Losing a passport is a stressful experience. Whether your passport is still valid or already expired, getting a replacement involves more steps than a regular application and since your passport contains sensitive personal information, reporting the loss as soon as possible is important for both your security and the replacement process.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a replacement for a lost Philippine passport, including the requirements, steps, and helpful tips to avoid losing your passport again.
Table of Contents
Lost Valid Passport: Requirements and Steps
A lost valid passport is treated as a new passport application. This means you need to book a confirmed DFA appointment and submit the same requirements as a first-time applicant, plus a few additional documents.
For a complete guide on how to book your appointment, read: DFA Passport Appointment Guide
Requirements:
- Confirmed online DFA appointment (book at https://www.passport.gov.ph/)
- Accomplished Passport Application Form
- Original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate
- Valid ID (original and photocopy) — see accepted IDs below
- Police Report in English (original and photocopy)
- Notarized Affidavit of Loss (original and photocopy)
For married female applicants who used their married last name in the lost passport:
- Original and photocopy of PSA Marriage Certificate
Note: If PSA copies are not yet available or are unreadable, you may present Local Civil Registrar (LCR) copies instead.
Tip: In some cases, providing a photocopy of the lost passport’s data page may exempt you from submitting a PSA birth certificate. However, it is still advisable to bring your original and a photocopy to be safe.
Accepted Valid IDs:
- PhilID or ePhilID
- SSS Card
- GSIS Card
- UMID Card
- LTO Driver’s License
- PRC ID
- OWWA E-Card
- COMELEC Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate (from COMELEC main office in Intramuros, Manila)
- PNP Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Senior Citizen ID
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book or Seafarer’s Identity Document (issued February 2020 onwards by MARINA)
- Valid School ID (with Certificate of Registration for adult applicants)
Note: For lost valid ePassports, an extra 15 calendar days will be added to the clearing period before your new passport is processed.
Lost Expired Passport: Requirements and Steps
The process for replacing a lost expired passport is almost the same as replacing a lost valid passport, with one key difference: a Police Report is no longer required.
Requirements:
- Confirmed online DFA appointment (book at https://www.passport.gov.ph/)
- Accomplished Passport Application Form
- Original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate
- Valid ID (original and photocopy)
- Notarized Affidavit of Loss (original and photocopy)
Passport Replacement Fees
| Type of service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Processing | Php 950 |
| Expedited Processing | Php 1,200 |
| Penalty for lost or mutilated ePassport | Php 350 |
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Passport
- Photograph your passport: Take clear photos of your passport’s data page and store them in a cloud service or encrypted folder on your device.
- Make digital copies of other travel documents: Keep digital copies of your visas and IDs alongside your passport photos for quick access.
- Use a passport holder: Store your passport in a dedicated holder, preferably one with RFID-blocking features to prevent unauthorized scanning.
- Keep it in a secure place at home: When not traveling, store your passport in a safe or locked drawer — not in easily accessible areas.
- Be mindful in public: When in crowded places, keep your passport in a secure pocket or crossbody bag to reduce the risk of theft.
- Know your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate: Familiarize yourself with their contact details when traveling abroad. This is critical in case of passport loss or emergency.
- Report loss immediately: If your passport is lost, report it to local authorities and the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate right away to prevent unauthorized use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a Police Report if I lost my passport?
Yes, if your lost passport is still valid. A Police Report in English (original and photocopy) is required. If your lost passport is already expired, a Police Report is no longer needed only a Notarized Affidavit of Loss.
Do I need to pay a penalty for a lost passport?
Yes. There is an additional penalty fee of Php 350 for lost or mutilated ePassports, on top of the regular or expedited processing fee.
How long will it take to get my replacement passport?
Processing time is the same as a regular passport application. For expedited processing, it takes about 5 working days in Metro Manila and 7 working days outside Metro Manila. Note that an extra 15 calendar days will be added to the clearing period for lost valid ePassports.
Can I travel while waiting for my replacement passport?
No. You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. If you are abroad and your passport is lost, contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate immediately for emergency travel documents.
What if I cannot get a PSA Birth Certificate in time?
You may use a Local Civil Registrar (LCR) copy if your PSA copy is not yet available or is unreadable. You can also order your PSA Birth Certificate online through PSAHelpline.ph for faster processing.
Where do I get a Notarized Affidavit of Loss?
You can have an Affidavit of Loss prepared and notarized by any notary public. Some legal document service centers also offer this.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
