Philippine Passport Renewal - Consulate General in New York

[pinaypilot 3]

I just wanted to share my experience today at the consulate general in New York. Just a quick background, they scheduled a consular outreach in Jacksonville, FL (where I live) and unfortunately I didn't make it to the cut. They said they received overwhelming amount of applications and that they can only do so much in 2 days.

My husband decided to bring me to New York since this is where he spent his childhood years, so I decided to renew my passport while we're here. It only took 53 minutes for the whole process to be finished, considering that there are plenty of people in the consulate.

I've listed my advice below for those who are planning to renew their Philippine Passport. Note that this is for regular renewal only, no change in name, etc.

1. Go their website and read everything about your case (regular renewal, name change, lost/stolen, etc.).

2. DO NOT call. I tried calling them before and sending them an email, I didn't get any response but everything you need is really on their website. Kailangan mo lang talagang intindihin.

3. Download forms and fill it out ahead of time. (Wag susugod sa gyera ng walang bala HAHA)

4. Bring photocopies and other requirements needed. Not bringing photocopies and expecting them to do point you to the direction of the copying machine WILL JUST CAUSE DELAY.

5. Bring exact amount. For regular passport renewal, it's $60.

6. If you cannot claim your passport in person, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for up to 0.5lbs. (I bought the flat rate envelope from USPS $6, not sure about it's size but the material used is like a cardboard) You need to give this envelope to the cashier when paying.

7. The wait time for encoding is usually longer than the wait time during the acceptance of your application and payment, kasi po A) They will type your info B) Let you confirm it whether it's correct or not C) Ask for your digital signature D) Take your picture (minsan ayaw tanggapin ng system so they need to take another shot), and then finally E) Take your left & right finger prints. So be patient, don't approach the encoding window just because you feel like it's taking too long. They know exactly what their doing.

8. Don't forget to say THANK YOU. Yung iba umaalis nalang sa window, wala man lang pa-thank you or sasabihin lang okay. Their also human, they feel appreciated with simple acts like this.

The stamp on my receipt says that I'll get my passport on November 8, so I'll give you guys an update whether they made it to the promised date, exceeded expectations, or got delayed.