Philippine passport renewal guide for senior citizens

Thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Courtesy Lane, renewing the passport for your parents or relatives who are already senior citizens, the process is a breeze. Senior citizens are exempt from the appointment system; they just need to go to the DFA Consular Office in the ASEANA Business Park along Macapagal Avenue and apply.

Those renewing must bring their expired/expiring passport, along with a photocopy of the first and last page, amendments page, and the page with the last Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps. For holders of brown passports (issued before May 1995), applicant must also bring a copy of their birth certificate printed on security paper (SECPA). If you forgot to photocopy the documents before going to the DFA, there’s a photocopy machine inside the passport processing area. Copies costs Php 3 per page.

Step 1: Fill out form
The passport renewal application form is available at the counter beside the door to Passport Processing Area 2 (PPA2) in the 2nd floor.

Step 2: Have documents checked and get number
Line up at the counter and have your application form and documents verified. You will be given a queue number. You can now enter the Passport Process Area 2.

Step 3: Submit application
Once your number is called, go up to the window and submit your documents. You will be asked to take a seat while they verify your information. Once finished, you will be asked whether you want the expedited processing (Php 1,200, 10 working days) or the regular processing (Php 950, 20 working days). You will be issued an invoice,

Step 4: Pay processing fee
Go out of PPA2 and go to the cashier section just beside it. Once you’ve paid, go out the same door. If the guard tells you that the exit is on the other side, tell him that you are in the courtesy lane.

Step 5: Have pictures and biometrics taken
Once you’ve paid, go to the photo and biometrics section within the PPA2. Give the receipt of your payment, then your picture and thumbprints will be taken digitally. You will also be asked for your signature and to verify your information.

Step 6: Pay for courier service (optional)
If you live far from the DFA or do not have time to go back to pick up the new passport, you can opt to have it delivered instead. Go to the LBC table near the door and pay Php 120 for each passport (even if they are going to be delivered to the same address). The new passport will be delivered the following day after the passport’s release date.

That’s it. All in all, the entire process only took us 30 minutes.

The DFA Courtesy Lane is open for senior citizens, infants and minors, government employees and their families. For a guide on how to apply for a Philippine passport for children/minors, read the Hippie Mum’s guide.