YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GETTING A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT.
FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANTS.
Begin the application process by securing an appointment with your preferred DFA branch; you can do this online by logging on to passport.gov.ph/appointment. Take note that the DFA branches have different available slots so it is best to check each branch to find your most favorable schedule. The DFA provided priority lanes for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PWDs and so they are no longer required to set an appointment online. The DFA in Aseana also prioritizes children applicants who are below 7 years old.
You cannot send your relative or your secretary to represent you on your appointment date and time with the DFA. All applicants are required to appear personally at their chosen DFA branch, including infants and toddlers.
Your passport photos will be taken onsite and for this reason, you have to be physically present on your appointment date.
After you have chosen your preferred DFA location, date, and time for your interview, you will be prompted to populate an online application form.
Make sure that all entries are spelled correctly and dates are declared accurately.
You will be required to bring a copy of your PSA birth certificate on your appointment date. Most, if not all DFA branches, require that the copy be printed on the Philippine Statistics’ Authority Security Paper (SECPA), bearing the seal of the PSA.
Best to secure a new copy of your birth certificate by ordering online at http://www.psahelpline.ph
A copy of your Marriage Certificate may be required by the DFA; like your birth certificate, the marriage certificate must be printed on the PSA’s SECPA. You may also secure a copy of your PSA Marriage Certificate by ordering online at http://www.psahelpline.ph
After completing the general requirements, you need to prepare your IDs and other supporting documents that the DFA can use in verifying your identity. Make sure that your IDs are updated and all entries are readable. Avoid presenting dilapidated ID cards.
The DFA requires at least one of the following acceptable IDs. It may also be wise to bring your other IDs just in case.
Apart from your IDs, you would also need to present any of the following documents. Again, it is best to present updated and newly-issued documents; refrain from bringing old copies.
The DFA accommodates infant and toddler applicants in their priority lanes; the DFA Aseana prioritizes applicants who are below 7 years old.
Minors need to personally appear before the DFA on the date of their appointment and must be accompanied by their parents.
Legitimate children must be accompanied by either parent; however, if both parents are unable to appear before the DFA, a guardian may stand as their representative. There are, however, several other requirements that need to be met in order for the guardian’s presence to be recognized by the DFA.
Illegitimate children must be accompanied by the biological mother. If the mother could not be physically present during the appointment, a guardian may stand as her representative. The DFA’s acknowledgment of the guardian’s presence, however, is subject to the completeness and veracity of additional IDs and documentary requirements.
The child’s PSA birth certificate must be submitted to the DFA on the appointment date. Best to have the latest copy issued by the PSA. You may order a copy online by logging on to http://www.psahelpline.ph
These requirements may take a bit of time to secure and complete and so it is best to go over the list and request for copies as soon as possible. Make sure that minor details such as readable dry seals, justifications why the child is not attending school, and the like, are present and complete upon submission to the DFA.
This too may be ordered online at http://www.psahelpline.ph. This is required of legitimate and or legitimated children (those whose parents married after they were born). The DFA requires that the certificate be printed on the PSA’s SECPA.
The person traveling with the minor must present his or her valid passport. Have this photocopied beforehand as the DFA will also be requiring a copy.
