Steps in Getting a Passport in the Philippines

• Posted: August 18, 2008
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• Author: Junelle
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• Filed under: Pinoy
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• Tags: passport

I don’t know if processing a passport for reasons of work would be different than the tourist one, but it is not indicated on the passport. Also, the destination which is being asked in the application form is not written on the passport. I really don’t know if it is an important field or you should just put there what comes first on your mind.

I am from Iloilo and the procedures of processing here might be different in other areas.

Anyway here are the steps I made to have my passport (Reason: Travel):

• Get your authenticated Birth Certificate at National Statistic Office (NSO) or if you don’t like to fall in line and wait, have it delivered to you by applying for it at eCensus. [NOTE: Better to have your original Birth Certificate ready if ever the SECPA/Authenticated Birth Certificate is not a clear copy. If your original Birth Certificate is also not clear, go to the Registry (a government office that processes Birth Certificate and get a green paper copy of your Birth Certificate. The copy must be clear. Then have it photocopy. This will just serve as a support for an unclear Birth Certificate.] The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will take the authenticated birth certificate, so if you want to have an extra copy, get at least 2 copies of your authenticated birth certificate.

• • eCensus should be opened by Internet Explorer because it does not work well with FireFox.
  • Apply for a Certificate [Birth, Death, Marriage and Certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR)]
  • Fill up the form correctly
  • List down your Batch or Request Number
  • Pay it by credit card (it is going to be expensive, read more on its FAQs page), PORT or thru bank (BDO and Union Bank) by following these instructions.
  • After the payment has been done, just wait for your certificate to be delivered. You should personally receive the delivery or have an authorization letter for your close relative to receive it.
• If you are married, get your authenticated marriage certificate. The DFA also gets the authenticated copy of this, so if you might need another copy, get at least 2 of it.
• Have at least two valid ID’s. The more, the better. Have it photocopy.
  • SSS
  • Drivers License
  • Company ID
  • GSIS
  • Voters ID
  • Tax ID
• It would be better if you have supporting documents on hand, if ever the ID’s are not enough. Though I was not asked for this because I have submitted enough identification (SSS and Drivers License).
  • NBI clearance
  • Cedula (Tax Community Certificate)
  • Voters Registration (photocopy)
  • Transcript or report card from school (photocopy)
  • Baptismal Certificate
• Have your passport picture. I suggest you have this taken on the DFA approved studio, which is just beside the office. It is because they are the PROs when it comes to the right angle, right size of picture and facial features that needed on the picture (example: two ears should be visible in the picture).
• Fill up the application form given at DFA or you could download it online and print. In Iloilo, it is given by the guard on the entrance of DFA office.

— These are the steps to be done in the DFA office —

• Submit the completed application form with picture to the guard. In Iloilo, it is the guard who submits the application form to the one who will process it on the later hand.
• Wait for your name to be called for Processing.
  • Once your name is called, you should present the documents you have on hand. The processor will just take what is needed and give you back those extras you have.
  • If you have insufficient documents, the processor would inform you what you need. Don’t be shy to ask questions if things are unclear to you. Do as you have told then the next time you come, just go directly to the processor; no need to submit the application back to the guard.
• Wait for your name to be called on the cashier.
  • You have an option to pay Php 500 for regular processing or Php 750 for a faster processing.
  • Your receipt won’t be release after the next step.
• Wait for your name to be called on the encoding.
  • You will be instructed to review the informations from 1 - 6 which involves your name and your birth date.
  • Be sure your name is spelled correctly.
• Go to person assigned to help you on thumb printing.
  • This person will help you sign things needed to be signed and have your thumb print correctly placed on the document.
  • This person will give you the receipt you have paid on the cashier indicating the date when you will claim your passport.
• Wait for your name to be called for finalization.
  • At this point it is either you will be informed to go home or there is a question on your documents.
  • If there is a question on your picture, you will be asked to have it taken again. After the picture has been taken, go directly to this office where your picture was questioned. Submit the new picture and then wait for their approval. Once it is okay, you could now go home.
• If you don’t want to go back at DFA office again, have it delivered to you thru LBC. They have a station inside the DFA office.
  • It costs Php 100.
  • Fill up the form they have.
    • Input an address in where you stayed most of the time. If you go to an office, it is better you input your office address so that you could receive it personally or have an authorization letter to have your relative receive it on your home address whenever you are not around.
    • Input your mobile number so that they could contact you if ever they need some instructions on getting on the address given.
  • Give the DFA receipt to them.
  • Get the LBC receipt as proof of your transaction.
• You are now finish. Just wait until the day you claim your passport on DFA or wait for the delivery.

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