Tips on how to book for a DFA passport appointment

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From reddit, I learned to always use incognito mode in accessing the system so as to prevent further issues down the line. Here's a screenshot from a kind redditor:

So here's how the DFA online appointment system works:
The system adds new slots around 12NN and 9PM.
Every hour the system refreshes slots from unsuccessful transactions. Be quick because these slots are filled quickly, but these don't necessarily mean Booked - only Reserved for another 20-30 minutes.

You can visit this page to check for available dates for passport application and renewal appointments.

Common issue/s:
Due to time constraint users tend to commit input errors, some of which are the Province and City/Municipality fields. Use the ones reflected on your birth certificate - your place of birth to be specific. Most users input their current address instead of the latter. And although this can be corrected on your appointment, it's better to double-check for possible encoding errors.
Note that Province and City/Municipality are your place of birth NOT current address.

Other helpful tips:
  • For those with appointment at SM Megamall (DFA NCR East), the branch has regular disinfection from 12NN - 1PM. So if you have an appointment at 1PM and you want to come early, you can wait in line at the DFA entrance inside the mall. My mistake was using the other entrance. As someone who was unfamiliar with the process I went at 12:20PM and decided to wait until 1PM when I realized that there was already a long queue outside the entrance.
  • If you have all your documents (original and photocopied) prepared, the whole process will only take for an hour.
  • Avail of the courier service for the delivery of your passport. Prepare P150.
  • Just to be sure, don't wear white t-shirt (even with collar), much better if you wear collared and colored shirts.
  • Practice your "Mona Lisa" smile as showing of teeth on your passport is not allowed.
  • TOPS usually have more vacant slots compared to Main/Consular branches. But if you are applying for a new passport, it's more convenient to book an appointment at Main/Consular branches.
You'll need all the patience in the world as booking for a DFA appointment online can get frustrating and emotionally exhausting. Plus, it's evident that even if the DFA system has anti-fixer measures implemented, there are still fixers taking advantage of the system's limitations, working around its weakness so as to leech off of desperate people's money. 
Here's to hoping you'll book one soon!

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