Easy Step by Step Guide on How to Renew a Passport from the DFA

Even if we don't intend to travel, its better to always have a passport at hand.  So when my passport got expired, I had to go to the DFA to renew it.  This was my first time to renew.  To familiarize you with the process, I made this simple guide.

Step 1: Go to http://dfa.gov.ph > Consular Services > Make an appointment 
Step 2: Go to Gate 2 around 30 minutes before your scheduled date and time of appointment 

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  • Bring the following:
    • Print the Email from your appointment on a long bond paper
    dfa passport
    Photocopy inside DFA is 3 php/page
    • Photocopy Your Old Passport (front and back)
    • Bring birth certificate (if you have foreign sounding surname)
  • The guard requires you to present these documents upon entry
Step 3: Go to the Appointment Verification Desk and have your documents verified and stamped.


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Step 4: Look for your scheduled time and fall in line by the benches.

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Step 5: Once your schedule time batch is called, enter the processing area. (Note: schedule time is posted by the door so you'll know if its your turn to enter)

  • You will be asked to sign in and your documents will be inspected after which you will be issued an invoice.

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Step 6: Wait until you get your chance to sit on the front row and the guard will assign you to the number of a vacant counter.
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Step 7: After exiting the processing area, go to the next entrance and proceed to the second floor. 
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Step 8: Give your invoice to the cashier and pay the passport fee. (950 php without delivery)
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Step 9: Approach the personnel giving your queue number and wait for your number to be assigned to an encoding officer as shown by the monitor.  (NOTE: This may take hours of waiting)
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watch the screen
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Check where the assigned officer is in this board
Final Step: Approach the encoding officer, hand over your receipt, smile on the camera and place your thumb mark on the thumb mark scanner.
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That's it!  Just await for your passport or pick it up on the given date of pick-up.  Hope this helps!=)