Philippine Passport Requirements for Minors 2026: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

Traveloka PH
4 min read

Applying for a passport for a child in the Philippines involves more documents than an adult application, and the requirements vary significantly depending on the child's family circumstances.

Whether you are applying for a newborn, a school-age child, a child in a single-parent household, or a minor under the care of a legal guardian, each situation has its own document checklist.

This guide covers the core requirements, all major special circumstances, what parents need to know about minors travelling without both parents present, and practical tips for the DFA appointment.

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Mon, 24 Aug 2026

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Core Requirements for All Minor Passport Applicants

All minor applicants — any Philippine citizen below 18 years of age — must present the following standard documents at the DFA appointment. Bring both originals and photocopies of everything, organised in a folder.

1. PSA Birth Certificate

PSA-issued in Security Paper or a certified true copy from the LCR authenticated by the PSA. Blurred or unreadable entries require a transcribed certificate from the LCR. Children born abroad must present a Report of Birth authenticated by the PSA.

2. Valid Picture ID for the Minor

For children aged 8 to 17: a school ID or Form 137 with a readable dry seal
If the child has never attended school: a notarised affidavit of explanation must be submitted

3. Parents' PSA Marriage Certificate

For children of married parents, the original PSA-authenticated marriage certificate must be presented.

4. Accompanying Adult's Valid ID or Passport

The original and photocopy of the Philippine passport or government-issued ID of the parent, legal guardian, or authorised adult accompanying the minor to the DFA.

5. Confirmed DFA Appointment

Booked online at passport.gov.ph. Infants below one year old are exempt from the appointment requirement. All other minors require a confirmed appointment slot.

6. Personal Appearance

The minor must appear in person at the DFA office. No application is processed in the minor's absence.

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Additional Requirements by Family Circumstance

The DFA requires supplemental documents depending on the minor's family situation. Identify your applicable category below and prepare the corresponding documents before your appointment.

Illegitimate Minor Acknowledged by the Father

Certificate of Live Birth with the father's name
Affidavit of Acknowledgement or Admission of Paternity executed by the father
If the child uses the father's surname under RA 9255: Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF)

Foundling

Foundling Certificate issued by the DSWD
Court Order of Adoption if the child has been formally adopted

Orphaned Minor

PSA-authenticated death certificate/s of the parent/s
Court-issued document appointing the legal guardian
Guardian's valid ID

Abandoned Minor

DSWD certification that the child has been abandoned
Court Order or DSWD document appointing the legal guardian

Legally Adopted Minor

Certified True Copy of the Court Decree of Adoption
Amended PSA Birth Certificate reflecting the adoptive parents' names
Philippine passports of the adoptive parents (or foreign passports if the adoptive parents are foreign nationals)

Minor in the Process of Being Adopted by Foreign Parents

Court Order for Adoption or DSWD Placement Authority
Foreign passports of the prospective adoptive parents
DSWD certification

Minor Whose Parents Are Annulled or Divorced

PSA-authenticated Annulment Decree or Certificate of Finality
If the minor is in the sole custody of the mother: proof of custody

Both Parents Are Abroad

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by either parent or the legal guardian, designating an authorised representative to accompany the child to the DFA
If the SPA was executed abroad: it must be consularised at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
Valid ID of the authorised representative

Minor Mother

PSA Birth Certificate of the child
PSA Birth Certificate of the minor mother
The minor mother must appear at the DFA appointment accompanied by her own parent or guardian

Minor Legitimated by the Subsequent Marriage of Parents

PSA Birth Certificate of the minor
PSA Marriage Certificate of the parents
Affidavit of Legitimation

Muslim Minor Applicant

NCMF Certificate with photo and readable dry seal
Certificate of Conversion if a name change due to conversion applies

Minors Travelling Without Both Parents

Having a passport is one step. Understanding the Bureau of Immigration's rules for minors not travelling with both parents is equally important and is enforced at Philippine airports and seaports at the time of departure.

Minor Travelling With One Parent Only

Notarised Affidavit of Support and Consent from the absent parent
Photocopy of the absent parent's valid government-issued ID

Minor Travelling With a Non-Parent Guardian or Relative

Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by both parents (or the sole surviving parent)
Valid IDs of both parents or the sole surviving parent
If a court has granted custody to the guardian: the custody order must also be presented

Minor Travelling Alone

Affidavit of Support and Consent from both parents
DSWD travel clearance
Contact details of the receiving party abroad
Enrolment in the airline's unaccompanied minor programme, which carries its own documentation requirements specific to each carrier

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Fees and Processing Times

Passport fees for minors follow the same schedule as adult applications.

ServiceFee
Regular processingPHP 950 + PHP 50 convenience fee
Expedited processingPHP 1,200 + PHP 50 convenience fee
Optional courier deliveryPHP 150

Processing TypeMetro ManilaOutside Metro Manila
Regular processing~10 working days~12 working days
Expedited processing5 to 6 working days~7 working days
Optional courier deliveryAdd 10 to 15 working days on top of processing time

Important: Minor passports are valid for 5 years regardless of the child's age at the time of application. Plan your renewal timing accordingly, particularly if you have travel booked near the expiry date.

Book an airport transfer in advance for your family's departure day for a stress-free journey to NAIA or Mactan-Cebu with luggage and children in tow. For exploring your destination freely, arrange a car rental through Traveloka for maximum flexibility with the whole family. Check Traveloka promotions for the latest family travel deals on flights and hotels.

Plan Your Family Trip with Traveloka

Traveloka, Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, is the most convenient way to plan your family's next adventure. Trusted by over 100 million users and available across Asia and beyond, Traveloka brings flights, hotels, and activities together in a single app so you can manage every booking without switching between multiple sites.

With your child's passport secured, Traveloka has the flights from Manila and key Philippine regional airports to family-friendly destinations across Asia, a wide selection of hotels at every price point, and activities suitable for all ages. Download the Traveloka app today and start planning the family trip your child's first passport was made for.

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