The laziness in me
kicks in! I have been planning to renew my passport since November last year,
but I was too lazy to even make an appointment online. Kaloka,
diba?! Anyway, my hubby needs me to send my renewed passport, not a photocopy, but the
real passport. My “last-minute” attitude truly sucks! I fell into panic because my passport already expired last February 2! I even went to a couple of agencies to seek
assistance to get my passport renewed quicker or less than the normal 7-day
rush processing. But nah, they no longer offer that. Most agencies offer at
least 9-12 day processing time-frame, and it cost more. Well I’m glad I
changed my mind and processed everything on my own.

Let me share with you
my passport renewal experience at DFA NCR – SM Megamall Satellite office. Please
note that whatever works for me, not necessary means
that it would also work for you. I am particularly referring to documents and
ID’s.
Step One: Check the
requirements for passport renewal.
Before anything else, I did make sure I do have all the necessary documents needed to confirm my identity (click here to read the list of valid IDs
and documents). Renewal is easier than getting a new passport, requirements aren't too complicated as well. But to make sure I won’t miss a single thing, I took all the documents and ID’s that I have. I have made at least 2
copies of each. Note that they won’t entertain you if you don’t have photocopies of your
documents and ID’s.
P.S. The lady who entertained me only asked for my passport and 2 valid ID's. Since I only
have a postal ID, which that isn't included in the list of the Government-issued ID’s, I submitted 2 old company ID’s instead. She took the photocopies, and returned the original copies to me.
Step Two: Scheduled my
appointment online.
Walk-ins are not allowed. A confirmed
appointment is required (here)!
I filled in all the required information correctly. The good thing is we can select DFA Satellite
offices nearest our place of residence or place of work for our convenience. I
chose DFA NCR-SM Megamall. A registration and confirmation was sent to my email
together with a link to print my application form – I printed out all 3 pages, 2 copies of each. In case you can’t find the confirmation email, check your
spam folder. Make sure to print the confirmed completed-appointment form, you
have to present it at the front desk to confirm your appointment.
P.S. The DFA will not entertain
applicants without valid appointments EXCEPT senior citizens, infants and
minors below 1 year old, person with disability and OFWs. For OFWs, sufficient
proof must be submitted such as a valid employment contract or OEC.
Step Three: Proceed to DFA office on your appointed time and
date.
My
appointment was at 3:30pm. I went there at 2pm. I thought I was too early, but
I was allowed to get in, and I was entertained right away.
P.S. I would advice that you get
an early appointment. Show up at least 30 minutes before your scheduled
appointment. Do not forget bringing all your requirements including your
printed appointment confirmation and also, observe proper dress code.
No chaperon is allowed for applicants with ages 18 years old
and above.

I gave my printed application form at the APPOINTMENT COUNTER - all 3 copies. They scanned the bar-code from my form to confirm my appointment. They gave me a piece of paper with a check list to follow.

Next is the PROCESSING AREA. I had all my documents ready, both original copies and photo copies as they will ask for both when you get to the counter. I gave the requirements to the lady, she asked me if I prefer regular (Php950) or express processing (Php1, 200). I chose express as I need to send my passport to Daniel as soon as possible.
Payment is at the CASHIER'S COUNTER. The passport costs Php950 (approximately $21) for regular processing (15
to 25 days) and Php1200 (approximately $27) for rush processing (7 to 10
days).

ENCODING SECTION is the last step. This is for the image and data capturing. Oh let me tell you, this part is pain. I was in line for about 3 hours I guess.
You can get your passport
delivered to you, but this is optional. If you'd wish to do this, just pay the
required fee of Php150.00 at the DELIVERY COUNTER. This is done so you can have
the passport delivered to your home during the release date without the need to
return to the DFA office.
P.S. I have seen few people that were told to come back because their requirements
are not complete. Make sure you have all your complete documents with you before
going to DFA to AVOID delays.
Such a helpful article. Thank you for coming up with clear cut info about passport renewal. I'm about to renew mine this 23rd of Feb and I'll take note of all the things you've mentioned. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteawww! You're welcome. Thank you for leaving such a nice comment. :)
DeleteDo you still have your old passport and will surrender if after you get one? what will they do to the old passport while your waiting for the new one? I heard there's a delay in producing new passports, even if you alraedy selected rush processing, it will stillt take more than weeks? Is that true? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThey will return your old passport after putting a hole on it. I don't know the term for that but they used a puncher to make a hole lol It took 3 weeks before I received my new passport.
Deletevery helpful. thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome :)
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteDo they still require printed passport size pictures?
Thank you!
Nope! They will take your photo during the process. No need to bring a picture.
DeleteHi. The dfa site says a readable birth certificate is needed. Unfortunately, the ones I have are completely blurry. Is presenting a valid ID an alternative?
ReplyDeleteHi. The dfa site says a readable birth certificate is needed. Unfortunately, the ones I have are completely blurry. Is presenting a valid ID an alternative?
ReplyDeleteHi. The dfa site says a readable birth certificate is needed. Unfortunately, the ones I have are completely blurry. Is presenting a valid ID an alternative?
ReplyDeleteBlurry? Mine is also blurry, if yours is very blurry, then I suggest bringing the copy from your Local NSO office. The one you can get from the Municipal Hall.
DeleteTimely discussion ! For what it's worth if you require a Immihelp Appointment Confirmation , my friend found a sample document here https://goo.gl/iRIvuo
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteThe lady in the counter wants a CTC of my birth certificate because my ndo birth certificate is not new coz I got it 4 yrs ago. Such a pain in the butt :(
ReplyDeleteawww... Mine was accepted. My birth certificate was 5 years old when I renewed my passport.
Delete2 valid ID's lang talaga? akala ko may kailangan pang 2 supporting documents aside from 1 vaid ID??
ReplyDeleteHi. Mine was renewal, so they only asked 2 ID's from me. Yong sinasabi mo na madaming requirements, that's for those kumukuha ng new passport.
Delete