Need to renew your Philippine passport in Los Angeles? This guide provides you with the essential information, outlining your options at the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine ePassport Renewal Center (LA PaRC). Learn about appointment procedures, required documents, and fees to ensure a smooth renewal process in Los Angeles. Get started here to update your travel documents.
Option 1: Renewal at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles
Renewing your passport directly at the Philippine Consulate General is the traditional route and is necessary for first-time applicants and those who don’t yet hold an ePassport.
1. Securing an Appointment through the Global Online Appointment System (GOAS):
- Accessing the System: Go to the official DFA GOAS website: https://passport.gov.ph/.
- Account Creation/Login: If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to create an account. If you’ve used the system before, log in with your existing credentials.
- Selecting the Location: Choose “Los Angeles – PCG” as your preferred processing site.
- Choosing a Date and Time: The system will display available dates and time slots. These can sometimes fill up quickly, so be prepared to check regularly for openings. Be flexible with your schedule if possible.
- Providing Your Information: You’ll need to fill out the online application form with accurate details. Double-check all information before submitting.
- Confirmation: Once you’ve selected a slot and completed the form, you should receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and instructions. Print this confirmation as you’ll likely need to present it on the day of your appointment.
2. Preparing the Required Documents:
- Confirmed Passport Appointment: Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation.
- Duly Accomplished Passport Application Form: This form is often provided as a downloadable link after you successfully book your appointment. Print it and fill it out completely and legibly before your appointment.
- Your Latest ePassport and Photocopy: Present your current Philippine ePassport. Make sure to have a clear photocopy of the data page (the page with your photo and personal information).
- Proof of Philippine Citizenship (Original and One Photocopy):
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): If you are a permanent resident of the US, provide the original and one photocopy.
- Valid US Visa and One Valid Government-Issued ID (if not a Permanent Resident): If you are in the US on a visa, present the original and one photocopy of your valid US visa and one original and one photocopy of a valid government-issued ID from the Philippines (e.g., driver’s license, postal ID, PhilHealth ID).
- Dual Citizenship Documents: If you are a dual citizen, bring the original and one photocopy of your Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship and your Philippine passport.
- PSA-Issued Documents for Change of Name (Original and One Photocopy, if applicable):
- Marriage Certificate: If you changed your name due to marriage, provide the original PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (formerly SECPA).
- Annotated Birth Certificate: If there have been legal changes to your name other than through marriage, provide the original PSA-issued Birth Certificate with the annotation.
- Annulment/Divorce Decree: If you reverted to your maiden name due to an annulment or divorce, provide the original court decree and the PSA-issued Marriage Certificate with the annotation of the annulment/divorce.
- Self-Addressed USPS Priority Mail or Priority Express Envelope: If you want your new passport mailed to you, bring a prepaid self-addressed envelope from USPS with the appropriate postage and a tracking number. The Consulate is not responsible for passports lost in the mail.
- Passport Processing Fee: USD 60.00. Be prepared to pay in cash, via credit/debit card (with a 4% convenience fee), or with a money order or cashier’s check made payable to “Embassy of the Philippines.” Personal checks are not accepted.
3. Attending Your Appointment:
- Arrive at the Consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Bring all the required original documents and photocopies.
- Dress appropriately.
- Be prepared for the process to take some time as there might be other applicants.
- Follow the instructions given by the Consular staff. Your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be taken during your appointment.
4. Receiving Your New Passport:
- If you provided a prepaid USPS envelope, your new passport will be mailed to you once it’s processed.
- If you didn’t provide an envelope, you will be informed when your passport is ready for pick-up. You will need to present a valid ID when claiming your passport.
Option 2: Renewal at the Philippine ePassport Renewal Center (LA PaRC) operated by VFS Global
The LA PaRC offers a more streamlined process specifically for those who already hold a Philippine ePassport and meet certain criteria.
1. Determining Eligibility:
- This center primarily caters to Filipino citizens and Dual Citizens (not US citizens) who currently hold a Philippine ePassport.
- First-time applicants, those with expired non-ePassports, and those with significant changes in their personal information might still need to apply at the Consulate. Check the LA PaRC website for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria.
2. Booking an Appointment or Walking In:
- Appointment: You can book an appointment through the VFS Global website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/phl/.
- Walk-in: LA PaRC may also accept walk-in applicants, but it’s highly recommended to book an appointment to avoid long waiting times. Check their website for their current walk-in policy and operating hours.
3. Preparing the Required Documents (Generally Similar to the Consulate, but Verify with LA PaRC):
- Confirmed Appointment (if applicable).
- Passport Application Form (available on the VFS Global website or at the center).
- Your current Philippine ePassport and a photocopy of the data page.
- Proof of Philippine citizenship (original and photocopy).
- PSA-issued documents for change of name (original and photocopy, if applicable).
- Self-addressed prepaid mailing envelope (check with LA PaRC for their preferred courier).
4. Attending Your Appointment (or Walk-in):
- Arrive on time for your appointment.
- Bring all required documents.
- Follow the instructions provided by the VFS Global staff. Your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) will be captured.
5. Paying the Fees:
- The passport renewal fee at LA PaRC is USD 65.00.
- There is an additional convenience fee of USD 45.00 payable to VFS Global.
- Check the accepted modes of payment on the LA PaRC website.
6. Receiving Your New Passport:
- Your new passport will typically be mailed to the address you provided using the prepaid envelope. Check with LA PaRC for their estimated processing and delivery times.
Key Differences Between the Consulate and LA PaRC:
| Feature | Philippine Consulate General (Los Angeles) | Philippine ePassport Renewal Center (LA PaRC) |
| Applicant Scope | All passport applicants | Primarily ePassport holders, certain dual citizens |
| Appointment | Required via DFA GOAS | Recommended, may accept walk-ins (check website) |
| Fees | USD 60.00 | USD 65.00 (passport) + USD 45.00 (convenience) |
| Convenience | May be less convenient for ePassport renewals | Potentially more convenient for ePassport renewals |
| Website | losangelespcg.org | services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/phl/ |
Recommendation:
- If you are a first-time applicant or don’t have an ePassport, you must apply at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
- If you already hold a valid Philippine ePassport and meet the eligibility criteria, the LA PaRC might offer a more convenient option. However, factor in the additional convenience fee.