10 Tips and Things to Know When Applying for Baby’s Philippine Passport

This baby is ready to see the world!

Dylan’s first ever “trip” outside of the house, apart from doctor’s appointments, was at the DFA office to apply for his passport! By God’s grace, everything went smoothly and we received our passport in less than 2 weeks.

Sharing with you 10 tips and things that might be helpful when you apply for YOUR baby’s Philippine passport.

1. There’s no need to schedule an appointment

Children 7 years old and below don’t need to schedule an appointment. You can just drop-in.

2. Plan to arrive before opening

We applied for ours at SM Megamall (NCR East.) It officially opens at 10am but we got there by 9:30 and there was already a long queue.

You may want to come in early because a friend of mine said that there was a cut-off for priority lane applicants when she went to get her baby’s passport last year. Take note that I did NOT personally experience this. I suggest that it’s best to call the branch ahead of time to confirm.

3. Both parents may accompany the baby

Both parents are allowed inside but any additional guardian (yaya, grandparents, etc.) will not be allowed.

4. As the parent, you can apply or renew your passport as well

Take advantage of this opportunity! You get priority access because you’re with a baby. This means, skipping the long lines! As the parent, you can also apply or renew your passport together with your baby.

I had my passport renewed when I applied for Luke’s passport 4 years ago and I also had it done this year when I applied for Dylan’s. My passport isn’t due for expiry til’ next year but I decided to have it renewed anyway so I won’t have to line up anymore next year. Hehe.

5. Make sure you have all your documents + photocopies ready

Double-check at the official website for a list of all the requirements. Make sure you have a photocopy of each ID and document.

I made the mistake of having my old passport and my official ID photocopied on the same page. They asked me to have my old passport photocopied again on a separate paper. They have photocopiers at the office and they charged me 3 pesos for 1 copy.

6. Don’t forget your marriage certificate if only 1 parent is accompanying the child

It’s part of the requirements.

7. Baby does NOT need a collared shirt

One of my concerns before going was if I had to go and buy a collared shirt for my baby, because he didn’t have one. Haha. But thankfully, there’s no need for that! Any decent top with sleeves would do.

(I made Dylan wear the same onesies that Luke wore on his own passport application heehee)

And since we’re talking about dress codes: Remember that if the accompanying adult is renewing his or her passport, plunging necklines, sleeveless clothing, spaghetti strapped tops, see-through tops, sando, tube tops, halters and the like are not allowed.

8. Bring your supplies and keep baby happy!

The whole experience took us around 45 minutes; 1 hour, if you count the 15 minute waiting time for the DFA to open, since we were there early. I am grateful we had a pretty uneventful time (no poop explosions, tantrums, etc.) but we were prepared, just in case!

He did ask for milk at some point and good thing I had my cover ready.

As I mentioned, since this was Dylan’s first ever “trip” outside of the house apart from doctor’s appointments, he was extremely curious about everything. The sheer number of people and all the new things he saw kept him entertained the entire time and I didn’t need any special toy to keep him happy!

9. You have the option to have it expedited

Regular Processing (12 working days) costs P950 while Express Processing (6 working days) costs P1200.

We decided to have it expedited because we had a trip scheduled for 2 months after. I know that even with regular processing we could still make it, but I’m extra paranoid about these things. We wanted to make sure that we’ll get it early just in case there were any problems or delays.

We went there on May 15 and received our passports on May 24. It took only 9 days in total.

10. You have the option to pick it up or have it delivered

You can have it delivered for an extra fee of P150. Alot an additional 2 working days for the courier delivery.

Visit the official DFA website for an updated list of guidelines and requirements.

(NOTE: THIS POST IS ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE LAST MAY 2019.)