PHILIPPINE PASSPORT RENEWAL: Requirements and Step-by-Step Process (DFA Schedule Appointment Guide)

By JDC Tuesday, August 23, 2022

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Here's your complete guide to PASSPORT RENEWAL in the Philippines.

In general, passport renewal is much easier than applying for the first time. In this guide, you will be guided step-by-step to DFA PASSPORT RENEWAL with tips and reminders. For new passport application, go to - NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS

ALSO: All You Need to Know About Philippine Passport (Types, History and Details)

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Requirements for Passport Renewal

These are the requirements for the REGULAR passport renewal:

1. Online Appointment Confirmation

You need to secure your slot by setting an appointment on the official website. See List of DFA Branches in The Philippines: Appointment for Philippine Passport (New Application & Renewal)

2. Accomplished Application Form

A link to these documents will be sent to your email after successful payment of the passport processing fee in select ePayment channels. Print them out and bring them along with other documentary requirements on the day of your appointment.

3. Current passport (with photocopy of bio page)

Aside from the original copy of your current passport, you must also submit a photocopy of the bio page.

Usually, there are photocopy machines at the DFA center and photocopying services around the area. Just to be sure, have it photocopied before your appointment schedule to avoid delays and wasting time.

5. Personal Appearance

All applicants must be physically present at the DFA Office on your appointment schedule.

The renewal process entails collecting your biometrics data and taking a photo of you. For passport photo capturing, take note of the proper attire or dress code. Colored contact lenses and accessories like earrings, necklaces, or other facial piercings are not allowed during photo capturing.

Other Requirements

DFA announced that birth certificates for passport renewals are no longer required, BUT there are some exceptions. You still need to present your birth certificate if:

• You lost or damaged your current passport.
• You are holding old brown or green passport with no complete middle name.
• You are making changes in your personal information.
• You are included in the DFA watchlist.

READ: What to Prepare for Your DFA Passport Appointment (Requirements for New Application and Renewal)

Depending on your status or your current passport’s condition, here are other possible additional requirements for passport renewal:

If you are a Non-ePassport holder

If you’re holding a non-ePassport, provide the following:

• original current passport
• photocopy of the bio or date page
• valid ID and a photocopy

NOTE: Not all passports are ePassports. An ePassport has an integrated circuit chip or microchip where the biometrics data are stored. The DFA only started issuing ePassports in 2009.

If your name has changed

Additional documents to prove and support the name change must be provided. Depending on your situation, these are the documents needed. Note that these must be PSA-authenticated.

• Marriage Contract
• Annotated Birth Certificate
• Annotated Marriage Contract to show annulment/divorce/court ordered instruction
• Death Certificate of Spouse

NOTE: You do not need to present your Marriage Contract if you recently married but you chose to keep your maiden name.

You might also need an NBI Clearance ONLY IF the marriage took place within 6 months before the date of passport application. This is according to the DFA Facebook page when we inquired.

If the applicant is a minor

For minor applicants or those applying for a minor, these are the additional requirements:

• Proof of affiliation and/or guardianship with one (1) photocopy. If you are presenting the minor’s Birth Certificate as proof, it must be PSA-authenticated. Provide the original birth certificate printed on PSA security paper and a clear photocopy. If the PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate is not readable, get a copy from the Local Civil Registrar.
• School ID (if applicable)
• Valid Government-issued ID of either parent with one (1) photocopy.
  
  
• If only one parent is accompanying the minor, Marriage Certificate must be presented. If the parents are unmarried, the Mother must execute a Special Power of Attorney if she is not accompanying her child. Special Power of Attorney executed outside the Philippines must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in that foreign country.
  
  
• If either parent can’t accompany the child for the application, a Special Power of Attorney must be executed by the parent to designate and authorize someone else to accompany and help the child through the application process. A copy of parent/s valid ID and/or passport attached to the Special Power of Attorney or Affidavit of Support and Consent. The authorized adult companion must present his/her Passport or Valid Government-issued ID.
  
  
• If either parent is not traveling with the minor, DSWD Clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent must be submitted. Affidavit executed outside the Philippines must be consularized by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in that foreign country. The authorized adult companion must present his/her Passport or Valid Government-issued ID. 

If your current passport is lost or damaged

Whether it’s an ePassport or non-ePassport, the process is the same for damaged or lost passport — NEW APPLICATION.

Therefore, you need to submit the requirements for a new passport application rather than the requirements for the passport renewal application.

On top of the requirements for new passport application, you need to provide the following:

Lost VALID ePassport

– Police Report (English). Submit the original and a photocopy.

– Affidavit of Loss (English). Submit original and a photocopy.

– Penalty Fee: PHP 350

– Additional 15 days for clearing process

Lost EXPIRED ePassport

– Affidavit of Loss (English)

– Penalty Fee: PHP 350

DAMAGED ePassport

– Surrender damaged passport

– Affidavit of Explanation

– Penalty Fee: PHP 350

NOTES: If you lost your passport but were able to save a photocopy of it, you don’t need to present your birth certificate anymore, but make sure you bring that photocopy with you.

Visit the DFA Consular website or contact the DFA directly if you have other specific concerns and inquiries.

How to Renew a Philippine Passport (Step-by-step Process)

Here's the run-through of Philippine Passport Renewal:

1. Schedule an appointment online.

An online appointment is required before making a personal appearance at the DFA office. This step involves filling out an application form and choosing your preferred appointment location and schedule.

Note that as of this writing, the online appointment is only available for Filipinos living in the Philippines. For those based abroad, passport applications are filed at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Here are a few important things you need to know:

• You need a Gmail or Yahoo! email account for the appointment. Technical incompatibilities prevent email addresses from Outlook, MSN, Hotmail, and Live from receiving an email confirmation.
• The online appointment system works on a first come, first served basis.
• If possible, choose an earlier schedule (AM) to avoid long queues and to have your passport application processed within the same day.
• You can also try to schedule a passport appointment over the phone through the DFA customer service hotline at (02) 737 1000.
• Passport appointments are FREE. Be wary of fixers who charge exorbitant fees to illegally secure slots in the online appointment system.

How to set an appointment online?

1. Visit the DFA Online Passport Appointment System website.
2. Read the Terms and Conditions, and then tick the box. This means that you have understood the terms.
3. There are two options: INDIVIDUAL Appointment and GROUP Appointment. Choose the one that applies to you.
4. Choose a DFA office/branch. Select the one nearest you or the one most convenient for you. Later on, you can change it and check other branches if you are having a hard time securing a slot with your first choice. Hit the Next button.
5. Select a date and time from the provided calendar. The earliest open date is noted above the calendar. The dates in GREEN are AVAILABLE, while those in RED are FULL.

Terms and Conditions Page - PH Passport Application

Choose a DFA office/branch - PH Passport Application

Date and time page - PH Passport Application

2. Fill out the application form.

After you get a slot, you will be directed to the next step, which is filling out the four-page online application form. Remember, you only have 15 minutes to complete this. Prepare the following information before you schedule an online appointment to save more time.

• Personal Information: The first page contains your Personal Information such as Name, Birth Date, Contact Numbers, E-mail Address, etc.
• Family Information: The second page requires your Family Information like your Parents’ and Spouse’s names and Citizenship.
• Application Information: The third page is all about your Application Information including Application Type, Citizenship, and Emergency Contact Person and his/her contact number.
• Contact Information. The fourth page asks for your home and office addresses and contact numbers.

You will be given time to check all the information you input. Make sure you have no typos and everything is correct, including the spelling.

3. Pay the passport processing fee.

The next step after you submit the form is the payment for the passport processing fee. Choose one of the two processing options, depending on what applies to you:

• Regular Processing: This costs P950 and takes 10-15 days in Manila.
• Express Processing: This costs P1200 and takes 5-7 days in Manila.
• Foreign Service Posts: The fee is $60 and takes 28-60 days.

Follow these steps for payment process:

1. Select between regular or express processing.
2. Then hit PAY NOW.
3. A message will pop up. Click the “I agree” box, then hit PROCEED TO PAYMENT.
4. You will land on the PAYMENT page where you will see the payment options, the total amount that you need to pay, and some reminders. A convenience fee of P50 per person is normally added on top of the total processing fee amount. Hit PROCEED.
5. You will receive an email providing your Payment Reference Number and instructions on how to settle your payment. Hold on to your reference number.
6. You need to pay the processing fee within 24 hours. Go to your chosen authorized payment center. You have to secure a copy of your reference number. Make sure you declare and pay the exact total amount.
7. After settling your payment, an appointment confirmation will be sent to your email. You will find three files attached to the email: your application form, the receipt, and the checklist. You need to secure a hard copy of each file. Print them all out. Use A4 paper. You need to bring them on the day of your appointment.

According to DFA, you can pay the passport processing fee in any one of the following authorized establishments:

• Bayad Center
• EcPay
• Pera Hub
• Robinsons Business Center and Department Stores
• Waltermart Department Store
• 7-Eleven
• USCC (Western Union)
• Villarica Pawnshop
• Other Payment Centers, as well as the credit/debit card payment facility, will be made available soon.

You need to pay the EXACT amount. No more, no less. The payment will not be processed or will be forfeited if it’s not the exact amount.

You can only use your Reference Number once, meaning one transaction per reference number.

If you encounter any problems regarding payment, contact the DFA helpdesk immediately at (02) 234 3488.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

4. Proceed to the DFA office on your appointment date and time.

You need to appear personally at your chosen DFA office on your scheduled date. Don’t forget to bring all the requirements with you, plus the Application Form printout (hard copy), the checklist with your confirmed schedule, and your eReceipt (two copies). Ensure that you arrive at the place 30 minutes to 1 hour before your scheduled appointment. Latecomers will not be accommodated.

Also, if you’ve chosen to appear in one of DFA satellite offices, keep in mind that they only process passport applications and renewals. Other issues like citizen evaluation cases and lost passports are addressed to DFA Aseana.

Important reminders:

• Observe proper dress code. People wearing sandos, spaghetti straps, shorts, tubes, sandals, and slippers may not be allowed to enter the building.
• Minors below 18 years old are required to appear with a parent or an adult companion.
• Don’t forget to bring the printed passport appointment packet (see the previous step) as well as original copies and photocopies of the documentary requirements.
• No need to bring passport-sized photos. The encoding team will do the image capturing for you.
• Proceed to the Application/Appointment Counter to present the printout of your passport appointment packet. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called or show up on the announcement screen.

Here are the steps to follow during your visit to DFA:

• Document Verification. They will check if you bring all the requirements with you. Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of your old passport (renewal) or valid ID (new application).
• Processing. They will review your documents/requirements. When they are done checking, they will stamp your receipt with a date of release. Let them know if you still need your current valid passport for an upcoming trip because this is where they will punch holes on your old passport.
• Data Encoding and Biometrics. This is the part where they will encode your personal information like your name, birth date, and other details. They will give you time to check the encoded details on the computer screen, so check those spelling and typos. After that, they will take your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
• Delivery. This is an additional step for those who want their passports to be delivered instead of personally picking them up at the DFA office. DFA partners with courier and forwarding service companies. If you avail this service, you will need to pay for the delivery fee of P150. They will take your application receipt and then hand you their own delivery receipt. Expect your passport to arrive one to two days after the scheduled release date. You may skip this part if you want to personally pick up your brand renewed passport on the scheduled release date.

5. Claim your Philippine passport.

You can receive your Philippine passport in two ways:

• Return to the DFA office on the date indicated in your claim stub or Official Receipt. Claim your passport at the Passport Releasing section. If you’re not available to personally claim your passport, you can ask a representative to do it on your behalf, provided that you execute a Special Power of Attorney containing the reason/s why you aren’t able to claim it yourself.
• If you have availed of the courier service, wait for your passport to be delivered to your mailing address approximately 1 to 2 weeks after your application. In case you won’t be available to receive it personally, a representative must show the claim stub/Official receipt, an authorization letter with your signature, and valid IDs of both you and the said representative.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the acceptable IDs?

Any of the following Valid IDs:

• Current valid ePassport
• Social Security System (SSS) ID/Government Service Insurance System(GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification from the Election Officer with Dry Seal.
• Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. The student permit is also accepted provided that it’s in card format.
• Senior Citizen ID
• School ID (for students)
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) / Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card
• Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
• Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards).
• For OFWs or Filipinos based in other countries, you can also bring your Residence Card or any other ID issued by your host government which shows your Philippine citizenship.

Important: Only those listed above will be accepted as valid ID. DFA doesn’t accept Postal ID, Philhealth ID, or TIN ID as primary valid IDs for Philippine passport application/renewal. The NBI Clearance only serves as a supporting document, not as a primary valid ID.

How early can I renew my passport?

You can apply for passport renewal as early as one (1) year before expiry.

The Bureau of Immigration requires passport validity of at least six (6) months to allow you to exit the Philippines and travel abroad. If you have immediate plans to travel out of the country, it’s safer to renew your passport one (1) year before expiry because securing a slot through an online appointment is quite challenging.

I still have valid visas in my old passport. Can I still use them after I renew?

YES. The visa remains valid even if the passport is no longer valid. Just bring the old passport with the valid visa and your new passport when you travel.

Can I apply in the province even if I’m not a resident there?

YES. The most important thing to do is to make sure you have a confirmed appointment. Just remember that the processing days differ per area/region. You can check that on the payment part of your online appointment process.

Can I reserve multiple appointment slots for myself?

NO. If you have an existing application, the system will tag another attempt to get a slot under your name as an ERROR.

The only way for you to reserve anew is to CANCEL the first/existing one.

I can’t make it on my appointment time. What should I do?

You have the option to either RESCHEDULE or CANCEL your appointment.

However, changes must be made at least three (3) working days before your schedule. If you fail to do this, the system will mark and penalize you.

Can I change my appointment schedule?

YES. Go to this page, and then click on View Appointment. Input your Appointment Code and your email address, then click on View Details. Once logged in, choose RESCHEDULE.

You should do this not later than 3 days before your original schedule. The rescheduled date must be no longer than 30 days from the original date.

I didn’t make it to my appointment schedule. What should I do?

Wait for 30 days. There is nothing else you can do if you didn’t show up on your appointment schedule.

As a penalty for “No Show” applicants, you have to wait for 30 days to make another appointment.

I made a mistake or misspelled something on the form. How to change it?

You cannot change it online, BUT you can correct it at the DFA office on your appointment schedule.

Remember that during the data encoding stage, you will be asked to check and review the information entered by the officer. This is your chance to correct the mistake or the spelling.

Is personal appearance required?

YES. Your photograph, signature, and biometrics will be taken, so your physical presence at the DFA office is a must.

How many days does the passport processing take?

Here are the usual processing times:

• Regular Processing. 10-15 days in Manila.
• Express Processing. 5-7 days in Manila.

WHAT TO READ NEXT?

• How to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa
• 66 Visa-Free Countries For Philippine Passport Holders
• Shorter wait time for Philippine passport application, as per DFA
• How to apply online appointment for passport with 10-year validity

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