If you’re reading this, you’re probably checking whether it’s true that you only need four documents (the application form, your child’s PSA birth certificate, their National ID, and your own passport or valid government-issued ID) when applying for your child’s passport, especially if your child is below seven years old.
I went through this exact process myself, and it wasn’t as simple as what I first read online. I even emailed the Cebu DFA (cebu.authentication@dfa.gov.ph and cebu.coclientconcerns@dfa.gov.ph) to ask for specific people to contact about my questions. The replies gave me confidence that I didn’t need an appointment to apply for my five-year-old’s passport, and that was the start of our little adventure at the DFA Cebu office.
While the guard confirmed that we could go inside without an appointment (yay!), we were first referred to the information desk to make sure we had all the required documents. That’s when I discovered something frustrating—it reminded me of our saga with our child’s late-registered birth certificate.
Our child’s birth certificate was delayed because we missed one crucial detail during registration: the registration number. That small mistake cost us nearly three years before we finally received the PSA-issued birth certificate.
(By the way, I previously shared the updated requirements for delayed birth registration here: Updated Requirements for Delayed Birth Registration in Cebu.)
Once we finally had the birth certificate, the next challenge was getting our child’s Philippine passport for an upcoming family trip. If you’ve ever dealt with government offices in Cebu City, you know it’s rarely straightforward. What you read online—or even hear from official replies—doesn’t always match what happens in real life.
Step 1: Take Advantage of the Courtesy Lane for Kids Below 7
The good news is, every child under seven can use the DFA Courtesy Lane. That means no appointment needed—but you must bring your child with you. The DFA requires the child’s personal appearance for photo capture and verification.
When you arrive at DFA Cebu (Robinsons Galleria), go to the guard and inform them that you’re applying for your child’s passport. Since your child is under seven, you’ll be allowed to proceed directly to the information desk without lining up for an appointment slot.
The office can get crowded, and the online appointment system is often “fully booked,” but don’t worry—applicants with minors below seven have their own courtesy lanes.
Step 2: Bring All Required Documents
When I faced the staff at the information desk, I thought I was ready. I had:
- The PSA birth certificate
- My child’s National ID
- My own passport
But then I realized, I didn’t have photocopies of any of them. Rookie error.
Because the birth certificate was late-registered, they needed one more supporting document—a photocopy of the baby book—to help verify our child’s identity and early medical history.
Since my child didn’t have school records yet (his K2 ID wasn’t accepted), we had to go back home to get the baby book. It’s a good reminder: always bring photocopies of every document, just in case.
Here’s what we eventually submitted at DFA Cebu:
- PSA birth certificate (with late registration)
- National ID of the child
- Photocopy of the baby book
- Photocopy of my passport
Step 3: Submit and Pay for Express Processing
When we came back the next day—with our child present, of course—the process went smoothly. Because minors using the courtesy lane automatically get Express Service, we paid ₱1,200 plus ₱150 for the LBC courier. The staff told us the passport would arrive in 7–14 days.
My son had his photo taken, I signed on his behalf, and we received the LBC tracking form for the passport delivery.
Step 4: Wait for Delivery and Plan Your Trip
Now, we’re just waiting for the passport to arrive! We’ve been trying to convince our son that traveling on his birthday is better than throwing a party. I’m just happy that all our passports will be ready by then—finally! I’ll keep you posted!
Afterthought
Getting a Philippine passport for a minor is already enough to make any parent anxious. Add a late-registered birth certificate, and it can feel like you’re solving a bureaucratic puzzle. But don’t worry—it’s completely doable with patience and preparation.
If your child’s birth certificate was registered late, bring additional proof such as a baby book, baptismal certificate, and school records (if available). Avoid arguing with the staff at the information desk—it never ends well. With these supporting documents, DFA Cebu or any DFA branch can easily verify your child’s identity.
You’ll walk out of the DFA office feeling relieved, accomplished, and one step closer to your family’s next adventure.
Good luck—and safe travels!
I also couldn’t help noticing that most applicants seemed eager to leave the country. There were far more people at the DFA than at the PRC or other government satellite offices in Robinsons. Maybe it’s just me—but it certainly felt that way.
UPDATE:
We received my child’s passport on October 23, 2025. That wasn’t so bad. Just be sure to keep the LBC airway bill and present an ID to the courier. You’re good. Now it’s time to save up for international trips. Yay!
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