Birth Certificate in the Philippines
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a birth certificate serves as an official document that records the birth of an individual in the Philippines. It encompasses all essential information, such as their full name, parents’ names, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and nationality.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Birth Certificate?
Those eligible to apply for a birth certificate include the certificate holder, their parent/guardian or individuals with legal parental authority, their spouse, their immediate descendants who are in a legal age, and authorized representatives. Additionally, when the certificate pertains to a minor, only the parents or legal guardians are permitted to apply for and receive the document, presenting their valid ID.
Why is a Birth Certificate Important in the Philippines?
Birth certificate is important as it signifies as a validation of an individual’s identity, origin, and citizenship when seeking employment opportunities or applying for passports, visas, or any other various valid IDs. Furthermore, among the aforementioned importance, the following are the reasons why an individual request for a PSA certificate:
- Facilitating Passport and Travel Visa Applications. A birth certificate serves as an essential requirement to travel outside the Philippines. It verifies the individual’s identity and eligibility for international travel. It also acts as a safety net for citizenship and identification if other documents are lost while abroad.
- Compliance with School Requirements. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) obliged the educational institutions to require a birth certificate for enrollment, transferring to a new school, graduating, and applying for a board exam. It ensures that students are of the appropriate age for their grade level and facilitates parental support.
- Securing a Driver’s License. Presenting a PSA certificate is mandatory at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This document serves as validation of identity and age, ensuring a smooth application process for the individual’s initiation into driving.
- Employment. Whether seeking local or international work, a PSA certificate is typically required by employers to verify age and citizenship. It confirms legal employment status and demonstrates honesty in personal details.
- Claims and Benefits. A PSA certificate is vital for obtaining various identification cards and documents, such as social security cards or senior citizen IDs, enabling access to government and non-government benefits and funding programs.
- Marriage. A birth certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining a marriage license in the Philippines. It simplifies the application process and ensures compliance with formal requirements.
- Applying for Valid IDs. Birth certificates can be used as a valid identification when applying for government-issued identification cards (IDs). It serves as the most reliable evidence of your identity, age, and other personal information.
Generally, a birth certificate is foundational in securing identity across various contexts, from medical and legal services to social benefits and educational and employment opportunities.
How to Process a Birth Certificate in the Philippines?
All Filipinos are required to have a birth certificate authorized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In order to obtain it, they must request a PSA certificate via online application at https://psahelpline.ph/ or by walk-in at any PSA offices.
PSA Birth Certificate Online Application:
To process your request via online appointment, here are the following steps:
- STEP 1: To apply online, visit the psahelpline.ph website.
- STEP 2: If you are requesting your own birth certificate, choose “My Own Birth Certificate.” However, if you are requesting a birth certificate for someone else or a family member, select “For Someone Else.”
- STEP 3: Provide your personal information, such as your gender, civil status (if female), complete name, birth date, and the type of valid ID you possess.
- STEP 4: Provide the required information for birth certificate delivery, which typically takes three (3) to four (4) working days within Metro Manila. While the delivery may take three (3) to eight (8) working days outside Metro Manila.
- STEP 5: Review the Certificate of Live Birth form thoroughly to ensure all details are accurate.
- STEP 6: After completing the online application process, you will receive a Reference Number, which you can use to check available payment options.
Furthermore, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) accepts online and over-the-counter payments. The fee for one (1) copy of a PSA certificate is PHP365.00.
PSA Birth Certificate Walk-In Application:
The certificate holder or their authorized representative can process the PSA certificate at the nearest PSA CRS outlet. However, there are certain procedures to be follow:
- STEP 1: Access the PSA Online Appointment System to secure a slot. Choose your preferred date, time, and PSA CRS Outlet for your application.
- STEP 2: Once you have booked an appointment, visit your chosen PSA CRS Outlet at the scheduled time and date. Provide the CRS Appointment Slip to the Information Marshal for validation purposes.
- STEP 3: Get Application Form (AF) and Queue Ticket Number (QTN).
- STEP 4: Pay the necessary fees and submit the QTN, completed AF, valid IDS, and any required Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA), along with supporting documents at the transacting window for processing and payment.
- STEP 5: On the designated date and time, proceed to the Releasing Area to collect the documents.
- STEP 6: Submit the OR, valid IDs, authorization letter or SPA, and other required documents to the Releasing Officer.
- STEP 7: Check the accuracy and completeness of the received documents.
In addition, the fee for one (1) copy of a PSA certificate is PHP155.00. Additionally, minor individuals cannot book appointments. Although, they could have authorized someone to be their representative.
An authorized representative can only request documents for up to two (2) unrelated individuals and cannot delegate their authority to request civil registry documents. They must present a valid ID of the owner of the document and submit an authorization letter or a Special Power of Authority (SPA).
Need further information and assistance regarding PSA Birth Certificate? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
