PSA Birth Certificate: How to Get Yours
Common Mistakes to AvoidMga Karaniwang Pagkakamali
- Requesting your PSA copy with corrected spelling of your name.Pag-request ng PSA copy na may itinamang spelling ng pangalan.PSA will issue the certificate using the EXACT spelling recorded at birth — typos and all. To fix errors, file a separate Petition for Correction at your Local Civil Registrar first.Ang PSA ay magbibigay ng kopya gamit ang EKSAKTONG spelling na nakarehistro. Para itama ang mga mali, mag-file muna ng Petition for Correction sa LCR.
- Going to the PSA Serbilis outlet without your appointment reference number.Pagpunta sa PSA Serbilis nang walang appointment reference number.Request via PSAHelpline or PSA Serbilis online, then bring the reference number and a valid ID. Walk-ins for new requests are generally not accepted.Mag-request sa PSAHelpline o PSA Serbilis online, dalhin ang reference number at valid ID. Karaniwang ayaw ng walk-in.
A PSA Birth Certificate is the certified, security-paper copy of your birth record issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. It is required for school enrollment, passport applications, employment, marriage license, and most government transactions. For use abroad, you will usually need a DFA Apostille on top of the PSA copy.
What is a PSA Birth Certificate?
- Official certified true copy of your birth record
- Printed on security paper (SECPA) with watermarks
- Authenticated by the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)
- Accepted by all government agencies and embassies
- Contains your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' information
- Must be obtained from PSA, not from local civil registry
Requirements
For Personal Application:
- Valid Government-issued ID (with photo and signature)
- Philippine Passport
- Driver's License
- PRC License
- Postal ID
- UMID
- SSS / GSIS ID
- Payment Fee: ₱155 per copy
- Required Information:
- Full name as registered
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city/municipality)
- Father's full name
- Mother's full maiden name
For Representative/Authorized Person:
- Authorization letter from the document owner
- Valid ID of the document owner (photocopy)
- Valid ID of the authorized representative (original)
- Payment fee: ₱155 per copy
Step-by-Step Application Process
Option 1: Walk-in at PSA Serbilis Outlets
Find the nearest PSA Serbilis outlet
- •Check PSA website for list of branches
- •Available in malls, government centers, and municipalities
Bring required documents
- •Valid government-issued ID
- •Cash for payment (₱155 per copy)
Fill out the application form
- •Provide complete information
- •Indicate number of copies needed
- •Write your contact number
Pay the fee
- •₱155 per copy
- •Get official receipt
Claim your document
- •Wait 30 minutes to 3 working days
- •Some outlets offer same-day release
- •Bring your claim stub and valid ID
Option 2: Online via PSASerbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed)
Visit PSASerbilis.com.ph
- •PSA's directly-managed online portal (with Unisys)
- •Create an account or log in
Fill out the order form
- •Select 'Birth Certificate'
- •Provide complete details (own birth or as authorized requester)
- •Indicate number of copies
Pay online
- •Credit/Debit Card via PesoPay
- •Other payment options shown at checkout
- •Fee: ₱300 per copy delivered (inclusive of processing, delivery, and ₱30 documentary stamp tax)
- •Or ₱130 per copy for 'Viewable Online Only'
Wait for delivery
- •Delivery anywhere in the Philippines (or abroad)
- •Typical timeline: a few business days within Metro Manila
- •Track your order through the portal
Option 3: Online via PSAHelpline.ph (authorized partner)
Visit PSAHelpline.ph
- •PSA's exclusive third-party online channel (partner since 2000)
- •Confirm pricing at checkout — partner rates may differ from PSASerbilis
Place the order
- •Select 'Birth Certificate'
- •Provide complete details
- •Choose courier delivery to your Philippine or overseas address
Pay online
- •Credit/Debit Card, GCash, PayMaya, bank deposit
- •Confirm the all-in price (certificate + courier) at checkout
Wait for delivery
- •Processing: typically a few business days
- •Delivery: domestic and worldwide
- •Track your order online
Processing Time & Fees
| Method | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PSA Serbilis (walk-in pick-up) | 30 minutes – 3 working days | ₱155 per copy |
| Online — delivered (PSASerbilis or PSAHelpline) | A few business days domestic; longer abroad | ₱300 per copy delivered (PSASerbilis posted rate, inclusive of taxes and delivery) |
| Online — viewable only (PSASerbilis) | Same-day after payment | ₱130 per copy (digital view only, no SECPA paper) |
Important Notes
- New registrations: Wait 1-3 months after birth registration before requesting from PSA
- Name must match: Use the exact name as registered in civil registry
- Valid ID required: Always bring original government-issued ID with photo
- One TIN per person: Use birth certificate for TIN application
- Keep copies: Always keep photocopies for your records
- Check validity: Some agencies require PSA copy issued within 6 months
- For corrections: Contact your local civil registry first, not PSA
- Lost claim stub?: Bring valid ID and official receipt to claim
Common Uses
For Education
- School enrollment
- College admission
- Scholarship application
- Study abroad programs
For Employment
- Job application
- Government employment
- Working abroad
- Professional license application
For Government
- Passport application
- SSS/GSIS registration
- PhilHealth enrollment
- Voter registration
For Legal Matters
- Marriage license
- Estate settlement
- Insurance claims
- Legal documentation
Complete Example: Maria's Walk-in Request
Scenario: Maria, 24, needs three PSA birth certificate copies for her passport application and a new job's pre-employment requirements.
- Brought her UMID (valid government ID with photo) to the PSA Serbilis outlet at SM Megamall.
- Filled out the application form: full name, date of birth, place of birth, father's full name, mother's full maiden name, and 3 copies requested.
- Paid ₱465 (₱155 × 3 copies) at the cashier and received an official receipt and claim stub.
- Came back the same afternoon (about 3 hours later) and claimed all three SECPA copies with her ID and claim stub.
Total cost: ₱465 · Total time: half a day. For overseas use, Maria would have brought one copy to a DFA office for Apostille authentication before sending it abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my birth is not registered with PSA?
If your birth is not in the PSA database, you need to get a copy from your local civil registry office first, then request for inclusion in the PSA system through late registration.
Can someone else get my birth certificate for me?
Yes, but they need an authorization letter, your valid ID (photocopy), and their own valid ID (original).
How many copies can I request at once?
You can request multiple copies. Just pay ₱155 per copy. Most people get 3-5 copies at a time for convenience.
What if there's an error in my birth certificate?
PSA only issues copies of registered documents. For corrections, you need to file a petition at your local civil registry office. Once corrected there, PSA will reflect the changes.
Sources
- PSA — Birth Certificate (official page).
- PSA — Official online channel: psaserbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed) and exclusive partner psahelpline.ph.
- Act No. 3753 — Civil Registry Law, the statutory basis for registering births in the Philippines.
- RA 10625 — Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 (renamed NSO to PSA and consolidated civil registration under PSA).
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PSA office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PSA office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.