I returned to the Philippines for only one reason – to renew my Philippines passport. This passport got its front text almost removed and that for me is a win, which symbolised that I’ve used it more than I expected.
This passport s been to over 15 countries, from the hot islands of Southeast Asia to the cold mountains of North Europe. I really have maximised the five-year validity of my passport and now its time to renew it.
I personally waited until January 2018 to get my new Philippines passport, because starting January 2018, the validity of Philippines; passport will be for ten years, means, more time to travel and less hassle for renewing it. For this reason, I also managed to celebrate Christmas and New Year with my family after being away for four years!
Let’s cut the chitchat and let me show you the step by step guide in renewing your Philippines passport in the Philippines.
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Who Can Renew Their Philippines Passport
Anyone can renew their Philippines passport 8-9 months before its expiration, taking into account that you need to have 6 months remaining on the validity of your passport before you can travel. And of course, those who have an expired passport.
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What are the DFA Passport Requirements for Renewing Philippines Passport
- Personal appearance – you cannot send a representative to renew your passport because your photo and fingerprints will be required
- Your Passport – most recent expiring or expired passport – get a photocopy too
- Confirmed Appointment
- Printed Application Form
- Valid ID – at least one (I have an ePassport, which means my expiring passport has an electronic gold chip in the front, therefore I was not asked for additional ID, to make sure, I still suggest you bring one extra ID and a photocopy of it as well)
- Fee – P1,200 for 7-10 working days for the processing time, P950 for 13-15 working days. P150 for the delivery fee which is optional, pick up is for free. They only accept cash.
CHANGES: It seems like DFA changed their mode of payment. Applicants must pay online/other over the counter options BEFORE their appointment date.
NOTE: For additional requirements, please direct here. Whilst you can check the acceptable IDs here.
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Additional documents if your name has changed
If your name has changed, either through marriage or other circumstances, you must provide the following additional documents to support the change on the name. Remember that these documents must be PSA-authenticated.
- Your marriage contract
- Your Birth Certificate
- Annotated marriage contract to show annulment/divorce/court-ordered instruction
- Death certificate of spouse
Additional document for lost or damaged passports
While in case you lost or damaged your passport, you will have to apply for a new one and will be seen as a new application. Check the new application requirement here.
You must also submit the following if
A lost e-passport that is still valid:
- Police report (in English)
- Affidavit of loss (in English)
- A penalty fee of Php 350.00
- Additional 15 days of processing time
A lost e-passport that is expired:
- Affidavit of loss (English)
- A penalty fee of Php 350.00
A damaged e-passport:
- Your damaged passport must be submitted and surrendered
- Affidavit of explanation
- Penalty fee of Php 350.00
Required Documents For Minor
If you are a minor, apart from you have to bring your parent or legal guardian with you, you must have the following documents plus the documents that are listed above.
- Birth certificate – PSA-authenticated, original copy
- Valid ID of your parent or legal guardian
- For legal guardians, you must have present the Special Power of Attorney to prove that you are the legal guardian
- Personal appearance of the minor applicant and their parent or legal guardian
Steps in Renewing Your Philippines Passport
1. Get a schedule online
Everyone who wants to apply for a new passport or needs to renew their passport must get an appointment online. The schedule gets booked up quite easily, like what I did, I checked every single day if they have opened new slots for the coming months. I booked in the first week of December and managed to have a schedule on the 4th of January.
There are plenty of DFA offices you can choose from which are located all over the country. You can get an appointment here.
NOTE: If you have a child/children (7 years old below) with you or if you are a person with a disability, senior citizen or a pregnant woman, you can walk in directly to any DFA branches without booking for an appointment, your companion has to be renewing or applying for a new passport as well. Make sure you have all your requirements ready. All walk-ins will automatically be processed as a rush application. You can download the application form here.
2. Print your application form
You can download it from your account after you get yourself a confirmed appointment. Remember to photocopy your expiring or expired passport and ID/s. You can download the form from here too.
3. Show up to your appointment in time
My schedule was in SM Megamall Ortigas at four in the afternoon. Like what I did, if you arrive early, try to ask the information desk what time you can go inside. Since it was not busy on the day I went there, they let me in right away – two hours before my schedule.
4. Inside the DFA branch
Once you are inside the office, hand your application form at the information desk, this is the Step A. They will stamp your application form.
NOTE: Pregnant women, senior citizens, an adult with children (7 years old below), and persons with disability has an express lane.
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5. Head to Step B
Where you have to go in line until it’s your turn to submit all your requirements, if everything is complete, you may proceed to the next step. The person in charge in Step B will ask you if they should cancel your current passport. If you do not agree, then you have to come back and pick up your new passport so they can cancel your old one. They will also ask you here if you want a rush processing or regular.
NOTE: Pregnant women, senior citizens, an adult with children (7 years old below), and persons with disability has an express lane.
6. Step C is the payment
Fee – P1,200 for 7-10 working days for the processing time, P950 for 13-15 working days. P150 for the delivery fee which is optional, pick up is for free. They only accept cash.
CHANGES: It seems like DFA changed their mode of payment has changed. Applicants must pay online/other over the counter options BEFORE their appointment date to secure their schedule.
7. Last Step – Encoding
The last step is the encoding, get in line (or take a seat) and wait for your turn. In this part, your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be taken. Remember not to wear a turtleneck top, earrings, and necklace for this step. Light make-up is acceptable.
NOTE: Pregnant women, senior citizens, an adult with young children (below 7), and persons with disability have an express lane and don’t need to schedule an appointment.
8. Delivery or Pick-Up
The last part is optional, this is for applicants who want to have their passport delivered. An additional P150 peso is required. If you cannot be home during the day of the delivery, make sure to leave an authorisation letter to someone who will be at home at that time.
So, that’s it! I personally think it was an easy and smooth process, although I panicked about the requirements for additional ID as I only have my passport. It turned out it was not required anyway.
Pick-Up: If you decided to pick up your passport, you will be picking up at the same office where you did your application on the date that was given to you.
If you have any questions, feel free to let me know in the comment section below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING PHILIPPINES PASSPORT RENEWAL
How do I know if my current Philippines passport is an ePassport
If you current or expired passport was issued after 2009, it is an ePassport. You can also check if there is a gold chip just below the word “PASAPORTE”. See the photos of my passport above to check what a gold chip it looks like
Can I renew my passport outside the Philippines
It’s best to contact the nearest Philippines Embassy in your current location.
Can I renew if my valid passport runs out of pages?
Yes, complete the requirements and set an appointment. If you are outside the country, contact the nearest Philippines Embassy in your current location.
What if I lost my expired passport, can I renew it?
Yes, first check this requirement for replacement of lost Philippines passport.
Can I still use the valid visa in my passport after I renew it?
Yes, always bring your expired passport where your valid visa in place when travelling.
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Hello,
My son lost his Philippine passport around year 2012 in the U.S. it was expired over 20 years ago
can he still renew or apply for a new replacement in Philippine Consulate in the U.S.
what are the requirements or documents he might need to process this?
Thank you,
All Philippine citizens are able to apply for replacement passports, no matter how long ago they may have been expired or lost. If he is currently in the Philippines, check with the Embassy (https://ph.usembassy.gov/) for further instructions.
Hello po. It is said that if I am with a child 7 years old or younger I don’t have to get an appointment or I can just walk in to any DFA office. If so, where can I get the application forms for renewal of our passports? Thank you.
Hi Jonathan,
You can download the form here: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=35