Since we are on the topic of passport applications and renewals, I decided to collect all of the important facts and guidelines from the DFA and dedicate a blog for it. I, too, need to have my passport renewed and everyday I would visit the DFA website hoping to be able to get an appointment. I am truly hopeful that they make appointment slots available soon.
While we wait, it’s best that we re-acquaint ourselves with the DFA’s guidelines for new passport applications and renewals. Having knowledge of these before we proceed to the DFA will help us save time, effort, and even money.
I hope you find this useful. Read on.
Where can Senior citizens, PWDs, and infants (up to 12 months) apply without an appointment?
In view of the current health emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for consular services are strictly by appointment only. To obtain an appointment, visit passport.gov.ph.
Can I authorize someone to collect my passport on my behalf?
If you are authorizing someone else to claim your passport, you need to execute a Special Power of Attorney stating the reasons why you could not personally claim your passport. Your authorized representative must present his or her valid ID to the DFA, apart from your SPA. Passports of minors may only be claimed by their parents.
What happens if I fail to claim my passport?
The DFA shall cancel unclaimed passports within 180 days from the application date. If your passport gets cancelled, you will have to apply and pay for a new one.
I availed courier services to deliver my passport. Upon receipt, I found a discrepancy with my personal details. What should I do?
You may report the errors to the DFA branch or satellite office where you filed your application or renewal.
I want to use my husband’s surname when my current passport still indicates my maiden name, what should I do?
When renewing your passport, bring a copy of your PSA marriage certificate and valid IDs with husband’s last name. Indicate in your application that you are changing your last name in your passport to your married last name.
Can I still use my maiden name in my passport even though I am married?
Yes. Women are not mandated to change their last names in their passports even after they get married and provided you have not used your married last name in your previous passports. Remember that once you change your last name in your passport to your married last name, you can no longer revert to your maiden name in your succeeding passport renewals. You will need to present proof that your married no longer applies (such as your spouse’s death certificate, annulment, divorce, etc.).
My passport’s validity is less than six months, can I still use it to travel outside the country?
Most, if not all countries require that travelers’ passports must be have at least six-months’ validity to travel.
I have valid foreign visas on my old passport. Should I have it transferred to my new one?
Expired and renewed passport do not affect the validity of the visas. Just bring your old passports (containing the valid visas) when travelling so you can show this at your port of entry.
Is it mandatory to renew my expired passport even though I have no plans to travel anytime soon?
It isn’t mandatory but you have to remember that securing an appointment online is really, truly, very difficult especially now that we are in the middle of a pandemic. I have it my goal to have my passport renewed the soonest I can because:
- I need an additional valid ID for myself. I realized the value of having valid IDs during the lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed in Metro Manila and other provinces.
- I think that getting an appointment for passport renewal will only get more difficult in the coming months. After our movements have been restricted, so many of us cannot wait to accomplish the things we postponed like getting valid IDs. I want to accomplish this the soonest.
- You never know when you might need to travel.
Can I bring my friend with me when I apply for a passport?
The DFA does not allow bringing a companion during your appointment. However, if the applicant is a senior, a minor, or a PWD needing assistance, the DFA shall allow.
If you wish to see the requirements when applying for a new passport or renewing your old one, refer to the links below:
- For Adult NEW Applicants: https://bit.ly/3eq8MTi
- For Adult RENEWAL: https://bit.ly/2xoKw3w
- For Minor NEW Applicants: https://bit.ly/3bcArFq
- For Minor RENEWAL: https://bit.ly/3cpaMt5
Do you have questions about applying for a passport or renewing your old one? Drop me a message.
Reference:
https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport/passport-faqs
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