New Parent's Guide in the Philippines: All Documents to Secure for Your Baby
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Quick, actionable checklist of the documents every new parent in the Philippines should get - and where to get them.
Contents
About This Guide
This guide is based on current procedures and requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official sources
References & Further Reading
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official sources:
What to secure first (0–30 days)
- Certificate of Live Birth (hospital-issued) - get this before discharge. It contains basic info needed for registration.
- Register the birth with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) within 30 days so the birth becomes part of the civil registry.
- Get the newborn screened (DOH Newborn Screening) before leaving the hospital or within the first days of life.
- Start a vaccination card (BCG, Hep B at birth per DOH schedule) and keep it at home.
Step-by-step: Registering your baby
- At the hospital or delivery facility
- Ask for the Certificate of Live Birth (also called hospital Certificate of Birth). The hospital usually submits it to the LCR; confirm they will do this or give you the document and a list of requirements.
- If the hospital files the registration
- Confirm with the nurse or hospital records that they lodged the Certificate of Live Birth to the city/municipal LCR. Keep the hospital copy and any receipt.
- If you must file at the LCR yourself (or if birth was at home)
- Bring: hospital Certificate of Live Birth (or midwife report), parents' valid IDs, marriage certificate (PSA copy) if applicable, and barangay certificate if required.
- Submit within 30 days to avoid additional requirements or affidavits.
- Get an official PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate
- After LCR registration, order an official copy from PSA (formerly NSO) if you need it for passports, school enrollment, SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth dependent enrollment, etc.
Health documents: screenings and immunizations
- Newborn Screening (heel-prick test): DOH recommends screening for treatable congenital conditions within the first days. Secure the newborn screening result and keep a copy.
- Hearing screening and metabolic tests: followup per hospital / DOH program.
- Immunization card: record every vaccine (birth doses, 6 weeks, etc.). Keep the card safe; it's required for day-care, school, and local health services.
Government benefits and IDs
- PhilHealth: Enroll the newborn as dependent to the parent member to access PhilHealth benefits. Check PhilHealth member registration requirements and process online or at PhilHealth offices.
- SSS/GSIS: If parents have SSS or GSIS benefits, add the child as a dependent (requires birth certificate). Check your agency's member portal for the dependent-enrollment steps.
- PhilID (Philippine National ID): optional for infants; PSA birth certificate is used as primary ID for infants during enrolment. Check the Philippine ID program for age rules.
Travel and dual citizenship
- Passport (DFA): To apply for a Philippine passport for a child, you need the PSA birth certificate, parents' valid IDs, and other minor/parental consent requirements. First-time minors usually require both parents to appear.
- Dual citizenship or Report of Birth Abroad: If one or both parents are Filipino but birth occurred abroad, follow DFA or Philippine consulate steps (not covered in this list).
If the birth was at home or registered late
- Home births: secure a Certification of Live Birth from the midwife/attending health worker and a barangay certification of birth. Bring two witnesses and supporting affidavits if needed.
- Late registration: prepare affidavits, supporting documents (baptismal certificate, school records later), and visit the LCR for the procedure - check your municipal/city LCR for exact requirements.
Practical tips
- Keep digital photos/scans of all documents (PSA birth certificate, NBS results, vaccination card). Store one copy offsite (cloud or emailed).
- Ask hospitals for receipt or LCR submission number after they file the live birth.
- If unsure, call your city or municipal LCR and barangay health center - they handle most of the local steps.
Checklist: Documents to secure now
- Hospital Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) / Medical Certificate of Live Birth
- LCR registration completed (within 30 days)
- PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate (order after LCR)
- Newborn Screening (NBS) result and referral if abnormal
- Vaccination card (started at birth)
- Parents' valid IDs (for registration)
- PSA Marriage Certificate (if applicable) or Affidavit of Acknowledgement for unmarried parents
- PhilHealth dependent enrollment (register baby)
- SSS/GSIS dependent addition (if parent is member)
- DFA requirements for passport (if planning travel)
- Barangay certification or midwife report (for home births)
- Affidavits or supporting documents for late registration (if applicable)
Need a quick order of what to do this week?
- Confirm hospital gave Certificate of Live Birth and submitted to LCR.
- Book newborn screening (if not done).
- Start vaccination card and keep it with the baby's documents.
- Enroll baby to PhilHealth.
- Order PSA birth certificate when LCR registration is complete.
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