Last Updated on May 29, 2020 by OJ Maño
Read through this guide for your Philippine passport application, fellow Bulakenyos!
What is a passport?
By definition, it is an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship, and entitling them to travel abroad under its protection to and from foreign countries.
Passports are small booklets that typically contain the bearer’s name, place of birth, date of birth, date of issue, date of expiry, passport number, photo, and signature. There are several types of passports depending on the status of the bearer in their home country.
August 2, 2017 – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 10928 that prolong the validity of regular passports from five years to 10 years, except for individuals under age 18.
DFA also released a new passport design which features the Philippine Eagle as its inside cover. The new design also features additional security features against fake / tampered passports. The Philippines has fully embraced the use of electronic passport (e-Passport). It is at par with the international security standards, set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which include microchip technology and a host of other security features.
The chip technology allows the information stored in an e-Passport to be read by special chip readers at almost every international port of entry. Be extra careful in handling e-passports. You can be denied clearance to travel internationally if your passport is damaged.
Normal wear and tear are generally acceptable like a slight bend from carrying it in your pocket or loose binding from fanning the pages. However, cases like water damage, an extremely bent cover, or any alteration to the pages will surely cause inconveniences at the immigration. Worse case is that you may not be allowed to leave the country, especially if the damage is big.
How to apply for a new passport (new passport application)
These are the main requirements for the passport application.
- Prepare a copy of your original birth certificate (and a marriage certificate for married couples) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Note: They no longer accept NSO certificates nor photocopies of it. Get yours from the PSA Online Application Portal. It costs ₱365.00 per copy including delivery.
- Bring one valid ID (Refer to the List of Acceptable Identification Cards)
- Get a confirmed appointment date through the DFA Schedule an Appointment Portal. Settle the passport processing fee within 24 hours to confirm your schedule slot. Expect to pay ₱950.00 for normal processing (15-20 days) or ₱1,200.00 for rush (7-10 days).
- Bring a printed copy of the DFA Application Form downloaded from your appointment confirmation link.
- Be there at your selected DFA office location 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Note: You can pick up your passport at the DFA office once it is ready, or have it delivered to your place at an additional ₱150.00 charge per passport.
Read this for the additional requirements for minors (below 18 years old): Requirements for Minor New Applications (Below 18 years old)
Read this for other FAQ’s and special cases and situations: Requirements for Adult New Applications (Above 18 years old)
How to renew your passport (renewal of passport application)
These are the requirements for renewing your passport.
- Bring your current ePassport, along with a photocopy of the data page.
- Your birth certificate is NOT required anymore for renewals. However, if you need a name change for your new passport, then you need to present any of these additional requirements that would support the name change:
- Marriage Contract (If a woman opts to retain the maiden name, a Marriage Contract is not required. Additional requirements may be required.
- Annotated Birth Certificate
- Annotated Marriage Contract to show annulment/divorce/court-ordered instruction
- Death Certificate of Spouse
- Your birth certificate is NOT required anymore for renewals. However, if you need a name change for your new passport, then you need to present any of these additional requirements that would support the name change:
- Get a confirmed appointment date through the DFA Schedule an Appointment Portal. Settle the passport processing fee within 24 hours to secure your scheduled slot. Expect to pay ₱950.00 for normal processing (15-20 days) or ₱1,200.00 for rush (7-10 days).
- Bring the printed copy of the DFA Application Form for the renewal, downloaded from your appointment confirmation link.
- Be there at your selected DFA office location 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- Make sure that you are wearing an appropriate attire (see below for the guidelines) so that you will be allowed entry at the DFA office.
Note: You can pick up your passport at the DFA office once it is ready or have it delivered to your place at an additional ₱150.00 charge per passport.
Read this for the additional requirements for minors (below 18 years old): Requirements for Minor Renewal Applications (Below 18 years old)
Read this for other FAQ’s and special cases and situations: Requirements for Adult Renewal Applications (Above 18 years old)
How to schedule an appointment with DFA Malolos for passport application?
Everything is online nowadays. You have to book your appointment for the passport application through the DFA Schedule an Appointment Portal for your passport application. The appointment is free! What you need to pay for is the passport processing fee.
Once you are there, please select MALOLOS (CTTCH., XENTRO MALL, MALOLOS CITY) as the DFA Site.
- Office Name: DFA Regional Consular Office – Malolos
- Office Address: 3F Malolos Central Transport terminal and Commercial Hub by Xentro Mall, Brgy. Bulihan, Malolos City, Bulacan
- Contact Number: (044)816-7230
Once done, you will get a confirmation email about your passport application appointment with DFA Malolos. It will also contain the payment instructions for the passport processing fee and the reference number.
Settle the payment within 24 hours otherwise your provisional booking schedule will automatically be canceled. There are several payment options to choose from. Make sure to indicate the Reference Number when you pay.
Once done, you will receive another email from the DFA. Print out the accomplished DFA Passport Application form per email instructions. There is no need to print the email itself.
Where is the DFA Malolos office located?
It is located on the 3rd floor of the Malolos Central Transport terminal and Commercial Hub by Xentro Mall. This right next to McDonald’s and Bulacan State University’s main gate.
List of Acceptable Identification Card (ID) for Passport Application
- Social Security System (SSS)/ Government Service Insurance System(GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) / Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID
- School ID (for students)
- Current Valid ePassport (For Renewal of ePassport)
- For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government issued ID’s showing their Philippine citizenship. (Example: Residence Card)
Appropriate Attire Requirement In All DFA Offices for Passport Application
Everyone who will go for their personal appearance for the passport application are required to wear decent clothing for passport photo capture. Plunging necklines, sleeveless clothing, spaghetti strapped tops, see-through tops, sando, tube tops, halters, and the like are prohibited. Wearing shorts and slippers are also not allowed.
No need for passport appointment only for SELECTED / QUALIFIED applicants:
The list mentioned below can go to the Passport Courtesy Lane of the Malolos DFA office without any prior appointment for the passport application.
- Senior citizens (60 years and over) plus one (1) travel companion
- Minors seven (7) years old and below (with their parent and minor siblings)
- People with disabilities (PWDs) with PWD ID or visible disability plus one (1) travel companion
- Single parents (with Solo Parent ID) and their minor children
- Visibly pregnant women or with a medical certificate
- OFW with sufficient proof of status such as iDOLE Card, valid employment contract, work visa
With the COVID-19 situation, applicants are advised to contact the Malolos DFA office at (044)816-7230 before going and proceeding with their passport application.