Philippine passport. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Filipinos planning an overseas trip need to apply for a passport from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Whether it's for vacation or work, you need a passport to leave and return to the country.

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According to the official website of the DFA, all "New Passport Application" should begin with an online registration via the agency's online appointment system. 

On the same website, several main and satellite branches of the DFA are listed, and the applicant may choose which branch to go to depending on his/her location. One can also choose their desired date and time for the in-person appointment.  

After confirming the appointment, the following primary documents must be prepared:

• Printed and accomplished application form

• Original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Live Birth Certificate, 

• Valid ID (original and one photocopy)

ACCEPTED IDs

According to the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs, the following identification cards (IDs) are accepted as proofs of identity for the application: 

• Philippine Identification (PhilID) 

• Electronic Philippine ID 

• Digital National ID (printed copy)

• Social Security System (SSS) Card

• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Card

• Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card

• Land Transportation Office Driver’s License

• Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office issued Driver’s License

• Professional Regulatory Commission ID

• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card

• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate mula sa COMELEC main office

• Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence

• Senior Citizen ID

• Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)

• Philippine Postal ID

• Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or Seafarers Identity Document (SID) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)

MINORS

Meanwhile, minor applicants may use either their official school ID or Certificate of Enrollment with the applicant's photo if the school ID is unavailable. 

For applicants who are currently enrolled in school but aged 18 and above, a school ID may be considered as an official ID if it comes with an attached Certificate of Registration. 

For married females using their spouses' last names, the DFA requires both the original and photocopy of their PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract or Report of Marriage. 

For applicants with blurry or difficult-to-read PSA Birth Certificates, the DFA requires a copy of their record of birth from the Local Civil Registrar.

On their chosen appointment date, applicants must personally make an appearance. 

Meanwhile, for minor applicants aged 7 or below, the online appointment is not required given that they are accompanied by either parents or an 'authorized adult' to serve as their guardian. 

OTHER DOCUMENTS

The following supplementary documents may also be needed: 

• Marriage Certificate of parents

• Affidavit of Support and/or Consent from the mother (if not present during appointment)

• Affidavit of Support and/or Consent authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if the mother works abroad)

• Passport or Valid Government-issued ID (original at photocopy) of either parents

To view the list of supporting documents depending on the application type, you may access the DFA Consular website.

The DFA official website also displays the details and announcements for different consular processes like passport renewal, releasing, and certification. 

For concerns and clarifications, you may reach DFA hotlines 8-234-3288 for online appointment queries and 8-651-9400 for passport, authentication, and consular services assistance.