Because everyone's on a revenge travel spree, what with all the hype from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opening its newest attraction, the World of Frozen, soon, having a valid passport is just one of the must-haves to make all these dreams a reality.
If you are like me, who couldn't find time to renew my passport because the change of name seems like an added step, and while you're at it you wanted to apply for your kid's passport too, here's what you need to prepare so you can receive your and your kids' passports in less than a week! Yes, it's faster than expected only if you have the correct documents!
Guide: Passport Renewal with Name Change
Since getting married in 2019, this is the first time I renewed my passport. My expired passport has been sitting in my cabinet for years now, and it's only now that I finally dealt with it. I'm also making the most of my filed vacation leave by applying for my four-year-old daughter's first passport too.
Setting an appointment is done online through the Department of Foreign Affairs website at https://passport.gov.ph.
BEFORE going to the DFA website to secure an online appointment, make sure to have your CURRENT PASSPORT with you and documents like your child's birth certificate, etc. You have 60 minutes to complete the whole process. Make sure also that you have enough funds in your e-wallet and have your credit/debit card details ready if you are paying online to avoid the hassle.
If you plan to renew your passport AND apply for a passport for your little one, click SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. Tick the box of the terms and conditions, and then choose the START GROUP APPOINTMENT.
Choose the number of applicants, with five (5) as the maximum.
Specify the site where you want to set an appointment. Since you will have a name change, choose a temporary off-site passport service, and not one that indicates SIMPLE RENEWAL ONLY.
Here are the temporary off-site passport service locations available. For us, we went to the branch in SM North EDSA, Quezon City.
- Robinsons Las Piñas
- Robinsons Magnolia
- SM Masinag
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM North Edsa
- SM City Sucat
- San Pedro Laguna
- SM Seaside Cebu
- SM Lanang Premier Davao City
Note that an appointment booked at any Temporary Off-Site Passport Service is non-transferrable and cannot be rescheduled.
Choose among the available slots. TIP: choose a timeslot that is best for you, considering travel time and nap time of your child. As for me, we booked at 2:00 PM so that we've eaten our lunch and we have enough time to travel.
For your personal information, make sure you will input an active email address because DFA will send you an email right after you confirmed your appointment. I also made a separate email address for my child so that her notification doesn't mix with mine.
For wives, remember to input your MARRIED NAME, and not your MAIDEN NAME even if the instruction says you need to input your name indicated in your old passport. Put MARRIED in your civil status too.
Fill out all the details, and make sure you double-check the spelling and the details before you click NEXT.
Once you're done filling out the FAMILY INFORMATION, APPLICATION INFORMATION, CONTACT INFORMATION, and GROUP CONTACT INFORMATION, you will be redirected to payment.
What documents to bring during passport renewal with name change
Once paid and confirmed, you will receive an email. You need to print the email confirmation message itself, the accomplished application form, and the payment slip (two pages: one copy for you, one copy for the DFA).
You also need to bring both the original and photocopy of these documents:
- marriage certificate (PSA copy)
- birth certificate of your child (PSA copy)
- valid ID of parent
TIP: Put these documents in separate folders so that you won't have a hard time presenting them to the officer during your appointment.
What to remember during the passport appointment day
1. Don't miss your appointment!
The most important thing to remember is to not miss your passport appointment day! Prepare all the requirements and double-check them before leaving home to avoid the hassle of having to photocopy them on the day of your appointment.
2. Wear comfortable, business casual clothes.
If you have time to put on light make-up, you may do so. Only bring the documents and not a lot of stuff so you can focus on the process. Dress your child comfortably too. I just picked a dress that has a collar, but any presentable outfit will do.
3. Keep calm.
During the appointment, the officer may ask you some questions for verification, as well as additional requirements. It's best if you can bring the original and photocopy of all your valid identification documents, just to be sure. Keep calm and answer their questions as truthfully and politely as you can.
Remember that you don't have to pay for anything onsite.
4. Keep your child calm, too.
Help your child get comfortable during the on-site photo. Double-check all the information to avoid making errors.
The appointment would take 10-15 minutes, depending on how your child will cooperate during the picture-taking. For us, that took the most time, but the process was very easy.
Receiving your passports
The officer will tell you to wait for the passports within 3-4 weeks, but I already received a notice via SMS five days after our appointment day.
If you cannot receive the passport on the day, make sure to fill out a letter of authority form (which is also attached to their first email), and attach a photocopy of your valid ID.
A passport for adults is valid for 10 years upon issuance, while a passport for minors is valid for 5 years.
That's it! Keep your passport in a secure place, and start booking your flight tickets!
For Online Appointment Concerns, please call: +632-8234-3488
For Passport, Authentication and Consular inquiries, please call: +632-8651-9400 or mobile number: +63-956-0526-290 / +63-961-9432-021
For Passport Requirement Concerns, please email: passportconcerns@dfa.gov.ph or oca.concerns@dfa.gov.ph
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