I. Introduction

A Philippine passport is a government-issued travel document that identifies a Filipino citizen and requests foreign governments to permit the bearer to pass safely and freely. In the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Office of Consular Affairs and its consular offices, is the primary agency responsible for receiving, processing, approving, and releasing Philippine passport applications.

The DFA passport appointment system is the standard gateway for most passport applications. It is designed to regulate applicant volume, reduce crowding, prevent fixers, and ensure orderly processing. While the procedure is administrative in nature, it has important legal implications because the applicant must establish identity, citizenship, civil status, and entitlement to a Philippine passport.

This article discusses the DFA passport appointment application process in the Philippine context, including legal basis, eligibility, types of applications, documentary requirements, appointment booking, appearance rules, special applicants, minors, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipinos, common grounds for delay or denial, and practical compliance reminders.

II. Legal Nature of a Philippine Passport

A passport is not merely a travel booklet. It is an official document of nationality and identity. It does not create citizenship; rather, it evidences that the holder has been recognized by the Philippine government as a Filipino citizen for purposes of travel.

The right to travel is constitutionally recognized, but it may be subject to lawful restrictions in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, or as provided by law. Passport issuance is therefore not purely automatic. The applicant must comply with the requirements imposed by law, regulations, and DFA procedures.

The DFA may require proof of identity, proof of Philippine citizenship, civil registry documents, and supporting records. It may also refuse or defer processing where there are legal impediments, documentary inconsistencies, suspected fraud, court restrictions, or unresolved questions about the applicant’s identity or nationality.

III. Government Agency in Charge

The Department of Foreign Affairs is the principal agency handling Philippine passport services. Passport applications are processed through:

DFA Office of Consular Affairs;
DFA Consular Offices in the Philippines;
Temporary or off-site passport service locations authorized by the DFA;
Philippine embassies and consulates abroad for overseas applicants.

Applicants in the Philippines generally use the DFA online passport appointment system. Applicants abroad usually follow the appointment system of the Philippine embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over their place of residence.

IV. Who May Apply for a Philippine Passport

The following may generally apply for a Philippine passport:

Natural-born Filipino citizens;
Naturalized Filipino citizens;
Dual citizens who have reacquired or retained Philippine citizenship;
Filipino minors, through their parents or authorized guardians;
Filipinos abroad applying through Philippine foreign service posts.

A person who cannot establish Philippine citizenship may be required to submit additional documents. Persons with foreign birth records, late-registered births, inconsistent civil registry entries, dual citizenship issues, adoption records, foundling records, or derivative citizenship claims may face additional verification.

V. Types of Passport Applications

A. New Application

A new passport application is filed by a Filipino citizen who has never been issued a Philippine passport or whose previous passport cannot be treated as a renewal under DFA rules.

Typical first-time applicants must prove identity and Philippine citizenship, usually through a Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate and valid government-issued identification.

B. Renewal Application

A renewal application is filed by an applicant who already has a Philippine passport and seeks a new one because the existing passport is expiring, expired, damaged, full, or otherwise needs replacement.

Renewal is generally simpler than a first-time application, but the DFA may still require additional documents if there are discrepancies in name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, civil status, or citizenship.

C. Lost Passport Application

Lost passport applications require additional steps. The applicant may need to execute an affidavit of loss and, depending on whether the passport was valid or expired, may be subject to extra documentary requirements, clearance procedures, or waiting periods.

A lost valid passport is treated more seriously than a lost expired passport because of possible misuse, identity fraud, or illegal travel concerns.

D. Damaged or Mutilated Passport Application

A damaged passport may not be accepted for travel and may require replacement. The DFA may require an affidavit explaining the circumstances of damage and may evaluate whether the damage suggests tampering, fraud, or attempted alteration.

E. Change of Name or Civil Status

A passport may be renewed to reflect a change of surname due to marriage, annulment, declaration of nullity, divorce recognized in the Philippines, death of spouse, adoption, legitimation, or court-approved correction of entries.

The applicant must present appropriate civil registry or court documents, depending on the nature of the change.

VI. The DFA Online Appointment Requirement

The ordinary rule is that passport applicants must first secure an appointment through the DFA passport appointment system. Walk-in processing is limited to eligible categories or special circumstances recognized by the DFA.

The appointment requirement is administrative, but it has practical legal consequences. A confirmed appointment establishes the applicant’s scheduled opportunity to present documents, undergo biometric capture, and submit the application. It does not guarantee passport issuance. Approval still depends on compliance with substantive requirements.

VII. Basic Stages of the Passport Appointment Process

A. Accessing the Appointment System

The applicant begins by accessing the official DFA passport appointment platform or the relevant embassy or consulate system for overseas applications.

The applicant selects:

Application type;
Site or consular office;
Preferred date and time;
Personal information;
Contact details;
Delivery or pickup option, where available.

Applicants should use only official DFA or embassy channels. Dealing with fixers, unauthorized agents, or social media appointment sellers exposes the applicant to fraud, loss of money, identity theft, cancellation of appointment, or possible investigation.

B. Filling Out the Application Form

The applicant must encode personal details carefully. Common entries include:

Full name;
Date of birth;
Place of birth;
Sex;
Civil status;
Citizenship information;
Address;
Contact number and email;
Parents’ details;
Existing passport details, for renewals.

The information must match the applicant’s civil registry documents and valid identification. Discrepancies should not be ignored. Even minor differences in spelling, middle name, suffix, birth date, or birthplace can cause delay.

C. Selecting the Appointment Site

Applicants may choose among available DFA consular offices or temporary service sites. Availability varies by location and season. High-demand sites, especially in major cities, may have limited slots.

Applicants should select a site they can actually attend. Missing an appointment may require rescheduling and may result in inconvenience or possible forfeiture of fees depending on applicable DFA rules.

D. Payment of Passport Fees

After completing the online appointment, the applicant is usually directed to pay the applicable passport processing fee through authorized payment channels. The amount may differ depending on whether the applicant chooses regular or expedited processing, and whether the application is filed in the Philippines or abroad.

Payment confirms the appointment. Applicants should keep proof of payment and appointment confirmation.

The processing fee is generally tied to the application slot and may be subject to non-refund or forfeiture rules if the applicant fails to appear, cancels late, or does not comply with instructions.

E. Receiving Confirmation

After payment and confirmation, the applicant receives an appointment confirmation, application form, or electronic packet by email or through the system. The applicant should print or save the confirmation and bring it on appointment day.

Applicants should verify that the encoded details are accurate. If there are errors, the applicant should follow DFA instructions for correction. Some errors may be corrected during processing; others may require a new appointment or further documentation.

VIII. Personal Appearance Requirement

Personal appearance is a core requirement in Philippine passport processing. The applicant must appear in person for:

Verification of identity;
Review of original documents;
Capturing of photograph;
Capturing of fingerprints;
Signature capture;
Final encoding verification.

This requirement helps prevent identity fraud, impersonation, trafficking, and illegal travel.

Even infants and minors must generally appear personally, though the accompanying parent or authorized adult handles the application process.

IX. Documents Commonly Required

A. For Adult First-Time Applicants

Common requirements include:

Confirmed online appointment;
Accomplished application form;
Original PSA-issued birth certificate;
Valid government-issued identification;
Supporting identification documents, if required.

The PSA birth certificate proves facts of birth and parentage but may not always be enough if there are issues regarding citizenship, legitimacy, delayed registration, or inconsistent entries.

B. For Adult Renewal Applicants

Common requirements include:

Confirmed appointment;
Accomplished application form;
Current or most recent Philippine passport;
Photocopy of passport data page;
Valid ID, if required;
PSA documents or supporting records if there are changes or discrepancies.

Older passports, brown passports, green passports, machine-readable passports, or passports with incomplete data may trigger additional documentation.

C. For Married Women

A married woman may use her maiden surname or her married surname, subject to applicable rules and documentary proof.

If using the married surname, she may be required to submit a PSA marriage certificate. If reverting to maiden surname after annulment, declaration of nullity, recognized foreign divorce, or death of spouse, the required documents may include annotated PSA marriage certificate, court decision, certificate of finality, death certificate, or other civil registry documents.

A married woman is not automatically required to use her husband’s surname. Philippine law allows options in the use of surname after marriage, but consistency in civil documents and passport records is important.

D. For Minors

Minor applicants require special protection. Requirements commonly include:

Confirmed appointment;
Accomplished application form;
PSA birth certificate of the minor;
Personal appearance of the minor;
Personal appearance of either parent or authorized adult companion;
Valid passport or government ID of the accompanying parent or guardian;
Marriage certificate of parents, where applicable;
Additional documents for illegitimate children, guardianship, adoption, foundlings, or children traveling without parents.

For minors, the DFA is careful because passport issuance can affect custody, parental authority, child travel, and protection against trafficking.

X. Special Rules for Minor Applicants

A. Legitimate Minor Children

For legitimate children, either parent may generally accompany the child, subject to DFA requirements. The parent must prove identity and relationship to the child.

B. Illegitimate Minor Children

Under Philippine law, parental authority over an illegitimate child generally belongs to the mother. For passport purposes, the mother’s appearance or written authorization may be required, unless there are special circumstances supported by legal documents.

C. Adopted Children

Adopted children may need to present adoption-related documents, amended birth certificates, or court orders, depending on the case.

D. Minors Under Guardianship

If the child is under legal guardianship, the guardian may need to present a court order or proof of legal authority. A mere private authorization may not be enough where parental authority or custody is legally disputed.

E. Foundlings

Foundlings recognized under Philippine law may be entitled to Philippine citizenship documentation, but the DFA may require specific documents establishing the child’s legal status.

F. Parental Disputes

If there is a custody dispute, hold-departure order, protection order, court order, or objection by a parent, the DFA may require additional legal documentation or may defer issuance until the matter is clarified.

XI. Courtesy Lane and Walk-In Applicants

The DFA may allow certain applicants to use a courtesy lane or walk-in process, subject to current policies and available capacity. Categories often include:

Senior citizens;
Persons with disabilities;
Pregnant applicants;
Solo parents;
Minors of a certain age;
Overseas Filipino workers;
Exceptional or emergency cases;
Immediate family members accompanying qualified applicants, where allowed.

Eligibility for courtesy lane treatment does not remove the need to prove identity, citizenship, and compliance with passport requirements. It merely modifies the appointment or queuing process.

Applicants should bring proof of eligibility, such as senior citizen ID, PWD ID, solo parent ID, proof of pregnancy, OFW documents, or other supporting records.

XII. Passport Appointment for Overseas Filipino Workers

Overseas Filipino workers may be given special appointment access or courtesy lane treatment in certain DFA sites. They may need to show proof of OFW status, such as an overseas employment certificate, employment contract, work visa, seafarer’s book, or related documents.

Because overseas employment is time-sensitive, OFWs should apply early and avoid relying on last-minute processing. A pending job deployment does not automatically guarantee immediate passport release.

XIII. Emergency and Urgent Passport Processing

The DFA may accommodate emergency cases, especially where urgent travel is required because of:

Medical emergency;
Death or serious illness of an immediate family member abroad;
Urgent work deployment;
Humanitarian grounds;
Government or official travel;
Other compelling circumstances.

Applicants must present proof of urgency, such as medical records, death certificate, employer certification, deployment papers, travel documents, or official communications.

Emergency accommodation is discretionary and depends on the sufficiency of documents, urgency of the case, and operational capacity.

XIV. What Happens on Appointment Day

Applicants should arrive at the appointment site on time and bring all required original documents and photocopies.

The usual flow is:

Security and appointment verification;
Document checking;
Processing and encoding;
Payment verification, if applicable;
Biometric capture;
Review of encoded information;
Final confirmation;
Receipt or claim stub issuance.

The applicant must carefully review the encoded details before final submission. Errors in spelling, birth date, place of birth, sex, or civil status may result in a passport with incorrect data. Correction after printing may require additional processing and delay.

XV. Dress Code and Photo Capture

Because the passport photo is an official identity image, applicants should observe proper appearance. The applicant’s face must be clearly visible. Accessories, colored contact lenses, heavy makeup, facial coverings, or hairstyles that obscure facial features may not be allowed.

Religious or medical head coverings may be permitted if they do not obscure the face and are consistent with identification requirements.

Applicants should avoid uniforms unless authorized or appropriate, and should comply with DFA photo capture instructions.

XVI. Valid Identification Documents

The DFA generally requires valid identification to establish identity. Acceptable IDs may include government-issued IDs with photo and signature. Examples may include national ID, driver’s license, SSS, GSIS, UMID, PRC ID, voter’s ID or certification, senior citizen ID, PWD ID, school ID for students, and similar official IDs.

The DFA may reject IDs that are expired, damaged, unreadable, inconsistent, unofficial, or insufficient to establish identity. Applicants with limited IDs may be asked to present supporting records.

XVII. Supporting Documents

Supporting documents may be required when the primary documents are insufficient or inconsistent. These may include:

School records;
Employment records;
Baptismal certificate;
Voter’s certification;
NBI clearance;
Police clearance;
Government service records;
Old passports;
Marriage certificate;
Court orders;
Annotated civil registry documents;
Dual citizenship documents;
Naturalization documents.

Supporting documents help establish identity, citizenship, use of name, and continuity of records.

XVIII. Delayed Registration of Birth

Applicants whose birth certificates were registered late may be required to present additional proof of identity and citizenship. Late registration can raise questions about authenticity or accuracy, especially if the applicant has limited supporting records.

The DFA may ask for older documents showing consistent use of name, birth date, birthplace, and parentage.

XIX. Discrepancies in Civil Registry Documents

Discrepancies are among the most common causes of passport delay. These may include:

Misspelled name;
Wrong middle name;
Missing middle name;
Different birth date;
Different place of birth;
Incorrect sex;
Inconsistent parent names;
Conflicting civil status;
Unannotated marriage, annulment, or correction;
Different surname usage.

Some discrepancies may be resolved by presenting supporting documents. Others require civil registry correction through administrative or judicial proceedings.

The DFA generally cannot simply ignore major inconsistencies. The applicant may need to correct the PSA record first before passport issuance.

XX. Civil Registry Corrections and Passport Applications

Where civil registry entries are erroneous, the applicant may need to pursue correction under applicable Philippine laws, such as administrative correction for clerical errors or court proceedings for substantial changes.

Examples:

Typographical errors in name may be corrected administratively if they meet legal requirements.
Change of first name or nickname may require administrative petition under specific legal grounds.
Correction of sex or date of birth may be limited to clerical or typographical cases and subject to strict requirements.
Changes involving nationality, legitimacy, filiation, or substantial status may require court action.

The DFA relies heavily on PSA-issued and properly annotated documents. Applicants should secure updated PSA copies after correction.

XXI. Dual Citizens and Reacquired Filipino Citizens

Dual citizens who retained or reacquired Philippine citizenship may apply for a Philippine passport. They may need to present:

Identification Certificate;
Oath of Allegiance;
Order of Approval;
Foreign passport;
Philippine birth certificate, if born in the Philippines;
Report of Birth, if born abroad;
Other citizenship records.

A person who became a naturalized citizen of another country and later reacquired Philippine citizenship must establish that reacquisition before being issued a Philippine passport.

XXII. Filipinos Born Abroad

Filipinos born abroad may need to present a Report of Birth issued through a Philippine embassy or consulate and registered with the Philippine civil registry system. If no Report of Birth was filed, the applicant may need to complete delayed reporting procedures.

The DFA may require proof that at least one parent was a Filipino citizen at the time of birth, depending on the applicable citizenship facts.

XXIII. Naturalized Filipino Citizens

Naturalized Filipino citizens may be required to present naturalization records, identification documents, and supporting proof that their naturalization remains valid.

Naturalization is a legal process, and passport issuance depends on proper proof that the applicant is now a Filipino citizen.

XXIV. Lost Passport: Legal Consequences

A lost passport may create risks of identity theft, illegal use, or fraudulent travel. The applicant should report the loss promptly and execute an affidavit of loss stating the circumstances.

If the lost passport is still valid, the DFA may impose stricter requirements. The lost passport may be cancelled, and the applicant may need to wait for verification before a new passport is issued.

False claims of loss, concealment of passport use, or misuse of passport documents may expose the applicant to legal consequences.

XXV. Damaged Passport: Legal Consequences

A damaged passport may be invalid for travel if the data page, chip, photo, machine-readable zone, visa pages, or security features are compromised. Immigration authorities may refuse boarding or entry to travelers with damaged passports.

Applicants should not attempt to repair, laminate, alter, erase, or modify passport pages. Any apparent tampering may result in investigation or denial.

XXVI. Passport Validity

Philippine passports are generally issued with a fixed validity period. Adult passports commonly have longer validity than passports issued to minors. Minors’ passports usually have shorter validity because children’s appearance changes over time and additional safeguards are needed.

Applicants should check the validity of their passports before travel. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry or departure.

XXVII. Passport Release and Delivery

After processing, the passport may be released through:

Pickup at the DFA site;
Courier delivery, if available;
Release through embassy or consulate procedures abroad.

The applicant should keep the official receipt or claim stub. For delivery, the applicant should provide a correct address and contact number.

Delays may occur due to printing issues, quality control, verification of documents, system problems, holidays, force majeure, or unresolved applicant records.

XXVIII. Authorized Representatives for Claiming

If the applicant cannot personally claim the passport, an authorized representative may be allowed, subject to DFA rules. The representative may need to present:

Authorization letter or special power of attorney, depending on the case;
Valid ID of applicant;
Valid ID of representative;
Official receipt or claim stub.

For minors, parents or authorized guardians may claim the passport, subject to requirements.

XXIX. Grounds for Delay, Deferral, or Denial

The DFA may delay, defer, or deny passport issuance for reasons such as:

Failure to prove Philippine citizenship;
Failure to prove identity;
Incomplete documents;
Inconsistent civil registry records;
Suspected fraud or falsification;
Tampered documents;
Pending legal restrictions;
Court order preventing travel;
Hold-departure or watchlist issues;
Unresolved lost passport concerns;
Use of false identity;
Duplicate or multiple identities;
Failure to comply with personal appearance or biometric requirements.

The applicant may be asked to return with additional documents or resolve legal issues first.

XXX. Fixers, Appointment Sellers, and Fraud

Applicants should not transact with fixers or unauthorized appointment sellers. Passport appointments are personal and should be obtained only through official channels.

Common scams include:

Selling fake appointment slots;
Charging excessive fees for “guaranteed” appointments;
Asking for personal data and IDs;
Creating fake DFA confirmation forms;
Promising expedited release without legal basis;
Offering to alter documents.

Using fixers may cause cancellation, loss of money, identity theft, or legal trouble. The applicant remains responsible for the truthfulness of submitted information.

XXXI. Data Privacy Considerations

Passport applications involve sensitive personal information, including full name, birth details, family information, biometrics, contact details, and citizenship records. Applicants should protect their data and avoid sending documents to unauthorized persons.

The DFA and authorized service providers must handle personal data according to applicable data privacy laws and government rules. Applicants should use secure email accounts, avoid public computers when possible, and keep copies of confirmations and receipts safe.

XXXII. False Statements and Falsified Documents

Submitting false information or falsified documents in a passport application may lead to denial, cancellation of passport, criminal prosecution, and other legal consequences.

Possible violations may involve falsification, perjury, use of false documents, identity fraud, or other offenses under Philippine law. Applicants should never alter birth certificates, IDs, court orders, marriage certificates, or passport pages.

XXXIII. Passport Cancellation and Recall

A passport may be cancelled, invalidated, or recalled if it was obtained through fraud, if the holder is not entitled to it, or if required by law or competent authority.

The DFA may also cancel a lost passport once reported. A cancelled passport should not be used for travel.

XXXIV. Travel Restrictions and Court Orders

Passport issuance and the right to travel may be affected by court orders or lawful restrictions. These may include:

Hold-departure orders;
Precautionary hold-departure orders;
Watchlist or lookout bulletin concerns;
Bail conditions;
Probation or parole restrictions;
Family court orders involving minors;
Protection orders;
Immigration or deportation issues.

A passport does not override a lawful travel restriction. Even with a valid passport, a person may still be prevented from leaving the country by competent authorities.

XXXV. Practical Checklist Before Booking

Before securing an appointment, an applicant should check:

Whether the PSA birth certificate is available and correct;
Whether the applicant has a valid ID;
Whether the previous passport is available;
Whether the civil status is correctly reflected;
Whether marriage, annulment, recognition of divorce, adoption, or correction records are properly annotated;
Whether the applicant qualifies for courtesy lane;
Whether the applicant has urgent travel proof;
Whether all names and dates are consistent;
Whether the email address and mobile number are active;
Whether the chosen DFA site is accessible on the appointment date.

XXXVI. Practical Checklist for Appointment Day

Applicants should bring:

Printed appointment confirmation;
Accomplished application form;
Original documents;
Photocopies of required documents;
Current or old passport, if renewal;
Valid ID;
Proof of payment;
Supporting documents for discrepancies;
Authorization or parental consent documents, where applicable;
Pen, folder, and extra photocopies.

Applicants should arrive early but not excessively early, follow site rules, and avoid bringing unnecessary companions unless needed.

XXXVII. Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include:

Booking through unofficial websites;
Paying fixers;
Entering wrong personal information;
Using an inactive email address;
Forgetting to pay within the allowed period;
Missing the appointment;
Bringing photocopies without originals;
Bringing expired or invalid IDs;
Ignoring PSA discrepancies;
Assuming renewal requires no documents;
Applying too close to travel date;
Failing to check passport validity before buying tickets;
Not reviewing encoded details before final submission.

XXXVIII. Remedies for Applicants

If a passport application is delayed or deferred, the applicant should first determine the reason. Possible remedies include:

Submitting missing documents;
Securing updated PSA records;
Correcting civil registry entries;
Presenting additional IDs;
Executing required affidavits;
Providing proof of urgency;
Coordinating with the DFA office where the application was filed;
Seeking legal assistance for court-related or citizenship issues.

If the issue involves civil registry correction, the applicant may need to file the appropriate petition before the local civil registrar, consul general, or court, depending on the type of correction.

If the issue involves custody, parental authority, adoption, or travel restrictions, legal advice may be necessary.

XXXIX. Legal Significance of Accuracy

The passport application is a sworn or official representation to the government. Accuracy is therefore essential. The applicant must ensure that all statements are true and consistent with official records.

Minor errors can cause inconvenience. Major errors can lead to denial, investigation, or legal liability.

Applicants should treat the passport process not as a mere online booking exercise but as a formal legal application involving citizenship, identity, and state recognition.

XL. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does an appointment guarantee passport issuance?

No. An appointment only gives the applicant a schedule for processing. Issuance still depends on compliance with DFA requirements and proof of entitlement.

2. Can someone else attend the appointment for the applicant?

No. Personal appearance is generally required because biometrics and identity verification must be completed.

3. Can a passport be renewed before it expires?

Yes. Renewal before expiration is common, especially when travel is planned. Many countries require several months of remaining passport validity.

4. Can a married woman keep using her maiden name?

Yes, subject to consistency with records and DFA rules. Marriage does not always require a woman to use her husband’s surname.

5. What if the PSA birth certificate has an error?

The applicant may need to correct the civil registry record before the passport can be issued, especially if the error affects material details.

6. What if the passport was lost?

The applicant must report the loss, execute an affidavit of loss, and comply with additional requirements. A lost valid passport may involve stricter processing.

7. Are walk-ins allowed?

Walk-ins are generally limited to qualified applicants or special circumstances recognized by the DFA. Most applicants should secure an online appointment.

8. Can minors apply without parents?

Usually, minors must be accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, with documents proving parental authority, guardianship, or consent.

9. Can the DFA deny an application?

Yes. The DFA may deny, defer, or delay issuance if the applicant cannot prove identity or citizenship, submits inconsistent or false documents, or is subject to legal restrictions.

10. Is it safe to use an appointment assistance service?

Applicants should avoid unauthorized services. Only official DFA channels should be used. Fixers and appointment sellers are risky and may be unlawful.

XLI. Conclusion

The DFA passport appointment application process is both a practical administrative procedure and a legal verification process. It requires more than booking a slot online. The applicant must establish identity, Philippine citizenship, civil status, and compliance with documentary and biometric requirements.

For ordinary applicants with complete and consistent documents, the process is usually straightforward: book an appointment, pay the fee, appear personally, submit documents, undergo biometric capture, and wait for release. For applicants with legal or documentary issues, such as late registration, name discrepancies, lost passports, dual citizenship, adoption, custody disputes, or civil registry errors, the process may require additional proof or legal correction.

The best protection against delay is preparation: use official DFA channels, avoid fixers, check all civil registry records, bring complete documents, attend the appointment personally, and review all encoded information carefully before submission.