Hi, everyone! In case you need to renew your passport soon, the Department of Foreign Affairs has an online passport renewal system. They recently opened up new slots and temporary off-site passport services to make it more convenient and accessible for everyone. As the eldest granddaughter in the family, it has always been my duty to book a slot for my grandmother.
Her passport expired last May 2021. But because of travel restrictions and the community quarantine, she didn’t prioritize renewing her passport right away. I also read that slots were always fully booked! A friend based in Manila even had to drive all the way to Pampanga just to renew her passport.Thankfully, the same friend posted on social media that there were indeed new slots and renewal centers. I immediately went online to book a slot for my grandmother and uncle, since both their passports expired. If you need a step-by-step guide on the online passport renewal system, keep reading!
Things You’ll Need to Make Your Online Passport Renewal Faster
Before you schedule an appointment, it’s best to have the following things ready. Since you’re only given 20 minutes to complete everything, it helps to have these at hand.
- family information
- expired passport
- credit card
STEP 1: Visit the online passport renewal site
When you visit the site, you’ll see this page first. Click on Schedule an Appointment. Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions before accepting. You’ll then find two choices—Start an Individual Appointment and Start Group Appointment. I first tried starting a group appointment since I was booking for both my grandmother and uncle. But for some reason, the new slots and temporary sites didn’t show up! So it’s best to just book an individual appointment. I first did my grandmother’s and then my uncle’s.
STEP 2: Choose your preferred renewal site
As mentioned, there are new temporary sites available. These include Robinsons Las Pinas, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA. I chose SM North EDSA since this is the most convenient location for my grandmother.
STEP 3: Choose your preferred date
Once you select your preferred renewal site, you’ll find a calendar of slots. Red means that the day is fully booked while green means there are still time slots available. Click on any of the days highlighted in green.
STEP 4: Choose your preferred time slot
When you click on an available day, the time slots will show up. Select your most convenient time slot.
STEP 5: Fill out your information
The information includes personal, family, application, and contact information. In my grandmother’s case, I needed to know her birthplace, father’s name, mother’s maiden name, and my late grandfather’s complete name. I also had a photo of her expired passport, so it was easy to fill up her old passport number, the date it was issued, and where it was issued. When you’re done filling up your information, take time to review everything.
STEP 6: Pay online
After completing my grandmother’s form, the next step was to pay for it! I chose the credit card option since that was the most convenient for me. I paid P1,400 including service and convenience fees. When you complete the payment, you’ll be taken to the last page where you have to download and print a PDF of the form you filled up. It will have important reminders so be sure to read them! A copy of this PDF will also be emailed to the email address you registered at the start of the application.
If for some reason, you weren’t able to download the PDF and didn’t get a copy of it in your registered email, which happened to my uncle’s application, there’s another way. Go to the home page of passport.gov.ph, click on Manage Existing Appointment, and input the appointment code and email address. I was able to get the appointment code through the confirmation email of PayMaya after I finished paying.
Online Passport Renewal: Additional Reminders
Take note of these as well!
Online Passport Renewal Form
- Use only A4 paper to print your application form
- Bring this form on the date of your appointment
- Do not sign the application form yet because this needs to be signed in the presence of a passport officer
Arrive Earlier than Your Time Slot
The DFA recommends arriving at your chosen application site at least thirty minutes before your scheduled slot.
Photo Requirement
- Dress appropriately and avoid wearing heavy makeup
If you have any other questions about the online passport renewal system, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section! I’ll answer them right away. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay updated with all things beauty, home, pets, and lifestyle. To never miss a blog post, subscribe to GretasJunkyard.com!