Philippines passport renewal: Everything you must know

The process of renewing a Philippines passport might seem intricate and intimidating, particularly for first-timers. Our guide aims to demystify this process, offering Filipino citizens a straightforward, step-by-step approach to renewing this travel document.

We’ll break down the passport renewal process, highlighting crucial information about the required documents, the application process, and the overall timeline. This article is a valuable resource for anyone looking to renew a Philippines passport, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient experience whether you are in the Philippines or applying from abroad.

When to start a Filipino passport renewal

You must consider renewing your Philippines passport when your current passport is approaching its expiration date or has already expired. Maintaining a valid passport is essential for international travel and as a form of identification.

To avoid any last-minute hassles, start the renewal process before your passport expires. The general recommendation by the Philippine government is to begin the renewal process at least six months before the expiration date.

Requirements to renew a Philippines passport

Renewing your Philippines passport requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the required documents. Below are the general requirements for passport renewal applications.

General requirements for Philippines passport applicants

• Confirmed online appointment.

• Completed application form.

• Current ePassport with a photocopy of the data page.

• Original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated documents to support a name change, if applicable (marriage contract, annotated birth certificate, annotated marriage contract showing annulment/divorce/court-ordered instruction, or death certificate of spouse).

Additional requirements for non-epassport renewal (brown, green, machine readable, or older passports): The Philippine passport holder must present a valid ID as well as a photocopy​​.

Requirements for a minor applicant

• Confirmed online appointment.

• Accomplished application form.

• Current ePassport with a photocopy of the data page.

• Marriage certificate if only one parent is accompanying the child. If parents are unmarried, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the mother is required if she isn’t accompanying the child.

• Original and photocopy of proof of filiation or guardianship.

• Passport or valid government-issued ID of either parent with one photocopy.

• School ID, if applicable​​. According to Philippine passport law, minor applicants must appear in person with a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult companion at the immigration or consular office. Depending on the situation, additional documents are required:

• Applicant not accompanied by parents: Requires an SPA and a copy of the parents’ valid IDs and passports​​.

• Applicant not traveling with parents: Requires Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clearance and an affidavit of support and consent​​.

• Child in custody of the mother: If the mother is not accompanying the minor, an SPA and DSWD clearance​​ is required.

• Child’s mother deceased or absent, and father unknown: Requires DSWD clearance and letter of guardianship issued by family court​​.

• Undergoing domestic adoption: Requires PSA-issued birth certificate, valid IDs of adoptive parents, court decree of adoption, and documents to prove the identity of the child​​.

• Undergoing foreign adoption/ICAB adoption process: Requires endorsement from Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB), certificate for issuance of passport, clearance for inter-country adoption, child study report, and DSWD clearance​​.

• Foundling not for adoption: Requires PSA certificate of foundling, DSWD clearance, and letter of guardianship issued by family court​​.

Special passport applications

• Lost passport (valid, expired, or frequently lost): Treated as new applications. These cases require a police report (if applicable), a notarized affidavit of loss, and a penalty fee of Php 350.00. For a lost valid ePassport, an additional 15 calendar days for processing is necessary.

• Damaged passport: Requires a notarized affidavit of explanation, surrender of the damaged passport, and a penalty fee of Php 350.00.

• Dual citizen: Must present government-issued ID and a report of birth or identification certificate issued by a Philippine consulate or the bureau of immigration.

How to apply for a Filipino passport renewal

Renewing a Filipino passport involves paperwork and an appointment at the Office of Consular Affairs or a Philippine consulate or embassy. Check below the steps you must follow:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment for passport application renewal on the website of the passport appointment system.

Step 2: Complete the passport application form and gather the necessary documents.

Step 3: Attend the appointment, submit the application and the required documents.

Step 4:Once it’s ready, pick up the passport at the consular office or the Philippine embassy. You must present the old Philippine passport to pick up the renewed one.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, it's always best to refer to the official website of the Department of Foreign Affairs. If you’re a Filipino citizen living abroad, consult the nearest Philippines Embassy or Consulate for further assistance.

Philippine passport renewal fees and processing times

When renewing your Philippine passport, you must know the associated fees and the expected processing times. Be aware they can vary depending on where you apply—within Metro Manila, outside Metro Manila, or at a Philippine foreign service post. Below are the detailed costs and processing times for renewing a Philippine passport.

Fees and processing times for Aseana and consular offices (within Metro Manila):

• Regular processing: PHP 950.00, processed in 12 business days.

• Expedited processing: PHP 1,200.00, processed in 6 business days.

Fees and processing times for consular offices (outside Metro Manila):

• Regular processing: PHP 950.00, processed in 12 business days.

• Expedited processing: PHP 1,200.00, processed in 7 business days.

Fees and processing times for foreign service posts:

Regular processing: $60.00, processed in 28-60 days.

Important information:

• There is an additional processing fee for lost and damaged ePassports, which amounts to PHP 350.00 for applications filed within the Philippines.

• For overseas passport holders, prices may vary depending on the post.

• There is an extra processing time of 15 business days for lost valid passports.

• Delivery fees are not included and may vary by location.

Contact us for further information

Do you have questions or need assistance with your travel documents? We’re here to help! Contact us using our online chat or email [email protected].