The consulate ID cards are free and it takes less than an hour to get one, according to Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo.
“The ID our office is issuing is just a temporary ID and not a replacement of your passport,” Maximo said.
But he added that although temporary, the consulate ID can be used and honored for transactions on island.
“For instance, if you are pursuing claims like back wages and other transactions, you can use the consulate ID,” Maximo said.
He added that it may take some time for some people to come up with $50 to renew their expired passports.
“Having no money is not an excuse not to have identification cards, and the consulate ID is a way of letting us certify that your stay here is legal while you wait for your proper documentations,” Maximo said.
He added that it takes six weeks to renew a Philippine passport from the CNMI as there is only one central issuing office, which is in Manila.
Individuals who want to apply for a consulate ID must bring one clear 1×1 ID picture, a copy of their passport and entry permit to the consulate office on the third floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe.
