Here’s a complete guide to getting a Philippine passport for a first-time adult applicant.

Step 1: Check if you are eligible

You must be:

• A Filipino citizen.
• Applying in person at a DFA Consular Office or Passport Center. Personal appearance is required for biometrics (photo, fingerprints, and signature).  

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

Mandatory documents

• PSA-issued Birth Certificate (original and one photocopy)
• One valid government-issued ID (original and one photocopy)
• Confirmed passport appointment
• Accomplished passport application form (provided after booking your appointment)  

If you are a married woman using your spouse’s surname

Also bring:

• PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (original and one photocopy). If you keep your maiden name, this is generally not required.  

Step 3: Book an online appointment

Passport applications are by appointment only.

Book through the official DFA Passport Appointment System:

DFA Passport Appointment System⁠

During booking you will:

• Enter your personal information.
• Select your preferred DFA office.
• Choose an available date and time.
• Confirm your appointment through your email.  

Important: Appointment booking is free. Avoid paying anyone to secure an appointment.

Step 4: Pay the passport fee

Current fees are generally:

• ₱950 – Regular processing
• ₱1,200 – Expedited processing (available only at selected offices)  

Payment instructions will be sent after your appointment is confirmed.

Step 5: Attend your DFA appointment

Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Bring:

• Appointment confirmation
• Application form
• Original documents
• Photocopies of all required documents
• Payment receipt (if applicable)

At the DFA office, you will:

1. Have your documents verified.
2. Submit your requirements.
3. Have your photo taken.
4. Provide your fingerprints.
5. Record your digital signature.
6. Receive your claim receipt.  

Step 6: Wait for your passport

Processing time depends on the service selected and the location.

You may:

• Pick up the passport personally.
• Authorize another person to claim it (subject to DFA requirements).
• Use courier delivery if that service is available at your application site.  

Acceptable IDs (examples)

The DFA accepts various government-issued IDs, including:

• Philippine National ID (PhilSys)
• UMID
• Driver’s License
• PRC ID
• Postal ID (if accepted under current DFA rules)
• Senior Citizen ID
• Other DFA-approved government IDs.  

Helpful tips

• Make sure the information on your PSA Birth Certificate and ID matches exactly.
• Bring both the original documents and photocopies.
• Dress appropriately since your passport photo will be taken during the appointment.
• Double-check all information before submitting your application.  

If you’re applying as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), minor, renewing a passport, or replacing a lost passport, the requirements are different.  I can also provide the complete guide for those situations.

1. Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Passport Application

Who qualifies?

• Land-based OFWs
• Sea-based OFWs
• Workers with valid overseas employment documents

Eligible OFWs may use the Courtesy Lane at selected DFA offices, subject to current DFA guidelines.  

Requirements

Bring the following:

• Confirmed passport appointment (if required by your DFA office)
• Personal appearance
• Current passport (for renewal)
• Valid government-issued ID (if applicable)
• Proof of OFW status, such as:
  • Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
  • Valid Overseas Employment Administration/DMW documents
  • Valid work visa or employment contract, if required by DFA

Procedure

1. Prepare all documents.
2. Book an appointment or confirm Courtesy Lane eligibility.
3. Visit the DFA office.
4. Submit your documents.
5. Complete biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature).
6. Pay the passport fee.
7. Wait for release or courier delivery.

2. Passport Application for Minors (Below 18 Years Old)

Core Requirements

The child must appear in person and be accompanied by a parent or an authorized adult.

Prepare:

• Confirmed DFA appointment (except where Courtesy Lane rules apply)
• Accomplished application form
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Valid passport or government-issued ID of the accompanying parent or guardian
• School ID (if available)
• Proof of guardianship or filiation, when applicable.  

Additional requirements for special cases

Depending on the situation, the DFA may require:

• PSA Marriage Certificate
• Affidavit of Consent
• Affidavit of Support
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
• Court order for guardianship
• Death certificate of a parent
• Adoption documents

Application Process

1. Book an appointment.
2. Gather all required documents.
3. Visit the DFA office with the child.
4. Document verification.
5. Biometrics (photo only for very young children, as applicable).
6. Payment.
7. Passport release.

3. Adult Passport Renewal

If you already have an ePassport, renewal is much simpler.

Requirements

Bring:

• Confirmed appointment
• Personal appearance
• Current passport
• Photocopy of the passport data page

If your personal information changed, also bring the supporting PSA documents, such as:

• Marriage Certificate
• Court Order
• Annotated Birth Certificate

Women keeping their maiden name generally do not need to submit a marriage certificate.  

Renewal Process

1. Schedule an appointment.
2. Pay the passport fee.
3. Visit the DFA office.
4. Submit documents.
5. Biometrics.
6. Receive your claim receipt.
7. Claim the passport or have it delivered.

4. Lost Passport Replacement

The requirements depend on whether the passport was valid or expired.

Lost Valid Passport

Requirements include:

• DFA appointment
• Personal appearance
• Police Report (English)
• Notarized Affidavit of Loss (English)
• Additional penalty fee of ₱350
• Additional 15-business-day clearing period before processing.  

Lost Expired Passport

Prepare:

• DFA appointment
• Personal appearance
• Affidavit of Loss
• Penalty fee of ₱350

If you cannot provide a photocopy of your old passport, the DFA may also require your PSA Birth Certificate and process your application similarly to a new application.  

Lost Passport Process

1. Obtain a police report (if required).
2. Have an Affidavit of Loss notarized.
3. Book a DFA appointment.
4. Bring all supporting documents.
5. Attend your appointment.
6. Complete biometrics.
7. Pay the passport and penalty fees.
8. Wait for the additional security clearance if required.

Passport Fees

• Regular Processing: ₱950
• Expedited Processing: ₱1,200 (available only at selected DFA offices)
• Lost Passport Penalty: ₱350 (in addition to the passport fee)  

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the DFA office and demand, but generally:

• Regular processing: about 12–15 working days
• Expedited processing: about 6–7 working days (where available)
• Lost valid passports: allow an additional 15 working days for security clearance.  

Important Reminders

• Book appointments only through the official DFA website.
• Personal appearance is required for almost all passport applications.
• Bring both the originals and photocopies of all required documents.
• Ensure that your name, birth date, and other details match across your PSA records and IDs.
• Avoid fixers or unofficial appointment services, as DFA appointments are free to book.