How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Passport
If your Philippine passport is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you must apply for a replacement. This is NOT a simple renewal — it requires additional documents including a police report or affidavit of loss, and involves an investigation process. Lost passport holders may also be subject to a personal appearance before the DFA's Office of Consular Affairs.
Cost
₱950 Regular / ₱1,200 Rush
+ ₱350 appointment fee
Timeline
15-20 Working Days
Longer than normal due to verification
Key Fact
Report Immediately
Must report loss to police and file affidavit of loss
⚠ Important Warning
Losing a passport multiple times may result in denial of application or issuance of a passport with limited validity. DFA takes passport loss seriously. Report your lost passport immediately to the nearest police station and to DFA.
Lost vs. Damaged Passport
Lost/Stolen Passport
- Requires police report or blotter
- Must execute an Affidavit of Loss
- Subject to more scrutiny and investigation
- May require personal appearance for interview at the Office of Consular Affairs
Damaged Passport
- Must bring the damaged passport itself
- Less scrutiny compared to lost passport
- Must explain how the damage occurred
- Damaged passport will be confiscated by DFA
Requirements
| Requirement | Lost Passport | Damaged Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Police Report / Blotter (from local police or country where lost) | Required | Not Required |
| Affidavit of Loss (notarized, explaining circumstances) | Required | Not Required |
| The damaged passport itself | Not Applicable | Required |
| PSA Birth Certificate (original, unlaminated) | Required | Required |
| 2 Valid Government-Issued IDs | Required | Required |
| Confirmed DFA Appointment | Required | Required |
| Passport Fee (₱950 Regular / ₱1,200 Rush) | Required | Required |
| Appointment Fee (₱350) | Required | Required |
Step-by-Step: Lost Passport Replacement
Lost Passport Replacement Process
Report to Police Immediately
- •Go to the nearest police station
- •Report your lost or stolen passport
- •File a police report or blotter
- •Provide details: when, where, and how it was lost
- •Get an official copy of the police report
- •If lost abroad: report to local police in that country, also report to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, and obtain a certified copy of the foreign police report
Execute an Affidavit of Loss
- •Prepare a sworn statement describing the circumstances of the loss in detail
- •Include your passport number (if you remember it)
- •Include the date and place of loss
- •State the reason you need a replacement
- •Have it notarized by a notary public (bring valid ID)
- •Notarization fee: ₱200 - ₱500
- •Keep the original notarized copy for DFA
Book DFA Appointment Online
- •Visit passport.gov.ph and log in or create an account
- •Select 'Lost Passport' as the application type
- •Fill out the online application form
- •Select your preferred DFA branch
- •Pick an available date and time slot
- •Pay appointment fee of ₱350 online
- •Save your confirmation code and print appointment slip
Prepare All Requirements
- •Police report or blotter (original)
- •Notarized affidavit of loss (original)
- •PSA birth certificate (original, unlaminated)
- •2 valid government-issued IDs (original)
- •Appointment confirmation (printed or digital)
- •Passport fee: ₱950 regular or ₱1,200 rush
- •Additional documents if applicable: PSA marriage certificate (if married woman), court order (if name change), naturalization certificate (if applicable)
Appear at DFA on Appointment Date
- •Arrive 15 minutes before appointment time
- •Present appointment confirmation at entrance
- •Submit all documents at the receiving window
- •Undergo document verification
- •Photo capture: neutral expression, white background
- •Signature capture on electronic pad
- •Fingerprint scanning of all 10 fingers
DFA Verification and Interview
- •DFA officer will ask about the circumstances of loss
- •Be honest and consistent with your affidavit
- •You may be referred to the Office of Consular Affairs
- •Additional investigation may be conducted
- •Be prepared for questions about your previous passport details
- •Be prepared for questions about your travel history
- •Possible request for additional supporting documents
- •The process may take longer than a regular application
Pay Fees and Wait for Release
- •Regular processing: ₱950 (15-20 working days)
- •Rush processing: ₱1,200 (7-10 working days)
- •Pay via cash or card at DFA cashier
- •Receive claim stub with release date
- •Processing takes 15-20 working days (regular)
- •Track status at passport.gov.ph
- •Claim at DFA or choose courier delivery
- •Bring valid ID and claim stub when picking up
Step-by-Step: Damaged Passport Replacement
Damaged Passport Replacement Process
Book DFA Appointment
- •Visit passport.gov.ph and log in or create an account
- •Select 'Damaged Passport' as the application type
- •Fill out the online application form
- •Choose your preferred DFA branch, date, and time
- •Pay appointment fee of ₱350
- •Save and print your appointment confirmation
Prepare Damaged Passport and Supporting Documents
- •The damaged passport itself (do NOT attempt to repair it)
- •PSA birth certificate (original, unlaminated)
- •2 valid government-issued IDs (original)
- •Appointment confirmation (printed or digital)
- •Passport fee: ₱950 regular or ₱1,200 rush
- •Keep the passport as-is for DFA inspection
- •Be ready to explain how damage occurred
Appear at DFA with Damaged Passport
- •Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
- •Present your appointment confirmation
- •Show the damaged passport to the officer
- •Explain how the damage occurred
- •DFA will assess the extent of damage
Submit Documents and Surrender Damaged Passport
- •Submit all supporting documents
- •Surrender your damaged passport (it will be confiscated)
- •Undergo biometrics capture: photo, signature, and fingerprints
- •Verify your personal information on screen
- •Brief interview about the damage to your passport
Pay Fees and Wait for Release
- •Regular processing: ₱950 (12-15 working days)
- •Rush processing: ₱1,200 (6-8 working days)
- •Pay via cash or card
- •Receive claim stub with expected release date
- •Processing takes 12-15 working days (regular)
- •Track status at passport.gov.ph
- •Claim at DFA or choose courier delivery
Complete Example: Carlos's Lost Passport Replacement
Carlos lost his passport while traveling in Cebu. He immediately went to the nearest police station and filed a report. Back in Manila, he executed an Affidavit of Loss at a notary public, booked a DFA appointment online selecting "Lost Passport," and brought all required documents on his appointment date. DFA interviewed him about the circumstances of the loss. He received his new passport after 18 working days.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Police Report | FREE |
| Affidavit of Loss Notarization | ₱200 - ₱500 |
| DFA Appointment Fee | ₱350 |
| Passport Processing Fee (Regular) | ₱950 |
| PSA Birth Certificate | ₱155 |
| Total | ~₱1,655 - ₱1,955 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I lose my passport?
Report it to the nearest police station immediately and obtain a police report or blotter. Then execute a notarized Affidavit of Loss. These two documents are required before you can apply for a replacement at DFA.
Can I still travel while waiting for my replacement passport?
No. You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. If you have an urgent travel need, you may request rush processing at DFA or contact the Office of Consular Affairs for emergency travel documents.
What happens if I lose my passport more than once?
Repeat loss of passports is taken very seriously by DFA. You may face additional scrutiny, a more extensive interview, longer processing times, or even denial of your application. DFA may also issue a passport with limited validity (e.g., 1 year instead of 10 years).
Is the processing time longer for lost passports than regular applications?
Yes. Regular passport applications take about 12 working days, while lost passport replacements typically take 15-20 working days due to additional verification and investigation by DFA. Damaged passport replacements take 12-15 working days.
Do I need to remember my old passport number?
It is helpful but not strictly required. DFA can look up your previous passport records. However, having your old passport number, date of issue, and place of issue will speed up the verification process. Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport data page for situations like this.
Can I apply for a lost passport replacement at any DFA branch?
You can book an appointment at any DFA branch, but lost passport cases may be referred to the DFA main office (Aseana) or the Office of Consular Affairs depending on the circumstances. It is best to apply at the branch nearest to your residence.
Important Reminders
- Report loss immediately: File a police report as soon as you realize your passport is missing. Delays may raise suspicion.
- Keep copies of your passport: Always keep a photocopy or digital photo of your passport data page. This makes replacement much easier.
- Be honest in your affidavit: Providing false information in your Affidavit of Loss is a criminal offense and may result in denial of your application.
- Do not attempt to repair a damaged passport: Bring it to DFA as-is. Attempting repairs may raise suspicion of tampering.
- Appointment is mandatory: No walk-in applications are accepted for lost or damaged passport replacement.
- Original documents only: Photocopies and laminated documents are NOT accepted by DFA.
- Processing may take longer: Lost passport cases require additional verification. Be prepared to wait 15-20 working days.
- Check your new passport carefully: Upon claiming, verify all details (name, birthdate, etc.) and report any errors immediately.
- Lost passport abroad: Contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for emergency travel documents and replacement assistance.
Need Help?
DFA Main Office
DFA Office of Consular Affairs
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Trunkline: (02) 8234-4000
Online Resources
- passport.gov.ph →
- dfa.gov.ph →
- DFA Hotline: 1-800-7000-DFA (332)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DFA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DFA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.