Applying, renewing, or replacing a Philippine passport for adults is a straightforward process that ensures you stay travel-ready and compliant with international requirements. Filipinos need to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as this is the primary agency responsible for issuing, renewing, and replacing Philippine passports.
You can connect with the DFA through their official website, where you can book an appointment, check requirements, and access updates on passport services.
The Philippine Passport
The Philippine passport enables Filipino citizens to go abroad for work, travel, and other purposes. As an identification document, it also enables them to seek consular assistance abroad.
In the past, the passport had a validity period of just five years, regardless of the holder’s age. In 2024, Republic Act 11983 or the “New Philippine Passport Act” was signed, changing the validity period to 10 years for Filipinos 18 years old and above, and five years for those below 18 years old. The law also streamlined application processes, enhancing online applications and establishing “courtesy lanes” for senior citizens, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), solo parents, and other categories.
Requirements
Along with some notes, here are the basic requirements for passport applications at the DFA. The list varies for new applications, passport renewal, and replacement of lost or damaged passports.
For New Applications
- Confirmed Online Appointment;
- Accomplished Application Form;
- Personal Appearance at the DFA;
- Original and Photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);
- PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (for married women who are using their spouse’s last name); and
- Original and Photocopy of a Valid ID.
NOTES:
- For women who opt to retain their maiden name, a PSA-issued Marriage Certificate is not necessary.
- For the full list of acceptable IDs, visit this link.
- For some applications, the DFA may require additional documents as proof of one’s identity and citizenship. Visit this link to learn more about these supporting documents.
For Passport Renewal
- Confirmed Online Appointment;
- Accomplished Application Form;
- Personal Appearance at the DFA;
- Current Passport with Photocopy of Data Page; and
- Original PSA-issued Documents to support change of name (e.g. Marriage Certificate, Annotated Birth Certificate, Annotated Marriage Certificate to show annulment/divorce/court ordered instruction, and/or Death Certificate of Spouse).
NOTE: In some cases, the DFA may ask for additional documents as proof of one’s identity and citizenship. Visit this link to learn more about these supporting documents.
For Replacement of Lost Passport
The same requirements as passport renewal applications, plus the following:
- Original and Photocopy of Police Report (in English);
- Original and Photocopy of Affidavit of Loss (in English); and
- Penalty Fee of PHP 350.
NOTE: If a photocopy of the applicant’s latest passport is not available, a PSA-issued Birth Certificate will be required, and he/she will be treated as a new applicant. The DFA may also ask for additional documents as proof of his/her identity and citizenship.
For Replacement of Damaged Passport
The same requirements as passport renewal applications, plus the following:
- Notarized Affidavit of Explanation; and
- Penalty Fee of PHP 350.
NOTE: Aside from the above, the applicant’s PSA-issued Birth Certificate will be required, and he/she will be treated as a new applicant. The DFA may also request for additional documents as proof of the applicant’s identity and citizenship.
Passport Fees
The fees for passport applications (both new and renewal) in the Philippines are as follows:
- Regular Processing – PHP 950
- Expedited Processing – PHP 1,200
- Penalty for Lost or Damaged Passport – PHP 350
REMINDER: When booking an appointment with the DFA, please remember that passport appointments are free of charge. Beware of “fixers” who charge money for “assistance” in booking appointments.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re getting a new passport or renewing your old one, the application process is pretty much the same. Here is an overview of the steps involved:
Book Appointment Online
Book an appointment though the DFA Online Appointment System. This involves choosing your preferred DFA office, date, and time. Enter the required information (i.e. personal information, contact details) and pay the processing fee, as well as the courier fee (if you opt to have the passport delivered to your registered address).
After successfully booking an appointment online, your Confirmed Appointment Packet, which includes your completed application form, will be generated. Print this packet, as you will need to show it during your personal appearance at the DFA.
Prepare Your Documents
Aside from the Confirmed Appointment Packet, you will need to prepare other documents, such as your PSA-issued Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Valid ID, and other supporting documents.
Personal Appearance
On the scheduled date and time, go to your chosen DFA office with all the required documents. Be sure to wear proper attire, and do not wear eye contacts, jewelry, or excessive makeup.
At the DFA office, your application will undergo checking and verification. You will also have your biometrics (fingerprints), photo, and signature taken at the site.
Passport Release
You can opt to have your passport delivered to your registered address, or pick it up at your chosen DFA office. More details about passport releasing are discussed below.
Passport Releasing Guidelines
After completing the process at the DFA, you can expect your new passport to be released after several days. For those who are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), the waiting time is about 10 working days. For those who are based outside the NCR, you can expect to receive your new passport after 12 working days.
Notably, if you opted for expedited processing, the waiting time is five working days for applicants in the NCR, and seven working days for applicants outside the NCR.
Remember that you can choose to have your passport delivered to your address, or to claim it at the DFA office where you filed your application. If you choose the latter, be sure to bring your DFA-issued receipt, a valid ID, and old passport (for renewal application) on the date of release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions about passport applications at the DFA:
Where is the nearest DFA office?
The DFA Aseana in Parañaque City is the primary facility for passport services in the Philippines. However, the DFA has other consular offices that process passport applications. Visit this link for the full list of DFA consular offices in the country.
Does the DFA allow walk-in applicants?
Yes. The DFA has a Courtesy Lane (CL) for select walk-in applicants, which include OFWs, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), minors seven years old and below, and solo parents.
Do I need to bring a passport-sized photo?
No, you do not need to bring a passport-sized photo for your application. The DFA will digitally capture your photo at the site.
CAN ANOTHER PERSON claim my passport?
If you are unable to claim your passport on the date of release, an immediate family member or authorized representative can claim it on your behalf.
An immediately family member must bring: an authorization letter, DFA-issued receipt, applicant’s old passport (for renewal), original and photocopy of valid IDs of the applicant and family member.
Meanwhile, an authorized representative must bring: Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the applicant, DFA-issued receipt, old passport of the applicant (for renewal), original and photocopy of valid IDs of the applicant and authorized representative.
What if I do not claim my passport?
If you do not claim your passport within one year from the date of its release, the DFA will cancel it.
Contact Information: DFA Aseana
As mentioned earlier, the DFA Aseana is the primary facility for passport services in the Philippines. This office is open Mondays to Fridays, from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Address: Aseana Business Park, Bradco Avenue, corner Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Parañaque, 1714 Metro Manila
Telephone: (02) 8556 0000
Email: passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://www.passport.gov.ph/
Google Map:
For Filipinos who intend to travel or work abroad, getting a passport is a must. Fortunately, applying for a new Philippine passport or renewing an old one is easy these days, thanks to the streamlined processes and enhanced services of the DFA.