A passport that expires within a year is the most common reason a trip has to be postponed. Renewal is not difficult, but it is slow and appointment-bound, so the order you do things in matters.
The sequence
- Book an appointment online. Walk-ins are generally not accepted — the DFA runs an appointment-based system.
- Pay the passport fee at an authorised payment centre once your slot is confirmed.
- Appear in person on the date and time given. Nobody can go in your place.
- Bring originals and photocopies of everything, in a folder.
- Collect the passport, or have it delivered, once processing is done.
What it costs and how long it takes
| Processing | Fee | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | ₱950 | 15–20 working days |
| Expedited | ₱1,200 | 7–10 working days |
Working days, not calendar days — count weekends and holidays on top. Expedited buys you roughly a week, not same-day service.
The months to avoid
Appointment availability and processing both stretch during peak periods: March to June, and November to December. If you are travelling in those windows, renew months ahead rather than weeks.
What to bring
A straightforward renewal with no change of details is light on paperwork — your current passport and the confirmed appointment packet. If anything on your passport is changing, a married name most commonly, expect to bring supporting civil registry documents. Check the current list on the DFA site before you go, because a missing document means a new appointment.