Filipino Married Women Are Now Allowed to Revert to Their Maiden Name on Passports

Hot news for wives who are not feeling their husbands’ last names. The government just made it possible for married women to officially reclaim their maiden name on their passports, but there is a catch that is already getting people talking. You can only do it once. Yes, one shot. Forever. No reruns and no second chances.

Married women can now revert to their maiden name when renewing their passports, thanks to the New Philippine Passport Act (Republic Act No. 11983). The DFA says this is allowed once, and the decision is final.

Social media is buzzing. Some are calling it a long-overdue freedom move, giving women full control over their identity. Others are calling it dramatic overreach. Either way, it is a juicy topic and Filipinos need to know exactly how it works before their one shot disappears.

According to the DFA, there are two ways women can make the switch, and each comes with its own set of rules.

1. You just want your maiden name back

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If you are still married but want to go back to your pre-marriage identity, you can do it. It is officially allowed, but you will need to prepare a few documents. Here is what the DFA requires:

• PSA-issued birth certificate

• PSA-issued marriage certificate

• Notarized affidavit explaining why you want to revert to your maiden name and confirming this is your first time

• Latest passport or travel document

• Any valid government ID that already shows your maiden name

The affidavit might feel intimidating, but the DFA provides a template to make it easier. Once submitted and approved, your passport will finally reflect your maiden name.

Keep in mind that this change is permanent. All other identification documents must also match your maiden name. There is no going back. This is a serious one-time decision that should not be taken lightly.

Also read: Philippine Passport Drops to 79th as U.S. Falls Out of Top 10

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If your marriage did not last, whether through annulment, legal separation, court-recognized divorce, or the death of your spouse, you are also eligible. This ensures that the law recognizes your current legal status.

For this scenario, you will need:

• PSA-issued marriage certificate or report of marriage showing the court ruling

• PSA-issued birth certificate

• Latest passport, if you still have it

Submitting these documents allows the DFA to update your passport with your maiden name. Just like the first scenario, the change is final and irreversible. Once it is done, all your other IDs must also match. There is no option to reverse it.

Filipino women now have a rare opportunity to reclaim their identity on paper. It may feel bureaucratic, but it is also kind of scandalous. Social media is already buzzing with opinions and hot takes. The DFA has officially turned passport renewal into a mini-drama.

Married women considering reverting to their maiden name should prepare all the required documents carefully. This is a one-time opportunity to legally reclaim your identity.

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