6 Reasons Why You Always Need to Have a Copy of your PSA Birth Certificate

I was never a fan of keeping files as these have the tendency to pile up on my desk over time.  I have developed the habit of just getting what I need when I need it.  However, I realized this may not be a good practice when it comes to personal documents such as my birth certificate, transcript of records from college, and medical files.  Late last year, I was tasked to accompany my mom (who is a senior citizen) to the DFA to renew her passport.  Since she is a senior citizen, she was granted access to the Priority Lane and as her companion, I can have mine renewed on the same day as well.  It would have been the perfect opportunity to accomplish that task when we visited the DFA except that I did not have a copy of my PSA birth certificate.  I watched my mom breeze through the passport renewal process while I sat there, sadly thinking of the long and arduous process of snagging an appointment online and waiting for months for my turn at the DFA – all because I did not have a ready copy of my PSA birth certificate.

I am writing this piece to help shed some light on the importance of keeping your files updated with a ready copy of your personal documents from the PSA.  This is not limited to just birth certificates; married couples need to have a copy of their marriage certificate and every death in the family must be properly registered and documented too.  Keep copies of the PSA death certificates of your elders and other family members; you never know when you might need this for claims and possible inheritances.

Reasons why you need to always have a copy of your PSA birth certificate:

1. Obtaining a Driver’s License

A driver’s license is one of the top government-issued IDs honored in almost all, if not all, public and private transactions (schools, banks, etc.).  You have to have your own license by the time you turn 21 years old (at least! Although I got mine when I turned 19).  Your PSA birth certificate is a basic requirement when applying for a driver’s license at the LTO.

2. Applying for your Social Security System (SSS) number and ID

Your SSS number is a basic requirement when applying for a job (fresh graduates).  Again, your PSA birth certificate is a basic requirement, whether you are applying for your SSS number online or are appearing personally at an SSS office.

3. Getting Married

You cannot get married in the Philippines without a proper Marriage License issued by the city or municipal hall.  In order to be issued a Marriage License, you need to prove that you are of legal, marrying age or if you still need to present your parents’ consent.  They will require a copy of your PSA birth certificate before they process your request for a Marriage License.

4. Traveling Abroad

Whether you are a first-time applicant or are simply renewing your old passport, you need to present a copy of your PSA birth certificate.  The DFA will keep the original copy (or the copy you obtained from PSA) so make sure to photocopy your birth certificate before heading for your passport interview.  Or better yet, order more than one copy of your birth certificate so you can keep the rest for your files.  Yes, some government agencies require the original, not the reproduced copy.

5. Bank Transactions

When my nephew turned 10, his parents gifted him with his very first savings account at BDO.  One of the requirements was a copy of my nephew’s PSA birth certificate.  I learned too that in some cases of loan applications, the client is required to submit a copy of his PSA birth and marriage certificate.

6. School Enrolment

Keeping copies of your children’s PSA birth certificates in your files means one item crossed out from your to-do list during enrolment season.  Schools will always require copies of your child’s birth certificate so never ever be without these documents in your stash.

There are a multitude of other transactions where you may be required to submit a copy of your PSA birth certificates; quite a handful too for marriage and death certificates especially when transacting with a government agency.

You may easily obtain copies of your PSA certificates by ordering online at www.psahelpline.ph.  All you need to do is visit the website and submit a filled-out application form.  You may also pay conveniently with your credit card or visit any of their partner banks and payment remittance centers to secure your orders.  Your PSA certificates will be delivered to your preferred address, stress-free!

If you have questions about your PSA birth certificate, send us a message and we will do our best to find the answers for you.

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