Assistance in Child Custody Disputes and International Parental Child Abduction

Passport Services

First Time Passport Application
New U.S. Passport Card
Passport Renewal
Passport Replacement
Passport Amendment / Extension
Additional Passport Pages
Passport Photograph Specifications

First Time Passport Application

All US citizens seeking passport, citizenship and birth registration services may contact (63) (2) 879-4747 (ACS-Air21/FEDEX Local Courier Service), 7:30am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, except American and Philippine holidays) to obtain the necessary forms and list of requirements.The US Embassy has partnered with Air21/FEDEX to provide blank forms, pick-up completed forms and documents, and deliver passports and Consular Reports of Birth Aboard to any location in the Philippines for a nominal fee. Forms can also be obtained from the Embassy (Window D-American Citizen Services, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday) or downloaded through this website. Interview appointments will be scheduled upon receipt of completed application forms at the Embassy. The forms can be submitted to the Embassy via mail (Mailing Address: Citizenship and Passport Unit, American Citizen Services, Consular Section, U.S. Embassy, 1201 Roxas Blvd., Manila) or through Air21/FedEx courier mentioned in the foregoing.

Air21/FedEx Courier Step by Step Procedure :

1) Call Air21/FedEx courier service and request delivery of specific application forms that you need

2) Complete the forms and prepare the supporting documents.

3) Call Air21/FedEx courier service and request for pick up and delivery of your completed forms and supporting documents to the U.S. Embasy.

4) The Passport and Citizenship Unit of the U.S. Embassy will contact you for a personal appointment, if necessary.

5) Air21/FedEx will deliver your completed CRBA and/or passport right to your home.

WALK-IN applicants should be aware that they may not be accomodated right away except in emergency cases. Priority will be given to the applicants holding pre-scheduled appointments.

Requirements
(first time application)

Personal Appearance: All first time passport applicants will need to appear before a US consular officer at the US Embassy. Applicants will be contacted by the US Embassy to set-up an appointment after the application form is submitted.

TWO-PARENT CONSENT LAW: NOTARIZED STATEMENT OF CONSENT IS NOW REQUIRED FOR NON-APPEARING PARENT. APPEARANCE OF BOTH PARENTS IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED
Parents of minor applicants must execute the passport application in person at the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the Consular Agency in Cebu. Both parents must provide evidence of identity (such as a passport, photo ID) and original proof of parentage (such as the child’s birth certificate listing parents’ names, Adoption Decree, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad).

In accordance with the Department of State's guidelines, the U.S. Embassy requires a notarized statement of consent when only one parent executes a U.S. passport application of a child under the age of 16. The statement should contain the child's full name and date of birth. The statement must give the non-appearing parent’s unequivocal and unconditional consent to the issuance of the passport, and must be notarized before a competent notary or a notary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. If the person executing the application in person has documentary evidence that he/she has sole custody of the child (e.g. custody order or death certificate), then only one parent is necessary to execute the application. The statement must contain the child's full name and date of birth. For statement of consent form, please click on DS-3053.

The U.S. Embassy strongly prefers that both parents appear in person during the application process; however, at times that is not practical. In such cases, the Embassy may accept a notarized statement of consent from the parent who does not appear. The Embassy will decide whether a personal appearance is nevertheless required. The new requirement that a non-appearing parent’s statement be notarized is intended to prevent child abduction or other interference with the non-appearing parent’s rights.

For more information, please check the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at http://travel.state.gov, and the Embassy website at http://philippines.usembassy.gov/. The websites provide the application forms and all the necessary information needed to complete the application as well as the location of the passport offices. For specific questions, please contact the U.S. Embassy at (63)(2)301-2000, Ext 2555 or by e-mail at ACSInfoManila@state.gov.

Parents having concerns about passport applications for any minor child who may become the victim of an international parental child abduction, including children between the ages of 14 and 18 who are not covered by this law, should contact the Office of Children's Issues in the Bureau of Consular Affairs at (202) 663-2641 or the State Department's International Parental Abduction Website. There is also additional information at our Child Custody page.

Application Form: (FORM DS-11) Aside from contacting Air21/FEDEX, you may download, print, complete and bring or send the form with the other requirements to the US Embassy. Forms are also available at the Embassy. Type or print in BLOCK LETTERS in black ink only. Use this form if:

(a) you have not previously had a passport issued in
your own name;

(b) your most recent passport was issued more than 15
years ago;

(d) your most recent passport was issued when you
were under 16 years of age.

Items to be presented with Your application:

(originals or copies certified by the issuing authorities bearing the official's seal and signature.)

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship

Submit one of the following:

(a) Previous passport issued in your own name;

(b) Birth certificate if you were born in the U.S.
(hospital records are not acceptable);

-or-

(d) Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

2. Proof of identity

Current identifying documents containing your name and signature along with a physical description or photograph (e.g., previous passport, Certificate of Naturalization, driver's license, etc.). If signing for a child under age 16, the signing parent's identity (e.g. passport, driver's license) and evidence of parentage (i.e. the child's birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad) must be presented with the application.

3. Evidence of change of name

If your name has changed since your last passport through marriage, or by a court order, submit the original or a certified copy of the relevant documents.

4. Photographs

Two photographs of each applicant. Photograph specifications

5. Fee

Beginning February 1, 2008, the Department of State will institute a new fee schedule for passport (book style) services. Fees are being adjusted to cover the cost of providing efficient and secure passport services.

The new passport fees are as follows: The passport fee for first-time adult applicants (age 16 and older) will be $100. For adult applicants eligible to renew a passport using Form DS-82, the fee will be $75. For children under age 16 the fee will be $85.

Minors under the age of 16 are eligible to receive a 5-year passport. Adult applicants (age 16 and older) are eligible to receive a 10-year passport.

Fees are payable either in U.S. or Philippine currency; cash or credit card only. All fees are subject to change without notice.

THE NEW U.S. PASSPORT CARD

U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning February 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The Department of State is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport.

The passport card is by definition a passport and will be considered proof of U.S. citizenship. The card may not, however, be used to travel by air. The passport card will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.

The card will have the same period of validity as the passport book: ten years for an adult (age 16 and older), and five years for children 15 years and younger. If you already have a passport book, you may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. The fee for a first-time adult applicant will be $45. The fee for a minor applicant under the age of 16 will be $35.

Passport Renewal

All US citizens seeking passport, citizenship and birth registration services should first contact (63) (2) 879-4747 (ACS-Air21/FEDEX Local Courier Service), 7:30am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, except American and Philippine holidays) to obtain a hardcopy of the necessary forms and requirements listed below.The US Embassy has partnered with Air21/FedEx to provide blank forms, pick-up completed forms and documents, and deliver passports/Consular Report of Birth Aboard to any location in the Philippines for a nominal fee.

Requirements

(for renewal)

Personal Appearance: If your most recent passport was issued at the age of 16 or older and issued less than 15 years ago, the personal appearance requirement is waived and you can use FORM DS-82. All others will need to complete Form DS-11 and appear before a US consular officer at the US Embassy. Applicants will be contacted by the US Embassy to set-up an appointment after the application form is submitted.

Application Form: Aside from contacting Air21/FedEx, you may download, print, complete, and bring or Air21/FedEx the form with the other requirements to the US Embassy. Forms are also available at the Embassy. Type or print in BLOCK LETTERS in black ink only. Use Form DS-82 if you can submit your most recent passport which was issued to you within the past 15 years and when the applicant was at least 16 years old. Otherwise use Form DS-11 under the same requirements for a first time passport.

Items to be Presented with Your Passport Renewal Application

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship
Most recent passport issued in your own name.

2. Proof of identity

Current identifying documents bearing your current name, signature and
physical description or photograph: e.g., previous passport, foreign
passport, driver's license, etc. If signing for a child under age 16, the
signing parent's identity (e.g. passport, driver's license) and evidence of
parentage (i.e. the child's birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth
Abroad) must be presented with the application with the application.

3. Photographs

Two photographs of each applicant. Photograph Specifications

4. Change of name

If your name has changed since your last passport through marriage, or
by a court order, submit the original or a certified copy of the relevant
documents.

5. Applicants under 16 years old

Sequential Photos dating from the last passport application to the
present

6. Fees

Minors under the age of 16 are eligible to receive a 5-year passport. Adult applicants (age 16 and older) are eligible to receive a 10-year passport.

Fees are payable either in U.S. or Philippine currency; cash or credit card only. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Payment of U.S. Passport Fees

Effective February 2, 2009, the Embassy-contracted courier, Air21/FedEx, will no longer accept payments for passport applications. Air 21/Fedex will continue to deliver U.S. passport application forms, submit personal U.S. passport applications to the Embassy, and return completed U.S. passports to customers.

U.S. passport fee payments may be made by the applicant, or his/her representative, at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Window D, American Citizen Services, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Philippine holidays. Payments may also be made at our American Consular Agency in Cebu between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Philippine holidays. Payments mailed directly to the Citizenship and Passport Unit, American Citizen Services, Consular Section, U.S. Embassy, 1201 Roxas Blvd., Manila will be accepted. Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy cannot assume any responsibility for payments sent to us. Payments may be made in cash or via credit card only.

For questions, please contact the Citizenship and Passport Unit, American Citizen Services of the U.S. Embassy at (02) 301-2000, local 2555 or 2532, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Philippine holidays. We can also be reached via e-mail: acsinfomanila@state.gov.

Passport Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Passports

All US citizens seeking passport, citizenship and birth registration services should first contact (63) (2) 879-4747 (ACS-Air21/FedEx Local Courier Service), 7:30am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, except American and Philippine holidays) to obtain a hardcopy of the necessary forms and requirements listed below.The US Embassy has partnered with Air21/FedEx to provide blank forms, pick-up completed forms and documents, and deliver passports/Consular Report of Birth Aboard to any location in the Philippines for a nominal fee.

Personal Appearance: All applicants for a replacement of a lost, stolen or mutilated passport must appear in front of a US Consular Officer a the US Embassy.

Application Form: Aside from contacting Air21/FedEx, you may download, print, complete and bring or Air21/FedEx FORM DS-11 with the other requirements to the US Embassy. Form DS-64, which is a statement about lost or stolen passports, must also be completed.

Requirements
(lost/stolen passport)

1. Affidavit of Loss

The person reporting the loss of a passport must execute an affidavit fully describing the circumstance of the loss. Loss, theft, or mutilation of a U.S. passport is a serious matter. This must be reported immediately to the US Embassy.

2. Proof of U.S. citizenship

Most recent passport issued in your own name.

3. Proof of identity

Current identifying documents bearing your current name, signature and
physical description or photograph: e.g., previous passport, foreign
passport, driver's license, etc. If signing for a child under age 16, the
signing parent's identity (e.g. passport, driver’s license) and evidence of
parentage (i.e. the child's birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth
Abroad) must be presented with the application with the application.

4. Photographs

Two photographs of each applicant. Photograph Specifications

5. Change of name

If your name has changed since your last passport through marriage, or
by a court order, submit the original or a certified copy of the relevant
documents.

6. Applicants under 16 years old

Sequential Photos dating from the last passport application to the
present

7. Fees

Minors under the age of 16 are eligible to receive a 5-year passport. Adult applicants (age 16 and older) are eligible to receive a 10-year passport.

Fees are payable either in U.S. or Philippine currency; cash or credit card only. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Passport Amendment / Extension

Important Passport Security Enhancement: No Amendments. Effective immediately, as an additional security enhancement, the U.S. Embassy will no longer amend valid U.S. passports. Instead, customers requesting name changes, extension of validity for limited passports, or correction of a printing error will apply for replacement passports.

If the change is within one year after issuance, customers will submit a U.S. Passport Re-Application Form (DS 5504), together with the passport that needs the change, the documentation required, and new passport pictures. There will be no charge for routine processing.

If the change is more than one year after issuance, customers will need to submit an Application for Passport By Mail (DS-82) or Application for a U.S. Passport (DS-11), together with the passport that needs the change, the documentation required, and new passport photos. The cost is $75 (for adult applicants qualified to use the DS-82 form), $100 (for other adult applicants) and $85 (for minor applicants). Of course, if the requested data change is due to a printing error by the U.S. Embassy, there will be no charge.

Those only needing to add visa pages to their passports will submit an Application for Additional Visa Pages (DS-4085). This service is always free of charge when routine.

All of these forms will be available online at travel.state.gov. The Passport Amendment/Validation Form (DS-19), previously used to amend passports/add visa pages, will no longer be valid. For more information on applying for a U.S. passport, forms, and a wealth of other international travel information, please visit our website at travel.state.gov.

Additional Passport Pages

To request additional passport pages, you must submit a completed and signed application (DS–4085) with your valid passport to the US Embassy. There is no fee for additional passport pages. Applications for this service are accepted at the U.S. Embassy between the hours of 7:30 – 11:00 a.m. The passport will be released on the same day between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Air21/FedEx is also available for this service.

Applicants may contact the Air21/FedEx Courier Service at (63) (2) 879-4747, 7:30am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, except American and Philippine holidays) to obtain a hardcopy of the necessary forms and requirements listed below.The US Embassy has partnered with Air21/FedEx to provide blank forms, pick-up completed forms and documents, and deliver passports/Consular Report of Birth Aboard to any location in the Philippines for a nominal fee.

If a representative will bring your passport to the Embassy, please make sure the representative brings an authorization letter from you and a valid photo ID.

Passport Photograph Specifications

U.S. PASSPORT PHOTO GUIDE

These guidelines constitute essential requirements under U.S. passport law. Photographs not meeting the standards on this sheet will not be accepted.

Every applicant must submit photographs meeting the following specifications:

Photographs to be submitted must have been taken within six (6) months preceding the application. They must be clear, front view, full face of the applicant.
Passport photos must be in color, printed on thin photo quality paper with a plain white or off-white background.
Two (2) identical copies of 2 x 2 inches. The image from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair) shall not be less than 1 inch nor more than 1-3/8 inches.
Only original photos are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos of photos, vending machine or video prints, snapshots, magazine photos are not acceptable. Photos must not be retouched to alter the appearance in any way.
Unless worn daily for religious reasons, all hats or headgear, uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and camouflage attire should not be worn in photographs. Eyeglasses worn on a daily basis can be worn for the photo. However, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

photo specs

Photocopied Applications (including those downloaded from internet):

The following photocopied application form may be used provided it includes all sides of the application, is clearly legible and contains no additions, deletions or omissions. It should also contain original signatures.

The Philippine Dual Nationality Act:

Please refer to the following website for detailed information regarding Philippine Dual Nationality Act.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/dual_citizenship.php

Links:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for passports applications

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html New Passports DS-11

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html Passports Renewals DS-82

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64_845.html Lost and Stolen Passports DS-64

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds5504/ds5504_2663.html U.S. Passport Re-application Form DS-5504

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds3053/ds3053_846.html Statement of Consent DS 3053

Return to American Citizen Services Main Page