How to Obtain or Renew a Philippine Passport

The Philippine passport is the primary source of identification used in the Philippines. All Filipinos are eligible for a passport except those who have been naturalized in another country. In November 2008, the Philippines began issuing machine-readable passports. Filipinos can apply for passports at the Philippine Embassy or consulate closest to them. The process usually takes six weeks. Certain requirements must be met before obtaining a passport. Filipinos who have the old green passports, which are not machine-readable, are encouraged to renew their passports since many countries will require a machine-readable passport by 2010.

Things You'll Need

• Old Passport if renewing
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of middle name
• Application Filled Out
• Any other special circumstance forms the Department of Foreign Affairs request

Instructions

1. Fill Out an application for passport. Applications are available online and can be printed (see resources). You must apply in person. You can submit your application online for first time applicants as well as passport renewals, but you must make a personal appearance to pick it up.

2. Obtain three color pictures measuring 1.77 inches by 1.37 inches. The pictures must have been taken within the last six months. All pictures are required to have a royal blue background and the applicant should have on a shirt with a collar. If you do not follow these guidelines your application will be returned unprocessed.

3. Bring an authenticated birth certificate if you are a first-time applicant. If you have an expired passport or one that needs to be renewed, that does not have your middle name, you are required to submit a copy of your birth certificate or other legal proof showing your middle name since old passports did not contain your name. There are different requirements for individuals that are married, illegitimate, converts, and some other applicants having special circumstances (see resources).

4. For renewals or first-time passports, the fee is $50.00. You can elect to have it sent to you by USPS priority or express mail and pay the fee associated with it. Payments can be in cash, cashier's check, or USPS money order and made out to Philippine Consulate General. If applying for a passport in the Philippines the cost is 1300 Philippine pesos.

5. Make a personal appearance at the Philippine Consulate if outside of the Philippines and at the Department of Foreign Affairs (see resources for specific information) if applying inside the Philippines. Appointments will be scheduled for the pickup in advance and you will be advised of any additional documentation to bring. Appearance exceptions are made for children younger than age 8 or senior citizens older than 65. If a citizen is older than 65 the application must be notarized.

Resources

• Philippine Passport Application Click Here
• Philippine Passport Information Click Here