If you applied for an online bank account or submitted a valid ID during the quarantine, chances are you reached out for your passport. It's as useful when staying in as it is when going out of the country.
It's possible that after a year without foreign travel, some may have misplaced their passport and couldn't find them. If you're one of those who've given up sorting through piles of work from home documents or accidentally soiled or ripped their passports, here's what you should do to secure a replacement, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs:
1. Book an appointment with the DFA.
2. Provide the following required of first-time applicants such as:
- personal appearance at a DFA branch
- accomplished application form
- original and photocopy of an authenticated birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (for married females using their spouse's last name, present the original and photocopy of the authenticated marriage contract or report of marriage)
- Acceptable IDs with one photocopy
3. For lost valid passport, secure a police report written in English and an affidavit of loss. For lost expired passport, submit an affidavit of loss. A police report is no longer necessary.
4.. Prepare a penalty of P350 for lost passport, valid or expired, on top of the regular processing fee of P950 or P1,200 for expedited processing.
There will be a 15-day clearing period prior to the processing of application for the replacement of a lost valid passport.
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What if the passport is damaged?
The DFA said applicants are required to submit an affidavit of explanation along with the passport application requirements. It will be treated as a new application (follow Steps 1 and 2 above).
The mutilated or damaged passport must also be surrendered.
A penalty of P350 will also be charged on top of the new passport application fees.
MORE ADULTING 101 TIPS:
Adulting 101: How to Apply for an NBI Clearance Online
Adulting 101: How to Open a Bank Account From Home
Adulting 101: How to Apply for Your First Credit Card
Adulting 101: How to Apply for an SSS Salary Loan
