DFA Passport Requirements for New Applicants (2026): Complete Checklist

Last verified: October 5, 2026

Independent guide. We are not affiliated with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Requirements are set by the DFA under RA 11983 — confirm the current list on consular.dfa.gov.ph before your appointment.

Quick answer: First-time adult applicants need three core things: a confirmed online appointment, personal appearance, and an original PSA-authenticated birth certificate on security paper plus one valid ID (original + photocopy). Married women using their spouse’s surname add a PSA marriage certificate. Bring photocopies of everything.

Core requirements checklist

• [ ] Confirmed DFA appointment — booked and paid at passport.gov.ph (except Courtesy Lane walk-ins)
• [ ] Personal appearance — required by law for biometrics; no representatives
• [ ] Printed application form — generated by the appointment system, with barcode
• [ ] PSA-authenticated Certificate of Live Birth — original, on security paper
• [ ] One valid ID — original plus one photocopy (see accepted list below)
• [ ] PSA marriage certificate — only if a married woman will use her husband’s surname
• [ ] E-receipt of your appointment payment

Valid IDs accepted by the DFA

Any one of the following (original + photocopy):

• PhilSys National ID (PhilID)
• LTO Driver’s License (student permit in card format is also accepted)
• UMID (SSS or GSIS)
• PRC ID
• COMELEC Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification
• Postal ID (issued from November 2016 onward)
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• School ID (for students)
• PNP Firearms License
• Airman License (issued August 2016 onward)
• OWWA eCard
• OFW/host-country ID proving Philippine citizenship

The DFA may ask for supporting documents if your primary documents do not sufficiently establish identity.

Special cases

Married women. If you will use your husband’s surname, present the original + photocopy of your PSA-authenticated marriage certificate on security paper (or Report of Marriage). If you will retain your maiden name, no marriage certificate is required. Under RA 11983, a married woman may also revert to her maiden name — indicate the request during application and bring the supporting PSA documents.

Late-registered birth certificate. If your birth was registered 10+ years ago, the application is treated as regular — no extra documents. If registered less than 10 years ago, bring IDs that pre-date the late registration, or current IDs plus an NBI clearance.

No birth certificate at all. Born after 1950: file for late registration with your Local Civil Registrar first, then apply with the PSA-authenticated late-registered certificate. Born on or before 1950: submit a PSA Certificate of No Birth Record plus an Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons (with photocopies of their IDs).

Unclear or unreadable PSA copy. Bring the Local Civil Registrar copy as well.

Documents issued abroad. Generally need apostille (Apostille Convention) or authentication by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country.

Dual citizens (RA 9225). Bring your Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, Order of Approval, or Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition, plus Report of Birth if born abroad and registered.

What NOT to bring (or expect)

• NBI clearance is NOT a standard requirement for passport application — the DFA does not list it as mandatory or supporting for ordinary cases (it may be requested only if identity fraud is suspected).
• Do not bring fixers’ “assistance” — fixers’ documents are void and using them is punishable under RA 11983.

Buod sa Tagalog

Para sa first-time applicants: mag-book ng appointment sa passport.gov.ph, pumunta nang personal, dalhin ang PSA birth certificate (original) at isang valid ID (original + photocopy). Kung may-asawa at gagamitin ang apelyido ng asawa, dalhin din ang PSA marriage certificate. I-photocopy ang lahat. Hindi kailangan ng NBI clearance sa normal na aplikasyon.

Troubleshooting

PSA copy is blurry or the details are hard to read. Request a re-issuance from PSA Serbilis or a PSA outlet before your appointment — and bring your Local Civil Registrar copy as backup.

My only ID just expired. Renew the ID first, or secure an alternative from the accepted list. An expired ID is generally not accepted.

Name on ID differs from birth certificate (“Ma.” vs “Maria”). Bring supporting documents showing both names refer to you (old school records, baptismal certificate, other IDs). For legal name changes, bring the court order.

Appointment is soon and my PSA copy has not arrived. PSA delivery takes days to weeks — order immediately at psahelpline.ph or visit a PSA outlet for same-day release where available. Do not go to the DFA hoping they will accept a non-PSA copy.

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Related guides: DFA Passport: Complete 2026 Guide · Book an Appointment Online · Passport Renewal · Fees 2026 · Minors & Lost/Damaged

Last verified: 2026-10-05. Official sources: passport.gov.ph, consular.dfa.gov.ph. Requirements per DFA advisories and RA 11983 via 2026 guides — the DFA may request additional supporting documents at its discretion.

Frequently asked questions

Is PSA birth certificate enough without any ID?

No. You need at least one valid government-issued ID in addition to the PSA birth certificate.

My PSA birth certificate has a misspelled name. Can I still apply?

Fix the civil-registry error first (through your Local Civil Registrar — administrative correction for clerical errors, court order for substantial changes). The DFA follows PSA records.

Can I use my old expired passport as the ID?

An old passport helps establish identity but for first-time applicants the core requirement remains the PSA birth certificate plus a valid ID from the accepted list.

Do I need to bring my own passport photos?

No. The DFA captures your photo digitally during biometrics — follow the dress code instead.

What if I am a foundling?

A PSA Certificate of Foundling serves as the citizenship document. Naturalized citizens and those who elected Philippine citizenship have their own applicable records — bring them.

Can a married woman keep her maiden name on the passport?

Yes. Simply do not present a marriage certificate and indicate maiden-name retention. This is explicitly allowed.