Hi Everyone!
I'm so blessed to be given a LOT of chance to travel the world this 2016 and of course this wouldn't be possible without a VALID passport! So let me share with you my Passport Renewal experience in DFA-Alabang!
It only took me approximately 1.5 hours (including waiting time) to have my passport renewed. Honestly, this is the best government service I had so far in my 25 years of existence. Haha. Kidding aside, I personally think DFA did a very good job in improving their operations.
Your passport should be valid for at least six (6) months if traveling abroad so double check the expiration date before booking your flight! Or make sure you have your passport renewed before leaving the country. Mine is valid until September 2016 but since I have a flight this June, I need to apply for renewal by first week of May at the latest and here's the step-by-step procedure:
1. Schedule an Appointment online.
I initially planned to go to DFA as early as March for my passport renewal BUT when I checked the website, the next available date was already April 29! Whew! But this only goes for DFA-Alabang so if the available schedule stated online does not match your needs, you can check the other branches too. However, I read somewhere that a satellite branch - except for the one in Aseana City in Pasay - will only entertain you if you live around the area (verified thru the address indicated in your valid ID). So just to be sure, call their hotline first and verify before finalizing your appointment!
After choosing your preferred DFA branch, you will be asked a couple of information about yourself including your passport number. Make sure you have correctly spelled everything since it will be used as basis when encoding your passport information on the actual day of application. When done, write down your appointment schedule and print the form.
You may view the other DFA offices and schedule your appointment here.
2. Prepare the required documents.
The documents I gathered for my passport renewal are the following:
- Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID)
- Driver's License
- NSO Birth Certificate
- SSS E-1 Form
- Transcript of Records
- NBI Clearance as back-up
I had all these documents photocopied including the second page of my passport. If your ID/document has important details at the back e.g. address, TIN, SSS No.,
etc. have it photocopied, back-to-back, on a separate page. In case you forgot/need to have additional copy of your documents, photocopying services are also available inside the DFA office for Php 2/page.
You may view the list of other Valid IDs and Required Documents here.
Important Note:
Bring both the original and photocopies (at least 2 copies each) of your IDs and documents when you go to DFA! Some say they will not entertain you unless all your documents are complete.
3. Go to your chosen DFA branch on your appointment date.
DFA-Alabang is located at 4/F Metro Alabang Town Center. You need to present your printed application form before going up the escalator that will lead you to DFA. I chose the 11am time slot but the lady guard let us in as early as 10:20am! There are seats waiting for you upstairs and these are grouped according to time slot. I sat in front of the "11:00 am" sign and waited for the DFA representative to escort us to the office entrance. You need to present your application form again before moving on to the next step.
4. Initial Documents Screening
Upon entering their office, you have to fall in line at the front desk to have your documents screened by a DFA personnel. I logged in my name and signature while the guy is checking my application form and passport. He then gave me my number and told me to proceed to the Processing Section.
5. Documents Processing
Unfortunately, you had to fall in line and the number has no use other than being a "proof" that you have undergone the first step. Good thing there are enough chairs to accommodate the people inside the office so you don't need to stand up while waiting. They have several booths for this step and the processing was quite fast. I was expecting that the DFA personnel would get the documents I brought with me but he only asked for my application form and the photocopy of my passport. I think he saw that "surprised" look in my face so he told me "Hindi na kailangan Ma'am kasi renewal ka naman eh." ("You don't need to present other documents, Ma'am, because you're applying for renewal.") But this might not be the same case with the other DFA personnel or branches so make sure to bring your documents - again, both original and photocopy - with you. :)
Oh, and the guy "cancelled" (a.k.a punched holes on) my passport since I told him that I will not be needing it until June. Some people say you can request them not to cancel your passport in case you will be needing to fly abroad due to emergency reasons. They will issue a certificate, upon your request, that you are just waiting for your new passport to be released and is allowed to fly should they find your reasons valid. By the way, the processing time for passport renewal are as follows:
Regular - 15 working days
Rush - 7 working days
Important Note:
If you schedule your appointment on a Saturday, you are automatically considered as "Rush Processing" and this would cost more than the Regular one. So if you can take a day or few hours off from school/work, just set your appointment on a weekday. :)
6. Payment
Payment fees for passport renewal are as follows:
Regular - Php 950
Rush - Php 1,200
Remember to keep your receipt and proceed to the Encoding Section.
7. Encoding
I waited for almost 30 minutes for this step mainly because some booths are closed because it's almost noon time. But the encoding process itself was very easy and fast. They will take your picture (no teeth smile!) and biometrics and encode the necessary information into the computer. You will see afterwards how your new passport will look like and the encoder would ask you to check the information being flashed on the screen. Make sure to double check everything most specially the spelling of your name and birth date.
8. (Optional) Courier Services
When you're done with Step #7, your application is done and you're good to go! However, if you wanted to avail of their Courier Services, you will pay an additional Php 150 to the Courier Booth and give them your address and contact information. I decided to just pick up my passport on the day stated in the release stub provided to me.
Update:
After 15 working days, I finally got my new passport! Hooray!
The Releasing Section is located on the right side (when standing from the escalator) of DFA-Alabang's main office. There was no line when I came in so we just dropped our release stub in the designated box and waited for my name to be called. After a little less than 10 minutes, the guy on the releasing booth called out my name; handed me my new passport; and asked me to sign on their logbook. Make sure to check your passport details before signing! Also, if you haven't had your old passport cancelled, make sure to give it to them after receiving the new one. Don't worry, they will just punch holes onto it and give it back to you right after. :)
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| A21's 13th bus stop (Cameron Road) from the airport is just 1-2 minutes walk away from the hotel. Meanwhile, when going to the airport, the A21 bus stop is just across Nathan Road! |
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