Your Detailed Guide To Philippine Passport Application

Written by Christian B Padillo

While we may still be in this prolonged pandemic, most international travel restrictions have been lifted. That means now is as good a time as any to secure a Philippine passport if you wish to head out of the country for work or leisure.

For travelers, it will serve as their entry pass to another country, but for people who work overseas, it will be their primary proof of identification in a foreign land. Also, if you haven’t secured a National ID yet, the Philippine passport still remains a valid proof of Philippine Citizenship.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has just established a new system in the passport application process. The process is straightforward, but due to the lack of a national ID system, documentary requirement can be a handful!

Before you line up to start the process, here are the list of documents that you must gather before heading to DFA.

Requirements for first time applicants

This list applies to all applicants of all ages and civil status.

• At least one valid (government-issued) ID
• At least three supporting documents
• Original copy of your birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) (Order online here)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, may be required)
• Additional documents if under 18 years old (if applicable, may be required)
• Certificate of Tribal Affiliation from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) (if you are a Muslim applicant)
• Proof of Philippine citizenship (if you have dual citizenship)

General requirements for minors (18 years old and below)

• Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below)
• Personal appearance of the minor applicant
• Personal appearance of either parent and valid passport of parents (if minor is a legitimate child)
• Personal appearance of mother and proper ID or valid passport of mother (if minor is an illegitimate child)
• Original birth certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA or Certified True Copy of birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA birth certificate are blurred or unreadable. Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad.
• Document of identity with photo, if minor is 8-17 years old (for first time and renewal applicant) such as School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal.
• For minor applicants who never attended school, a Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school, is required.
• Marriage certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA (for a legitimate child)
• Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person traveling with the minor

Additional requirements for minors

Minors are still dependent on their parent/s or a guardian, that’s why part of their documentary requirements is consent. Legal consent for minor comes in various classification, especially if the parent or guardian isn’t a first degree relative of the minor.

If a minor is not traveling with either parent, or alone

• Personal appearance of either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / of mother (if minor is an illegitimate child)
• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to the minor. If minor will be traveling alone, ASC must be executed by either parent, stating that his/her child will be traveling alone. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Original and photocopy of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Clearance
• There is no need to secure a DSWD Clearance if the minor traveling abroad has parents who are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he/she is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa/pass/identification card or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card which serves as proof that he/she is living with parents abroad.

If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General). If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA) with an attached photocopy of either parent’s valid passport (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General) authorizing a representative in assisting the child to apply for a passport. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the SPA.
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
• Proper ID of the duly authorized representative

If minor is legitimated by subsequent marriage of parents:

• Authenticated Birth Certificate from PSA must include annotation regarding new status as legitimated and the full name of the child.

If minor is illegitimate but acknowledged by father:

• Birth Certificate from PSA reflecting surname of father with Affidavit of Acknowledgement and Consent to use the surname of father.

Foundling

• Certificate of foundling authenticated by PSA
• DSWD Clearance
• Passport of the person who found the applicant
• Letter of authority or endorsement from DSWD for the issuance of passport

Orphaned minor applicant

• Authenticated Death Certificates of parents from PSA
• Court order awarding guardianship of the orphaned minor applicant or substitute parental authority under Article 214 & 216 of the Family Code
• DSWD Clearance

Abandoned minor applicant:

• Court order awarding guardianship of the abandoned minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance

Legally adopted

• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of PSA Birth Certificate before adoption
• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of the PSA amended Birth Certificate after adoption
• Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court Decision or Order on Adoption and Certificate of Finality
• DSWD clearance for minor applicant, if traveling with the person other than the adopting parents

In case the applicant is for adoption by foreign parents

• Certified True Copy of the Court Decree of Abandonment of Child
• PSA Death Certificate of the child’s parents or the Deed of Voluntary Commitment executed after the birth of the child
• Endorsement of child to the Inter-country Adoption Board by the DSWD
• Authenticated Birth or Foundling Certificate

Minor applicant whose parents are annulled/divorced

• Court order awarding guardianship of the minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance
• PSA Marriage Certificate with annotation on nullity or annulment decree

Minor applicant whose mother is likewise a minor:

• Personal appearance of the minor’s mother and maternal grandparent(s).
• PSA Birth Certificate of minor applicant and mother
• Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the maternal grandparent(s) indicating the name of the traveling companion
• DSWD Clearance if minor will be traveling with the person other than the maternal grandparent(s)
• Proof of identity of mother and maternal grandparent(s) (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs)

How to renew your passport

There are quite a few things to do for passport renewal if you are holding a less recent passport that has expired for a decade or two. However, for passports that were issued in 2007 and onwards, there will be lesser but still a handful of documents to provide.

General documentary requirements

• Duly accomplished application form (can be downloaded from the DFA website, www.dfa.gov.ph)
• Most recent expiring or expired passport
• Valid ID
• Supporting documents

Additional requirements according to expired passport types

Due to the Philippine passport’s length of validity, most expired passports today are the more recent ones (Machine Readable Passports). However, for those that were issued earlier than 2007, and for other legal name changes, these are the documents to process its renewal.

Brown passport or passports issued prior to May 1, 1995:

• Bring original brown passport and photocopy of passport pages 1, 2, 3, 4 and last page
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA, to determine complete middle name.
• If PSA Birth Certificate is blurred or unreadable; transcribed certified true copy of the birth certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable.
• If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA

Green passport or passports issued after May 1, 1995:

• Bring original green passport and photocopy of the data page and last page of passport
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA, to determine complete middle name
• If PSA Birth Certificate is blurred or unreadable; transcribed certified true copy of the birth certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable
• If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA

Machine Readable Passport (MRP without IC Chip logo) issued in the year 2007:

• Bring original passport and photocopy of data page and last page of passport
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA, to determine complete middle name
• If PSA Birth Certificate is blurred or unreadable; transcribed certified true copy of the birth certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable.
• If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA.

Electronic Passport (E-passport)

• Bring original e-passport and photocopy of page 2 (data page).

For women who would change their civil status from single to married:

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA.
• If entries are blurred or unreadable, submit Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR
• If married abroad, Report of Marriage duly authenticated by PSA
• Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance (required for women with foreign national husband married in the Philippines)

For married women who would like to revert to their maiden name:

• Bring original passport and photocopy of data page and last page of passport
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA, to determine complete middle name
• If PSA Birth Certificate is blurred or unreadable; transcribed certified true copy of the birth certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable
• If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA
• If already widowed: Death Certificate in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) of the deceased husband
• If marriage is annulled: Annotated PSA Marriage Contract and Certified True Copy (CTC) of Court Order affecting the Annulment
• If divorced: Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Divorce Decree duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce was obtained or by the concerned foreign diplomatic or consular mission in the Philippines. Certified True Copy (CTC) of Philippine Court recognition of foreign divorce decree must also be present and the PSA Marriage Contract with the annotation of the Divorce Decree.

For minor applicants

Requirements for first-time minor applicants are still prescribed, in addition to the passport of minor.

Applicants who availed of Dual Citizenship under RA 9225:

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable.
• If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA
• Identification Certificate from the Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Embassy/Consulate
• Oath of Allegiance
• Order of Approval

Applicants who were naturalized:

• If born in the Philippines, Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA
• Identification Certificate from the Bureau of Immigration

Applicants who elected Philippine Citizenships:

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA.
• Certified True Copy of the Sworn Statement duly signed by authorized to administer oaths filed at the nearest Local Civil Registry
• Oath of Allegiance
• Identification Certificate from the Bureau of Immigration

For Muslim converts who would like to use their Muslim name:

• Annotated Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bearing the Muslim name
• National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Certificate of Conversion

For divorced women

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA with annotation affecting the Divorce
• Court Order from the Philippine Sharia Court affecting the Divorce

Passport application process

Passport application today is now more streamlined, though not really the most efficient, it’s an improvement from how tedious and exhausting it was before the online appointment system got implemented. The application process is simple and setting up an appointment is easy!

I. Booking an appointment

1. Go to https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment.
2. Tick the box for the terms and conditions and then proceed.
3. Choose the nearest DFA location in one of the drop down list and the address and contact information of the DFA site will appear.
4. Choose your appointment date and time.
5. A reference number will be sent to your email with a link to print the application form.
6. Print the application form and fill it up.

II. Personal appearance

1. Bring all the required documents.
2. Duly accomplished application form (form downloaded from the website or the email).
3. Observe proper dress code (must be smart casual with collar shirts for men).
4. All applicants (regardless of age) are required to make a personal appearance.
5. For minors, a parent or a guardian must be present at the appointment.
6. Go to the DFA office that you’ve chosen on the date of the appointment. Arrive 30 minutes early because late arrivals may not be entertained.
7. Present your printed application form at the Application Counter.
8. Go to the Information Counter and get your priority number.
9. Wait for your number to be called.
10. Once you have paid and completed the procedure, you can head to the Delivery Counter to choose whether to collect the passport at the DFA office or have it delivered to your home. Either way, your passport will be ready after 15 working days (regular) or 7 working days (expedited). The fees will vary depending on the how soon you want the passport to be ready.
11. Once you’ve paid for the passport, all you have to do now is to wait for either 7 or 15 business days to claim your passport.

Supporting documents

Due to the lack of a national ID system, valid IDs will not suffice for verification process of an applicant’s identity. Thus, the following supporting documents will be needed to supplement your identification documents:

• Voter’s ID
• NSO Marriage Contract
• Land Title
• Seaman’s Book
• Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal
• Government Service Record
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• Barangay Clearance
• Old documents issued at least one year prior to the date of application that show correct name, date, and place of birth, picture and signature of the applicant such as the following:
• NSO Birth Certificate of child/children
• SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
• Income Tax Return
• Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and Voter’s Registration Record (for newly issued VRR, please attach receipt)
• School Yearbook
• Community Tax Certificate

List of valid IDs

Valid IDs are ID cards that bear your name and your picture. However, not all picture IDs are considered as valid. For passport application, only picture IDs issued by the government are considered as valid, such as the following:

• Government-issued picture IDs
  • Digitized SSS ID
  • Driver’s License
  • GSIS E-card
  • PRC ID
  • IBP ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Digitized BIR ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
• Other acceptable picture IDs
  • Old College ID
  • Alumni ID
  • Old Employment IDs

Payments and fees

Once you get your passport, the next step is to see how far you could go with it overseas. It isn’t among the most powerful passports in the world, but it will open you up to a handful of visa-free destinations that are worth the visit.

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Read more: DFA Online Appointment For Passport Application And Renewal

This article was first published in January 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.