PUBLIC ADVISORY
PROVISION OF SUFFICIENTLY FUNDED POSTAGE STAMPS FOR RETURN ENVELOPES
The public is hereby informed that due to the increase in the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) rates for shipping services effective 9 January 2022, applicants for Philippine Passport, and Legal/Notarial Services are hereby advised to bring with them when they file their applications with the Consulate any of the following types of envelopes stamped according to the new/adjusted rates:
- Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice (USPS or UPS) labeled with the recipient’s address; or
- Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) with appropriate number of stamps and tracking number (USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express).
Applicants for Visa and Civil Registration (Reports of Birth/Marriage/Death, and Consular Mortuary Certificate) are also requested to send any of the above-cited envelopes when sending applications by mail.
Below is a list of the rate adjustments for USPS Flat Rate Envelopes being used for consular services.
| Type | New Price |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope (Red) 12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ or smaller | $8.95(previously $7.95) |
| Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope12-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ | $26.95(previously $26.35) |
For more information, please visit https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2021/1110-usps-announces-new-competitive-prices-and-two-new-mail-products-for-2022.htm
Applicants may encounter difficulties in receiving the processed documents/passport if the stamps attached to their Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes (SASE) are insufficiently funded. Applicants are therefore advised to be guided by the new rates in their submission of the required envelopes.
Passport applicants who intend to collect their passport in-person need not bring return envelopes as long as they inform the passport processor of their request on the day of their application. Notarial applicants may likewise request for same-day collection upon payment of a $10.00 expedite fee.
San Francisco, 10 January 2022