HOW TO CHANGE YOUR SURNAME AFTER MARRIAGE in the Philippines

Marriage is surely a very pleasant thing especially for women. But along side with it is the changing of our status, and the name that appears on our IDs. For those who opt not to do it, I have a separate article for this. –> It’s a Choice, Not a Law to Change Your Maiden Name... I have been married since September 2013 but I wasn’t able to change all my ID name until today for some reasons. First, I don’t have the time to do so. My former job is 12 hours a day 6 times a week (whew!). Second, I don’t know how to. It took me lots of researches before I went to a certain government office, since I don’t have the luxury of time, I wanted to make sure that I have everything I need before I go. Third, because I’m still waiting for the expiration of some of my IDs ^_^.

So here it goes:

1. Philhealth
   • What to bring: Photocopy of Marriage Certificate, bring the original for verification.
   • What to do: Just ask the customer service personnel that you want to change status, fill out the Membership form that she/he will give you. Wait for the processing, and right then and there you will have your status changed and a new ID.
   • Where to go: Any Philhealth office or satellite office, in my case I had it done in their Robinsons-Novaliches branch.
   • How much?: Free ^_^ including the ID, you must have it laminated though.
   • Tip: Since the process will only take 5 to 10 minutes, I suggest you go there before closing time (satellite office closes at 6:00 PM) no more lines, no more waiting ^_^. You have to get a number for other branches.
2. Bank Records
   • What to bring: Marriage Certificate; they can have it photocopied, valid IDs (they prefer IDs under your married name – this is for BDO and East West Bank; not sure with other banks.)
   • What to do: Ask the teller that you would want to update your records, you would fill out a lot of forms.
   • How much? : Free
   • Tip: If you don’t have your marriage certificate from NSO, certified true copy will do.
3. Pag-ibig
   • What to bring: Marriage certificate, valid IDs –> Photocopy and original copy for verification.
   • What to do: Tell the guard or any customer service (not yet those in front of the computer) that you will update your status. They will give you a Members Change of Information Form to fill out and a number, wait for your number to be called for your transaction to be processed.
   • Where to go?: Pag-ibig branch near you
   • How much? : Free, unless you want to avail of their Loyalty Card for P100.00 –>Form here<–
   • Tip: The process only takes 5-10 minutes but I would suggest you go there early because the line gets long throughout the day.
4. SSS
   • *In my case I just filled out Member’s Data Amendment Form (E4) and had it filed by our company’s HR.
   • What to prepare: Filled out form, Photocopy of: Marriage certificate, SSS ID, and authorization letter.
   • How much? : It’s free, but if you will request for a new ID, nowadays it’s called Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID), ID payment is P300.00 using the Miscellaneous Payment Form (R-6)
   • Tip: The process of changing your status is easy but requesting for a new ID is like how you get it the first time. The only difference is that instead of presenting so many IDs, you only need to present your old SSS ID. Just be sure that you have other valid IDs before you decide to apply for SSSUMID ID because they will confiscate the old SSS ID and you’ll have to wait for 2-3 months for the delivery of the new one.
     • When I was applying for my UMID ID I went to SSS-East Ave. early, but because the process/line from getting the application form to have it verified by SSS personnel (not yet picture-taking) takes too long, I reached the cut off time (4:00PM) of the payment section. The one who verified my application told me that I just have to go back the next day in that branch or in other branch near me.  Since there is a branch here in Commonwealth (new at that time August 2014) I decided to go there but after waiting they said they are not yet accepting payments because their branch is new and that I can pay with accredited banks. I went to so many banks near that branch but to no avail they all said they don’t have SSS receipt and they are only accepting payments every Thursday.  In short I had to go back to SSS-East Ave. The cashier is asking for another piece  of whatsoever paper (I didn’t bother to know what it is) but I insisted that I’m already finished with the verification, so she marked my payment form “non-refundable” but she accepted my payment. I paid my application form, next step picture-taking. I went to that area and saw that it will take me forever and I’m afraid I will reach cut-off again so I tried my luck and went to SSS-Commonwealth. Luckily I was the last one they accepted and holah! I finished my UMID ID application at last! I hope no one will experience this anymore! Got my ID after 2 months!
5. Passport
   • What to do: Set an appointment at DFA Passport Appointment system
     • Fill out the form properly, print and keep it until your appointment date. (don’t sign it yet; you will do this in front of a DFA personnel)
     • They will not entertain you if you don’t have appointment. (But I noticed that there are still some fixers in the area; I’m not so sure about this though, they have IDs and they’re inside the vicinity of DFA. They are talking to people and I heard they are assisting those who don’t have appointments. They have forms and after some time they were asked to go inside in groups. I don’t know where did they go but definitely they were not merged to those who have prior appointments like us. Again this is just my observation and every body is free to correct me if I’m wrong.)
     • Be on time! There’s a reminder in your appointment letter to come 30 minutes before your schedule. Late comers will have to be rescheduled. My schedule is 10 A.M. but because of heavy traffic, I arrived there at 10:05 A.M. I went inside and show my appointment letter to the guard, luckily the 10 A.M. schedule is still in the waiting area so I was asked to go at the end of the line. There’s a man in our group and he said his appointment is 9:00 A.M. so he was 1 hour late but he was still entertained. So I don’t know how strict they are with the time, but of course this is not a license to be late.
     • Steps:
       • Pre-Step 1: Waiting with your group/batch per appointment schedule to go to Step 1
       • Step 1 : Verification of documents (be sure you have everything you need!)
       • Step 2 : Payment (2nd floor)
         • Express (10 working days) : Php 1,200.00
         • Regular (20 working days) : Php 900.00
       • Step 3 : Picture taking–> Get a number (at your right when you are facing the cashier->specifically for DFA-Aseana), then wait for your number to flash on the screen.
         • Your both ears should be visible, you can smile but you can’t show your teeth ^_^
         • Be sure to check all the data encoded before you sign.
       • Step 4 : Delivery (optional) Php 150.00 delivery fee (location is just after the exit.)
   • What to bring: DFA Documentary Requirements
     • For New application or Change status and name: be sure to bring your original copies, original copies of birth certificate and marriage contract will be left in DFA’s file.
     • For renewal: Photocopy of the front and back page of your passport. (Many didn’t know this part, because it was not written in the DFA website)
     • For those who are changing their Maiden name to Married name you can already use your Married name in setting the appointment.
6. Driver’s License (I haven’t change my driver’s license yet because I’m still waiting for the expiration ^_^)
   • I guess it’s the same process of renewal, you just have to present your original and photo copy of your marriage contract. It will only take less than one day, if you don’t have any case, if so you’ll have to settle it first at their main office.
   • Here is a link that I recommend –>Change name philippine driver’s license <–

 There you go. I’m writing another article about changing membership status from emp
loyed to voluntary or self-employed for SSS, Pag-ibig, and Philhealth soon! Thanks for reading, and happy sharing! ^_^