How to Schedule Your DFA Appointment Online: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

This article shows you how to schedule your DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) passport appointment online. Getting an appointment is the first step to applying for a new passport or renewing an old one.

You’ll learn how to use the appointment system, what documents you need (like the QR-coded PSA birth certificate), and how to use online services such as PSAHelpline.ph to make the process easier.

Whether it’s your first time applying or you’ve done it before, this guide will help you book and confirm your DFA passport appointment quickly and smoothly.

Table of Contents

• How to Schedule a DFA Passport Appointment
• Requirements for a Philippine Passport
  • Requirements for Adult New DFA Passport Application
  • Requirements for Adult Passport Renewal
  • Requirements for Minor New DFA Passport Application
  • Additional Documents for Minor Passport Application
    • Minor with Married Parents:
    • Minor with Unmarried Parents:
    • If Neither Parent Can Accompany:
    • If Mother is Deceased and Parents Unmarried:
    • If Mother Deceased or Absent and Father Unknown:
    • If No Parent or Guardian Available:
    • Special Cases for Foundlings:
    • Foundling for Adoption:
    • Minor Passport Requirements for Adopted Children
    • Domestic Adoption:
    • Prospective Adoptee for Foreign Adoption:
    • Foreign Adoption:
  • Primary IDs (Preferred)
• Can I go directly to the DFA without an online appointment?
• How much is the Philippine passport fee?
• Passport Processing Time
• Important DFA Reminders for Passport Applicants
  • • 1. Bring All Required Documents
    • 2. Arrive Early
    • 3. Follow the Dress Code
    • 4. Personal Appearance Is Mandatory
    • 5. Additional for Minors
• DFA Passport Appointment Exemptions: Who Can Walk In Without an Online Booking
  • • 1. Senior Citizens (60 years old and above)
    • 2. Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
    • 3. Pregnant Women
    • 4. Solo Parents
    • 5. Minors Aged 7 Years Old and Below
    • 6. Applicants with Emergency or Urgent Travel Needs
• Video Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Schedule a DFA Passport Appointment

1. Go to the DFA Passport Appointment website: https://www.passport.gov.ph/
2. Choose the DFA office where you want to apply.
3. Pick your preferred date and time for the appointment.
4. Fill out the application form with your details.
5. Confirm your appointment by paying the passport fee.

Requirements for a Philippine Passport

Before your DFA appointment, prepare all the needed IDs and documents. A key requirement is your PSA birth certificate, especially if it’s your first time applying. You can order your PSA certificate online to save time.

Requirements may differ based on your situation—whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing your passport, a minor, or changing your last name due to marriage.

Requirements for Adult New DFA Passport Application

1. Confirmed online appointment.
2. Completed Passport Application Form
3. Original and photocopy of PSA birth certificate.
4. For married female applicants:
   • If using your spouse’s last name, bring original and photocopy of PSA marriage certificate or LCR marriage certificate if PSA copy isn’t ready.
   • If using your maiden name, you don’t need to bring the marriage certificate.
   • If widowed, annulled, or divorced and using your maiden name, you may need to show additional documents like spouse’s death certificate or annulment/divorce papers.

Tip: You can order your PSA birth certificate easily online via services like PSAHelpline.ph. No appointment needed. Pay online and have it delivered to your home or pick it up at select National Book Store or Robinsons branches.

Requirements for Adult Passport Renewal

Same as new passport application, plus your current passport and a photocopy of its data page.

If you’re a female applicant changing your last name, you need to provide:

• PSA Marriage Certificate
• Annotated PSA Marriage Certificate (for annulment, divorce, or court orders)
• PSA Death Certificate of spouse (if widowed)

For women who have changed their civil status, the PSA birth certificate and marriage certificate are important to prove your legal name. Whether you’re adopting your spouse’s last name or returning to your maiden name, make sure to submit the correct documents to avoid delays.

Requirements for Minor New DFA Passport Application

• Confirmed online appointment.
• Accomplished Passport Application Form
• Minor applicant and one parent or authorized adult must appear in person.
• PSA birth certificate or LCR copy if PSA version isn’t available yet.
• Valid IDs for both the minor and the accompanying adult.

Additional documents may be needed depending on the situation (e.g., PSA marriage certificate of parents if only one parent attends).

Additional Documents for Minor Passport Application

Get your PSA certificate online at PSAHelpline.ph.

The documents you need depend on the minor’s identity, citizenship, and travel status:

For Newborns (under 1 year old) without PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth:

• Born in Philippines: Certified True Copy (CTC) of Local Civil Registry (LCR) Birth Certificate authenticated by PSA.
• Born abroad: Original Report of Birth or First Indorsement from Consular Records Division.

If PSA Birth Certificate was registered late (after 1 year):

Provide at least one of these supporting documents:

• School records
• Baby book or health records (or similar)

Minor with Married Parents:

• Parent accompanying minor must present valid Philippine passport or other valid ID.
• If the accompanying parent is foreign, they must show their foreign passport plus their Filipino spouse’s passport or valid ID.
• If accompanied by an authorized adult, the adult must have a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) from the parents/legal guardian, plus valid ID and copies of parents’ IDs.

Minor with Unmarried Parents:

• Only the mother can accompany the child.
• If mother is absent, she must provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), authenticated by Philippine Embassy/Consulate if abroad.
• Authorized adult companion must present valid ID.

If Neither Parent Can Accompany:

• Submit a SPA from either parent or legal guardian, authenticated if issued abroad.
• Attach a copy of the parent’s valid ID.
• Adult companion must present valid ID.

If Mother is Deceased and Parents Unmarried:

• Biological father must appear with the minor, presenting mother’s death certificate, minor’s birth certificate with father’s name, and valid ID.
• If father can’t come, allowed companions (in order) are: surviving grandparent, oldest siblings (over 21), or court-appointed legal guardian with proof.

If Mother Deceased or Absent and Father Unknown:

• Minor must be accompanied by court-appointed legal guardian with valid ID and Letter of Guardianship from Family Court.

If No Parent or Guardian Available:

• Substitute parental authority follows Article 216 of the Family Code, unless a court says otherwise.
• Custody disputes must be settled by court order before application proceeds.

Special Cases for Foundlings:

• Foundling and NACC Social Worker/Liaison Officer must appear together.
• Present Certificate of Foundling and Letter of Guardianship from Family Court.
• Guardian must show valid ID.

Foundling for Adoption:

• Foundling and authorized NACC Social Worker must appear together.
• Present PSA birth certificate or Report of Birth or Certificate of Foundling.
• Present Certificate of Child Available for Adoption or similar document from NACC.
• NACC must issue SPA authorizing the social worker to handle passport processing, with valid ID copies.

Note: If the authorized NACC Social Worker is not present, a SPA from the NACC Regional Office must be provided, naming the person assisting the minor, along with their valid ID.

Minor Passport Requirements for Adopted Children

Domestic Adoption:

• Minor and adoptive parent’s must appear together.
• Present amended PSA birth certificate or Report of Birth showing adoptive names and parents.
• Passports or valid IDs for the minor, adoptive parents, and any authorized adult companion.
• Certified True Copy of Court Decree of Adoption or NACC-issued Order of Adoption.

Prospective Adoptee for Foreign Adoption:

• Present PSA birth certificate, Report of Birth, or Certificate of Foundling.
• Endorsement from NACC.
• Certificate Declaring Child Legally Available for Adoption or Deed of Voluntary Commitment.
• Placement Authority issued by NACC.
• Certificate for Issuance of Passport from NACC.
• Travel Clearance Certificate for the adoptee.
• Child Study Report.
• Clearance for Intercountry Adoption.

Foreign Adoption:

• Minor and adoptive parent(s) must appear together.
• Amended PSA birth certificate or Report of Birth.
• Philippine passport of adoptive parents or adult companion, or foreign passports if adoptive parents are foreigners.
• Certified True Copy of Court Decree of Adoption.

Primary IDs (Preferred)

1. PhilID (Physical or Electronic)
2. Digital National ID (print a copy from https://national-id.gov.ph/ or eGovPH app)
3. Other Accepted IDs (if you don’t have PhilID)
   • SSS Card
   • GSIS Card
   • UMID Card
   • LTO Driver’s License
   • BLTO-issued Driver’s License (issued 2022 onwards)
   • PRC ID
   • OWWA E-card
   • COMELEC Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate (from COMELEC main office)
   • PNP Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
   • Senior Citizen ID
   • Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
   • Philippine Postal ID
   • Seafarer’s Record Book or Seafarer’s Identity Document (issued February 2020 onwards by MARINA)
   • Valid or latest Passport (for renewals)
   • School ID (if currently enrolled)

Can I go directly to the DFA without an online appointment?

No. A confirmed online appointment is mandatory for all passport applicants at their chosen DFA office.

Exceptions (no appointment needed, but must bring valid ID and documents):

• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• Persons With Disability (PWDs)
• Senior Citizens
• Solo Parents (with valid Solo Parent ID)
• Pregnant Women (with valid medical certificate)
• Minors 7 years old and below

How much is the Philippine passport fee?

Type of Service	Fee
Regular Processing	Php 950
Expedited Processing	Php 1,200
Penalty for lost or mutilated ePassport	Php 350

Passport Processing Time

Standard Processing: Pick up your passport at the same DFA office where you applied. Time varies, usually longer than expedited.

Expedited Processing:

• Metro Manila: About 5 working days
• Outside Metro Manila: About 7 working days

Courier Delivery: Adds 10 to 15 working days on top of processing time.

Important DFA Reminders for Passport Applicants

1. Bring All Required Documents

• Original and photocopies of all necessary papers: PSA birth certificate, valid ID, supporting documents (e.g., PSA marriage certificate if using married name).
• For minors: school ID, valid ID of accompanying parent/guardian, proof of guardianship if needed.

Missing documents may cancel your appointmen, double-check before leaving.

2. Arrive Early

• Arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before your appointment.
• Being late, even by a few minutes, can result in denied entry and rescheduling.

3. Follow the Dress Code

• No sleeveless tops, shorts, mini-skirts, or slippers.
• Avoid heavy makeup and colored contact lenses.
• Dress smartly and respectfully for an official government transaction.

4. Personal Appearance Is Mandatory

• You must appear in person to have your photo, fingerprints, and digital signature taken.
• No exceptions, even for minors or seniors.

5. Additional for Minors

• Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Bring child’s PSA birth certificate and accompanying adult’s valid ID.
• If guardian is not a parent, bring proof of legal guardianship.
• Other documents like school or baptismal certificates may be required.

DFA Passport Appointment Exemptions: Who Can Walk In Without an Online Booking

1. Senior Citizens (60 years old and above)

• Can apply without an appointment.
• Allowed to bring one immediate family member or assistant who can also apply on the same day without appointment.

2. Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)

• Must present a valid government-issued PWD ID or a medical certificate indicating disability.
• Can bring one companion who may also apply without an appointment.

3. Pregnant Women

• Must present a medical certificate confirming pregnancy (may be waived if visibly pregnant in later trimesters).
• Granted walk-in access for easier and quicker processing.

4. Solo Parents

• Must present a valid Solo Parent ID issued by LGU or DSWD.
• Allowed to walk in without prior appointment.

5. Minors Aged 7 Years Old and Below

• Walk-in allowed with a parent or legal guardian.
• The accompanying adult may also apply on the same day without appointment.
• Required to bring all supporting documents (e.g., PSA birth certificate, parent/guardian valid ID).

6. Applicants with Emergency or Urgent Travel Needs

For cases like medical emergencies, death or critical illness of an immediate family member abroad, urgent OFW deployment, etc.

• Must present supporting documents such as:
• PSA death certificate or medical report (family emergencies)
• Employment contract or POEA/agency letter (OFWs)
• Referral or endorsement letter if applicable
• Walk-in acceptance is subject to DFA officer’s approval on-site.

Video Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)