DFA Passport Requirements for New Applicants

Filipinos usually love to travel outside the country. Some travel for work and oftentimes just to enjoy. But before you can exit the country, you must have your important document with you- a passport.

A passport prior to traveling should be valid for at least 6 months or else you won’t be allowed to travel. If you still don’t have a passport and planning to get one, read the DFA passport requirements and application process below. Whereas, if you like to renew your passport see the step-by-step guide for passport renewal.

For lost passports and other special cases, additional documents are required. Read the Additional Requirements for special cases in the Passport Application.

DFA Passport Requirements

Obtaining a passport is a vital step for Philippine citizens who wish to explore the world, whether for leisure, business, or personal reasons. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines is responsible for issuing passports to eligible individuals. To ensure a smooth application process, it is crucial to be aware of the necessary requirements.

Requirements for a New passport-Adult application.

1. Confirmed Online Appointment

Before applying for a passport, one should secure an Online Appointment (click here). But if you belong to these lists of people who may avail of the courtesy lane, then you don’t need an appointment anymore.

2. Personal Appearance

Applying for a passport shall be made in person since they need to take your fingerprints and a photo of you. What is the Proper Attire to wear?

You need to wear decent clothing for the passport photo capture. Plunging necklines, sleeveless clothing, spaghetti-strapped tops, see-through tops, Sando, tube tops, and halters are prohibited.

3. Accomplished Application Form

For those who made an appointment online, the application form will be filled out online which you can print out. For those exempted from an online appointment, here is the Application form that you need to fill up.

4. Original copy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper

Married Females (who are using their spouse’s last name) must also submit an original copy of the PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage

Local Civil Registrar Copy may be required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read

5. Any of the following Valid IDs with one (1) photocopy 

Valid IDs for Passport include:

• Social Security System (SSS) / Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
• Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. Student Permit may be accepted if in card format.
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification from the Election Officer with Dry Seal
• Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
• Senior Citizen ID
• Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
• School ID (if applicable)
• Current Valid ePassport (For Renewal of ePassport)
• For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government-issued IDs showing their Philippine citizenship. (Example: Residence Card)
• PhilPost ID

DFA Passport Requirements for Minor First-Time Applicants

Here are the following dfa requirements for first time minors:

• Accomplished Application Form
• Confirmed Online Appointment (if applicable) – Children 7 years old and below do not need to have an online appointment. They are entitled to avail of the courtesy lane together with their parent/s and minor siblings.
• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion
• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
• Local Civil Registrar Copy may be required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read.
• Marriage Certificate is required if only one parent is accompanying the child.
• If parents are unmarried, an Affidavit of Support and/or Consent executed by the mother will be required if she is not accompanying the child.
• If an Affidavit of Support and/or Consent is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of either parent with one (1) Photocopy
• School ID (if applicable)

In addition to the core requirements mentioned earlier, it is essential for first-time applicants who are minors to submit either a Passport or a Valid Government-issued ID belonging to one of their parents, along with one (1) photocopy.

Additional Requirements for Special Cases (Minor)

For special cases such as late registration, absence of a birth certificate, illegitimate child status, dual citizenship, or naturalized Filipinos, there are additional supporting documents that need to be provided.

Applicant has No PSA Birth Certificate/Report of Birth yet

• If born in the Philippines: Certified True Copy of Local Civil Registrar (LCR) Birth Certificate authenticated by PSA

• If born abroad: original copy of Report of Birth or first indorsement from Consular Records Division 

Applicant is not accompanied by the parent/s during the application process

• Applicant must submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the parent/s designating the minor’s companion to assist in the application process. The Special Power of Attorney must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of an authorized adult companion
• Special Power of Attorney or Affidavit of Support and Consent must have a copy of the parent/s valid ID and/or passport attached.

Applicant is not traveling with parent/s

• Applicant must submit DSWD clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the parent/s. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be Consularized by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of authorized adult companion.

Applicant is an illegitimate child in custody of the Mother

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and mother or authorized adult companion
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of mother or authorized Adult Companion
• If the applicant is not accompanied by mother during the application process, applicant must submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the mother designating the minor’s companion to assist in the application process. The Special Power of Attorney must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad
• If the applicant is not traveling with Mother, the applicant must submit DSWD clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the mother. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if completed abroad.

Applicant is an illegitimate child and mother is deceased / absent and father is unknown

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adult guardian.
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Valid Passport or valid government ID of an adult guardian
• DSWD Clearance
• Affidavit of Guardianship.

If the minor applicant has undergone the process of domestic adoption

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adoptive parent/s
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Valid passport or valid government-issued ID of adoptive parent/s
• Court Decree of Adoption
• If the adoptive parent/s does not accompany the applicant during the application process, the applicant must submit a Special Power of Attorney executed by the adoptive parent/s designating the minor’s companion to assist in the application process. The Special Power of Attorney must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.
• If the applicant is not traveling with the adoptive parent/s, the applicant must submit DSWD clearance and an Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the adoptive parent/s. The Affidavit of Support and Consent must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate if executed abroad.

If the minor applicant is undergoing or has undergone the process of foreign adoption / Inter Country Adoption Board (ICAB) adoption process

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and ICAB representative
• PSA Birth Certificate/PSA Certificate of Foundling
• Endorsement from ICAB
• Certificate of Child Available for Adoption/Deed of Voluntary Commitment
• Placement Authority issued by ICAB
• Certificate for Issuance of Passport issued by ICAB
• Clearance for Inter-Country Adoption
• Child Study Report
• DSWD clearance

If the applicant is a foundling and NOT for adoption

• Personal Appearance of minor applicant and adult guardian
• PSA Certificate of Foundling
• Passport or Valid Government issued ID of an adult guardian
• DSWD clearance
• Affidavit of guardianship

Passport Appointment

1. Make an Online Appointment

Go to this link to schedule an appointment. Choose whether you want an individual or group appointment. Check the box to agree with the terms and conditions.

2. Pick a Site and Date

You will need to fill out some information like the site location, date and time, Personal Information, Family Information, Application Information, and Contact Information. A red asterisk means it is required to be filled out.

Site Location– Choose where you want to apply for a passport. Just choose the most convenient site.

Date And Time– Pick the day and time you want to go to the DFA. A calendar is shown with the red and green colors. Green colors are the available dates, while the dates in red are either full or not yet available.

Remember that sometimes even if you did not see any available appointments does not mean that they have been completely taken up. Try to click REFRESH as online appointments become available from time to time.

You can also CHECK THE NEXT OPENING as slots are made available at 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays except holidays.

If you find a slot available, it will be reserved for you for 15 minutes only so make sure to finish the appointment within that time limit.

3. Fill out the Application Form Online

Personal Information– Your name, mobile number, email address, etc. Remember to use an active yahoo or google email address.

Family Information– Your parent’s name and your spouse name, their citizenship.

Application information– Type of Application, citizenship, and emergency person’s contact number.

Contact information– Your home address or office addresses and contact numbers.

Make sure to enter the correct information and review it before proceeding to the next page. Submit your application.

4. You can then proceed to payment.

You will be asked to choose between Regular (Php 950) or Express Processing (Php 1200). All passport applications processed on Saturdays are charged Php1200.00

You will then pick a designated payment center and payment options. A total amount will be shown on the screen and then click Proceed.

You will receive an email regarding your Payment instruction and Payment Reference Number. Remember to pay for your slot within 24 hours. Otherwise, your slot will be forfeited and you have to make another online appointment.

Proceed to your preferred Payment Center to pay the passport processing fee.

Present your reference number at the Payment Center upon payment of the passport processing fee.

One reference number corresponds to one transaction. If you are paying for multiple reference numbers, you need to pay separately for each reference number.

Keep the receipt that will be issued to you.

After your payment, an email will be sent to you with a PDF attachment that contains your completed application form, and the Electronic Receipt. Print this out before going to the DFA site.

5. Personally show up at the DFA Consular Office

Show up on the date and time indicated in your appointment and make sure to bring a printed copy of your confirmed passport appointment packet and bring the original copy and a photocopy of the requirements.

You should be on site not earlier than 30 minutes on your selected date and time of appointment at your chosen consular office.

Don’t forget the “No Escort” policy of DFA.

Upon entering, the first step is the Verification where the employee will check your requirements and verify your appointment. Then you will be proceeding to the Processing area. In here your requirements will be double check and will then issue you a tentative date of release. Next will be Data encoding and biometrics where you’ll be asked to confirm your information. A passport photo also will be taken afterward.

Pieces of jewelry such as earrings and necklaces and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.

They will handle you a receipt which you need to bring on the date of release of your passport. You can choose the delivery option in some DFA Sites. That’s it.

6. Claim your Passport

You should bring the passport receipt for the release of your passport. In case of a lost passport receipt, an Affidavit of Loss is required. Check if all the data on the passport are correct before leaving the Consular Office. Claim your passport.

Conclusion

Securing a passport through the DFA is an important step for Filipinos seeking to travel internationally. By familiarizing yourself with the necessary requirements, you can ensure a hassle-free passport application process. Remember to gather all the required documents, fill out the application form accurately, and double-check the validity of your supporting IDs.

If you have any doubts or specific concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the DFA Consular office for guidance. With the right preparation and proper documentation, you’ll be on your way to exploring new horizons and creating unforgettable experiences around the globe.