How to get a Philippine passport for your child in 2026.
Getting a passport for a minor in the Philippines involves a few additional requirements beyond what an adult applicant would bring. The process is largely the same – online appointment, DFA visit, document submission – but the supporting documents are more involved, particularly around establishing who the child’s parents are and confirming parental consent. This guide covers what to prepare and what to expect at the appointment.
Who qualifies as a minor for DFA passport purposes.
Anyone below 18 years old is considered a minor for Philippine passport applications. Minors cannot apply on their own – a parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment and must sign the application form. The minor’s passport is valid for five years regardless of the child’s age at the time of application, after which it must be renewed.
Basic document requirements.
The core documents for a minor’s first passport application are: the original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate of the child, a valid government-issued ID of the parent or guardian who will accompany the child, and a printed confirmed appointment from the DFA passport appointment system. Bring both the original documents and photocopies of everything. The DFA keeps the photocopies; the originals are returned to you after verification.
Additional requirements depending on the child’s situation.
For legitimate children where only one parent is accompanying: the absent parent must provide a notarized Affidavit of Consent or Special Power of Attorney, along with a photocopy of their valid ID. For illegitimate children using the mother’s surname: only the mother’s presence and valid ID are needed alongside the PSA birth certificate. For illegitimate children using the father’s surname: bring an Affidavit of Acknowledgment or Certificate of Acknowledgment from the father along with documentation of paternity. For children under legal guardianship: bring the court order establishing guardianship and the guardian’s valid ID. Bring all originals and photocopies regardless of which situation applies.
The PSA birth certificate requirement.
The DFA requires a PSA-issued birth certificate – not just a local civil registry copy. If you do not have one, you can request it online through the PSA Serbilis portal or at a PSA outlet. Processing time for a PSA birth certificate varies from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the delivery option chosen. Request it well in advance of your DFA appointment. The birth certificate must show the child’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of both parents as registered.
How to book the appointment.
Go to passport.gov.ph and create an account or log in. Select the applicant type as minor. Choose your preferred DFA site and available date and time. Fill in the child’s details as they appear on the PSA birth certificate – name spelling must match exactly. Pay the passport fee online. Print the confirmed appointment and bring it to the DFA on the day. The minor must be physically present at the appointment for the photo capture and biometrics, regardless of age.
Fees and processing time.
The passport fee for a minor in 2026 is P950 for regular processing (approximately 15 working days) and P1,200 for expedited processing (approximately 7 working days). These fees are paid online when booking the appointment. The passport is delivered by courier to the address provided during booking. Delivery fees vary by location. Keep the tracking number from the DFA confirmation email to monitor delivery status.
Solo parents applying without the other parent.
If you are a solo parent and the other parent is absent, deceased, or unreachable, the DFA has specific provisions. For deceased parents, bring the PSA death certificate. For absent parents with no contact, you may need to execute an Affidavit of Sole Parental Authority or an Affidavit of Support and Consent, depending on the circumstances. If you hold a solo parent ID under RA 11861, bring it as it supports your claim of sole custody. Consult the DFA hotline or the specific passport consular office in advance if your situation is unusual – requirements can vary and it is better to confirm before the appointment than to be turned away.
For more practical guides on government processes in the Philippines, visit the Tutorial Hub.
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