Philippine Passport Requirements (2025): Accepted Valid IDs for First-Time Applicants

Philippine context • practitioner-style summary • not legal advice

1) Legal bases & high-level rules

Primary laws & rules:
- Republic Act (RA) 8239 (Philippine Passport Act of 1996) and its IRR (implementing rules).
- RA 10928 (2017) extending ordinary passport validity to up to 10 years for adults.
- RA 11055 (2018) Philippine Identification System Act (PhilSys) recognizing the PhilID/ePhilID for government transactions.
- DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) administrative issuances (consular circulars, advisories).
General principles for identity documents (IDs):
- Personal appearance is required for all first-time applicants.
- You must present original IDs; DFA will usually photocopy front and back.
- ID details (name, birth date, sex) should match your PSA civil registry record.
- Unsigned, damaged, altered, or expired IDs are rejected.
- If your civil registry has discrepancies (spelling, dates, missing middle name, late registration), DFA may ask for supporting documents (see §5–§6).

2) Who counts as a “first-time applicant”?

Anyone without a previously issued Philippine passport (including those who lost an application before release). The rules below also cover minors (below 18) with extra requirements (§4.3).

3) Core documentary requirements for first-time applicants

PSA Civil Registry document (original):
- Born in the Philippines: PSA Birth Certificate on security paper.
- Born abroad: PSA Report of Birth (or the local civil registrar transcription, if applicable).
- Foundling/adopted/legitimated/with court orders or annotated entries: bring the PSA certificate with annotation and the underlying decree/order (adoption decree, recognition, legitimation, court order, RA 9048/10172 approvals, etc.).
At least one (1) accepted, government-issued valid ID (see §4).
Application artifacts: confirmed online appointment, accomplished form, payment receipt/OR (if pre-paid), and photocopies of IDs and civil registry documents (A4 size).
If applicable:
- Marriage: PSA Marriage Certificate (if using married surname).
- Dual citizens: Identification Certificate/Order & RA 9225 documents; PSA civil-registry proof.
- Naturalized citizens: Certificate/Identification of Naturalization & PSA proof.
- Clerical corrections: Approved RA 9048/10172 petition and annotated PSA copy.

4) Accepted valid IDs (first-time applicants)

The DFA recognizes government-issued, photo-and-signature-bearing IDs. Below are commonly accepted IDs for first-time passport applications. Bring the original plus one photocopy (front and back).

4.1 Primary, widely accepted government IDs

PhilID (PhilSys National ID) or ePhilID (paper-printed digital equivalent under RA 11055).
UMID/SSS ID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID or classic SSS).
GSIS eCard.
LTO Driver’s License (Non-Pro/Pro, including recently issued cards; if paper/temporary, bring the official receipt and any DFA-requested proof).
PRC Professional ID.
Postal ID (Improved Postal ID).
COMELEC Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification with dry seal (often with official receipt).
OWWA ID / OFW e-Card (iDOLE successor).
Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB/Seaman’s Book) issued by MARINA.
Senior Citizen ID.
PWD ID (Persons with Disability).
PhilHealth ID (preferably the version with photo and signature).
Government Office/GOCC ID (e.g., AFP/PNP/BFP/BJMP, DepEd, DOH, LGU employee ID, etc.).
Diplomat ID (DFA).
IBP ID (for lawyers).

Tip: If your ID lacks a signature or birth date, or carries an old/maiden name, bring a second government ID and the corresponding PSA document (e.g., Marriage Certificate).

4.2 Conditionally accepted / supporting IDs & clearances

These are usually accepted to support identity (especially if your primary ID is weak or details don’t match). They may not suffice alone:

NBI Clearance (recent).
Police Clearance (recent).
Barangay ID/Certification (some COs treat as supporting only).
School ID (for students, originals only; pair with current Certificate of Enrollment if requested).
Company/Private Employee ID (often treated as supporting, not stand-alone).
Birth/Baptismal/School records (support only; never a primary ID).
TIN/Taxpayer ID card (if with photo/signature; many COs still want a stronger ID alongside).

Practice tip: If you do not have any of the IDs in §4.1, prepare two or more items from §4.2, plus your PSA civil-registry papers. DFA may additionally require an Affidavit of Identity/Explanation and more proofs of identity.

5) Extra rules for minors (below 18)

Personal appearance of the minor and either parent (or the mother if the child is illegitimate).
PSA Birth Certificate (or PSA Report of Birth for those born abroad).
Parent’s valid government ID (from §4.1) + photocopy.
Minor’s ID: School ID (if any) or other child ID; for very young children, DFA typically relies on the PSA Birth Certificate plus the parent’s ID.
If the accompanying adult is not a parent (guardian/relative), bring the Special Power of Attorney/guardianship papers and IDs; DFA may ask for DSWD clearance for certain travel circumstances (travel rule, separate from passport issuance).

6) Name changes, discrepancies & late registration

DFA screens the consistency of your identity trail:

Marriage/annulment/legal separation: use the name on your PSA Marriage Certificate; for annulment/divorce (foreign), DFA may require recognition by a Philippine court before a surname change is honored.
RA 9048/10172 corrections (first name, day/month of birth, sex): bring the approved petition and the annotated PSA certificate.
Late-registered birth: be ready with baptismal, Form 137/school records, old barangay/civic records, and other early public documents showing continuous use of your identity.
Adoption/legitimation/recognition/foundling: bring the decree/recognition papers and the annotated PSA certificate.
Orthographic differences (e.g., “Ma.” vs “Maria”, hyphenated surnames): submit proofs of consistent usage (IDs, school/employment records).
Multiple given names / middle name issues: DFA may ask for additional supporting documents to reconcile records.

7) Photographs & biometrics (what to expect)

DFA will capture your biometrics and photo on site; you do not submit ID photos.
No eyeglasses or colored contact lenses; religious head coverings are allowed if facial features are fully visible.
Keep ears and eyebrows visible; avoid white/light clothing that is similar to the background.

8) Processing times, fees & collection (typical practice)

Fees and timelines can change per DFA Consular Office. The usual pattern (subject to change):

Regular processing: government fee (historically around the ₱950 range) with release in several working days.
Expedite/rush: higher fee (historically around the ₱1,200 range) with shorter release time.
Delivery/courier is optional; bring the claim stub and ID if picking up.
Courtesy lanes (walk-in) exist for select groups (e.g., senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, solo parents with ID, minors seven [7] and below with parent, OFWs, etc.) but coverage and proofs vary by DFA office—check locally before relying on this.

9) Practical checklists

9.1 Adult first-time applicant

PSA Birth Certificate (or PSA Report of Birth).
One strong government ID from §4.1 (plus a backup ID or clearance).
Appointment confirmation & filled form.
Photocopies of PSA doc and IDs (A4, front & back).
If married/name change: PSA Marriage Certificate (and court orders if applicable).
If dual/naturalized: citizenship papers + PSA proof.

9.2 Minor first-time applicant

Minor and parent appear in person.
PSA Birth Certificate (or PSA Report of Birth).
Parent’s valid ID + photocopy.
Minor’s School ID (if any).
Guardianship/Special Power of Attorney (if not with parent).
Additional documents if there are record discrepancies.

10) Frequently asked questions

Q: Is PhilID/ePhilID enough as my ID? A: Yes—under RA 11055, PhilID and ePhilID are valid for government transactions. If your civil registry has inconsistencies, bring supporting documents.

Q: My only ID is a company ID. Can I apply? A: Bring it, but pair it with stronger government IDs or clearances (NBI/Police), plus your PSA records. Some DFA offices do not accept private company ID alone.

Q: My Voter’s ID is not available. Will a Voter’s Certification work? A: Typically yes, if it bears the dry seal (and often the official receipt). Carry a backup government ID.

Q: My PRC/Driver’s License shows my maiden name; I’m married. A: Bring your PSA Marriage Certificate. DFA will rely on your PSA trail to resolve the name difference.

Q: I have no ID at all. A: Prepare your PSA civil-registry papers and multiple supporting documents (NBI, Police, school and early records). DFA may require an Affidavit of Identity/Explanation and still reserve the right to ask for more.

11) Good-to-know compliance notes

Consistency is king: DFA evaluates whether your identity story is consistent across PSA records and IDs.
Photocopy standards: A4 paper, front and back of IDs, clear and legible.
Data privacy: DFA collects biometrics under RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act); comply with on-site capture rules.
No fixers: Use official channels only; fixers are illegal.
Keep originals safe: Some supporting papers (e.g., court orders) are rare—bring certified copies when possible.

12) Bottom line (2025)

For a first-time Philippine passport, you need your PSA civil-registry proof plus at least one robust, government-issued ID (see §4.1). If your records are complicated or you lack a strong ID, bolster your application with multiple supporting documents (see §4.2 & §6). Rules on courtesy lanes, fees, and processing times vary by office and change periodically—verify details with your chosen DFA Consular Office before you go.

Quick tip: Bring two strong IDs if you have them, all relevant PSA documents, and extra photocopies. It prevents repeat visits.