I. Overview

Passport renewal in the Philippines is not merely an administrative convenience. It is a regulated legal process involving identity verification, citizenship confirmation, biometric capture, fraud prevention, and compliance with passport issuance rules. One of the most important requirements is personal appearance.

In general, a Philippine passport applicant must personally appear before the Department of Foreign Affairs or an authorized consular office for renewal. This applies even when the applicant already has an old passport. The requirement exists because a passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the Philippine government, and the government must confirm that the person applying is the same person entitled to the passport.

Personal appearance is especially important in renewal cases involving changes in name, lost or damaged passports, minor applicants, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, dual citizens, applicants with inconsistent records, and those applying through consular offices abroad.

II. Nature of a Philippine Passport

A Philippine passport is an official document issued by the Republic of the Philippines certifying the identity and nationality of the holder for international travel. It is not a private document and not a mere travel accessory. Because it is a government-issued document with international legal effect, its issuance is subject to strict verification.

A passport may be used for:

international travel;
proof of identity;
proof of Philippine citizenship;
visa applications;
immigration clearance;
banking and financial transactions;
employment abroad;
consular protection;
civil documentation;
identity verification in public and private transactions.

Because of these uses, passport issuance requires safeguards against identity theft, impersonation, falsified records, trafficking, illegal recruitment, parental abduction, and fraudulent travel.

III. General Rule: Personal Appearance Is Required

The general rule is that a passport renewal applicant must personally appear at the DFA consular office, temporary off-site passport service site, Philippine embassy, Philippine consulate, or other authorized passport processing location.

Personal appearance is required because the applicant must ordinarily undergo:

identity verification;
presentation of the old passport;
review of documentary requirements;
biometric data capture;
live photograph capture;
signature capture;
confirmation of personal details;
final evaluation by passport personnel.

The applicant cannot usually complete passport renewal by merely sending documents through a representative. Even if an authorized person helps book the appointment, pay fees, prepare documents, or claim the passport where allowed, the applicant must ordinarily appear for processing.

IV. Legal Purpose of Personal Appearance

The personal appearance requirement serves several legal and administrative purposes.

A. Identity Verification

The DFA must confirm that the applicant is the true holder of the old passport or the person legally entitled to renew it. Personal appearance helps prevent another person from renewing a passport under someone else’s name.

B. Biometric Capture

Modern passports contain biometric and machine-readable features. The applicant’s photograph, signature, and other biometric information must be captured according to government standards.

C. Fraud Prevention

Personal appearance helps prevent:

impersonation;
forged applications;
use of stolen passports;
renewal using another person’s identity;
fraudulent changes of name;
fraudulent civil registry documents;
trafficking-related travel documents;
unauthorized passport applications for minors.

D. Protection of Minors

For children, personal appearance helps verify the child’s identity and the authority of the accompanying parent or guardian. This is important in cases involving custody disputes, parental separation, adoption, guardianship, or possible child trafficking.

E. Protection of the Passport System

The passport system depends on public and international trust. If passports could be renewed without personal verification, the risk of fraudulent documents would increase.

V. Appointment Requirement and Personal Appearance

Personal appearance is usually connected with the appointment system. A renewal applicant normally secures an appointment, pays the required fee, prints the application packet, and appears on the scheduled date.

The appointment is not a substitute for personal appearance. It merely reserves the applicant’s processing slot. Failure to appear may result in forfeiture of the appointment or payment, depending on applicable rules.

Applicants should arrive at the proper location on the correct date and time with complete documents. Late arrival, wrong site selection, incomplete documents, or inconsistent information may result in refusal to process the application.

VI. What Happens During Personal Appearance

During a passport renewal appointment, the applicant typically goes through several stages.

A. Initial Verification

Personnel check the appointment details, application form, proof of payment, and basic requirements. Security or reception staff may verify whether the applicant is scheduled for that day.

B. Document Evaluation

The applicant presents the old passport and other required documents. For simple adult renewals, the old passport is usually the main document, but additional documents may be required if there are changes, inconsistencies, damage, loss, or special circumstances.

C. Data Confirmation

The applicant reviews personal information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, civil status, and other details. Errors should be corrected before final encoding.

D. Biometrics and Photograph

The applicant’s photo, signature, and biometric data are captured. The applicant must follow dress, grooming, and photo standards.

E. Final Processing

After successful capture and evaluation, the passport application proceeds to production, subject to final verification. The applicant may later claim the passport or have it delivered if delivery was selected and available.

VII. Who Must Personally Appear

The following applicants generally must personally appear:

Adult applicants renewing a valid or expired passport;
Applicants renewing a lost passport;
Applicants renewing a damaged or mutilated passport;
Applicants changing surname due to marriage;
Applicants reverting to maiden name;
Applicants with court-ordered name changes;
Applicants with correction of civil registry entries;
Applicants with dual citizenship documentation;
Minor applicants;
Senior citizens;
Persons with disabilities;
Applicants abroad renewing through Philippine embassies or consulates;
Applicants with old brown, green, maroon, or machine-readable passports;
Applicants whose records require further verification;
Applicants using priority or courtesy lanes, where allowed.

The requirement does not disappear merely because the applicant previously held a passport.

VIII. Renewal of Adult Passports

For adult renewal, personal appearance remains required even if the applicant has a recent passport. The applicant must normally present the most recent passport and comply with biometric capture.

A straightforward adult renewal may be simpler than a first-time application, but it is still an official issuance process. The DFA must ensure that the applicant’s identity, physical appearance, signature, and records are updated.

Additional documents may be required if:

the passport is lost;
the passport is damaged;
the applicant changed name;
the applicant has inconsistent civil registry records;
the applicant has an old-format passport;
the passport is not electronically readable;
the applicant’s data do not match official records;
the applicant has dual citizenship issues;
the applicant’s appearance has significantly changed;
there are watchlist, hold departure, or legal concerns.

IX. Renewal of Minor Passports

Personal appearance is especially important for minors. A child’s passport renewal usually requires the personal appearance of the minor and the required accompanying parent or authorized adult.

This requirement helps establish:

the child’s identity;
the child’s Philippine citizenship;
the authority of the accompanying parent or guardian;
consent for passport issuance;
protection against unauthorized removal from the country;
consistency of the child’s civil registry records;
proper custody documentation where needed.

A minor applicant generally cannot renew a passport alone. Depending on the circumstances, the DFA may require the appearance of a parent, mother, father, legal guardian, authorized representative, or person with special power of attorney, supported by appropriate documents.

X. Parental Authority and Minor Passport Renewal

For minor passport renewals, the DFA must be satisfied that the adult accompanying the child has authority to apply on the child’s behalf.

Common situations include:

A. Legitimate Child Accompanied by Parent

A parent may ordinarily accompany the minor and present required documents.

B. Illegitimate Child

For an illegitimate child, the mother’s authority is usually central unless legal circumstances show otherwise. The father’s presence alone may not be enough in certain cases unless properly authorized.

C. Child Accompanied by Guardian

A legal guardian may need to present guardianship documents or court-issued authority.

D. Child Traveling or Living Abroad

If the child is outside the Philippines, consular rules and local embassy procedures may apply.

E. Parent Abroad or Unavailable

If a required parent cannot appear, notarized or consularized authorization may be required, depending on the case.

F. Separated Parents or Custody Disputes

Custody papers, court orders, or consent documents may be required. The DFA may be cautious where there is a risk of parental abduction or dispute.

XI. Personal Appearance of Senior Citizens

Senior citizens are generally still required to personally appear for passport renewal, but they may be entitled to priority lanes or courtesy lane accommodation depending on applicable DFA rules.

A senior citizen’s personal appearance is required because identity verification and biometric capture still apply. However, procedural convenience may be given in recognition of age, mobility limitations, or health considerations.

Senior applicants should bring proof of age, valid IDs, old passport, and supporting documents if there are changes or inconsistencies.

XII. Personal Appearance of Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities are also generally required to personally appear. However, reasonable accommodation may be available, especially for mobility limitations, visual impairment, hearing impairment, medical needs, or other disability-related concerns.

Possible accommodations may include:

priority lane access;
assistance from a companion;
wheelchair access;
adjusted processing flow;
assistance in reading or signing;
special handling for applicants with severe conditions;
coordination with the consular office before the appointment.

The requirement of personal appearance should be applied with reasonable accommodation, not as a barrier that prevents a qualified applicant from renewing a passport.

XIII. Courtesy Lane and Priority Applicants

Certain applicants may be allowed to use priority or courtesy lanes. These may include, depending on applicable rules:

senior citizens;
persons with disabilities;
pregnant applicants;
minors within specified categories;
solo parents;
overseas Filipino workers;
exceptional or emergency cases;
government-endorsed applicants;
persons with medical needs.

Using a courtesy lane does not usually remove the requirement of personal appearance. It only changes the processing channel or reduces the need for ordinary appointment scheduling.

Applicants should still bring the required documents and comply with biometric capture.

XIV. Can a Representative Renew the Passport for the Applicant?

As a general rule, a representative cannot renew a Philippine passport on behalf of an applicant without the applicant personally appearing.

A representative may help with:

booking the appointment;
paying fees;
organizing documents;
accompanying a minor, senior, or PWD;
assisting during processing where allowed;
claiming the passport, if authorized and permitted;
receiving delivery, if available.

But a representative generally cannot:

be photographed in place of the applicant;
sign biometric records for the applicant;
answer identity verification as though they were the applicant;
submit renewal documents without the applicant present;
complete biometric capture for the applicant;
impersonate the applicant.

Any attempt to renew a passport through impersonation may lead to denial, cancellation, criminal liability, or future passport restrictions.

XV. Passport Claiming vs. Passport Renewal Appearance

Applicants should distinguish between appearance for renewal and claiming of the released passport.

Personal appearance is normally required for processing. Claiming may be different. Depending on DFA or consular rules, the passport may be:

personally claimed by the applicant;
claimed by an authorized representative;
delivered by courier;
released to a parent or guardian for a minor;
released under special arrangements.

Authorization to claim the passport does not mean authorization to process the renewal without the applicant’s appearance.

XVI. Applicants Abroad

Filipinos abroad renew passports through Philippine embassies or consulates. Personal appearance is usually required there as well because the consular post must capture biometric data and verify identity.

Consular posts may have their own appointment systems, mobile consular missions, outreach programs, and documentary requirements. A Filipino abroad should follow the rules of the specific embassy or consulate handling the renewal.

Personal appearance abroad may be required even if:

the applicant previously renewed in the Philippines;
the passport is still valid;
the applicant only needs extension or replacement;
the applicant has difficulty traveling to the consulate;
the applicant resides far from the post.

In special humanitarian or emergency cases, consular offices may have procedures for assistance, but the applicant should not assume that appearance can be waived.

XVII. Mobile Consular Services and Consular Outreach

Mobile passport services and consular outreach programs are designed to bring passport processing closer to applicants. They are useful for remote areas, OFW communities, overseas Filipinos, or special groups.

However, these services still generally require the applicant’s personal appearance at the mobile site. The difference is location, not the basic requirement.

Applicants must still comply with:

appointment or registration;
document presentation;
biometric capture;
photograph standards;
payment rules;
identity verification;
release or delivery procedures.

XVIII. Emergency and Urgent Passport Renewal

Urgent travel does not ordinarily remove the personal appearance requirement. If an applicant needs a passport urgently due to medical emergency, death in the family, overseas employment, visa deadline, or official travel, the applicant may request expedited or special handling where available.

The applicant may need to present proof such as:

medical certificate;
death certificate;
travel itinerary;
visa appointment;
overseas employment documents;
employer certification;
court or government order;
other proof of urgency.

Even in urgent cases, the applicant must usually appear because biometric capture and identity verification remain necessary.

XIX. Medical Incapacity and Severe Illness

One of the most difficult issues is passport renewal for persons who are bedridden, hospitalized, severely ill, or physically unable to travel to a DFA office.

In such cases, ordinary personal appearance may be impractical. The family may inquire with the DFA or consular office about special arrangements, humanitarian assistance, or alternative procedures if available.

Relevant documents may include:

medical certificate;
hospital certification;
government ID;
old passport;
proof of travel necessity;
authorization documents;
contact details of the attending physician;
request letter explaining the circumstances.

However, applicants should not assume that personal appearance is automatically waived. Because passport issuance requires biometric capture, exceptional handling depends on official approval and capacity.

XX. Dress, Grooming, and Photo Capture Requirements

Personal appearance includes live photo capture. The applicant should be prepared to comply with passport photo standards.

Common restrictions may include:

no eyeglasses during photo capture;
no colored contact lenses;
no head covering unless religious or medical and allowed under standards;
hair should not cover the face;
facial features must be clearly visible;
neutral facial expression may be required;
no excessive accessories;
attire should be appropriate;
uniforms or sleeveless clothing may be discouraged or disallowed depending on rules;
earrings or facial piercings may need to be removed if they affect identification.

The applicant should present themselves in a way that allows clear identification.

XXI. Name Change and Personal Appearance

Renewal involving a change of name requires careful verification. Personal appearance is necessary because the DFA must connect the applicant’s old passport identity with the new civil registry or legal name.

Name change cases may include:

married woman using spouse’s surname;
married woman retaining maiden name;
widow reverting to maiden name;
annulled, divorced, or legally separated applicant reverting to former name;
court-ordered change of name;
correction of clerical error;
change due to adoption;
change due to recognition or legitimation;
correction of birthdate or birthplace;
change in sex marker or civil registry details, where legally recognized.

Supporting documents may include marriage certificate, annotated birth certificate, court order, annulment or recognition documents, death certificate of spouse, or other civil registry records, depending on the case.

XXII. Lost Passport Renewal

A lost passport is treated with greater caution than ordinary renewal. Personal appearance is required because the DFA must verify the applicant’s identity and investigate the loss.

A lost passport may be used by others for identity fraud or illegal travel. Therefore, the applicant may need to submit additional documents such as:

affidavit of loss;
police report in some cases;
copy of the lost passport, if available;
valid IDs;
birth certificate or civil registry documents;
supporting proof of identity;
explanation of circumstances;
possible penalty or waiting period depending on the type and validity of the lost passport.

If the lost passport is still valid, stricter rules may apply. The applicant should report the loss promptly.

XXIII. Damaged or Mutilated Passport Renewal

A damaged passport renewal also requires personal appearance. A damaged passport may raise questions about identity, validity, tampering, or misuse.

Damage may include:

torn pages;
water damage;
missing cover;
detached data page;
unreadable information;
altered entries;
damaged chip;
tampered visa pages;
mutilated machine-readable zone.

The applicant may need to present the damaged passport, affidavit or explanation, IDs, and civil registry documents. A severely damaged passport may be treated similarly to lost or questionable documents.

XXIV. Expired Passport Renewal

An expired passport can usually be renewed, but personal appearance is still required. Expiration does not automatically cancel the person’s citizenship or identity, but the passport is no longer valid for travel.

Additional requirements may depend on how old the passport is. Very old passports, non-electronic passports, or passports with outdated records may require more supporting documents.

XXV. Renewal of E-Passports

Even holders of electronic passports must appear personally. The fact that the old passport already contains a chip does not remove the need for updated photograph, signature, and identity verification.

Biometric data may need to be updated because a person’s appearance changes over time. Passport renewal is not merely reprinting the old passport.

XXVI. Inconsistent Records and Personal Appearance

If the applicant’s documents contain inconsistencies, personal appearance becomes even more important.

Common inconsistencies include:

misspelled name;
different birthdate;
different birthplace;
different middle name;
different surname;
married name not supported by records;
old passport data inconsistent with birth certificate;
multiple birth records;
late registration issues;
adoption records;
dual citizenship records;
use of aliases;
gender marker inconsistency;
discrepancy between IDs and civil registry documents.

The DFA may require additional documents, affidavits, annotated civil registry records, or official corrections before renewal is approved.

XXVII. Dual Citizens

Dual citizens renewing Philippine passports must personally appear and present documents proving Philippine citizenship or reacquisition of citizenship where required.

Personal appearance helps verify that the applicant is the same person reflected in citizenship documents, foreign passport, old Philippine passport, or identification records.

Common documents may include:

old Philippine passport;
foreign passport;
identification certificate;
oath of allegiance;
order of approval;
birth certificate;
marriage certificate, if name changed.

Dual citizenship cases often involve name variations, foreign civil status records, and identity discrepancies, so careful document preparation is important.

XXVIII. Watchlist, Hold Departure, and Legal Issues

Passport renewal may be affected by court orders, watchlist matters, hold departure orders, pending cases, child custody disputes, or legal restrictions. Personal appearance allows authorities to verify identity and apply relevant restrictions if legally required.

Not every pending case automatically prevents passport renewal, but certain legal orders or government records may affect issuance or release. Applicants with known legal issues should seek legal advice before applying.

XXIX. Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Criminal Liability

A passport applicant must provide truthful information. False statements, forged documents, impersonation, use of another person’s identity, or concealment of material facts may lead to denial, cancellation, criminal prosecution, or travel problems.

Possible fraudulent acts include:

using another person’s appointment;
applying under another name;
presenting fake birth certificate or marriage certificate;
using a fake authorization letter for a minor;
misrepresenting parental authority;
hiding a lost passport;
submitting altered IDs;
using a fixer;
allowing another person to appear in one’s place;
falsely claiming urgent travel;
concealing a court order affecting travel.

Personal appearance helps detect and prevent these acts.

XXX. Fixers and Unauthorized Assistance

Passport applicants should avoid fixers. A fixer may promise appointment slots, guaranteed approval, faster release, or waiver of personal appearance. These promises are dangerous.

Warning signs include:

asking for payment outside official channels;
claiming they can process without appearance;
offering fake appointment confirmations;
asking for original IDs and passports without receipt;
claiming they have an insider;
instructing the applicant to use false information;
guaranteeing release despite incomplete documents;
selling appointment slots;
asking the applicant not to ask questions.

Applicants should transact only through official DFA or consular channels.

XXXI. Consequences of Failure to Appear

Failure to appear on the appointment date may lead to practical consequences such as:

loss of appointment slot;
need to book a new appointment;
possible forfeiture of payment;
delay in passport renewal;
missed travel or visa schedule;
additional cost;
difficulty securing a new appointment during peak season.

Applicants should check appointment details carefully and arrive early enough to pass security and document screening.

XXXII. Rescheduling and Missed Appointments

Rescheduling may be allowed under certain conditions, but rules can be strict. Applicants should not assume that an appointment can be freely moved after payment.

Common reasons for rescheduling include illness, emergency, work conflict, weather disruption, or wrong date selection. Supporting documents may be needed in special cases.

If an applicant misses the appointment, the safest course is to check the official appointment rules and determine whether a new appointment or rebooking is required.

XXXIII. Passport Delivery and Personal Appearance

Courier delivery, where available, is for releasing the completed passport. It does not replace personal appearance for application processing.

Applicants who choose delivery should ensure that:

the delivery address is correct;
someone authorized can receive the passport;
tracking details are preserved;
old passport cancellation or return process is understood;
any delivery receipt is kept.

If delivery fails, the applicant may need to coordinate with the courier or DFA office.

XXXIV. Legal Issues Involving the Old Passport

During renewal, the old passport is usually presented for cancellation or verification. The old passport may be returned after cancellation, especially if it contains valid visas, but it is no longer valid as a Philippine passport once cancelled.

The applicant should not conceal the old passport unless it is truly lost. False declaration of loss may create legal consequences.

If the old passport contains valid visas, the applicant should ask how cancellation affects passport use. Generally, the visa may remain physically present, but travel validity depends on the rules of the foreign country and the need to carry both old and new passports.

XXXV. Applicants With Travel Soon

Applicants with upcoming travel should renew early. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel. Airlines and immigration authorities may deny boarding or entry if the passport is near expiration.

Personal appearance and processing time must be considered. Even if the applicant appears on time, passport production, delivery, and possible document issues may delay release.

Applicants should not buy non-refundable tickets without checking passport validity and renewal timelines.

XXXVI. Practical Checklist for Personal Appearance

Before going to a passport renewal appointment, the applicant should prepare:

confirmed appointment;
printed application form or appointment packet;
proof of payment;
old passport;
photocopy of passport data page;
valid ID, if required or prudent;
supporting civil registry documents, if there are changes;
marriage certificate or annotated records, if changing name;
affidavit of loss, if passport is lost;
damaged passport, if applicable;
documents for minor applicants;
authorization documents, if a child is accompanied by someone other than the required parent;
proof of senior citizen, PWD, OFW, or priority status if using special lane;
emergency travel documents, if requesting special handling;
pen, folder, and extra photocopies.

Applicants should also verify the exact requirements for their category before appearing.

XXXVII. Common Reasons for Refusal or Delay

A passport renewal may be refused, delayed, or placed on hold due to:

applicant did not personally appear;
wrong appointment site;
incomplete documents;
inconsistent information;
failure to present old passport;
lost passport without proper affidavit;
damaged passport requiring further evaluation;
minor not accompanied by proper adult;
missing parental authorization;
uncorrected civil registry issue;
questionable identity;
unpaid or invalid appointment;
use of fake appointment;
suspected fixer involvement;
watchlist or legal restriction;
photo capture issue;
system record mismatch.

Most delays can be avoided by preparing documents early and checking records carefully.

XXXVIII. Special Concern: Applicants Who Cannot Sign

Some applicants cannot sign due to disability, age, injury, illness, or illiteracy. Personal appearance is still generally required, but the DFA or consular office may have procedures for thumbmark, assisted signature, notation, or special handling.

The applicant or companion should inform personnel respectfully and provide medical or identity documents where needed.

XXXIX. Special Concern: Religious or Cultural Attire

Applicants who wear head coverings for religious or cultural reasons may be accommodated if the face is clearly visible and identification standards are satisfied. The face, eyes, and key identifying features must not be obscured.

Applicants should be prepared to explain the reason for the head covering and comply with photo standards.

XL. Special Concern: Facial Changes or Medical Conditions

If the applicant’s appearance has significantly changed due to surgery, accident, medical condition, aging, gender expression, or other reasons, the DFA may ask additional questions or require supporting identification.

Personal appearance helps personnel compare the applicant with old passport records and current identity documents.

XLI. Passport Renewal for Persons Under Custody or Institutional Care

Applicants who are detained, hospitalized, institutionalized, or under protective custody may face special procedures. Personal appearance may be difficult, but passport issuance still requires identity verification and official approval.

Possible documents may include court orders, certification from the institution, government IDs, medical certificates, authorization from legal representatives, and explanation of travel necessity.

Because of legal restrictions, persons under custody should seek guidance from the relevant court, institution, or counsel before applying.

XLII. Practical Legal Analysis

A passport renewal personal appearance issue should be analyzed using the following framework:

Is the applicant renewing or applying for the first time?
Is the applicant an adult or minor?
Is the old passport available, lost, damaged, or expired?
Are there name, civil status, or record changes?
Is the applicant in the Philippines or abroad?
Is there any disability, illness, or mobility issue?
Is the applicant entitled to priority or courtesy lane treatment?
Are there legal restrictions affecting travel or passport issuance?
Can a representative help only with claiming or also with accompanying?
What documents prove identity, citizenship, and authority?

This framework helps determine whether ordinary personal appearance applies or whether special assistance should be requested.

XLIII. Misconceptions About Personal Appearance

Misconception 1: “Renewal does not require appearance because DFA already has my data.”

This is incorrect. Renewal still requires updated verification and biometric capture.

Misconception 2: “A travel agency can renew my passport for me.”

A travel agency or third party may assist with logistics, but cannot replace the applicant’s personal appearance.

Misconception 3: “A notarized authorization allows someone else to renew for me.”

Authorization may help with claiming or accompanying a minor in certain cases, but it generally cannot replace biometric appearance.

Misconception 4: “Only first-time applicants need to appear.”

Renewal applicants generally must also appear.

Misconception 5: “Senior citizens and PWDs do not need to appear.”

They may receive priority or accommodation, but appearance is still generally required.

Misconception 6: “A passport can be renewed entirely online.”

Online systems may handle appointment and payment, but processing ordinarily requires in-person capture and evaluation.

XLIV. Conclusion

Personal appearance is a core requirement of Philippine passport renewal. It is not a mere procedural formality. It protects identity, citizenship, minors, border security, and the integrity of the passport system.

Most applicants, including adults, minors, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipinos, and those with expired passports, must personally appear for renewal. Representatives may assist with booking, documents, accompaniment, or claiming where allowed, but they generally cannot substitute for the applicant during processing.

Applicants should prepare early, verify their category, bring complete documents, avoid fixers, and comply with biometric capture requirements. Special cases such as minors, lost passports, damaged passports, name changes, illness, disability, custody issues, or urgent travel require additional care.

The safest rule is this: unless the DFA or authorized consular office gives a specific official exception or accommodation, the passport renewal applicant should expect to appear personally.