How to Get a PSA Birth Certificate in the Philippines (2026 Updated Guide)

Paano Kumuha ng PSA Birth Certificate sa Pilipinas (2026 Updated na Gabay)

Quick Summary

Mabilis na Buod

Cost Gastos ₱365 (online) / ₱155 (walk-in) ₱365 (online) / ₱155 (walk-in)
Time Needed Oras na Kailangan 3–7 business days (online delivery) 3–7 business days (online delivery)
Difficulty Antas ng Kahirapan Easy Madali
Requirements Mga Kailangan 3 items 3 bagay
Note: Fees, requirements, and processes may change. Information is current as of March 2026. Always verify with the official PSA website before placing an order or visiting any outlet.
Paalala: Maaaring magbago ang mga bayarin, requirements, at proseso. Ang impormasyon ay updated as of Marso 2026. Palaging i-verify sa opisyal na website ng PSA bago mag-order o bumisita sa anumang outlet.
Table of Contents Talaan ng Nilalaman
PSA Online vs Walk-in comparison
PSA Birth Certificate: Online vs Walk-in at a glance
PSA Birth Certificate: Online vs Walk-in sa isang tingin
PSA Serbilis website screenshot
The PSA Serbilis portal where you order birth certificates online
Ang PSA Serbilis portal kung saan mag-order ng birth certificate online

What Is a PSA Birth Certificate?

Ano ang PSA Birth Certificate?

A PSA birth certificate is an official copy of your birth record issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly the National Statistics Office or NSO). It is the most important civil registry document you can have as a Filipino citizen — it proves your identity, your age, your nationality, and your parentage.

Ang PSA birth certificate ay isang opisyal na kopya ng iyong birth record na inilalabas ng Philippine Statistics Authority (dating National Statistics Office o NSO). Ito ang pinaka-importanteng civil registry document na maaari mong makuha bilang isang Filipino citizen — pinapatunayan nito ang iyong pagkakakilanlan, edad, nasyonalidad, at mga magulang.

There is an important distinction between a PSA-issued birth certificate and a local civil registrar (LCR) copy. The LCR copy is the one issued by your city or municipal civil registrar — the office where your birth was originally registered. The PSA copy, on the other hand, is issued from the central national database, which makes it the version accepted for most major transactions like passports, NBI clearance, SSS, and PhilHealth.

May importanteng pagkakaiba ang PSA-issued birth certificate at ang local civil registrar (LCR) copy. Ang LCR copy ay ang inilalabas ng iyong city o municipal civil registrar — ang opisina kung saan orihinal na na-register ang iyong kapanganakan. Ang PSA copy naman ay inilalabas mula sa sentral na national database, kaya ito ang tinatanggap na bersyon para sa karamihan ng malalaking transaksyon tulad ng passport, NBI clearance, SSS, at PhilHealth.

Think of it this way: the LCR is where the record originates, and the PSA is where the official national copy is stored. For everyday local transactions (like barangay clearance or some school enrollments), an LCR copy may work. But for anything involving the national government or international documents, you will need the PSA copy with a security paper (SECPA).

Isipin mo ito sa ganitong paraan: ang LCR ang pinanggagalingan ng record, at ang PSA ang nag-iingat ng opisyal na national copy. Para sa mga pang-araw-araw na lokal na transaksyon (tulad ng barangay clearance o ilang school enrollment), pwedeng gumana ang LCR copy. Pero para sa anumang may kinalaman sa national government o international documents, kailangan mo ang PSA copy na may security paper (SECPA).

When You Need a PSA Birth Certificate

Kailan Kailangan ang PSA Birth Certificate

Your PSA birth certificate will be required in a wide variety of situations throughout your life. Here are the most common ones:

Ang iyong PSA birth certificate ay kakailanganin sa iba't ibang sitwasyon sa buong buhay mo. Narito ang mga pinaka-karaniwang pagkakataon:

  • School enrollment — from elementary through college, schools require a PSA birth certificate for enrollment and graduation.
  • Passport application — the DFA requires a PSA-issued birth certificate (not LCR copy) for all passport applications.
  • NBI clearance — may be needed as a supporting document, especially for first-time applicants with name discrepancies.
  • SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG registration — all three government agencies require a PSA birth certificate for new member registration.
  • Marriage license application — both parties need to present their PSA birth certificates at the local civil registrar.
  • Employment — many employers require a PSA birth certificate as part of your pre-employment documents, especially for government positions.
  • Legal proceedings — court cases, estate settlement, insurance claims, and other legal transactions often require an authenticated PSA copy.
  • OFW deployment — POEA and foreign embassies typically require a PSA birth certificate, sometimes with DFA authentication or apostille.
  • School enrollment — mula elementary hanggang kolehiyo, hinihiling ng mga paaralan ang PSA birth certificate para sa enrollment at graduation.
  • Passport application — ang DFA ay nangangailangan ng PSA-issued birth certificate (hindi LCR copy) para sa lahat ng passport application.
  • NBI clearance — maaaring kailanganin bilang supporting document, lalo na para sa mga first-time applicants na may name discrepancy.
  • SSS, PhilHealth, at Pag-IBIG registration — ang tatlong government agencies na ito ay nangangailangan ng PSA birth certificate para sa new member registration.
  • Marriage license application — pareho ang lalaki at babae na kailangang mag-present ng kanilang PSA birth certificates sa local civil registrar.
  • Employment — maraming employer ang humihingi ng PSA birth certificate bilang bahagi ng pre-employment documents, lalo na para sa government positions.
  • Legal proceedings — mga kaso sa korte, estate settlement, insurance claims, at ibang legal transactions ay madalas na nangangailangan ng authenticated PSA copy.
  • OFW deployment — ang POEA at mga foreign embassies ay karaniwang humihingi ng PSA birth certificate, minsan na may DFA authentication o apostille.

Bottom line: if you do not have a PSA birth certificate yet, or if your copy is old and worn out, it is a good idea to order a fresh one. Laging maganda na may extra copy ka on hand para hindi ka na magmamadali kapag biglang kailangan.

Sa madaling salita: kung wala ka pang PSA birth certificate, o kung luma na at sira-sira na ang kopya mo, magandang ideya na mag-order ng panibagong kopya. Laging maganda na may extra copy ka on hand para hindi ka na magmamadali kapag biglang kailangan.

Requirements Checklist

Checklist ng mga Kailangan

  • Valid government-issued ID — original copy, not expired. Accepted IDs include: Philippine passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys National ID, voter's ID, PRC ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Postal ID, or senior citizen's ID. Required for walk-in; optional for online (needed for claiming).
  • Complete name and birthday of the person on the certificate — you need the full name (first, middle, last) and exact date of birth of the document owner. For online requests, you also need the birthplace (city/municipality and province).
  • Payment method — for online orders: GCash, Maya, credit/debit card, or online banking (total ₱365 including delivery). For walk-in: cash payment of ₱155 at the PSA outlet.
  • Valid na government-issued ID — original copy, hindi expired. Mga tinatanggap na ID: Philippine passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys National ID, voter's ID, PRC ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Postal ID, o senior citizen's ID. Kailangan para sa walk-in; opsyonal para sa online (kailangan para sa pagkuha).
  • Kumpletong pangalan at birthday ng taong nasa certificate — kailangan mo ang buong pangalan (first, middle, last) at eksaktong petsa ng kapanganakan ng may-ari ng dokumento. Para sa online requests, kailangan mo rin ang lugar ng kapanganakan (city/municipality at province).
  • Paraan ng pagbabayad — para sa online orders: GCash, Maya, credit/debit card, o online banking (kabuuang ₱365 kasama ang delivery). Para sa walk-in: cash payment na ₱155 sa PSA outlet.

Step-by-Step: Online via PSA Serbilis

Hakbang-Hakbang: Online sa PSA Serbilis

The fastest and most convenient way to get a PSA birth certificate is through the official PSA Serbilis website. You can order from anywhere — walang kailangang pumila. The document will be delivered to your doorstep.

Ang pinakamabilis at pinaka-convenient na paraan para makakuha ng PSA birth certificate ay sa pamamagitan ng opisyal na PSA Serbilis website. Pwede kang mag-order kahit saan — walang kailangang pumila. Ihahatid ang dokumento sa iyong bahay.

  1. Go to the PSA Serbilis Website

    Pumunta sa PSA Serbilis Website

    Open your browser and go to psaserbilis.com.ph. This is the official online ordering system of the Philippine Statistics Authority. Make sure you are on the correct website — may mga fake sites na nagpapanggap na PSA. The official URL always ends in .com.ph.

    Buksan ang iyong browser at pumunta sa psaserbilis.com.ph. Ito ang opisyal na online ordering system ng Philippine Statistics Authority. Siguraduhing nasa tamang website ka — may mga pekeng site na nagpapanggap na PSA. Ang opisyal na URL ay palaging nagtatapos sa .com.ph.

    On the homepage, click on "Birth Certificate" under the list of available civil registry documents. You can also order marriage certificates, death certificates, and CENOMAR from this same site.

    Sa homepage, i-click ang "Birth Certificate" sa listahan ng mga available na civil registry documents. Pwede ka ring mag-order ng marriage certificate, death certificate, at CENOMAR sa parehong site na ito.

  2. Create an Account or Log In

    Gumawa ng Account o Mag-log In

    If this is your first time using PSA Serbilis, you will need to create an account. Provide your full name, email address, mobile number, and delivery address. You will receive a verification email — click the link to confirm your account.

    Kung first time mo gamitin ang PSA Serbilis, kailangan mong gumawa ng account. Ibigay ang iyong buong pangalan, email address, mobile number, at delivery address. Makakatanggap ka ng verification email — i-click ang link para i-confirm ang iyong account.

    If you already have an account, simply log in with your email and password. Tip: use the same account for all future PSA document orders — naka-save na ang iyong delivery details, so faster ang mga susunod na order.

    Kung meron ka nang account, mag-log in lang gamit ang iyong email at password. Payo: gamitin ang parehong account para sa lahat ng future PSA document orders — naka-save na ang iyong delivery details, kaya mas mabilis ang mga susunod na order.

  3. Fill Out the Request Form

    Sagutan ang Request Form

    Fill in the details of the person whose birth certificate you are requesting. You will need to provide:

    Punan ang mga detalye ng taong kinukuha mong birth certificate. Kailangan mong ibigay ang:

    • Complete name — first name, middle name, and last name exactly as registered
    • Date of birth — month, day, and year
    • Place of birth — city or municipality and province
    • Father's name and Mother's maiden name
    • Number of copies — you can order multiple copies in one transaction
    • Kumpletong pangalan — first name, middle name, at last name nang eksakto ayon sa pagkaka-register
    • Petsa ng kapanganakan — buwan, araw, at taon
    • Lugar ng kapanganakan — lungsod o munisipalidad at probinsya
    • Pangalan ng ama at Maiden name ng ina
    • Bilang ng mga kopya — pwedeng mag-order ng maraming kopya sa isang transaksyon

    Double-check the spelling of every name. Kung may mali sa pangalan, baka ibang tao ang lumabas sa record or worse, walang matching result. Use the exact spelling na nakalagay sa original registration.

    I-double-check ang spelling ng bawat pangalan. Kung may mali sa pangalan, baka ibang tao ang lumabas sa record o mas masahol pa, walang matching na result. Gamitin ang eksaktong spelling na nakalagay sa original registration.

Ad Space
  1. Pay the ₱365 Fee (Includes Delivery)

    Magbayad ng ₱365 (Kasama na ang Delivery)

    The total fee for an online PSA birth certificate order is ₱365. This includes the document processing fee of ₱155 plus the delivery charge. The fee covers delivery to any address within the Philippines.

    Ang kabuuang bayad para sa online PSA birth certificate order ay ₱365. Kasama dito ang document processing fee na ₱155 at ang delivery charge. Sinasaklaw ng bayad ang delivery sa kahit anong address sa Pilipinas.

    You can pay through the following methods:

    Pwede kang magbayad sa pamamagitan ng mga sumusunod:

    • GCash — instant confirmation
    • Maya (PayMaya) — instant confirmation
    • Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
    • Online banking (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank, UnionBank, etc.)
    • Over-the-counter at Bayad Center, 7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier, SM Payment Centers

    After payment, you will receive an order confirmation with a reference number via email and SMS. Save this reference number — kakailanganin mo ito for tracking your order. Take a screenshot din para safe.

    Pagkatapos magbayad, makakatanggap ka ng order confirmation na may reference number sa email at SMS. I-save ang reference number na ito — kakailanganin mo ito para i-track ang iyong order. Mag-screenshot ka din para sigurado.

  2. Wait for Delivery (3–7 Business Days)

    Hintayin ang Delivery (3–7 Business Days)

    Once your order is processed, the PSA will print your birth certificate on official security paper (SECPA) and ship it to your delivery address. The typical delivery time is:

    Kapag na-process na ang iyong order, ipi-print ng PSA ang iyong birth certificate sa opisyal na security paper (SECPA) at ipapadala sa iyong delivery address. Ang karaniwang delivery time ay:

    • Metro Manila: 3–5 business days
    • Provincial areas (Luzon): 5–7 business days
    • Visayas and Mindanao: 7–10 business days
    • Metro Manila: 3–5 business days
    • Probinsya (Luzon): 5–7 business days
    • Visayas at Mindanao: 7–10 business days

    The document will be delivered via courier to the address you provided during checkout. Someone needs to be home to receive and sign for the package. Kung walang tao sa bahay, the courier will usually leave a notice and attempt redelivery.

    Ihahatid ang dokumento sa pamamagitan ng courier sa address na ibinigay mo habang nag-checkout. Kailangan may tao sa bahay para tanggapin at pumirma para sa package. Kung walang tao sa bahay, karaniwang mag-iiwan ng notice ang courier at susubukang mag-redeliver.

Step-by-Step: Walk-in at PSA Outlets (SM Malls)

Hakbang-Hakbang: Walk-in sa PSA Outlets (SM Malls)

If you need your birth certificate faster or prefer not to order online, you can visit a PSA Serbilis outlet in person. These are conveniently located inside SM malls and other partner establishments nationwide.

Kung kailangan mo agad ang birth certificate mo o ayaw mong mag-order online, pwede kang bumisita sa PSA Serbilis outlet nang personal. Ang mga ito ay maginhawang matatagpuan sa loob ng mga SM malls at ibang partner establishments sa buong bansa.

  1. Find the Nearest PSA Outlet

    Hanapin ang Pinakamalapit na PSA Outlet

    PSA Serbilis outlets are located inside most major SM malls across the country. You can find a complete list of outlet locations on the PSA Serbilis website under "Outlets." Some of the popular locations include SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Clark, SM Cebu, and SM Davao.

    Ang mga PSA Serbilis outlets ay matatagpuan sa loob ng karamihan ng mga malaking SM malls sa buong bansa. Makikita mo ang kumpletong listahan ng outlet locations sa PSA Serbilis website sa ilalim ng "Outlets." Ilan sa mga popular na lokasyon ay SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Clark, SM Cebu, at SM Davao.

    Operating hours are usually aligned with mall hours (10 AM – 7 PM), but some outlets close earlier or have a lunch break. Best to arrive before 3 PM para hindi maabutan ng last transaction cutoff.

    Ang operating hours ay karaniwang naka-align sa mall hours (10 AM – 7 PM), pero ang ibang outlets ay mas maaga nag-close o may lunch break. Pinakamabuti na dumating bago mag-3 PM para hindi maabutan ng last transaction cutoff.

  2. Bring Your Valid ID and Fill Out the Request Form

    Dalhin ang Iyong Valid ID at Sagutan ang Request Form

    Bring at least one original valid government-issued ID. At the outlet, you will be given a request form to fill out. Write down the complete name, date of birth, and place of birth of the person whose birth certificate you are requesting.

    Magdala ng hindi bababa sa isang original na valid government-issued ID. Sa outlet, bibigyan ka ng request form na sasagutan. Isulat ang kumpletong pangalan, petsa ng kapanganakan, at lugar ng kapanganakan ng taong kinukuha mong birth certificate.

    You can request a birth certificate for yourself or for someone else (like your child, parent, or sibling). If you are requesting for another person, make sure you know all their details correctly. Some outlets may ask for a written authorization letter and a photocopy of both your ID and the document owner's ID.

    Pwede kang mag-request ng birth certificate para sa sarili mo o para sa ibang tao (tulad ng anak, magulang, o kapatid). Kung nagre-request ka para sa ibang tao, siguraduhing alam mo nang tama ang lahat ng kanilang detalye. Ang ilang outlets ay maaaring humingi ng written authorization letter at photocopy ng parehong ID mo at ID ng may-ari ng dokumento.

  3. Pay ₱155 and Wait for Release

    Magbayad ng ₱155 at Hintayin ang Release

    The walk-in fee is ₱155 per copy, payable in cash at the outlet counter. This is cheaper than the online option because there is no delivery charge. After payment, the staff will process your request.

    Ang walk-in fee ay ₱155 bawat kopya, babayaran sa cash sa outlet counter. Mas mura ito kaysa sa online option dahil walang delivery charge. Pagkatapos magbayad, ipro-process ng staff ang iyong request.

    Release time depends on the outlet and the volume of requests:

    Ang release time ay depende sa outlet at dami ng requests:

    • Same-day release — some outlets can print your document within 30 minutes to 1 hour if the record is available in the system
    • Next-day or 2–3 day release — for records that need to be fetched from the central PSA database
    • Claiming stub — you will receive a claiming stub with the date to return and pick up your document
    • Same-day release — ang ilang outlets ay nakakapag-print ng dokumento mo sa loob ng 30 minuto hanggang 1 oras kung available ang record sa system
    • Susunod na araw o 2–3 araw na release — para sa mga record na kailangang kunin mula sa sentral na PSA database
    • Claiming stub — makakatanggap ka ng claiming stub na may petsa kung kailan ka babalik para kunin ang iyong dokumento

    When you receive your birth certificate, check it immediately for any errors — spelling, dates, names. Report any mistakes right away to the outlet staff. Mas madali itong ayusin on the spot kaysa bumalik pa ulit.

    Kapag natanggap mo na ang iyong birth certificate, suriin agad kung may mga error — spelling, petsa, pangalan. I-report ang anumang pagkakamali agad sa outlet staff. Mas madali itong ayusin on the spot kaysa bumalik pa ulit.

How to Track Your Online Order

Paano I-track ang Iyong Online Order

If you ordered through PSA Serbilis online, you can track the status of your order at any time. Here is how:

Kung nag-order ka sa PSA Serbilis online, pwede mong i-track ang status ng iyong order anumang oras. Narito kung paano:

  1. Go to psaserbilis.com.ph and log in to your account
  2. Click on "Track Order" or "My Orders" in the menu
  3. Enter your reference number or simply view your order history
  4. The system will show you the current status: Processing, For Delivery, In Transit, or Delivered
  1. Pumunta sa psaserbilis.com.ph at mag-log in sa iyong account
  2. I-click ang "Track Order" o "My Orders" sa menu
  3. Ilagay ang iyong reference number o tingnan lang ang iyong order history
  4. Ipapakita ng system ang kasalukuyang status: Processing, For Delivery, In Transit, o Delivered

You will also receive SMS updates at key milestones — when your document is printed, when it ships, and when it is out for delivery. Keep your phone number up to date in your account settings to make sure you receive these notifications.

Makakatanggap ka rin ng SMS updates sa mga key milestones — kapag nai-print na ang dokumento mo, kapag na-ship na, at kapag naka-out for delivery na. Panatilihing updated ang iyong phone number sa iyong account settings para siguradong matatanggap mo ang mga notification na ito.

If your order has not arrived within the expected timeframe, you can contact the PSA Serbilis hotline at (02) 8737-1111 or email helpdesk@psaserbilis.com.ph. Kung may tracking number na, pwede mo ring i-check directly sa courier website.

Kung hindi dumating ang iyong order sa loob ng expected timeframe, pwede kang makipag-ugnayan sa PSA Serbilis hotline sa (02) 8737-1111 o mag-email sa helpdesk@psaserbilis.com.ph. Kung may tracking number na, pwede mo ring i-check nang direkta sa courier website.

Ad Space

Late Registration of Birth

Late Registration ng Kapanganakan

If your birth was never registered with the local civil registrar — meaning walang record ng kapanganakan mo sa gobyerno — you will need to go through a late registration process before you can get a PSA birth certificate. This is more common than you think, especially for people born at home, in rural areas, or during natural disasters.

Kung hindi na-register ang kapanganakan mo sa local civil registrar — ibig sabihin walang record ng kapanganakan mo sa gobyerno — kailangan mong dumaan sa proseso ng late registration bago ka makakuha ng PSA birth certificate. Mas karaniwan ito kaysa sa iniisip mo, lalo na para sa mga ipinanganak sa bahay, sa mga rural areas, o habang may natural disaster.

Requirements for Late Registration

Mga Kailangan para sa Late Registration

  • Affidavit of Late Registration — a sworn statement explaining why the birth was not registered on time. This must be notarized.
  • Certificate of Live Birth form — the LCR will provide the official form for you to fill out with all details of the birth.
  • At least two (2) supporting documents to prove the birth event. Acceptable documents include:
    • Baptismal certificate
    • School records (Form 137 or transcript)
    • Medical records or hospital certification (if born in a hospital)
    • Voter's affidavit or voter's registration record
    • Insurance policy with birthdate
  • Valid ID of the person requesting (if the registrant is an adult) or the parent/guardian (if the registrant is a minor)
  • Affidavit of two disinterested persons — witnesses who can attest to the birth, such as neighbors, the midwife/hilot, or community elders
  • Affidavit of Late Registration — isang sinumpaang pahayag na nagpapaliwanag kung bakit hindi agad na-register ang kapanganakan. Kailangan itong ma-notarize.
  • Certificate of Live Birth form — ibibigay ng LCR ang opisyal na form na sasagutan mo na may lahat ng detalye ng kapanganakan.
  • Hindi bababa sa dalawang (2) supporting documents para patunayan ang pangyayari ng kapanganakan. Mga tinatanggap na dokumento:
    • Baptismal certificate
    • School records (Form 137 o transcript)
    • Medical records o hospital certification (kung ipinanganak sa ospital)
    • Voter's affidavit o voter's registration record
    • Insurance policy na may petsa ng kapanganakan
  • Valid ID ng taong nagre-request (kung adult na ang registrant) o ng magulang/guardian (kung menor de edad ang registrant)
  • Affidavit ng dalawang disinterested persons — mga saksi na makakapagpatunay ng kapanganakan, tulad ng kapitbahay, hilot/midwife, o matatanda sa komunidad

The Late Registration Process

Ang Proseso ng Late Registration

  1. Go to the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of the city or municipality where the birth occurred
  2. Submit all required documents and the completed Certificate of Live Birth form
  3. The LCR will post a public notice for 10 calendar days — this is a mandatory waiting period to allow anyone to contest the registration
  4. If no one contests, the LCR will register the birth and forward the record to the PSA
  5. Wait for the PSA to process the record into their central database (this can take 2–4 months)
  6. Once it is in the PSA system, you can now order your PSA birth certificate through Serbilis or any outlet
  1. Pumunta sa Local Civil Registrar (LCR) ng lungsod o munisipalidad kung saan naganap ang kapanganakan
  2. I-submit ang lahat ng kinakailangang dokumento at ang nakumpletong Certificate of Live Birth form
  3. Ipo-post ng LCR ang public notice sa loob ng 10 calendar days — ito ay mandatory waiting period para payagan ang sinumang mag-contest ng registration
  4. Kung walang mag-contest, ire-register ng LCR ang kapanganakan at ipapadala ang record sa PSA
  5. Hintayin na i-process ng PSA ang record sa kanilang central database (maaaring tumagal ng 2–4 na buwan)
  6. Kapag nasa PSA system na, pwede mo nang i-order ang iyong PSA birth certificate sa Serbilis o sa kahit anong outlet

Late registration takes time and effort, but it is absolutely worth doing. Without a registered birth, you cannot get a PSA birth certificate, which means you cannot get a passport, NBI clearance, or any major government ID. Huwag palampasin — simulan na ngayon.

Ang late registration ay nangangailangan ng oras at pagsisikap, pero talagang sulit itong gawin. Kung walang registered birth, hindi ka makakakuha ng PSA birth certificate, na ibig sabihin hindi ka rin makakakuha ng passport, NBI clearance, o anumang pangunahing government ID. Huwag palampasin — simulan na ngayon.

Authentication for DFA/POEA (Red Ribbon / Apostille)

Authentication para sa DFA/POEA (Red Ribbon / Apostille)

If you need to use your PSA birth certificate abroad — whether for OFW deployment, immigration, foreign school enrollment, or marriage overseas — you will likely need it authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This process used to be called "red ribbon" authentication. Since the Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention, many countries now accept an apostille instead.

Kung kailangan mong gamitin ang iyong PSA birth certificate sa ibang bansa — para sa OFW deployment, immigration, pag-aaral sa abroad, o kasal overseas — malamang na kailangan itong ma-authenticate ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Ang prosesong ito ay dating tinatawag na "red ribbon" authentication. Simula nang sumali ang Pilipinas sa Hague Apostille Convention, maraming bansa na ang tumatanggap ng apostille sa halip.

When You Need Authentication

Kailan Kailangan ang Authentication

  • OFW deployment — POEA and foreign employers/agencies require authenticated documents
  • Immigration applications — embassies and consulates require apostilled or authenticated documents
  • Foreign marriage — if you are getting married abroad, your birth certificate needs to be authenticated
  • Study abroad — foreign universities may require authenticated copies of your civil registry documents
  • OFW deployment — ang POEA at mga foreign employers/agencies ay nangangailangan ng authenticated documents
  • Immigration applications — ang mga embahada at konsulado ay nangangailangan ng apostilled o authenticated documents
  • Kasal sa ibang bansa — kung magpapakasal ka sa abroad, kailangan ma-authenticate ang iyong birth certificate
  • Pag-aaral sa abroad — ang mga foreign universities ay maaaring mangailangan ng authenticated copies ng iyong civil registry documents

How to Get DFA Authentication

Paano Kumuha ng DFA Authentication

  1. Make sure you have a recent PSA birth certificate on official SECPA security paper (not the old NSO format). The DFA will not authenticate outdated or non-SECPA documents.
  2. Book an appointment at the DFA Office of Consular Affairs through their online appointment system at dfa.gov.ph
  3. Visit the DFA office on your appointment date with your PSA birth certificate and a valid ID
  4. Pay the authentication/apostille fee (currently ₱100)
  5. Wait for processing — usually same day or next day release for apostille
  1. Siguraduhing meron kang bagong PSA birth certificate sa opisyal na SECPA security paper (hindi ang lumang NSO format). Hindi i-authenticate ng DFA ang mga outdated o non-SECPA documents.
  2. Mag-book ng appointment sa DFA Office of Consular Affairs sa pamamagitan ng kanilang online appointment system sa dfa.gov.ph
  3. Pumunta sa DFA office sa iyong appointment date kasama ang iyong PSA birth certificate at valid ID
  4. Bayaran ang authentication/apostille fee (kasalukuyang ₱100)
  5. Hintayin ang processing — karaniwang same day o susunod na araw na release para sa apostille

Important: the DFA will only authenticate documents issued by the PSA on SECPA security paper. If your birth certificate is an old NSO copy or a local civil registrar copy, you will need to get a new PSA copy first before going to the DFA. Hindi nila tatanggapin ang lumang format — so order a fresh PSA copy before your DFA appointment.

Mahalaga: ang DFA ay ia-authenticate lamang ang mga dokumento na inilabas ng PSA sa SECPA security paper. Kung ang iyong birth certificate ay lumang NSO copy o local civil registrar copy, kailangan mo munang kumuha ng bagong PSA copy bago pumunta sa DFA. Hindi nila tatanggapin ang lumang format — so mag-order ng bagong PSA copy bago ang iyong DFA appointment.

Pro Tips

Mga Payo

  • Order multiple copies at once. Maraming transactions ang humihingi ng birth certificate, at hindi mo laging makukuha agad. Having 2–3 extra copies on hand saves you from ordering again when you suddenly need one for a passport or job application.
  • Try PSA mobile outlets. Aside from SM mall outlets, the PSA sometimes sets up mobile or pop-up outlets in government centers, Ayuda distribution centers, and community halls during special events. These are usually less crowded and may even offer discounted or free services during government outreach programs.
  • Check PSA Ayuda Centers. Kung nasa remote area ka or mahirap makarating sa SM mall, check if there is a PSA Community-Based Serbilis center in your area. These are set up in partnership with LGUs to bring PSA services closer to underserved communities.
  • Avoid fixers at all costs. May mga tao sa labas ng PSA outlets na nag-aalok na "mag-process" ng documents mo for an extra fee. Huwag mo silang tangkilikin. Ang proseso ay straightforward at hindi mo kailangan ng middleman. Plus, the documents they provide may not even be legitimate.
  • Check for errors immediately. Pagkatanggap mo ng iyong birth certificate, basahin mo nang mabuti. Suriin ang spelling ng lahat ng pangalan, ang petsa ng kapanganakan, at ang lugar ng kapanganakan. Kung may mali, mas madaling i-correct on the spot or right after, kaysa ilang buwan pa mula ngayon.
  • Store your birth certificate safely. Keep originals in a waterproof, fireproof document folder or envelope. Make clear photocopies and digital scans (take a high-quality photo with your phone) for everyday use, and present the original only when required.
  • For corrections, go to the LCR first. If there is an error on your birth certificate (clerical errors like misspelling, wrong date), the correction process under RA 9048 starts at the Local Civil Registrar, not the PSA. After the LCR corrects the record, it will eventually be forwarded to the PSA.
  • Mag-order ng maraming kopya nang sabay-sabay. Maraming transactions ang humihingi ng birth certificate, at hindi mo laging makukuha agad. Ang pagkakaroon ng 2–3 extra copies on hand ay nag-iingat sa iyo mula sa pag-order ulit kapag biglang kailangan mo para sa passport o job application.
  • Subukan ang PSA mobile outlets. Bukod sa mga SM mall outlets, minsan ang PSA ay nagse-set up ng mobile o pop-up outlets sa mga government centers, Ayuda distribution centers, at community halls habang may mga espesyal na event. Karaniwang mas kaunti ang tao dito at maaari pang mag-offer ng may diskwento o libreng serbisyo habang may government outreach programs.
  • I-check ang PSA Ayuda Centers. Kung nasa remote area ka o mahirap makarating sa SM mall, i-check kung may PSA Community-Based Serbilis center sa inyong lugar. Ang mga ito ay naka-set up sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga LGU para mas mapalapit ang PSA services sa mga underserved communities.
  • Iwasan ang mga fixer sa lahat ng pagkakataon. May mga tao sa labas ng PSA outlets na nag-aalok na "mag-process" ng mga dokumento mo sa dagdag na bayad. Huwag mo silang tangkilikin. Ang proseso ay straightforward at hindi mo kailangan ng middleman. Dagdag pa, ang mga dokumento na ibinibigay nila ay maaaring hindi lehitimo.
  • Suriin ang mga error agad-agad. Pagkatanggap mo ng iyong birth certificate, basahin mo nang mabuti. Suriin ang spelling ng lahat ng pangalan, ang petsa ng kapanganakan, at ang lugar ng kapanganakan. Kung may mali, mas madaling i-correct on the spot o pagkatapos agad, kaysa ilang buwan pa mula ngayon.
  • Itago nang ligtas ang iyong birth certificate. Ilagay ang mga original sa isang waterproof, fireproof na document folder o envelope. Gumawa ng malinaw na mga photocopy at digital scan (kunan ng high-quality na litrato gamit ang phone mo) para sa pang-araw-araw na gamit, at ipakita lamang ang original kapag kinakailangan.
  • Para sa mga correction, pumunta muna sa LCR. Kung may error sa iyong birth certificate (mga clerical errors tulad ng maling spelling, maling petsa), ang correction process sa ilalim ng RA 9048 ay nagsisimula sa Local Civil Registrar, hindi sa PSA. Pagkatapos itama ng LCR ang record, ito ay ipapadala sa PSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mga Madalas Itanong

How long does PSA online delivery take? Gaano katagal ang delivery ng PSA online order?

For Metro Manila addresses, delivery typically takes 3–5 business days. For provincial areas in Luzon, expect 5–7 business days. For Visayas and Mindanao, it can take 7–10 business days. These are estimates and actual delivery times may vary depending on courier logistics and weather conditions. During peak seasons (like enrollment period or OFW deployment months), processing may take a bit longer. Pwede mong i-track ang status ng order mo anytime sa PSA Serbilis website.

Para sa mga address sa Metro Manila, ang delivery ay karaniwang tumatagal ng 3–5 business days. Para sa mga probinsya sa Luzon, mag-expect ng 5–7 business days. Para sa Visayas at Mindanao, maaaring tumagal ng 7–10 business days. Ang mga ito ay mga tantiya at ang aktwal na delivery times ay maaaring mag-iba depende sa courier logistics at kondisyon ng panahon. Kapag peak season (tulad ng enrollment period o OFW deployment months), maaaring medyo tumagal pa ang processing. Pwede mong i-track ang status ng order mo anytime sa PSA Serbilis website.

How much does a PSA birth certificate cost? Magkano ang PSA birth certificate?

The cost depends on how you order. Online via PSA Serbilis: ₱365 per copy, which includes the ₱155 processing fee plus delivery charges. Walk-in at PSA outlets: ₱155 per copy, payable in cash. The walk-in option is cheaper because you pick up the document yourself, so walang delivery charge. If you order multiple copies online, the delivery fee is usually charged per order (not per copy), making it more cost-effective to order several copies at once.

Ang gastos ay depende sa kung paano ka mag-order. Online sa PSA Serbilis: ₱365 bawat kopya, kasama na ang ₱155 processing fee at delivery charges. Walk-in sa PSA outlets: ₱155 bawat kopya, babayaran sa cash. Mas mura ang walk-in option dahil ikaw mismo ang kukuha ng dokumento, kaya walang delivery charge. Kung mag-order ka ng maraming kopya online, ang delivery fee ay karaniwang sinisingil per order (hindi per copy), kaya mas sulit na mag-order ng ilang kopya nang sabay-sabay.

Can I get someone else's birth certificate? Pwede ba akong kumuha ng birth certificate ng ibang tao?

Yes, you can request a birth certificate for another person. For online orders through PSA Serbilis, anyone can place an order as long as they have the complete details of the document owner (full name, date of birth, place of birth). For walk-in requests, some PSA outlets may require a written authorization letter from the document owner, plus a photocopy of both your ID and the document owner's ID. This is especially true for non-family members. Parents requesting for their children, or children requesting for their parents, usually do not need authorization — but it is still a good idea to bring one just in case.

Oo, pwede kang mag-request ng birth certificate para sa ibang tao. Para sa online orders sa PSA Serbilis, kahit sino ang pwedeng mag-order basta meron siyang kumpletong detalye ng may-ari ng dokumento (buong pangalan, petsa ng kapanganakan, lugar ng kapanganakan). Para sa walk-in requests, ang ilang PSA outlets ay maaaring mangailangan ng written authorization letter mula sa may-ari ng dokumento, kasama ang photocopy ng parehong ID mo at ID ng may-ari ng dokumento. Totoo ito lalo na para sa mga hindi kapamilya. Ang mga magulang na nagre-request para sa kanilang mga anak, o mga anak na nagre-request para sa kanilang mga magulang, ay karaniwang hindi nangangailangan ng authorization — pero magandang ideya pa rin na magdala ng isa para sigurado.

What if my birth was never registered? Paano kung hindi na-register ang kapanganakan ko?

If your birth was never registered, you will not find any record in the PSA system. You will need to go through a late registration process at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of the city or municipality where you were born. You will need an Affidavit of Late Registration, at least two supporting documents (baptismal certificate, school records, medical records), and an affidavit from two witnesses. The LCR will post a public notice for 10 days, and if no one contests, the birth will be registered. After that, the record is forwarded to the PSA and you can order your PSA copy — but this forwarding process can take 2–4 months. Mahaba ang proseso pero kailangan talagang gawin para magkaroon ka ng legal identity documents.

Kung hindi na-register ang kapanganakan mo, wala kang makikitang record sa PSA system. Kailangan mong dumaan sa late registration process sa Local Civil Registrar (LCR) ng lungsod o munisipalidad kung saan ka ipinanganak. Kakailanganin mo ng Affidavit of Late Registration, hindi bababa sa dalawang supporting documents (baptismal certificate, school records, medical records), at affidavit mula sa dalawang saksi. Ipo-post ng LCR ang public notice sa loob ng 10 araw, at kung walang mag-contest, ire-register ang kapanganakan. Pagkatapos nito, ipapadala ang record sa PSA at pwede ka nang mag-order ng iyong PSA copy — pero ang forwarding process na ito ay maaaring tumagal ng 2–4 na buwan. Mahaba ang proseso pero kailangan talagang gawin para magkaroon ka ng legal identity documents.

What if there's an error on my birth certificate? Paano kung may mali sa birth certificate ko?

If there is a clerical or typographical error on your birth certificate — such as a misspelled name, wrong date, or incorrect place of birth — you can file for a correction under Republic Act No. 9048 (as amended by RA 10172). The process starts at the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) of the city or municipality where the birth was registered, not at the PSA. You will need to file a verified petition with the LCR along with supporting documents that show the correct information. Processing time varies by LCR but typically takes 1–3 months. Once the correction is approved and the LCR forwards the updated record to the PSA, you can then order a corrected PSA copy. For more serious errors (like changing the name entirely or correcting the sex), a court order may be required.

Kung may clerical o typographical error sa iyong birth certificate — tulad ng maling spelling ng pangalan, maling petsa, o maling lugar ng kapanganakan — pwede kang mag-file ng correction sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 9048 (ayon sa pagbabago ng RA 10172). Ang proseso ay nagsisimula sa Local Civil Registrar (LCR) ng lungsod o munisipalidad kung saan na-register ang kapanganakan, hindi sa PSA. Kailangan mong mag-file ng verified petition sa LCR kasama ang mga supporting documents na nagpapakita ng tamang impormasyon. Ang processing time ay nag-iiba sa bawat LCR pero karaniwang tumatagal ng 1–3 buwan. Kapag naaprubahan ang correction at naipadala ng LCR ang updated record sa PSA, pwede ka nang mag-order ng corrected PSA copy. Para sa mas seryosong mga error (tulad ng pagpapalit ng buong pangalan o pag-correct ng kasarian), maaaring kailangan ng court order.

Is a birth certificate from the local civil registrar valid? Valid ba ang birth certificate mula sa local civil registrar?

An LCR-issued birth certificate is valid for some purposes, such as barangay transactions, some school enrollments, and certain local government requirements. However, for most major national transactions — including passport applications, NBI clearance, SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG registration, marriage license applications, and court proceedings — a PSA-issued copy on SECPA security paper is required. The PSA copy is considered the official national record and carries more legal weight. Kung may LCR copy ka lang, okay lang yan for basic use, pero mag-order ka na rin ng PSA copy para ready ka sa mga mas malaking transactions. For overseas use, only PSA copies can be authenticated by the DFA.

Ang birth certificate na inilabas ng LCR ay valid para sa ilang mga layunin, tulad ng mga transaksyon sa barangay, ilang school enrollments, at ilang local government requirements. Gayunpaman, para sa karamihan ng mga pangunahing national transactions — kabilang ang passport applications, NBI clearance, SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG registration, marriage license applications, at court proceedings — ang PSA-issued copy sa SECPA security paper ang kinakailangan. Ang PSA copy ay itinuturing na opisyal na national record at may mas mataas na legal weight. Kung may LCR copy ka lang, okay lang yan para sa basic use, pero mag-order ka na rin ng PSA copy para ready ka sa mga mas malaking transactions. Para sa overseas use, ang PSA copies lang ang pwedeng ma-authenticate ng DFA.

Ad Space
← Back to Government guides ← Bumalik sa mga gabay sa Gobyerno