Renewal of DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

Philippine legal overview – updated to June 2025

1. Why a DSWD Travel Clearance Exists

Under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610), the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364) and related rules, the State must guard children against trafficking, abduction and other forms of abuse—especially when they cross borders. To operationalize this mandate, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issues a Travel Clearance for Minors Travelling Abroad (TCMTA) whenever a Filipino below 18 leaves the country without both parents. The clearance is evidence that:

the travel is lawful and consented to by the parents/legal guardian; and
the State, through the DSWD, has vetted the travel plan for red-flags (fake invitations, sham sports camps, etc.).

2. When a Travel Clearance Is Required — and When It Is Not

Scenario	Is a TCMTA needed?
Minor travelling with both biological/adoptive parents	No
Minor travelling with foreign parent only	Yes (unless that foreign parent has sole parental authority granted by a Phil. court)
Minor travelling with one Filipino parent only	No if parent has proof of relationship and notarized authority from the other parent or evidence of sole custody
Minor travelling with legal guardian, relative, teacher, coach, choir master, escort agency, etc.	Yes
Minor travelling alone/unaccompanied	Yes

3. Validity and the Need for “Renewal”

Type	Default validity	Typical use-case
Single-use clearance	Up to 90 days for the specified trip	Short visits
Multipl e-use clearance	1 year or 2 years (your choice on payment)	Athletes, exchange students, children of OFWs making routine visits

Renewal means applying again after the original clearance has expired or is about to. There is no “extension” mechanism; you submit a fresh application but with reduced paperwork.

4. Renewal vs. First-Time Application — Key Differences

Requirement	First-time applicant	Renewal
DSWD TCMTA Form (filled out, signed)	✅	✅ (new form)
PSA-issued Birth Certificate	✅ original + photocopy	Only if any detail changed (e.g., legitimation, adoption)
Parent/Guardian valid IDs (both parents)	✅	✅ (updated IDs)
Notarized/Consular Affidavit of Consent (if travelling without both parents)	✅	✅ (must be dated within 1 year of filing)
Passport(s) of minor & companion	✅	✅ (still required)
PSA-issued Marriage Cert. / Solo Parent ID / Custody Order (when applicable)	✅	Only if status has changed
Previous DSWD Clearance (original)	N/A	✅ MUST be surrendered
Photographs (2 × 2, white background)	2 pieces	1 piece
Processing fee	PHP 300 – 600	Same

5. Step-by-Step Renewal Procedure (2025 workflow)

Book an online appointment Most DSWD Field Offices require slot setting via the DSWD TCMTA Online Appointment System. Metro Manila fills up 2–3 weeks ahead; provincial offices are faster.
Prepare the Renewal Packet
- Checklist of docs above (arranged in this order to speed up screening).
- Staple the old clearance on top—inspectors will punch-cancel it.
Appear for the interview Minors 13 and above are usually interviewed briefly. Younger kids need not answer questions unless the social worker sees a red flag.
Pay the fee
- PHP 300 – single-use renewal (valid 90 days)
- PHP 600 – multiple-use renewal good for 2 years
- Fee waivers: certified indigent applicants, minors being repatriated by DFA/POLO, trafficking survivors.
Release Same-day release is common in regional offices; NCR offices can take 24–48 hours in peak months (March–May, October).
Pickup or Courier Pick-up is default. A notarized authorization letter is enough if a representative will claim. Some offices pilot LBC/JRS courier delivery (additional PHP 150–200).

6. Practical Tips

Apply at least 3 weeks before flight. Airlines will deny boarding if the clearance’s validity will lapse during travel.
Check passport expiry—child’s passport validity must cover entire trip plus six months.
Re-use the notarized consent for multiple trips only if it remains within one year of execution.
Photos must match the current appearance. For toddlers the change can be drastic; bring a fresh 2 × 2 photo if the child has grown.
For blended families, bring proof of legitimation, adoption decree or RA 9255 annotation if surname differs.
Digital copies: Scan all documents and email them to yourself; immigration desks sometimes request soft copies for quick verification.

7. Common Renewal Pitfalls

Pitfall	How to avoid
Submitting old photocopies of parents’ IDs	Provide IDs valid within the last 6 months.
Affidavit of consent not notarized/consularized	Notarial in the issuing country OR Philippine Embassy authentication is mandatory.
Confusion between POEA OEC exemption and DSWD clearance	They are separate—children of OFWs need both OEC documentation (for the parent) and DSWD clearance (for the child) if travelling without both parents.
Attempting to “extend” an expired clearance at the airport	No such process; you will be off-loaded.
Reliance on school IDs as proof of guardianship	Only a court guardianship order or DSWD Foster Placement Authority qualifies, not mere school letters.

8. Special Categories

Children of Solo Parents – If the mother/father holds a Solo Parent ID and the birth certificate shows the applicant as the only parent, the notarized consent of the absent parent is waived.
Adopted minors – Submit the Decree of Adoption and a PSA-issued amended birth certificate.
Cultural/Religious Travel (e.g., Hajj pilgrimage, World Youth Day) – Attach a certificate from the religious organization plus group itinerary; group clearances may be processed simultaneously.
Medical Evacuation Abroad – DSWD fast-tracks renewals if a minor’s medical referral abroad is in less than 7 days. Provide the referring physician’s endorsement.

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Off-loading at the Bureau of Immigration and referral to DSWD child-protection team.
Possible violation of RA 7610 / RA 9208 if trafficking indicators are present.
Administrative fines on airlines/escort services that knowingly transport minors without clearance.
Parental liability under the Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603) for reckless endangerment.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q	A
My child’s clearance is still valid but only single-use; we now need another trip. Do we apply for renewal or brand-new?	Renewal. Surrender the unused single-use clearance, pay PHP 600 and obtain a new 2-year multiple-use clearance.
*Can I renew before* expiration?**	Yes—DSWD allows filing up to 6 months before expiry to avoid last-minute rush.
Do we need a new notarized consent every trip?	If the clearance is multi-use, the same affidavit works until it hits the 1-year mark; thereafter, a fresh consent is required even if the clearance is still valid.
What if only one parent can appear at DSWD?	The non-appearing parent must submit a notarized Affidavit of Consent together with a photocopy of their ID.
Is the clearance recognized by foreign embassies for visa applications?	Yes; many consulates list it as a supporting document for minor visas (Schengen, U.S., Australia, etc.).

11. Checklist for a Smooth Renewal

Online appointment confirmation print-out
Completed Renewal Form
Original old clearance (to be surrendered)
Minor’s passport (original + copy)
Parent/guardian passports or government IDs (updated)
Affidavit of Consent (new or still-valid)
Birth Certificate (only if details changed)
Proof of relationship/legal custody (if applicable)
Fee (cash exact amount)
Two recent 2 × 2 photos of minor

Conclusion

Renewing a DSWD Travel Clearance is straightforward once you treat it as a fresh application with lighter documentary load. The golden rules are timeliness, complete papers, and clear parental consent. Comply with these and your child’s international travel—whether for vacation, studies, sports or reunion—will be hassle-free at Philippine immigration counters.