birth, and place of birth. The PSA authentication ensures the validity and authenticity of the birth certificate, further substantiating your citizenship.
- Late-registered Birth Certificate: No additional supporting documents are required if your birth certificate was registered at least ten (10) years ago. However, if your birth certificate was registered less than ten (10) years ago, you must submit identification documents that pre-date the late registration or current IDs with NBI Clearance.
- Unclear/Unreadable Birth Certificate: If your PSA birth certificate is hard to read, you must provide a copy of the Local Civil Registrar document.
- Married Females: If you are a married female using your spouse's last name, you must provide the original and submit a photocopy of the PSA-authenticated marriage contract on security paper or report of marriage. However, a marriage contract is unnecessary if you choose to retain your maiden name.
5. Valid Government Issued ID
In addition to a PSA Birth Certificate, you must present valid government-issued identification (ID) and its photocopy as part of your passport application process. This ID serves as an essential document to verify your identity and ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of your application.
Here are the acceptable valid IDs as of June 2024:
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| Photo courtesy: DFA |
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
- LTO Driver's License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Philippine Identification (PhilID)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
- Voter's ID or Voter's Certificate (issued by COMELEC Main Office, Intramuros)
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Postal ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or Seafarer's Identity Document (SID)
Note: All IDs must be readable, untampered, and consistent with your other documents. You need to bring both the original and photocopy of your ID.
Supporting Documents For Adult New Applications
In some instances, additional supporting documents may be required. Please refer to the following scenarios:
- No Birth Certificate or Report of Birth: If you do not have a Birth Certificate or Report of Birth, follow these guidelines:
- Born AFTER 1950: File for late registration with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or Consular Office. Submit the original PSA-authenticated late registered Birth Certificate and IDs that pre-date the late registration or current IDs with NBI Clearance.
- Born ON OR BEFORE 1950: Submit the original and photocopy of the PSA Authenticated Certificate of No Birth Record. Include an Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons attesting to your identity, along with photocopies of the IDs of the two disinterested persons.
- Reversion to Maiden Surname: If your marriage has been dissolved, and you want to revert to your maiden surname, provide the following:
- Original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate and acceptable IDs.
- Original and photocopy of the annotated PSA Marriage Certificate (MC) or Report of Marriage (ROM) stating the dissolution of the marriage.
- Discrepancy or Lacking Data in Birth Certificate or Report of Birth: If there is a discrepancy in data or lacking data in your Birth Certificate or Report of Birth, follow these steps:
- Discrepancy in first name: Submit the original and photocopy of the petition and supporting documents to correct the first name filed with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or consulate.
- Discrepancy in other data: Submit an annotated birth certificate authenticated by the PSA reflecting the corrected entry.
- Dual Citizen: If you are a dual citizen, provide the following:
- Confirmed Online Appointment.
- Government-issued IDs.
- If you possess dual citizenship from birth, submit the original and photocopy of the PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate/Report of Birth.
- If you reacquired or retained Filipino citizenship as specified in RA 9225, submit the original and photocopy of the identification certificate issued by a Philippine Foreign Service Post (FSP) or the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
- Naturalized Filipino Citizen: If you obtained Filipino citizenship through naturalization, provide the original and photocopy of the Identification Certificate of Naturalization from the BI.
- Filipino Citizen by Election: If you obtained Filipino citizenship by election, submit the original and photocopy of the Affidavit of Election of Philippine Citizenship and the Identification Certificate of Election from the BI.
- Citizenship Granted by Act of Legislation: If you have been granted citizenship by an act of legislation, submit a certified true copy of the law granting citizenship along with the authenticated foreign birth certificate from a Philippine FSP.
New Passport Application Requirements (For Minors)
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| Passport for minors requires certain measures for safety and documentation. Photo: DFA |
Applying for a passport for a minor involves specific requirements to ensure the child's safety and proper documentation. It's important to be familiar with the necessary documents and procedures to make the process smoother and hassle-free.
Here are the core requirements for minors applying for a new passport:
1. Confirmed Online Appointment
To begin the passport application process for minors, you must secure a confirmed online appointment. This appointment makes sure that you have a designated time for your application, reducing waiting time and ensuring efficient service.
Click here to schedule an online appointment. If you believe you qualify to use the Courtesy Lane, click here to check your eligibility.
2. Accomplished Application Form
You must complete the passport application form accurately and completely on behalf of the minor. This form provides essential information about the child and their parents or legal guardians. It is important to make sure that all the required fields are correctly filled to avoid delays or complications.
3. Personal Appearance of Minor Applicant and Parent or Authorized Adult Companion
Personal appearance is mandatory for the minor applicant and either one of their parents or an authorized adult companion. This requirement ensures that the child's identity can be verified and their biometric information can be collected during the application process.
4. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
As proof of the child's Philippine citizenship, it is necessary to present the original and photocopy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated birth certificate on security paper. This document should accurately reflect the minor's complete name, date of birth, and place of birth.
Note: If the PSA birth certificate is difficult to read or unclear, you may need to provide a copy of the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) document instead.
5. Additional Documents for Specific Cases
Depending on the circumstances, additional supporting documents may be required. These may include:
- Local Civil Registrar Copy if the PSA Birth Certificate is unclear or unreadable.
- Marriage Certificate if only one parent is accompanying the child.
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the mother, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, if the mother is not accompanying the child.
- DSWD clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent if the applicant is not traveling with either parent.
- Documentation related to guardianship or adoption processes, such as court decrees, ICAB endorsements, or certificates for inter-country adoption.
Supporting Documents for Minor Passport New Applicants
In some instances, additional supporting documents may be required. Here are some examples:
- Newborn (less than 1-year-old) with No PSA Birth Certificate/Report of Birth Yet:
- If born in the Philippines: Submit a true certified copy of the LCR birth certificate authenticated by the PSA.
- If born abroad: Provide the original copy of the Report of Birth or the first endorsement from the Consular Records Division.
- Minor Applicant Not Accompanied by the Parent/s During the Application Process:
- Submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the parent/s, designating the minor's companion to assist in the application process. The Special Power of Attorney must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
- Present the passport or valid government-issued ID of the authorized adult companion.
- Minor Applicant Not Traveling with Parent/s:
- Submit a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the parent/s. These documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
- Present the passport or valid government-issued ID of the authorized adult companion.
- Illegitimate Child in Custody of the Mother:
- The minor applicant and the mother or authorized adult companion must be present.
- Present the PSA birth certificate.
- Provide the passport or valid government-issued ID of the mother or authorized adult companion.
- If the mother is not accompanying the child, submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the mother, designating the minor's companion to assist in the application process. The Special Power of Attorney must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
- If the child is not traveling with the mother, submit a DSWD clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the mother. These documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
- Illegitimate Child with Deceased/Absent Mother and Unknown Father:
- Both the minor applicant and an adult guardian must be present.
- Present the PSA birth certificate.
- Provide the valid passport or government-issued ID of the adult guardian.
- Submit a DSWD clearance.
- Provide the Letter of Guardianship issued by the Family Court.
These are just a few examples of the additional requirements that may apply to your situation. It is necessary to review the comprehensive list of requirements and consult the DFA website for the most up-to-date information before proceeding with your application.
Passport Application Process
Now that you have gathered the necessary documents, it's time to navigate the passport application process. The process typically involves the following steps:
Step 1 – Visit passport.gov.ph to schedule an appointment
Go to the official website, www.passport.gov.ph/appointment, and schedule an appointment for your passport application. Follow the instructions provided on the website and select a convenient date and time slot for your appointment.
Step 2 – Pay the passport processing fee
Proceed to any authorized payment center and pay the passport processing fee. The fee can be paid in cash, and the exact amount will be specified on the website. Keep the payment receipt for reference.
You may check here the list of authorized payment centers:
Step 3 – Print out the confirmed appointment packet
After successfully scheduling your appointment and completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Print out the appointment packet, which includes the appointment confirmation and any other required forms or documents mentioned in the email.
Step 4 – Personally show up at the DFA on the appointment date
On the scheduled appointment date, go to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office indicated in your appointment details. Make sure to bring the printed appointment packet, along with the necessary documents and valid identification. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment to allow for any necessary security checks or document verification.
Step 5 – Get your passport
After submitting your application and completing the necessary processing, you'll receive your passport at a designated time. The processing time may vary, so it's best to check with DFA for an estimated timeline. Once your passport is ready, you can either personally pick it up at the DFA office or have it delivered, depending on the options provided by DFA.
Follow the instructions provided for passport collection or delivery to ensure a smooth and convenient experience.
Note: You'll get a text or email when your passport is ready. Bring the receipt from your application process when you pick up your passport. Double-check all the information on the passport before leaving the Consular Office. If you can't get it yourself, a family member or authorized representative can with an Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney and their ID.Don't staple anything to the passport, especially the covers, to avoid damaging the electronic chip. Remember that unclaimed passports are canceled after one year, according to Department Order No. 2021-012.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free passport application process, here are some valuable tips:
- Review the requirements beforehand – Familiarize yourself with the passport application requirements and ensure you have all the necessary documents before your appointment.
- Prepare all necessary documents – Organize your documents in advance to avoid any last-minute confusion or delays.
- Arrive on time for your appointment – Punctuality is essential. Arriving on time will allow you to complete the process efficiently.
- Follow instructions from passport staff – Listen attentively to the instructions provided by the passport staff and cooperate throughout the process.
- Double-check your application form – Before submitting your application, carefully review all the details in your application form to avoid any errors or discrepancies.