Maiden Name on Passport: New Law Lets Married Women Revert

For married women in the Philippines, you can take back your maiden name—on a passport! Republic Act No. 11983 grants you greater autonomy over your identity, simplifying the process of updating official documents to align with your preferences. Let’s explore how this is done!

What is RA 11983?

The New Philippine Passport Act, officially Republic Act No. 11983, aims to modernize and make passport applications and renewals more efficient in the Philippines. A notable aspect of this new law is the provision allowing married women to use or return to their maiden name on their passports. This change recognizes the applicant’s identity, autonomy, and changing family situations.

However, this decision is permanent. Once you’ve used your maiden name, you cannot change it back in future passport applications. Additionally, all other valid IDs must reflect your maiden name for the request to be processed.

Who Can Revert?

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recognizes 2 key scenarios for reverting to one’s maiden name on a passport:

• Personal Choice – You simply wish to revert to your maiden name.
• Legal Change in Marital Status – This could be due to annulment, legal separation, divorce recognized by a Philippine court, or death of a spouse. 

Requirements

Regardless of which scenario you fall under, you must prepare the following documents:

• PSA-issued birth certificate (to confirm your maiden name)
• Latest passport (or valid travel document)
• Government-issued ID that reflects your maiden name (if applicable)

If you’re reverting by personal choice, you must also present your PSA-issued marriage certificate and a notarized affidavit stating your reason for reverting and confirming that this is your first and only request.

For a legal change in your marital status, provide your PSA-issued marriage certificate or report of marriage with the annotated court ruling. If the PSA record has not yet been annotated, the court decision itself will suffice.

Lastly, if you’re a widow, you must present the PSA-issued or foreign death certificate of your spouse. If foreign, you must present its English translation.

READ: 2025 Passport Renewal: Where to Go for a Faster Process

The New Philippine Passport Act simplifies the process for married women to revert to their maiden name on their passports, granting them the freedom to reflect their true identity in this official document, regardless of their reason.