Philippine Passport Renewal and Report of Marriage Application in the US

 Many Filipino fiancés who marry in the US have to deal with piles of paperwork on immigration to make their US  legal and their records current. Although many arrive with an active Philippine passport, a slew of fiances sget here with  expiring passports (I belong to this group). My passport expired last August and I'm in the process of renewing it. The problem is I don't know where or how. I had to search online for information on how to change my marital status (report of marriage) in the Philippines, renew my passport, and even apply for absentee voting. On top of that, I had to go through the process of adjusting my status with USCIS, getting identification cards from various government agencies, learn how to drive and even look for a job. The first few years  in the US are hard! The whole thing seems like a test of your endurance and patience.

 The PDOS seminar that CFO provides should have also covered topics on passport renewal, absentee voting, and report of marriage applications. These are important aspects in our lives as immigrants, especially within the first 3-5 years as permanent residents (we don't just magically become US Citizens, what about those who don't want change citizenships?). Anyway, after several hours of Googling, I decided to go to the Philippine Embassy website (why didn't I think of that from the get go?).

 Sure enough, I found the different Philippine Consulates in the US with their respective state jurisdictions. The Consulate processes all report of marriage applications and passport renewal. Remember that you have to apply for both to change your marital status and last name (if applicable) in the Philippines. You have to make sure you go to the consulate which has jurisdiction over the state where you live. I live in Washington State so the Consulate office I go to is the one in San Francisco. If you're unable to apply in person (like me), you can send your application documents along with the payment by mail! Just had to download the forms online (at the website), have the application forms notarized (it should say in the form) and send it to them.

Beware that not all consulates have websites so you actually have to call to inquire, and some process by personal appointments only (you have to be physically present). Do take note that every Consulate has different requirements, forms and fees. Be sure to follow the instructions closely (usually found in the second page of the form).

The SF Consulate has jurisdiction over these states: Jurisdiction: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Utah, Washington State, Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, you'd want to send your application to them. For other Consulates, please check the link I provided above.

Requirements for the Report of Marriage application are (submit 3 sets):

• The Report of Marriage application form
• Marriage Certificate
• Photo ID of both husband and wife (state ID or Driver License, or data page of a valid passport)
• Birth Certificate of the female applicant
• Processing fee of $25.00 (nonrefundable and payable by money order, cashier’s check or bank draft only. Pay to Philippine Consulate General if applying by mail.) 

Additional requirements:

• For applicants who were previously married and later on were divorced by their foreign spouse: Copy of the Divorce Decree to determine who petitioned for the divorce.
• For widowed applicants who have remarried: Death certificate of former spouse
• For applicants presently married to a widowed individual: Death certificate of the widowed individual’s former spouse.
  

Requirements for Passport Amendment on name due to marriage are: FOR UNEXPIRED PASSPORTS ONLY

• Duly accomplished application form for amendment
• Valid Philippines passport (send your actual passport) and 1 photocopy of passport data page
• All applicable requirements stated above if changing name due to marriage
• Original and 1 back to back photocopy of Resident Alien Card, Temporary Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card, if a US Permanent resident.

 

UPDATE: Processing of passport by mail is no longer accepted. You must apply in person at your respective consulates. Please check your consulate's website for more information. My understanding is that personal appearance is needed for biometrics, photo and identity verification. 

UPDATE: If your passport is expired before applying for amendment you have to renew your passport using the Passport Application form (as if you're applying for the first time but check the RENEWAL OF PASSPORT box in Question 9a).

Be sure to check the Consulate website for your state or call them for updates and information. I heard processing takes somewhere between 3-6 months because they have to send it back to the Philippines.

You should be able to download the forms you need at the applicable Philippine Consulate website (visit the Philippine Embassy for a list of these consulates). I hope this helps!

Comments

[jun]

thanks for the info. God Bless!

Just a quick question so pretty much the requirements for passport renewal with amendment due to marriage, approved report of marriage is included? Just Making sure again thanx

[AdminBits]

Yes, if you just got married and still needs to change your civil status in the Philippines.

[jun]

thank you and God bless you. you rock!!

[Andrew]

Hi, thanks for this info. I live in KY and we are under DC. I would prefer going to NY since we've got a relative there so I tried to call NY consulate and they told me that I can indeed do the renewal in NY. I double-checked the number that I called and it's a valid consulate office. Should the jurisdiction be followed strictly for passport renewals?

[AdminBits]

Andrew, if that's what the Philippine Embassy in NY told you, then I would say go ahead.

[Andrew]

Thanks.

[mhing]

i am a filipino citizen living here in Oklahoma,Can i process all this at the same time? (renewing my Passport,change my last name and report out marriage)? Thank u

[AdminBits]

Hi Mhing,

That's what I did with mine. Since you got married and need to change your last name (if that's what you want)you need to fill out the passport amendment form. The report of marriage is one of the requirements for passport amendment.

You can download this form at the Philippine Consulate General website that has jurisdiction for Oklahoma state which is the Chicago Consulate (http://www.chicagopcg.com/). Good luck!

[julieann.uttley@gmail.com]

Hi thanks for the info, its very helpful...I have a question though, I got married in Colorado which is SF jurisdiction but I now live in Minnesota which is Chicago jurisdiction, I need to report my marriage and have my passport amended too so which consulate should i go?

PS. your right that they should inform us during the seminar now I've been married almost 2 years now but i haven't reported my marriage yet. I just knew when I wanted to change my name on my passport. Hope you could give me an answer. Thanks much and God bless!

Jules

[AdminBits]

Hi, thanks for the nice words :) I believe jurisdictions are based on your residence (geographic location) so I would say you file in Chicago since you reside within its jurisdiction. You can always call them to make sure, though :)God bless!