Married Women Can Change Back To Maiden Names In Passport Renewal

Married women renewing their passports now have the option to revert to their maiden names, said the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA). This change is part of implementing the New Philippine Passport Act, also known as Republic Act No. 11983.

ALSO READ: Keeping Your Maiden Name After Marriage: Is It Legal?

New Philippine Passport Act

Section 5(f) of the New Philippine Passport Act permits married women to change their passports to their maiden names. However, this change can only be made once, and after the change, all other identification cards and relevant documents must also reflect the woman's maiden name.

For Filipino women, taking their husband's surname after marriage is a symbolic and significant decision, representing a new chapter in their lives. However, as circumstances evolve, so can a person's sense of identity. The New Philippine Passport Act allows women to reclaim their maiden names on their passports, allowing them to define their identity on their terms.

The New Philippine Passport Act is especially beneficial as it acknowledges the different circumstances women may experience, such as the end of a marriage, the passing of a spouse, or foreign divorces. These life events are personal and sometimes challenging, and this legal change offers a straightforward way to update a passport without additional bureaucratic hurdles.

What You Need to Know

Under this law, reverting to a maiden name is a one-time privilege. Therefore, it's crucial for a woman undergoing passport renewal to carefully consider whether returning to her maiden name aligns with her future plans. If she decides to proceed, the process is straightforward, but it requires several important documents.

Who Can Revert to Their Maiden Name?

Under the new law, any woman can choose to revert to her maiden name, whether due to personal choice or life circumstances. This includes those who have experienced annulments, legal separations, or the death of a spouse.

Documents Required for Reverting to a Maiden Name

To revert to a maiden name, you will need to provide the following:

For women who are voluntarily reverting:

• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth
• Certificate of Marriage or PSA Report of Marriage
• Notarized Affidavit of Explanation
• Latest-issued Philippine passport
• Valid government-issued ID showing the maiden name

For women who are reverting due to divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse:

• PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage with annotation showing dissolution of marriage

• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth
• Latest-issued passport

In the case of a spouse's death:

• PSA-issued Certificate of Death or Report of Death (apostilled or authenticated, with English translation if applicable)
• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth
• Latest-issued passport

Steps to Follow

To ensure a smooth reversion process, applicants are encouraged to use the prescribed Affidavit of Explanation template available on the OCA website. "For married women who will avail of the voluntary reversion to maiden name, a duly notarized affidavit will also be accepted, provided it clearly states the applicant’s reason for reverting to her maiden name and confirms compliance with all documentary requirements," the advisory read.

Click here to read Smart Parenting's ultimate guide on applying for and renewing a Philippine passport.