Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common inquiries about ordering, payment, delivery, and official requirements for your PSA documents.
Table of Contents
- 1. Can I see my PSA birth certificate online?
- 2. What is a PSA birth cert?
- 3. Can I go directly to PSA without an appointment?
- 4. How many days to get a PSA birth certificate?
- 5. Can I get my PSA in one day?
- 6. How to request a copy of a birth certificate in the Philippines?
1. Can I see my PSA birth certificate online?
Yes! You can now request your PSA birth certificate online and the easiest way to do it is through PSAHelpline.ph, an authorized partner of the PSA. Just order, pay, and wait for delivery. Super simple.
How to request your PSA birth certificate online via PSAHelpline.ph:
- Visit PSAHelpline.ph: Go to the official website and click “Order Now.”
- Start your application: Choose Birth Certificate and follow the step-by-step instructions. You’ll be asked for a few details about yourself or the person you’re requesting for.
- Fill out the form: Type in the required information to make sure everything’s accurate.
- Pay the fee: Settle the payment using your preferred method, GCash, credit card, or over-the-counter options are all available.
- Wait for delivery: That’s it! Once PSA releases your document, PSAHelpline will deliver it straight to your doorstep.
Delivery timeline:
- Metro Manila: Usually next working day after PSA release
- Provincial areas: Around 3–8 working days
2. What is a PSA birth certificate?
A PSA birth certificate is an official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority that records a person’s birth details, full name, gender, date and time of birth, place of birth, and basic information about the parents.
3. Can I go directly to PSA without an appointment?
No, you usually can’t go directly to a PSA office without an appointment, especially if you’re requesting civil registry documents like birth or marriage certificates. PSA Customer Service Outlets (CRS) require an online appointment before allowing walk-in transactions.
Some people say that having a Philippine National ID might allow you to walk in, but this isn’t guaranteed so it’s still best to follow PSA’s official guidelines or confirm with them directly.
How to get a PSA appointment:
- Visit the PSA Online Appointment System: Go to the official scheduling website.
- Fill out the form: Choose your preferred PSA outlet, date, and time.
- Confirm your schedule: Submit the form and download your confirmation slip.
- Go to your chosen outlet: Arrive on your scheduled date and present your confirmation slip at the entrance.
Alternative: Order online instead.
If you don’t have time to visit a PSA office or deal with appointment slots, you can skip the walk-in process entirely. www.PSAHelpline.ph, an authorized partner of the PSA, offers a convenient online ordering service for PSA birth, marriage, and other civil registry documents. Just apply online, pay through GCash or other options, and wait for delivery, no appointment, no queue, no hassle.
4. How many days to get a PSA birth certificate?
After the PSA releases your document, delivery usually takes:
- Metro Manila: About one working day
- Provincial areas: Around 3 to 8 working days
What can affect delivery times?
- Manual verification: If your certificate needs extra checking in the PSA database, it may take longer to release.
- Delivery delays: Some areas might experience slower delivery due to local restrictions or unforeseen circumstances.
- Recipient unavailable: If no one is present to receive the document, delivery can be delayed.
With PSAHelpline.ph, these timelines are usually reliable, but it’s good to keep these potential delays in mind.
5. Can I get my PSA in one day?
Yesstrong>, you can get a PSA certificate in just one day but only if you apply in person at a PSA Customer Service Outlet (CRS) and everything with your record is in order. Online requests, on the other hand, cannot be processed the same day, though delivery for Metro Manila addresses is often the next day once the PSA releases the document.
Same-day processing (in-person application):
Where to go: Get an appointment schedule and visit your PSA CRS Outlet
Requirements:
- One valid government-issued ID
- An Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if you’re requesting for someone else
How it works: If your record is found and there are no issues, you can receive your certificate on the same day .
Online requests (delivery options via PSAHelpline.ph)
- Metro Manila: Typically delivered the next day after PSA releases the document
- Provincial areas: Usually 3–8 working days
- Other options: You can also choose pick-up at partner stores like National Book Store or Robinsons Department Store after placing your order online
Important considerations
- Posting period: Some documents, especially marriage certificates, may only be available after a waiting period following the event.
- Manual verification: Certificates that require manual checks may take longer to process.
- Online vs. in-person: If you need a document urgently, in-person application is the only way to guarantee same-day delivery.
6. How to request a copy of a birth certificate in the Philippines?
You can request a birth certificate in the Philippines either online or in person, depending on what’s most convenient for you. Online service via PSAHelpline.ph let you order from home and have the certificate delivered, while in-person applications require a visit to your local government office or a PSA outlet.
Requesting Online (PSAHelpline.ph):
- Visit the website and fill out the order form with details like the child’s full name, date and place of birth, and parents’ names
- No appointment is needed.
- Choose home delivery or pick-up at select National Bookstore or Robinsons Department Store locations.
Requesting In Person:
At the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO):
- Go to the LCRO where the birth was registered.
- Fill out a Certificate of Live Birth form.
- Pay any applicable fees at the City Treasurer’s Office, including late registration fees if needed.
- Processing times vary, so you might need to wait a few days or weeks to pick up your certificate.
At a PSA Outlet:
- Get an appointment schedule and visit your PSA CRS Outlet.
- Bring valid ID and any other required documents.
- Processing may take longer if there’s a high volume of applications, especially for recent births.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Newborns: If the birth is recent, the certificate may not yet be available, as it takes time for records to be transmitted from the LCRO to the PSA and digitized.
- Authorized recipient: You can authorize someone else to receive the certificate for online orders, but they must show a valid ID.
- Fees: Costs vary depending on the method you choose and any additional services.
7. Can I get a birth certificate walk-in?
Yes, you can get a birth certificate in person at a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Civil Registry System (CRS) Outlet or at your local City Civil Registry Department. Keep in mind, though, that same-day issuance isn’t always guaranteed—it often depends on the outlet and local procedures.
Getting your birth certificate at a PSA CRS Outlet:
What you’ll need:
- A valid ID
- Completed application form
- Applicable fees
How it works:
- Book an appointment online through https://crs-appointment.psahelpline.ph/ to schedule your visit.
- Arrive at the outlet before your appointment time and submit your documents along with the payment.
- You’ll receive your birth certificate on the scheduled release date at the outlet.
Getting your birth certificate at the Local City Civil Registry Department:
What you’ll need:
- A valid ID
- Completed Certificate of Live Birth form
- Any other required documents
How it works:
- Go to your local Civil Registry Department and get a Certificate of Live Birth form.
- Submit the form and other required documents to the clerk.
- If there are fees, such as a late registration fee, pay them at the City Treasurer’s Office and present the official receipt to the clerk.
- You’ll be given a release date to pick up your certificate.
Important Considerations
- Same-day pickup: Some outlets can process walk-in requests on the same day, but it’s not guaranteed and depends on your location and the outlet’s workload.
- Online appointment recommended: Booking an appointment online often makes the process smoother and more convenient.
- Alternative options: For urgent needs, some PSA outlets with a history of fast processing may allow quicker issuance.
8. How many days will it take to get a PSA?
Getting a PSA certificate can take anywhere from one day to several working days, depending on your location and how you apply.
Online Application with PSAHelpline:
- Metro Manila: Typically delivered the next business day after PSA releases the document.
- Provincial areas: Usually delivered within 3–8 working days after release.
Walk-in Application at a PSA Outlet:
- You may be able to get your certificate on the same day if you secure an appointment, meet all requirements, and there are no issues with your record.
- Appointments must be scheduled through the PSA Online Appointment System for a smoother, faster process.
9. How much is a PSA online appointment?
The cost of getting a PSA certificate online is higher than an in-person request, mainly because it already includes delivery and service fees. If you order through PSAHelpline.ph, the price for a birth, marriage, or death certificate is P365, while a CENOMAR or CENODEATH costs P420. These rates cover the actual PSA document fee, the service fee, and nationwide courier delivery straight to your doorstep.
PSAHelpline Online Rates:
- Birth Certificate:P365
- Marriage Certificate:P365
- Death Certificate:P365
- CENOMAR:P420
- CENODEATH::P420
What’s included in the online price:
- PSA document fee
- Service fee
- Nationwide courier/delivery fee
For comparison
If you request the document in person at a PSA outlet, the cost is lower because it doesn’t include delivery:
- P155 for a birth, marriage, or death certificate
- P210 for a CENOMAR
The online option is pricier, but you’re paying for convenience—no travel, no lines, and your document delivered right to your home.
10. How do I check my PSA records online?
You can conveniently request PSA records online through PSAHelpline.ph. They process birth, marriage, death certificates, Cenomar, and CENODEATH and you can choose home delivery or pickup at select National Book Store branches and Robinsons Department Store Business Centers.
How to Request Online Using PSAHelpline.ph:
Here’s the simple step-by-step process:
- Visit the website: Go to PSAHelpline.ph and click “Order Now.”
- Choose your document: Select the type of certificate you need, birth, marriage, death, or CENOMAR and CENODEATH.
- Fill out the form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your valid ID.
- Enter delivery details: Provide your delivery address and contact information.
- Pay online: Settle the fee using any of the available payment methods, such as e-wallets or mobile banking via QRPH.
- Track your order: After payment, you’ll receive a reference number that lets you monitor the status of your delivery.
Other Way to Get PSA Documents
Book an online appointment: Use appointment.psa.gov.ph for a scheduled visit.
11. How do I get my PSA birth certificate?
You can get a PSA birth certificate either online through PSAHelpline.ph or at the PSA office. Both options are straightforward, just choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
Online Application (via PSAHelpline.ph):
- Visit PSAHelpline.ph and fill out the online application form.
- Complete the payment using available options like credit card or e-wallet.
- Provide your delivery address and wait for your certificate to arrive at your doorstep.
In-Person Application at a Main PSA Office:
- Book an appointment and visit the PSA office of our choice.
- If all requirements are met, you may be able to get your certificate within an hour.
- This option can sometimes be cheaper than ordering online, but requires going to the office in person.
12. How much is a birth certificate in PSA walk-in?
A PSA walk-in birth certificate request costs a basic fee of ₱155.00 per copy.
Note: To process a request at a PSA CRS outlet, you must first book an appointment online at the official PSA Online Appointment System. The walk-in fee is paid in cash at the outlet, and you can often receive the document on the same day if you apply early.
13. How many years is the PSA valid?
No Official Expiry, but Many Institutions Prefer a “Recent” Copy.
Legally, a birth certificate never expires. However, many government agencies, banks, and schools often ask for a PSA Birth Certificate issued within the last six months to one year to ensure the document is clear and reflects the most current record status.
14. Can I pay PSA via GCash?
Yes! You can pay for PSA certificates using GCash through the official PSAHelpline.ph website. After placing your order, simply select GCash at checkout, and you’ll be guided to the GCash payment page to complete your transaction.
How to Pay Using GCash:
- Order online: Go to PSAHelpline.ph and complete your certificate order.
- Select GCash: Choose GCash as your payment option at checkout.
- Confirm and pay: Click “Pay using G-Cash”. You’ll be redirected to the GCash page, where you can log in and enter your authentication code to finalize the payment.
- Receive confirmation: Once your payment is successful, you’ll get an electronic receipt for your records.
Fast, convenient, and cashless—your PSA certificate is just a few clicks away!
15. How long will a birth certificate take
Processing Time for a Birth Certificate
The time it takes to get a birth certificate depends on how you apply and the type of certificate you need.
In-Person Applications
- Immediate processing: If you apply directly at a local civil registry office, you can often receive a Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) right after submitting your application and payment. Some offices may require a short wait while the document is signed and released.
- Delayed release: In certain locations, it may take up to 10 days to receive a personal copy of the COLB.
Online and Mail Orders
- Standard online orders: Once your payment is confirmed, deliveries are usually the next day for Metro Manila addresses, and 3–8 working days for provincial addresses.
- New birth certificates: If the birth is newly registered, it can take several months for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to process and digitize the record before delivery. This is called the posting period.
- Manual verification: If your certificate requires extra checks, expect an additional 7 days for processing.
What You Need to Do
- In-person: Visit your local civil registry office and complete the birth certificate forms.
- Online: Go to PSAHelpline.ph, fill out the required information, and pay the applicable fees.
- New births: Be prepared for a longer processing time, especially if the birth occurred outside Metro Manila.
16. How many valid IDs are needed for a PSA birth certificate?
To request a PSA birth certificate, you need at least one valid government-issued ID. It’s best if your ID has a photo and signature that match the information on the birth certificate.
For online applications, you will also need a valid ID to apply and to present when receiving the certificate.
Accepted IDs Include:
- PhilSys ID (National ID)
- Philippine Passport
- Driver’s License
- SSS/GSIS UMID card
- PRC ID
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Other valid government-issued IDs with a clear photo, full name, and signature
When Additional IDs May Be Needed
- Online applications: You must show the same valid ID used during application upon delivery.
- If the birth certificate has errors: If there are mistakes or missing information, you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as a PSA-annotated certificate and two supporting IDs to verify your identity.