The Travel Archives

I just had my passport renewed recently. There are a lot of resources and versions of the DFA renewal application form online that confuses rather than informs, so I am sharing my experience to help you have an easier time accomplishing this process.

Here's how:

1. Schedule an appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment. Make sure you have your passport beside you as the sign up form will ask important about your current passport, personal details, etc. Schedule months before your desired date as slots run out at once!

2. An automated email will be sent to you upon confirmation of appointment.

3. Prepare the docs needed. This will depend on the type of passport you currently have. For detailed information, click here. I have a passport issued in 2013, so all I prepared were the following in A4 paper:

• Completed application form with bar code at the upper right-hand corner of the page. I found this application form from the email confirmation sent to me by DFA. See below:

• Note that this certain form with the bar code is required for you to be able to enter DFA. If in case wrong information is noted in the automatically-filled out application form, just inform the DFA attendants on board. (In my case, date of birth was wrong. I couldn't change it as it was automated so the DFA attendant manually changed it instead.)
• The expired passport
• Photocopy of the expired passport
• Valid government ID
• Photocopy of the valid government ID
• I also ordered a birth certificate from PSA to be sure. It was delivered to me after just about 4 working days. DFA didn't check it though, possibly because my passport was just issued in 2013.

4. Arrive at your designated DFA center 30 minutes before your schedule. Present your application form to the guard for him/her to let you in. Here's what happened to me:

• Step 1: DFA verified my application form
• Step 2: DFA asked for my application form, my expired passport, and a photocopy of my expired passport. I had my place of birth changed as the info was incorrect in the application form. I then decided whether I want to have it delivered within their standard timeline (15 working days, P950), or through rush delivery (7 working days, P1200). DFA then gave me a receipt.
• Step 3: I paid for my passport fee.
• Step 4: My data was encoded in this step. My passport photo was also taken. Remove your earrings, contact lenses, and any other accessory before having your photo taken.
• Step 5: If you want it delivered to your office or house, proceed to this step. You may book with their accredited courier (LBC) for a fee of P150. You can also opt to pick it up if you prefer.