GOVPH

Applicants’ Reversion to their Maiden Name under the New Philippine Passport Act

A married woman may revert to her maiden name in her passport application by virtue of an annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, judicially-recognized foreign divorce, or death of a husband. In so doing, the following documentary requirements must be submitted:


A. By virtue of death of spouse

1. Submission of an original and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Death (COD) or Report of Death (ROD) of spouse, or apostilled, or authenticated Foreign Death Certificate with English Translation, if applicable;
2. An original and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth; and
3. Latest-issued Philippine passport (if available).
   
   

B. By virtue of annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, judicially-recognized foreign divorce, judicially-recognized divorce under PD No. 1083, and legal separation

1. Submission of an original and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage (COM) or PSA Report of Marriage (ROM) with annotation reflecting the nullity or dissolution of marriage, judicial recognition of foreign divorce, court decree of legal separation;
2. An original and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth;
3. Latest-issued Philippine passport (if available).
   
   

C. Voluntary reversion to their maiden names for reasons apart from those stated under A and B above

The New Philippine Passport Act (Republic Act. No. 11983) allows married women who are renewing their passports to voluntarily revert to their maiden names ONCE. This is pursuant to Section 5 (f) of the New Philippine Passport Act, which provides:

"For a woman who wishes to revert to the use of her maiden name, a duly authenticated birth certificate by the PSA: Provided, That she can only revert to her maiden name once and all her other existing identification cards and pertinent documents shall likewise reflect her maiden name…”

Passport applicants who wish to avail themselves of this mode of reversion to their maiden names in their passport may do so by submitting the following additional requirements:

1. Orginal and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth;
2. Original and photocopy of a PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage or PSA Report of Marriage;
3. Notarized Affidavit of Explanation that includes a request for the reversion of maiden name in the Philippine passport or travel document and stating that the applicant has not hitherto availed of the reversion;
4. Latest-issued Philippine passport or travel document; and
5. Any valid and existing Government-issued ID accepted for passport application, reflecting the maiden name of the passport applicant.

For married women who will avail themselves of voluntary reversion to their maiden name, a duly notarized affidavit will also be accepted, provided it clearly states the applicant’s reason for reverting to her maiden name and confirms compliance with all documentary requirements.

The Embassy encourages the public to use the prescribed affidavit template through this LINK.

Furthermore, the Embassy informs the public that a married woman who has used her husband’s surname in her passport or travel document may revert to her maiden name only once, following the dissolution of a subsisting marriage. 

The reversion to the maiden name does not in any way affect or alter one’s civil status.

For more information, please read the DFA Advisory HERE.

Project Term Personnel for the Conduct of Pre-Voting Enrollment for #Halalan2025

Earth Hour 2025: Switch Off and Secure Water for All

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Doha joins the world in celebrating Earth Hour.

On 22 March 2025, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., we will switch off the lights in our homes and offices as part of our steadfast commitment to protecting the planet.

With the local theme “Switch Off and Secure Water for All,” this year’s Earth Hour coincides with World Water Day.

Earth Hour directs our attention to the interconnectedness of water security, nature loss, and climate change, and reminds us of the fundamental role of water in sustaining life on this planet.