Another Mission Accomplished: Our DFA Passport Experience

 

 

Another mission checked off our family’s list this year—we finally renewed our passports! It had been over a decade since we last had them updated, and this time, it was extra special because our youngest applied for his very first passport.

Back when we were just a family of three, our first (and last) trip abroad was to Hong Kong. Our eldest was just a year old then. Since that trip, life got busy, and renewing our passports kept getting pushed back—year after year.

Booking a passport appointment these days isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Everything has to be done online, and every time I checked the DFA website, the slots in the satellite office near us were always fully booked. Eventually, I gave up trying—until a colleague mentioned DFA San Pablo City in Laguna. It's about an hour and a half (or two, depending on traffic) from our place. Out of curiosity, I checked their schedule and, to my surprise, found several open slots. I didn’t waste a second—I booked our appointments and paid the fees online.

What I learned during our visit was even more surprising: they still accept walk-ins! If I’d known that earlier, we probably wouldn’t have waited more than ten years to get this done.

To be fair, the DFA San Pablo office was organized and efficient. The line of clients waiting for their turn was orderly, and the security guards were friendly and well-informed. They gave out reminders about the requirements and helped guide people through the process. One thing I appreciated was the convenience of having a photocopying service right inside the office—no need to step out and search for one.

There were ten service windows catering to clients, plus separate stations specifically designated for taking photographs and biometrics. Everything moved smoothly, and the workflow was clearly structured to avoid confusion. The personnel were polite and approachable, making the experience much more pleasant than expected.

Since we had all our documents ready, the entire process took us less than ten minutes. We did wait for almost an hour outside before getting called, but it wasn’t too bad. There were chairs available and even a nearby snack shop, thanks to the office being inside a mall.

For our passport renewal, we brought our old passports, application forms, and valid IDs. Because our old passports were already updated, there was no need for a birth certificate or, in my case, a marriage certificate. However, if your last passport was issued when you were still single and you're changing your surname, you’ll need to present your marriage certificate and a photocopy. Don’t forget to bring the original, as they’ll compare it to ensure the copy is accurate.

As for our youngest, who was applying for the first time, we prepared his application form, birth certificate, a valid school ID (or certificate of enrollment), and our valid IDs as parents. Everything had to be photocopied, but the originals were also required for verification. A little tip: make sure your photocopies are clear and complete—if any detail is missing or cut off, they'll ask you to redo them.

If you're planning to apply soon, it’s always best to check the DFA’s official website for the complete and updated list of requirements. It can save you from unnecessary delays or repeat visits.

Overall, our visit to DFA San Pablo was smooth and stress-free. I wish all government offices operated with the same level of efficiency and courtesy. It was a pleasant surprise and a great experience—definitely worth sharing!

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