How to Apply for a Philippine Passport: A Complete Guide for First-Time Applicants

When we hear the term "passport," we immediately think of travel and vacation. This ID is required for people planning to travel abroad, but having a passport is no longer just for the rich and wanderers. In this in-depth article, we'll walk you through the process of applying for a Philippine passport and the other advantages you can get by getting this powerful ID.

Just like applying for any government IDs, applying for a Philippine passport will require you to prepare a set of documents to verify your identity and other personal details. 

1. Duly accomplished application form (You can download the form from the DFA website at https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/consular-forms)
2. Original and photocopy of PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate
3. Original and photocopy of any of the following government IDs:
   • Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card
   • Land Transportation Office (LTO)-issued Driver's License
   • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card
   • Voters ID
   • Postal ID
   • Original PSA-authenticated Marriage Certificate for married females
4. Confirmed online appointment

1. Duly accomplished application form
2. Original and photocopy of PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate
3. Original PSA-authenticated Marriage Certificate of parent
   • If parents are unmarried, present an Affidavit of Support and/or Consent executed by the mother (if the mother won’t be physically present during the application).
4.  Passport or any valid government ID of either parent (original or photocopy)
5. School ID (if applicable)
6. Confirmed online appointment 

After compiling all the necessary documents and filling out the forms, you can move on to the next steps of the application process.

Step 1: Visit https://www.passport.gov.ph/ to schedule a passport application appointment online. Note that during the online appointment procedure, the system will only hold your slot for 20-30 minutes. If you do not complete your online application within that timeframe, you risk losing your spot. If you have a scheduled trip abroad, we highly suggest starting your passport application several months before your flight. 

Step 2: On the section titled Application Information, select “NEW” in the Application Type dropdown menu. Then, fill out the online application form with all the required details. 

Step 3: After completing the online application form, you will be asked to pay the processing fee. Once done, a payment reference number will be sent through your email together with the transaction receipt, a copy of your application form, and the passport application checklist. 

Step 4: Choose a DFA office/branch near you. If you’re having a problem securing a slot with your first choice, you have the option to change branch later. You can also choose from any DFA satellite offices near you. 

Step 5: Choose a date and time from the calendar. The dates highlighted in green are available while red means full. In case there are no available dates, you can try selecting another branch. 

Step 6: Arrive at the DFA office on your appointment day with required documents. The DFA will not allow late arrivals, so be at the venue 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

Since the application is done online and the system will not wait for your network for the available slots, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Your time is limited, so decide quickly on the slots you want to take. It is important to note that afternoon slots are usually the first to get filled. Strictly follow the dress code when appearing for an appointment. Accessories like earrings, necklaces, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing.

While the online appointment is completely FREE, you will still need to pay for the processing fee. Regular processing costs P950 and takes 12 working days. While special processing is around P1,200 and takes six working days (within Metro Manila) or seven working days (outside of Metro Manila) to be completed.

Every Filipino should own a passport, even if no international travel is expected. Here are a few reasons why having a passport should be on every Filipino’s checklist:

1. A powerful ID for many transactions

The passport is universally recognized as a form of identification for government and business transactions. From opening a bank account to applying for job or a loan such as Home Credit installments, to signing documents, a passport is a powerful tool to help verify your identity and citizenship.

2. Opens you to a world of opportunities

A passport is more than just a ticket for leisure. Holding a passport today means preparing yourself for a world of opportunities outside the country, whether it’s studying abroad, attending an international conference for skills growth, overseas work or migrating for a better quality of life.

3.    For Emergency Preparedness

A passport will come in very handy during emergencies such as when you need to address a family situation or visit a sick loved one abroad, go on an urgent business trip, or seek medical treatment in a different country. 

The Philippine passport is no longer just a ticket to travel abroad. Being one of the most powerful IDs, owning it has become a necessity for every Filipino looking to explore the world, or career opportunities beyond their homeland.  If you don’t have a passport yet, now is the perfect time to apply, all you need to do is follow the simple steps above for a stress-free application.