Nowadays, ID cards have become one of the most crucial parts of adult life. As we face better developmental progress in technology and communication, IDs have become even more important, particularly for businesses and other industries, not only for identification but also for verifying a person’s information.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines this 2022
If you’re wondering how the humble ID card factors into industrial and transactional security requiring personal data, then you’ll find this helpful guide.
What is an ID?
IDs, otherwise known as identity documents, refer to any document that proves a person’s identity. It may come in various forms and sizes, from a small, standard credit card size form called an identity (ID) card or some form of document like a passport. IDs may be used for identity or address verification depending on where you are from or what you’re using them for. It generally includes the person’s photograph and may sometimes be called photo ID. Some types include more personal information like the person’s address, birthdate and birthplace, and signature. Sometimes, when a formal identity document isn’t available, some licenses may be accepted as ID, like driver’s license or Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) license, which is accepted in many countries for identity verification.
In general, IDs can be any document used to establish a person’s identity and prove that he is who he is claiming to be. Though personal information may be present on the document, such as the bearer’s full name, age, birth date, address, identification number, gender, citizenship, etc., one thing is for sure: IDs are universally essential documents that everyone should have, regardless of age, gender, or nationality.
What are the different kinds of IDs?
- Primary IDs
A primary ID is generally a government-issued identification card designed to bear additional built-in security features. They are created to ensure safe transactions and prevent identity theft. Primary ID applicants are typically required to appear before the issuing authority to record their biometrics personally. A primary ID is generally secured, so not only is it a must-have, but it’s also essential in everyday living and most transactions. They also differ in validity and cost, depending on the ID type.
- Secondary IDs
A secondary ID refers to those identity documents that can’t stand alone as proof of identity. Though they are generally accepted, they usually require other secondary IDs as supporting documents before they can prove that you are who you are claiming to be.
Why do you need an ID?
Though it is an important document necessary in almost every transaction, IDs aren’t just created so other people can check on your personal information. There are many other benefits to having an ID, and we listed some of them here just for you.
Here are some of the reasons why you need IDs:
- Improves Security
IDs are pretty valuable for improving security efforts. For instance, a building manager can restrict access to unauthorized people who have no business entering the building premises by vetting the pedestrians according to whether they have or don’t have a valid ID. Plus, it lets the building security identify the people who come and go, allowing them to minimize the risk of admitting those who intend to harm within the premises. Requiring a valid ID upon entering the premises also minimizes instances of impersonation and theft. IDs keep people who have no business in the place out. This also keeps unauthorized people away from things they are not supposed to have access to anyway. In terms of security, IDs are of utmost importance. Hence, some IDs are also equipped with extra security features, including but not limited to holographic overlays, magnetic stripes, and stickers, among others.
- Better Accountability
IDs make it easy to manage and track individual accountability. Some companies assign specific features to their employees’ IDs to manage, track or restrict access to particular resources, be it information, space, or hardware. By doing so, they can easily track who accessed or used what and when while at the same time deterring unwanted intrusion, breach, or even damage to information, equipment, facility, and other types of properties. Plus, it helps verify that the people trying to access specific resources are authorized or allowed to do so. For financial institutions, IDs help them identify where and how an individual came to have the financial resources. It also helps them keep thieves away from money that isn’t theirs anyway.
- Encourage Better Customer Service and Improve Employee Relationships
For companies engaged in the service industry or those businesses that provide service to the public, having an ID helps the employees do better at their jobs. Not only does it help put names to the service providers’ faces, but it also keeps the employee in check. Since the customers would know their names, they are hard-pressed to be amiable and build rapport with their customers. The ID can help the customers feel assured that they are being serviced by legitimate employees adequately connected to the company. Plus, it offers them the ability to hold the employee accountable if they receive a not-so-satisfactory service during their visit. On the employee side, especially in medium to large industries where there are way too many people, an ID helps the employees get to know each other, at least by names and faces, allowing them to develop some sort of kinship, regardless of whether they work together or not.
- Establishes Eligibility to Avail Local Benefits And Brand Recognition
For companies that offer discounts, special deals, and preferential treatment to specific segments of the society, an ID can double up as an entry pass. Whether it is for a discounted rate or special privileges on restaurants, gyms, or events, local or otherwise, an ID opens doors to certain places or events and offers benefits when it comes to specific deals or services. In addition to establishing identities, IDs can also serve as a ticket to humble bragging, especially for new employees who get to join hard-to-enter companies. In some cases, IDs offer an extra advantage towards building brand recognition, like how media people are allowed access to almost everywhere with their media IDs.
Where do you need your IDs?
Nowadays, IDs are commonplace requirements everywhere. It’s an important document to have and hold anywhere in the Philippines, as long as it’s valid. Plus, almost all establishments require a couple of IDs before they would be willing to transact with you. Both private and government offices usually ask for at least one or two valid IDs before pushing through, regardless of whether it is a simple or a major transaction.
Some examples of places and instances where you can’t transact without at least one or two valid government-issued IDs are listed below:
- When opening and closing an account, Bank makes over-the-counter withdrawals, account updates, or any other bank transactions requiring account-specific access.
- Government offices, when requesting documents, applying for IDs, getting a COVID-19 vaccine, applying for loans, claiming benefits, using courtesy or special lanes, or availing any of the numerous government benefits on offer.
- Private offices, when subscribing to specific services like the internet, postpaid plans, claiming rewards and prizes, withdrawal of funds, etc.
IDs have long become an essential document in our adult life, and this is why it is imperative to get your ID applications underway the day you hit your 18th birthday if you haven’t already.
Even though the national ID registration is already ongoing, it might take a while before your PhilSys ID is released. So, if you do not have any valid ID yet, you’d want to start applying for any of the following IDs in the meantime.
Different Types of Acceptable ID Cards in the Philippines
To help kickstart your adult life, we rounded up a complete list of all the valid Philippine IDs that you’ll need to register for so you’ll have identification cards to use.
Here are some of the most common IDs that are acceptable for most institutions in the Philippines, classified between the two different types:
Primary IDs:
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Philippine Passport
Passports are necessary when travelling overseas. More than an entry pass, the Philippine passport also doubles as a valid ID acceptable in most private and government institutions during transactions.
Application duration: Regular processing takes about twelve (12) working days, whereas expedited processing takes about six (6) working days for NCR applicants and seven (7) working days for non-NCR applicants.
Cost: Passport appointments are free, but the passport has the following equivalent cost depending on the processing period:
- Regular Processing – P950.00
- Expedited Processing – P1,200.00
Validity: Ten (10) years for those issued to Filipinos 18 years and above and five (5) years for Filipinos who are 18 years or younger.
Where to get: Any DFA office or if you are eligible to use the DFA courtesy lane at any Temporary Off-Site Passport Service (TOPS) locations.
Requirements:
- Confirmed Online Appointment with DFA
- Personal Appearance at DFA
- Accomplished Passport Application Form
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper
- Any acceptable IDs with one (1) photocopy
- Additional requirements for various cases (varies on a case-to-case basis)
For more information on applying for a name change on your Philippine passport, check out our previous article on How to Change Your Surname (Last Name) on Your Philippine Passport?
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Driver’s License
A Philippine driver’s license is yet another valid ID accepted in most countries. Though it can’t be considered a formal identification document on its own elsewhere, all three types of driver’s licenses not only recognize your authority to drive but also offer acceptable identification documents that you can use in the Philippines. Regardless of whether you own a student license permit, a non-professional, or a professional license, having one Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) gives you at least one valid government-issued primary ID to use when transacting with most government or private entities.
Application duration: Processed and released on the same day you pass the written and actual driving test.
Cost: Depending on the classification, a driver’s license can cost anywhere from P318 to P953, plus other fees ranging from P3000 to P7000.
Validity: five (5) or ten (10) years
Where to get: Any Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch near you, or if you prefer to do it online, via the LTO portal, LTMS
Requirements:
- Original Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
- Electronically transmitted medical certificate in LTO prescribed form (present hard copy)
For the requirements for each classification, along with the new policies for driver’s license application, you may check this article on Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get LTO Driver’s License.
If you need help finding the nearest LTO branch, feel free to check this List of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Branches in the Philippines.
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PhilHealth ID
PhilHealth ID is an important document, particularly to its members, and it is an identity document that they need to present to claim their PhilHealth benefits. Getting one is simple, plus it’s free of charge, so there is no reason not to get this government ID.
Application duration: Same day as application
Cost: Free
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth to receive your PhilHealth ID at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO).
Requirements:
- Two duly accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Two 1×1 ID pictures, and
- Two valid IDs
For a complete guide to applying for a PhilHealth ID, please check our previous article on How to Get a PhilHealth ID.
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SSS UMID Card
The Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Card (UMID) is the Unified ID Card of SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG. It’s a free ID with all the details and no expiration date.
Application duration: 30 days upon application
Cost: For first-time applicants, it’s free. For those who lost or simply want to change their UMID, the replacement fee is P200.
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: Any SSS branch with UMID enrollment facility
Requirements:
- Personal Appearance at the SSS branch upon application.
- Accomplished UMID Card Application Form.
- One (1) Original and photocopy of any Valid ID.)
If you need a detailed guide on applying for a UMID card, we have already published one for you with all the information on How to Get your UMID ID Card.
We even have a list of all SSS branches near you if you need to look it up. You may check this List of SSS Branches and Locations in Philippines.
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Postal ID
The Improved Postal ID is the newest government-issued identity card created and regulated by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). The Postal ID card used to be a secondary ID. Still, it has been improved to include additional physical security features since its launch in April 2016, making it eligible for use as a primary ID.
Application duration: A PHLPost mail carrier will deliver the Postal ID within the following time frame:
- For applicants in NCR – About fifteen (15) working days from application
- For applicants outside NCR – About twenty (20) working days from application
- For applicants in Island provinces and remote barangays – Approximately thirty (30) working days from application
Cost: The postal ID fee is P504 (including delivery fee and 12% VAT). For rush processing, the postal ID costs P650.
Validity: The Postal IDs validity varies depending on the person applying for it. The general validity period is three (3) years for Filipinos and foreign residents with a Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV) and one (1) year for the rest of the foreign residents.
Where to get: Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
Requirements:
- Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished PID application form
- Original and photocopy of any Proof of identity like the following:
- Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry
- GSIS or SSS UMID Card
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Passport
- Original and photocopy of proof of address, such as the following:
- Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) before PID application.
- Certified True Copy of Lease
- Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
- Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement
- School Billing Statement
- Utility Bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
- Original and photocopy of whatever additional requirements are necessary for various cases (varies on a case-to-case basis)
For more information on the benefits and processes of owning the Improved Postal ID, you may check out this article on How to Avail the Benefits of the Improved Postal ID under the Postal ID Privilege Program.
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TIN ID
The Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID is perhaps one of the best IDs, especially in the Philippines. It is proof that you, as an individual, are fulfilling your tax obligations and payments to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). It’s a handy ID, especially for transactions like opening a bank account, sending money abroad, or receiving a package.
Application duration: Same Day processing and issuance
Cost: Free
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: Any Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office
Requirements:
- Duly accomplished BIR Form 1904
- PSA Birth certificate and other government-issued ID
- Marriage certificate (for married applicants)
- Passport (for foreigners)
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Digitized Voters ID
The voter ID is a valid ID recognized by all government offices, banks, and private entities. It is issued by one of the most powerful agencies, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), to all registered voters under the mandate of Section 25 of Resolution No. 8189, so if you haven’t registered yet, we hope you get yourself registered soon if only to practice your right to vote.
Do note that the COMELEC has stopped issuing Voter’s ID cards since 2017 because of the implementation of the national ID system, though you can still secure a voter’s certificate.
Application duration: You might want to take time and apply for your other IDs first, as securing a voter’s ID takes months or even years to process as it entails fingerprint-matching. This procedure allows COMELEC to filter over 52 million records in the national voter database.
Cost: Free
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: The local Office of the Election Officer (OEC) or the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office
Requirements:
- Original Voter’s registration Certificate
- PRC ID
The professional identification card (PIC) or a PRC ID guarantees that the holder is a registered professional with legal authority to practice their profession. It is issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) via a dedicated website for PRC registration and ID application.
Application duration: If you are applying for a PRC ID for the first time, the PRC ID will be issued to you along with your Certificate of Registration (COR) right after the scheduled oath-taking ceremonies for your profession.
Cost: For professions requiring baccalaureate degrees, the ID costs P1,050. For professions requiring non-baccalaureate degrees, P870, medical representatives and real estate salespersons, it’s P450, and for ocular pharmacologists, it’s P1,200. Note that in addition to this, a service fee is also required in addition to these fees on top of the preferred payment option.
Validity: Three (3) years for all professions
Where to get: Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
Requirements:
- Scanned 2×2 ID picture in JPEG format in plain white background, with the applicant wearing a decent attire with a collar.
- Scanned Valid ID after completing your registration, prepare the following requirements, which you’ll personally submit upon your appointment schedule.
- Printed Oath Form (Can be downloaded from the PRC Online Services after your registration)
- Two passport-size photos in white background with a full name tag
- Two sets of metered documentary stamps (Available at your chosen PRC branch)
- Community Tax Certificate/Cedula
PRC online registration and PRC ID issuance process are similar to the passport application. That said, it entails setting up an appointment online, submitting the requirements on the appointment date, and consequently, receiving your ID on the scheduled release date. For a more detailed step-by-step guide on securing and renewing a PRC ID, check out this guide on PRC License Online Guide: Registration, Features, & Application Requirements.
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Senior Citizen ID
A Senior Citizen ID is an ID that elderly persons get from the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA). The ID card is needed when they avail themselves of their discounts on medicines, transportation, and essential commodities.
Application duration: The amount of time it takes to process a Senior Citizen ID Card may vary per municipality or city, but it is usually issued on the same day.
Cost: Free
Validity: Lifetime, from the time that you get your Senior Citizen ID Card
Where to get: Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA)
Requirements:
- A recent 1×1 ID photograph;
- Photocopy of any of the following documents:
- Comelec Voter’s ID;
- Driver’s License;
- NBI Clearance;
- Police Clearance;
- Old residence certificate;
- Postal ID;
- Any combination of identification documents confirming your name, date of birth and present address.
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OFW ID
The OFW ID, otherwise known as the OFW eCard, serves as the official ID of documented OFWs. It’s proof of membership to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and an OEC for OFWs. It bears their unique permanent OFW ID number and serves as the access pass to various OWWA programs and services. It is also an acceptable government-issued ID and can be presented to any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and any embassy or consulate office anywhere in the world.
Application duration: Same day, if applied for in-person
Cost: Upon payment of OWWA Membership fee, POEA processing fee, and Medicare fees at the POEA office, it would cost about P501 for pick-up, plus an additional P200 for the delivery fee.
Validity: Two (2) years, regardless of contract duration, change of employer, job site, or recruitment agency
Where to get: Online via the OWWA official website at ecard.owwa.gov.ph, via any POLO-OWWA office abroad, or if you are in the Philippines, via any OWWA Regional Welfare Office or OWWA satellite offices.
Requirements:
- Must be a Balik-Manggagawa with an active OWWA membership valid for at least 90 days
- Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number
- Valid passport
For a detailed guide on securing an OFW eCard, you may check this article on Guide: How to Get your OFW ID – iDOLE ID.
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National ID
Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID), also known as the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card, is Filipino citizens’ official national identity card. The Philippine Identification System was created through Republic Act (RA) No. 11055, signed on August 6, 2018. On February 14, the Executive Order (EO) No. 162 s. 2022, institutionalized its acceptance as sufficient proof of an individual’s identity and age in all government and private transactions.
Application duration: After registration, the processing period is estimated to be at most six (6) months.
Cost: Free
Validity: Lifetime, except for resident aliens who can only use it for one year, renewable annually
Where to get: PSA
Requirements:
- DFA-issued Philippine Passport or ePassport
- GSIS or Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID)
- Land Transportation Office (LTO)-issued Student’s License Permit or Non-Professional/Professional Driver’s License
- PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth and one (1) government-issued identification document which bears your full name, front-facing photograph and your signature or thumb mark
For more information on securing a National ID, read How to Register PhilSys ID Online (Philippine National ID).
Secondary IDs:
Typically, you will need two (2) valid IDs for various government and private transactions, but if you do not have them, or if you only have one, these secondary IDs will work just fine.
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NBI Clearance
An NBI clearance, from its name alone, is a clearance document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prove that a person has no derogatory records with them. It is one of the usual requirements when applying for a job, so you’d want to secure one early on.
Application duration: Same day process and release, except when you have a “HIT”, which would require you to wait for at least two (2) weeks before the clearance is released.
Cost: P155, but there may be additional fees depending on the selected payment channel.
Validity: 1 year
Where to get: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Requirements:
- NBI Online Reference Number
- Proof of Payment
- One (1) valid ID
- Personal appearance for Biometrics and Photo capture
For a complete guide to securing an NBI clearance, read How to Renew NBI Clearance Online.
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Police Clearance
Like the NBI, the Police Clearance is also a document that proves that an individual does not have any derogatory records with the police. It is, however, issued by a different government agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Application duration: Same day process upon appointment
Cost: 130
Validity: 6 months
Where to get: nearest PNP headquarters
Requirements:
- A copy of the PNP Appointment Record
- Two (2) valid government-issued ID
To get a Police Clearance, check out how by reading this Guide to Getting a Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines .
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Barangay Clearance
A barangay clearance is one of the most basic documentary requirements before anybody can get any other document from the municipality. Upon request, it is issued by the barangay and is typically secured before an application for a business license where the intended business activity is located or conducted.
Application duration: 30 minutes, or depending on the availability of the barangay chairman
Cost: P50
Validity: 3 months
Where to get: Barangay Hall
Requirements:
- Filled-out application form
- Recent Community Tax Certificate (CTC)/Cedula
- Payment for fees
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Birth Certificate
The Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is an identity document that can prove the person’s name and age.
Application duration: 3 to 8 days after payment
Cost: P330 including delivery charges via PSA Serbilis
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: PSA office or online via PSA Serbilis
Requirements:
- Proof of Payment
- One (1) valid ID
To learn how to get one, read How to Request for PSA Birth Certificate.
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Marriage Certificate
The Marriage Certificate is the proof of identity and affinity exclusively needed by married couples. Typically, a woman needs this document when requesting for name change in her other IDs.
Application duration: 3 to 8 days after payment
Cost: P330
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: PSA office or online via PSA Serbilis
Requirements:
- Proof of Payment
- One (1) valid ID
To know more, please see our previous article on How to Request for PSA Marriage Certificate Online.
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Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
A Community Tax Certificate (CTC) or cedula is a document used mainly for when an individual acknowledges a document before a notary public, or when they take the oath of office upon election or during their appointment to any position in the government service, receives a license, certificate, or permit from any public authority; pays tax or fees; receives money from public funds, transacts other official business, or receives money from public funds. It’s an important documentation requirement that is cheap and easy to secure.
Application duration: 30 minutes or less
Cost: P5 or higher depending on purpose and income bracket
Validity: 1 year
Where to get: Barangay Hall
Requirements:
- Valid photo ID
- GSIS ID
The GSIS ID, otherwise known as eCard Plus or GSIS UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose Identification) Card, serves as the official GSIS identification card which allows pensioners to transact with GSIS and avail of all the GSIS benefits, including but not limited to claim, disbursement, and withdrawal of proceeds, pension, and pension loan. It’s no different from the SSS UMID Card in all ways, except the issuing authority, which happens to be GSIS.
Application duration: 30 days upon application
Cost: For first-time applicants, it’s free. For those who lost or simply want to change their GSIS UMID, the replacement fee is P200.
Validity: Lifetime
Where to get: Any GSIS handling branch with UMID enrollment facility
Requirements:
- Two valid government-issued IDs:
- LTO license
- PRC license
- Passport
- Voter’s registration ID
- An accomplished eCard enrollment form
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IBP ID
The IBP ID is an ID issued exclusively to lawyers who are members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
Application duration:
Cost: P2000 membership dues plus P350 ID fee, P20 transaction fee, and optional P200 delivery fee
Validity: Two (2) years
Where to get: Any local IBP Chapter Office, National IBP Office, or application via mail
Requirements:
- Duly filled-out application form
- Two (2) 1×1 picture
- Three (3) Specimen of your signature
- Roll number from the Roll of Attorneys of the Supreme Court
- Two (2) valid government IDs
- IBP lifetime membership fee receipt
- IBP Lawyers ID Request Form
- Deposit Slip confirming payment of the ID fee
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Diplomat ID
The Diplomat ID or Diplomatic e-Passport is an ID (not a passport) issued to high ranking government officials to members of their families who are between the age of 14 and 21 whose ranks and post of assignment require the use of such IDs to carry out their duties, missions, and consular representations.
Application duration: Five (5) to seven (7) working days
Cost: P950 for express processing to P1200 for express processing
Validity: One (1) to three (3) years, depending on the rank and position
Where to get: Office of Consular Affairs
Requirements:
- Passport Application Form (DFA-PCA-DOPS-02);
- Original Birth Certificate in security paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA)- for the first-time applicant and if he has not yet been given a diplomatic/official/regular passport;
- Previous Diplomatic/Official/Regular e-Passport and a Photocopy (if issued before);
- Original PSA issued Marriage Certificate (for a married woman, and if her married name has not yet been reflected in the previously issued passport);
- Original or Certified True Copy of Signed Travel Authority;
- Endorsement Letter to DFA (if the Travel Authority is not addressed to DFA);
- Certified True Copy of the Letter of Invitation from Sponsor;
- Original Copy of the latest Service Record;
- Original Copy of No Pending Administrative Case;
- Certified True Copy of Appointment Paper (for Presidential Appointee);
- Civil Service Appointment (for Coterminous Appointees)
- Certified True Copy of Oath of Office (for Elected Officials);
- Photocopy of Applicant’s Office ID/authorized Representative’s office ID; and
- Training Contract (Original Copy) if the travel is for training, fellowship, scholarship and study grant.
- Government-owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) and other Government Office ID
Any ID issued by subsidiary corporations under the management of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG). This includes IDs issued by agencies like the AFP, Home Development Mutual Fund, etc.
Application duration: Varies depending on the issuing branch or agency of the government
Cost: Free for most, but it may cost for some agencies
Validity: It’s usually free for most, but it may vary depending on the issuing agencies
Where to get: Any branch or agency of the government
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Alien Certification of Registration
An Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a microchip-based, credit card-sized ID card issued to all registered foreigners whose stay in the Philippines has gone beyond fifty-nine (59) days. It serves as their re-entry permit, emigration clearance certificate, and their special return certificate all in one.
Application duration: Two days to a month upon application
Cost: $50.00 + Php 500
Validity: One (1) year
Where to get: Bureau of Immigration
Requirements:
- Accomplished Application Form
- Official Receipt for ID payment
- Claim stub
- Valid Identification (ID) card
Things to remember when securing a valid ID in the Philippines
- Use the online application/appointment system whenever possible and avoid long lines or doing it on-site anyway.
- Avoid people who offer to help you secure a valid ID. Not only do they require you to spend more for the “convenience,” but chances are they could be forging the ID, which would end up causing you even more troubles, and in worse cases, even legal punishments.
- Pay special attention to your IDs’ validity. Always make sure that you know which of your IDs are still valid so you can prepare and renew your ID as needed, especially when you need it to process your application or transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a student ID a valid ID?
In most cases, no. For some institutions like banks or money remittance centres, a student ID may be accepted as a valid ID, as long as it is valid.
Can I use my company ID as a valid ID in the Philippines?
Yes, but only on selected institutions. For instance, private businesses and some government offices may accept it as a valid ID, especially if the issuing company is regulated by BSP, SEC, or Insurance Commission. Otherwise, it’s best to prepare some government-issued ones as backup.
I’m a fresh graduate looking for my first job. What valid IDs do I need to get for my employment?
For fresh graduates, it’s best to try to secure everything, especially now that the government does not charge anything for the IDs the first time. However, if you only want to know the first ones to secure, then here are the most commonly required ones for employment:
- Transcript of Records
- Diploma
- NBI clearance
- TIN ID
- Passport
- UMID
- Postal ID
Which IDs are the easiest to get?
Postal ID, NBI Clearance, UMID, and passport are four of the easiest valid IDs to acquire. The requirements are not as many as the others as you’ll only need proof of identity and a proof of address to get them.
Final Thoughts
Having an ID is especially important at this time when identity theft is prevalent. Some may take some time and money, but the issuing authorities have been spending efforts to improve their ID issuance process. This is particularly evident in the migration of most application processes online, on a web app, to reach more people faster. Lastly, valid IDs are essential when you need to do transactions with banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and more.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments box below!