Getting a Passport in the Philippines: A Guide for New Applicants

A passport is an essential document for anyone who wants to travel outside the country. In the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is responsible for issuing passports. Whether you’re a new applicant or renewing your passport, here’s a guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Book a Passport Appointment through the DFA Website

To secure a passport appointment for either an individual or a family (group), the DFA now requires that you book an appointment online. To get started, simply visit the DFA Passport Appointment website. It’s important to ensure that all of your required documents are complete prior to scheduling your appointment, and you can find a list of these requirements posted below. Note that you may be exempt from booking an online appointment if you qualify under the Passport Courtesy Lane category.

The following may avail of the Courtesy Lane Facility:

1. Senior citizens
   • A senior citizen applicant may be accompanied by one (1) adult. The adult companion may also avail of Courtesy Lane privileges, provided they are the senior citizen applicant’s immediate family member or traveling companion.
   • An immediate family member (i.e., spouse, adult children, or adult sibling only) must present proof of relationship to the senior citizen applicant (e.g., birth certificate).
   • A traveling companion must present proof of travel with the senior citizen (e.g., confirmed flight or hotel booking) and must also state the reason or justification for traveling (e.g., the traveling companion is a medical escort or nurse).
2. Persons with disability (PWDs)
   • A PWD applicant must present a valid PWD Identification Card.
   • A PWD applicant may be accompanied by one (1) adult. The adult companion may also avail of Courtesy Lane privileges, provided they are the PWD applicant’s immediate family member or traveling companion.
   • An immediate family member (i.e., parent, spouse, adult children, or adult sibling only) must present proof of relationship to the PWD applicant (e.g., birth certificate).
   • A traveling companion must present proof of travel with the PWD applicant (e.g., confirmed flight or hotel booking) and must also state the reason or justification for traveling (e.g., the traveling companion is a medical escort or nurse).
3. Pregnant Applicants
   • A pregnant applicant must present a medical certificate/records as proof of pregnancy.
4. Minors aged seven (7) years and below
   • A minor applicant must be accompanied by his or her parents, legal guardian, or authorized representative. The adult companion may also be an applicant.
5. Solo Parents
   • A solo parent applicant must present a valid Solo Parent Identification Card.
6. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
   • An OFW applicant must present proof of their OFW status, such as:
     • Valid OWWA E-card;
     • Valid employment contract;
     • Valid work visa;
     • Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) stamped at an international border not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application;
     • Expired or canceled working visa or employment contract, and a Philippine passport with an immigration arrival stamp of not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application.
7. Exceptional and emergency cases
   • In exceptional and emergency cases, Courtesy Lane privileges may be extended to applicants upon due approval of his or her written request by any of the following Department officials:
     • The Secretary of Foreign Affairs;
     • The Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns; or
     • The Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs.

Step 2: Fill out the Application Form online

Once you have secured a slot, the next step is to fill out the four-page online application form, but please keep in mind that you only have a 15-minute time limit to complete it. To save time, it is recommended that you prepare the necessary information prior to scheduling an online appointment.

Step 3: Pay the passport processing fee

Once you have submitted the application form, the subsequent step is to settle the passport processing fee. You may select one of two processing options, based on your needs:

• Regular Processing: This option costs P950 and your passport will be ready in 12 days (Metro Manila and provincial offices)
• Expedite Processing: This option costs P1200 and your passport will be ready in 6 days if you apply within Metro Manila and 7 days outside MM.

Please take note that the delivery fee is not yet included in the passport processing fee and may differ depending on the delivery location. Furthermore, an extra convenience fee may be charged for online payments per applicant.

In addition, please be aware that there is an additional fee of Php 350.00 for Lost and Mutilated ePassports filed within the Philippines. For applications filed overseas, the fees may vary based on the Post’s guidelines, so please contact the relevant Post for further information.

Lastly, please note that there is an additional 15-business day clearing period for Lost Valid Passports.

Payment centers authorized by the DFA to collect passport processing fee:

• 2GO
• Bayad Center
• Clothers Asia Corp.
• DA5
• EBIZ
• ECPay
• LBC
• Netopia
• PERAHUB
• PHILPOST
• True Money
• Isetann
• Landmark
• Metro Malls
• Robinsons Business Center
• Robinsons Department Store
• Rustans
• SRS (San Roque Supermarket)
• Sta. Lucia Mall
• 7-Eleven
• Citystate Savings Bank
• Country Builders Bank
• Luzon Development Bank
• USSC Western Union
• BHF Pawnshop
• Capital Pawnshop
• CBE Pawnshop
• Cebuana Lhuillier
• CVM Pawnshop
• M.Lhuillier
• Raquel Pawnshop
• Sinag Pawnshop
• Villarica Pawnshop
• Coins.ph
• GCASH
• Paymaya
• Touchpay

Step 4: Gather all the Requirements

Adult Applicants – New Passport

1. Confirmed Online Appointment
2. Accomplished Application Form
3. Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper
   • Married Females (who are using their spouse’s last name) must also present an Original and submit a photocopy of the PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage
   • Local Civil Registrar Copy is required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or unreadable
4. Any of the following acceptable IDs with one (1) photocopy
   • Philippine Identification (PhilID) / ePhilID
   • Social Security System (SSS) Card
   • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Card
   • Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
   • Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. Student Permit may be accepted if in card format.
   • Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
   • Philippine Identification (PhilID)/ePhilID
   • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
   • Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate issued from COMELEC main office in Intramuros, Manila.
   • Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
   • Senior Citizen ID
   • Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
   • Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
   • Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or Seafarers Identity Document (SID) (*must be issued Feb 2020 onwards) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
   • Valid or Latest Passport (For Renewal of Passport)
   • School ID (if applicable)
     For minor applicants -(if school ID is not applicable) Certificate of Enrolment with photo of minor and dry seal of school
     For adult applicants -School ID and Certificate of Registration

For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government-issued IDs showing their Philippine citizenship like their residence card. All IDs presented should be readable, untampered, and contain consistent information with the documents presented upon application. Original and photocopies of IDs and supporting documents are required to be presented upon application.

Additional Requirements for some cases – Adult Applicants

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the following supporting documents are required in the following cases:

In case of a Late Registered Birth Certificate

• If Birth Certificate was registered at least ten (10) years ago, the application will be treated as a regular application, and no additional supporting documents will be required
• If Birth Certificate was registered less than ten (10) years ago, the applicant must submit IDs that pre-date the late registration or current IDs with NBI Clearance

In case the applicant has NO Birth Certificate or Report of Birth:

• If the applicant is born AFTER 1950 – the applicant must first file for late registration with Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or Consular Office with jurisdiction over the place where the applicant was born. The applicant will then submit the original copy of the PSA authenticated late registered Birth Certificate and IDs that pre-date the late registration or current IDs with NBI Clearance.
• If the applicant is born ON OR BEFORE 1950 – the applicant must submit an original and photocopy of the PSA Authenticated Certificate of No Birth Record and Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons attesting to the identity of the applicant (Affidavit should include a photocopy of IDs of the Two Disinterested Persons indicated in the presented document)

If an Applicant’s marriage has been dissolved and wants to revert to her maiden surname

• Applicant must submit original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate and acceptable IDs.
• Applicant must submit original and photocopy of the annotated PSA Marriage Certificate (MC) or Report of Marriage (ROM) stating that the marriage has been dissolved; OR

If the applicant has lacking data on their Birth Certificate or Report of Birth

• Applicant must present original and submit a photocopy of proof of filing of a supplemental report from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR)

If the applicant has a discrepancy in data in the Birth Certificate / Report of Birth and other documents

• If the discrepant data is in the BC, the applicant must submit annotated birth certificate authenticated by PSA reflecting the corrected entry. If the discrepant data is in the other documents, the BC will be followed.
• A discrepancy in first name – Applicant must submit the original and photocopy of the petition and supporting documents for correction of first name filed with Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or consulate
• A discrepancy in other data – Applicant must submit annotated birth certificate authenticated by PSA reflecting the corrected entry

Minor Applicants – New Passport

1. Confirmed Online Appointment – To schedule an online appointment, please click here. Please check above if you qualify for the use of the Courtesy Lane.
2. Accomplished Application Form
3. Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion
4. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
   • Local Civil Registrar Copy may be required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read
5. A marriage Certificate is required if only one parent is accompanying the child
   • If parents are unmarried, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the Mother will be required if she is not accompanying the child
   • If a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
6. Passport or Valid Government issued ID of either parent with one (1) photocopy. A list of acceptable IDs is mentioned above.
7. School ID (if applicable)

Additional Requirements for some cases – Minor Applicants

In case the applicant is a newborn (less than 1 year old) and has No PSA Birth Certificate/Report of Birth yet

• If born in the Philippines: Certified True Copy of Local Civil Registrar (LCR) Birth Certificate authenticated by PSA
• If born abroad: original copy of Report of Birth or first indorsement from Consular Records Division

In case the applicant is not accompanied by the parent/s during the application process

• Applicant must 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
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of an authorized adult companion
• Special Power of Attorney or Affidavit of Support and Consent must have a copy of parent/s valid ID and/or passport attached

In case the applicant is not traveling with parent/s

• Applicant must submit DSWD clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the parent/s. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be Consularized by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of an authorized adult companion

In case the applicant is an illegitimate child in the custody of the Mother

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and mother or authorized adult companion
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of the mother or authorized Adult Companion
• If the applicant is not accompanied by the mother during the application process, the applicant must 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 applicant is not traveling with Mother, the applicant must submit DSWD clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the mother. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.

If the applicant is an Illegitimate child and mother is deceased/absent and the father is unknown

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adult guardian
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Valid Passport or valid government ID* of an adult guardian
• DSWD Clearance
• Letter of Guardianship issued by Family Court

If the minor applicant has undergone the process of domestic adoption

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adoptive parent/s
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Valid passport or valid government-issued ID* of adoptive parent/s
• Court Decree of Adoption
• If the applicant is not accompanied by the adoptive parent/s during the application process, the applicant must submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the adoptive 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.
• If the applicant is not traveling with the adoptive parent/s, the applicant must submit DSWD clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the adoptive parent/s. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.

If the minor applicant is undergoing or has undergone the process of foreign adoption / Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) adoption process

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and ICAB representative
• PSA Birth Certificate/PSA Certificate of Foundling
• Endorsement from ICAB
• Certificate of Child Available for Adoption/Deed of Voluntary Commitment
• Placement Authority issued by ICAB
• Certificate for Issuance of Passport issued by ICAB
• Clearance for Inter-Country Adoption
• Child Study Report
• DSWD clearance

If the applicant is a foundling and NOT for adoption

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adult guardian
• PSA Certificate of Foundling
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID* of adult guardian
• Letter of Guardianship issued by Family Court

Step 5: Arrive at your chosen DFA Office on your appointment date

Once the passport fee has been successfully paid, you will receive an eReceipt and a passport appointment checklist via email. Print out these documents and bring them with you to your passport appointment. The checklist will contain the following:

1. Confirmed Application Form – including the Appointment Reference Number (ARN), barcode, and eReceipt number
2. Two copies of the eReceipt

Make sure to bring all the required documents during your scheduled appointment.

Document Verification & Processing

Upon arrival at the DFA office, the security guard will check your checklist with the confirmed schedule and verify if you have brought all the required documents. Once you’re in, the DFA officer will process your application.

Data Encoding & Biometrics

The next step is data encoding and biometrics, where your personal information, photo, fingerprints, and signature will be taken. Review the encoded details on the computer screen to ensure that there are no spelling or typographical errors.

Step 6: Pick up your passport from the DFA Office

If you opted to pick-up your passport personally, go to the Passport Releasing Section at the DFA to claim your passport on the date that is stamped on your receipt. However, if you chose to use the courier service, you should wait for the arrival of your passport at the address you specified.

You have your passport, time to plan your travel. Check out our visa and travel guide section to help you decide where to go!