Braggermommah: My Philippine Passport

I applied for a passport via DFA Appointment System hotline (02) 737-1000. I preferred to call rather than to go online. I called early in the morning, around 9am and after several rings, I was able to talk to the one in charge. After confirming all the necessary informations about me, I was scheduled to appear on April 4th between 8:30am-9:00am. Great, a Tuesday. - Means I have to take a day off from my boss. (good thing my boss is so understanding and nice ^_^) So, when April 4th came, I went to DFA Aseana in Macapagal with my Muah, (yeah, he also took a leave from his work) and he drop me there at exactly 8am. The first thing I noticed when I came inside is the bunch of people sitting at the waiting area (i think they're the ones who had been there ahead of their scheduled time, and because they're not allowed to enter inside yet that's why they're there)

So, I went inside the Gate 2 as instructed and the first thing the assigned kuya guards will do is to check your appoinment paper that you printed from the DFA's website just to confirm if you're scheduled on that day and time. Second, I've went through a line where another set of guards will check your bag. 3rd is to fall in line at the Verification counters who verifies your appointment schedule. They'll check first with their barcode scanner if you're scheduled and then after that, they'll stamp it with something like the date they verified it, then you'll be instructed finally to go inside.. at last. (oh, the appointment paper that you'll have to print in long bond paper has a barcode by the way at the upper right corner ) Inside, there's already a bunch of people already in line but it's moving fast because they had almost all the counters opened that time (at least the place is cool and there are seats provided and lcd tvs so you'll not be bored) Finally, when my turn came, I was instructed to go to that certain window and I presented all the original documents that I have to the lady in front of me:

- NSO copy of my Birth Certficate

- Voter's ID

- New and old NBI clearances

- expired GSIS e-card (I'm a government employee before)

- old ITRs dated 2005 and 2006

- baptismal certificate

- certified true copy of my birth certificate

The lady at the counter only asked the xerox of my voter's id and GSIS e-card. She got my original NSO copy of my birth certificate and old copy of my NBI clearance dated 2005. That's it. Then after that she issued me the receipt and asked to pay on the cashier at the 2nd floor. I paid 950 pesos for a regular processing of passport (the rush processing costs 1,250 if I'm not mistaken but i guess you still have to provide proof of urgency of your travel to be able to avail it) After I paid I went directly at the photo capturing booth located at the same floor, then after that I was asked if i want to have my passport delivered instead so I said yes. Then I went to LBC booth. They input my informations and then charged me with 120 pesos an then gave me the receipt which has the release date of my passport - May 12- (all of the couriers there charges the same ) There's 2go, WWW express, Air 21 and LBC. I opted for LBC because so far they never failed to deliver my packages right on time. Then I went downstairs and outside and VOILA! I'm done! yessss!!!!!

All in all my DFA experience was a breeze. Took me only an hour and a half. (Just make sure that you'll choose to be scheduled in the morning tho to avoid the piling up of people)

So, after a month of waiting, LBC delivered this to me earlier this day. True to their words that they'll deliver it within 24 hours upon receiving. Hoorayyy!!!

The package from LBC.

I'm not sure why it has a sticker at the back indicating "express priority" while I just paid for the regular processing.

All in all, LBC was great. Delivery is fast. I would recommend them if you want your passport to be delivered on the comfort of your own home.

For those who want to know the documentary requirements for Passport application hope this will help:

New Applications

Please have all your original documents and IDs photocopied before going to DFA on your appointment date.

NSO Birth Certificate

Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO depending on the NSO signatory; for born 1950 & below, Negative Birth Record from NSO & Joint Birth Affidavit from Two Disinterested Persons if no record from NSO.

Call (02) 737-1111 for your NSO Birth Certificate

Original Valid ID

Original ID i.e. Senior Citizen's ID, Voter's ID, digitized government-issued IDs like SSS, PRC, BIR, Driver's License, original school ID (for students only) AND original supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth and citizenship.

If your Birth Certificate was Late Registered:

If registered on or before 2000: submit 1 original supporting document indicating full name, date and place of birth, and citizenship prior to the date of late registration.

If registered on or after 2001: submit 2 original supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth, and citizenship prior to the date of late registration.

Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate

Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar with dry seal if BC SECPA is unreadable.

Applicants with foreign - sounding family names (e.g., Lim, Cho, Sy, Lee, Samadi, Singh, etc.) are required to submit the following documents:

Birth Certificate

Bureau of Immigration Identification

Certificate of Naturalization

Marriage Certificate of Parents

Call (02) 737-1111 for NSO Certificates

Applicants who availed of Dual Citizenship under RA 9225 are required to submit the following:

Birth Certificate

Identification Certificate

Oath of Allegiance

Report of Birth (for those born abroad)

Call (02) 737-1111 for NSO Birth Certificates

Other Supporting Documents

Please bring the following if they are available.

Marriage Contract

Land Title

Driver's License

Government Service Record

School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with dry seal

Other documents that show full name and birth details of applicant and/or citizenship

Voter's Registration Record from COMELEC Intramuros

Baptismal Certificate with dry seal

Seaman's Book

Income Tax Return (Old)

NBI Clearance

If you would like to use the surname of your spouse:

Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO and Certified True Copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar if MC secpa is unreadable.

Certificate of Attendance from CFO (Commission of Filipino Overseas) if married to a foreigner (color green).

There special instances when there is no record of the marriage with NSO but supporting documents are under the married name.

Prepare a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the NSO in SECPA and Affidavit of Explanation.

If it was determined by the NSO that you have a marriage record (negative CENOMAR result), you can use the surname of your spouse.

Otherwise, (positive CENOMAR result), you can NOT use the surname of your spouse.

Call (02) 737-1111 for NSO Marriage Certificates

If you would like to revert back to your maiden name.

Please prepare the following as well:

Death Certificate of the deceased husband and Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

If marriage is annulled: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on annulment and NSO-issued Marriage Certificate with the annotation on the annulment decree.

If divorced: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on divorce authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce is obtained and NSO-issued Marriage Certificate with the annotation on the divorced decree.

Call (02) 737-1111 for NSO Certificates

For Minor Applicants

Legitimate Children:

Traveling with both parents:

Passport of both parents, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Personal appearance of minor with either parent.

If father will appear with the child, prepare the Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

If mother will appear with the child, no need for Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

Traveling with mother only:

Passport of mother, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Personal appearance of minor with either parent.

If father will appear with the child, prepare the Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

If mother will appear with the child, no need for Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

Traveling with father only:

Passport of father, original and photocopy.

Marriage Certificate of parents from NSO in SECPA.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Personal appearance of minor with either parent.

Traveling with guardian and either parent is in the Philippines only:

Passport of guardian, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance.

Affidavit of Support and Consent indicating the name and relationship of the guardian. (Must be notarized)

Passport or Original ID w/ signature of the parent who executed the affidavit.

If the father is the executor, prepare Marriage Certificate in SECPA as well.

Personal appearance of minor with either parent.

Valid ID of the parent accompanying the minor for appearance.

If father will appear with the child, prepare the Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

If mother will appear with the child, no need for Marriage Certificate in SECPA.

Traveling with guardian and both parents are out of the country:

Passport of guardian, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance.

Affidavit of support and consent indicating the name of the traveling companion and the relationship to the minor (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General).

If the father is the executor, prepare Marriage Certificate in SECPA as well.

Special Power of Attorney designating the representative by name and authorizing him/her to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor in their stead (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General).

Certified True Copy of parents' passport (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General)

Original valid ID w/ signature or passport of the authorized representative in the Special Power of Attorney document.

Personal appearance of minor with the authorized representative in the Special Power of Attorney document.

Illegitimate Children:

Traveling with mother only:

Passport of mother, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Personal appearance of minor with mother.

Traveling with father only:

Passport of father, original and photocopy.

Affidavit of Support and Consent from the mother. (Must be notarized)

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Personal appearance of minor with mother with valid ID or passport.

Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance.

Traveling with guardian and mother is in the Philippines only:

Passport of guardian, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance.

Affidavit of Support and Consent indicating the name and relationship of the guardian.

Passport or Original ID w/ signature of the mother who executed the affidavit.

Personal appearance of minor with mother with valid ID or passport.

Traveling with guardian and mother is out of the country:

Passport of guardian, original and photocopy.

Original Birth Certificate from NSO in SECPA

Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance.

Affidavit of support and consent indicating the name of the traveling companion and the relationship to the minor (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General).

Certified True Copy of parents' passport (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General)

Original valid ID w/ signature or passport of the authorized representative in the Special Power of Attorney document.

Personal appearance of minor with the authorized representative in the Special Power of Attorney document.

Illegitimate children that have been legitimized by subsequent marriage, prepare the following ADDITIONAL requirements:

Marriage Certificate from the NSO in SECPA

Birth Certificate from NSO must be annotated

Click Here To Request For NSO Marriage Certificates Online.

Call (02) 737-1111 for NSO Marriage Certificates

If you are a Muslim applicant whose birth was not registered:

Please take note of the following:

Late registered Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Original and photocopy of Voter's Affidavit or other supporting documents indicating date and place of birth and citizenship, identity and tribal affiliation.

Certificate from the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA).

If you are a Muslim convert:

Please take note of the following:

Submit annotated Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA)

Court Order granting change of name

Shari'ah Court Order

OMA Certificate of Conversion

Call (02) 737-1111 for your NSO Birth Certificate.