Passport Renewal at the DFA Office, at Robinsons Lipa
The renewal scheme wasn’t
as hassled at the first time I applied for my passport at POEA, Manila. You
just have to have a lot of patience and maybe a game or two in your gadget.
We arrived at the mall
around 7 in the morning. There was already a line at the rear opening of the
mall. They started handing out numbers at 8. The DFA is located in the mall, so take note of the mall operating hours (Monday to Saturday).
1. You
need to have all the requirements when you get the number and remember to
personally be in line as the man who gives out the number and the forms is very
strict about personal appearance. He’s also very moody early in the morning.
2. The
mall opens at 10 in the morning so you have to wait until that time before the
actual processing starts. During your wait, completely fill-out the form and
return it. Write down your queue number (which is attached to the form) so you
don’t forget it.
When the
mall opens, you don’t need to rush in. Remember, you already have your queue
number.
3. Wait
for your turn. The guard of the office announces the numbers. During this time,
prepare your requirements:
Passport
renewal of Minors:
1.
Birth certificate
2.
Passport
3.
Photocopy of the first page and last page of the
passport
4.
Passport of parent/guardian
5.
Photocopy of the first page and last page of the
passport of parent/guardian
6.
School ID
Passport
renewal of non-Minors:
1.
Government ID – Driver’s License, SSS/GSIS E-ID
2.
Passport
3.
Photocopy of the first and last page
4.
When your number is called, line up. Once you
enter the office, someone behind the information desk will call out your
number. He/she will verify your requirements. Once completed you need to
proceed to Window 1 or 2
5.
They will need your requirements here. Also,
check the window for the schedule of release. Standard release is 15 days, at
Php950, while the rush release is 7 days at Php1200. Take note that for weekend processing, the cost is higher, with Php1200 as the minimum.
6.
You will then proceed to the Cashier window for
payment. Check your receipt if the correct release date is written. After
payment proceed outside the office, and wait for your name/number to be called.
This will normally take 20 minutes.
7.
When you are called again, enter the office, and
proceed to the seating area. This time, your picture will be taken, your
details validated, and your signature entered to the system. For minors, the
guardian will sign.
Take
note of the instructions when taking your picture. Expressionless face, no
teeth, no earrings, and your forehead must be seen.
You may
ask to sign again if you think your signature is far from reality.
8.
Ask the staff if you’re done with everything.
Then you may go.
9. You
may also opt to have your passport shipped. There’s a courier inside the
office.
TIPS: Remember to bring
photocopies of your requirements. The photocopier charges five pesos for every
photocopy at the worst quality. There’s a nearby photocopier, also at the
second floor of the mall that you may go to before the processing.
Good luck with your
renewal! And oh, DFA Lipa is currently having problems with their printing.
Don’t expect to have your passport released on time. There’s faulty system on
their part which will cause inconvenience. So give enough lead time if you
really need your passport.
I applied for mine December 21, 2012 (yes, on Dooms Day haha) and paid for a January 10, 2013 release date (this was the rush release since I need it for a Visa application, and because of the Holidays, etc processing takes longer). As of date of posting, they still have not released it.
