As immigrants, it is our rightful duty to acquire proper identification of our citizenship.  Here is a guide on how to apply for passport renewal in Philippine Embassy Washington DC as a family.

Many office transactions evolved from physical to online since the pandemic began.  Government processes have not been spared from this. Our Philippine passports are set to expire in 8 months as of this writing. The Embassy/Consulate advises passport holders to renew 6 months before expiration if they wish to travel.

We have plans to visit the Philippines in summer if the Covid-19 situation improves. It’s been 5 years since we last went home.  We don’t want to delay our passport renewal knowing all the uncertainties surrounding us.  Also, we don’t want to travel on winter days.  Packing the jackets and layers alone are exhausting, not to mention space-consuming.

As a family of 5, we have to carefully plan our passport renewal in Philippine Embassy Washington DC.  From online schedules, travel, to hotel accommodations, we have to consider how safely we can move around, especially because we planned to visit friends along our way.

Philippine Embassy Washington DC Jurisdiction

Why did we opt to renew our passports in Washington DC? Is it by choice? The answer is no, it is not by choice.

Each Embassy or Consulate has jurisdiction over several states. All government transactions will be entertained only if your State is covered by that Embassy or Consulate area.  

The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington DC is located at 1600 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC with the following states under its jurisdiction:

Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Aguila, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grand Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Saint Kitts & Nevis

Book Your Appointment Online for Passport Renewal in Philippine Embassy Washington, DC

As you try to secure an appointment, you will need patience–a lot of it!

All passport transactions are by appointment only.  No walk-ins will be entertained. 

Always remember that you can only book appointments 30 days in advance. So to make an appointment, make sure that the 30th day doesn’t fall on a weekend or US/Philippine holidays.

For best results, book your appointment from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Tips to book your online appointment

1. To book an appointment, you may either use your desktop or cellphone.  Tip, it is easier to use your mobile device, Why?  Because mobile phones have smaller touch screens, you can click the Back and Next button in less time compared to a desktop or laptop. And be warned, you will do these over and over again until you get an appointment.

2. Sync your transaction time to Eastern Standard Time. First appointment schedule opens at 9:00AM EST, be sure to get your device ready.

3. Fill out the forms and click the Next button.

4. I am certain you won’t get an appointment the first time. Continue clicking the Back and next Button for a couple more times (until you feel your finger sore, just kidding!)

5. If you still can’t get through, a new appointment schedule will open after 10 minutes.  Repeat the steps over and over again until you get lucky!

It took us almost the whole day to book 5 same day appointments so don’t get frustrated. Be patient!

To view the guidelines and make an appointment, go to https://philippineembassy-usa.org/appointments/

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Prepare Your Requirements

The Embassy requires you to be physically present during your appointment. Printed passport photos are no longer necessary since your picture and fingerprints will be taken on-site.

To make your passport renewal hassle free, prepare all the requirements at hand and read all the instructions carefully.

Requirements for Adult Passport Renewal

1. Duly accomplished passport renewal form for adults. Download the form here.
2. Current e-Passport with two (2) photocopies of the data page. The data page contains all your important information like your name, passport number, passport issuance and expiration date, and date of birth.
3. Original or notarized copy of proof that the applicant is still a Filipino and two (2) photocopies. Such proof may be, but not limited to, a green card, visa, notice of action, work permit, or dual IC (Identification Certificate).
4. Self-Addressed USPS Priority/ Priority Express Return Envelope (with Stamp and Tracking Number)
5. Processing fee of $60.00 / $70.00 for Consular Outreach in cash or money order payable to “Embassy of the Philippines. Checks, credit cards on money transfer are not accepted.

Additional Requirements for Change of Family Name

1. Original and photocopy of annotated Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
2. Original and photocopy of PSA Marriage Certificate/Report of Marriage
3. Original and photocopy of PSA Marriage Certificate annotated to indicate court decision on annulment/ recognition of divorce
4. Original and photocopy of Death Certificate of Deceased Spouse (on PSA Security paper if deceased is Filipino)

Additional Requirements for Dual Citizen

• Original and two (2) photocopies of Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine Foreign Service Post (FSP) or the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
• Original and photocopy of US passport

Additional Requirements for Dual Citizen born in a Foreign Country

• Original and two (2) photocopies of PSA Report of Birth
• Original and photocopy of US passport

You may view the full list of passport adult application requirements by clicking here.

Passport New/Renewal Requirements for Minor

The same as adult passport application, a minor must be physically.

1. Duly accomplished passport application form for minor. You can download it here. Preferably, let the mother sign the parent or legal guardian information.
2. Current e-Passport with photocopy of the DATA PAGE (if any)
3. Original or notarized copy of proof that the applicant is still a Filipino and two (2) photocopies. Such proof may be, but not limited to, a green card, visa, notice of action, work permit, or dual IC (Identification Certificate).
4. Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate or Report of Birth if born in the US
5. Self-Addressed USPS Priority/ Priority Express Return Envelope (with Stamp and Tracking Number)
6. Original and photocopy of Parent’s valid ID/ Passport
7. Processing fee of $60.00 / $70.00 for Consular Outreach in cash or money order payable to “Embassy of the Philippines. Checks, credit cards on money transfer are not accepted.

You may view the full list of passport minor application requirements by clicking here.

On-site Passport Renewal Guidelines in Philippine Embassy, Washington DC

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. We stayed in a hotel; 6 minutes walk from the Embassy. Mask-up, always better to bring a pen.

The Embassy owns two separate buildings: the Chancery and the Chancery Annex. The Chancery is house to the Office of the Ambassador and other administrative offices. On the other hand, the Chancery Annex is the embassy’s Consular section where passport renewal is done and all other consular services.

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As you approach the main door of the consular office, an employee will check your temperature and schedule before you may come in. You will be asked to stay in the registration area while the receptionist scans your requirements.

If you are a legal voter, you will be asked to fill-out a form to update your information and address so you can receive ballots and vote during elections through mail.

When you have accomplished the form and your documents are ready, you will then be asked to proceed in the waiting area.

Your requirements will be submitted to the Consular Officer who encodes your data and evaluates your application. Wait for your name to be called.

When complete, the officer will then submit your papers to the Cashier where you have to pay the application fee.

For legal voters, you need to register and have your photo taken on-site. Wait until your name is called.

You’re almost done but this last step is where the waiting game begins, the passport photo and biometrics. Your information is carefully encoded in the system. When your name is called, you will be asked to check all the information as these will appear on your physical passport. Be sure that all data and spelling are correct.

Minor applicants should be accompanied by a legal guardian, preferably the mother.

There is no dress code requirement but be presentable as you can: no spaghetti straps, distressed shirts or plunging necklines. Some countries have strict regulations and your passport photo might cause you a problem. You can smile but do not show your teeth. All accessories, including your earrings and eyeglasses, are prohibited.

For the complete guidelines on photo capturing, you can click here.

The Philippine passport is valid for 10 years for Filipinos 18 years old or older while 5 years for minor.

When these processes are done, you are all set to go.

Passports have 6-8 week processing period before you receive them by mail.

Don’t ever forget your Self-Addressed, Stamped envelope. The Embassy requires the “Flat Rate Envelope” from the US Postal Service (USPS). It is better to arrive at the embassy with one of these. Make sure that the envelope has your address and that it has a paid stamp. It costs $7.95 as of this writing and you can get it from your local Post Office. If you forgot one, there is a USPS about 0.3 miles away from the Philippine Embassy. Check it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ma9vVLZNKp5LQmav8.

Summary

George Washington said, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

From booking your online appointment to on-site appearance, always be prepared to get the best experience on the whole application process. Our family experience may not be the best, but with outmost planning and room for some uncalled emergencies, it was successful.

Having 3 boys on a long travel was already a handful. Also, asking them to sit down for a long time while waiting inside the Embassy was challenging, but we managed to finish the application with snacks and gadgets in our bag.