• Government Services
• Postal ID Application in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Postal ID Application in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Got rejected for a bank or government service because you lack a valid ID? Don’t worry. There’s a quick and convenient way to get a valid ID: apply for a postal ID issued by Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).

The government has not yet started issuing the national identification card, and the COMELEC has stopped issuing new voter’s IDs to give way to the new national ID system. So for now, a postal ID application may be the only option you have to complete your requirements for any bank or government transaction.

Here’s everything you need to know about postal ID application in the Philippines.

What is a Postal ID Used For?

A postal ID card is the most widely accepted identification document in postal transactions all over the world, according to the Universal Postal Union. In the Philippines, the postal ID was originally issued to ensure correct delivery of letters and parcels. Postmen used the ID to verify a recipient’s identity and address.

Is Postal ID a Valid ID?

Yes, the postal ID is honored in different transactions as a valid ID. Recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that it’s accepting the postal ID as a valid ID for DFA passport application and renewal.

Today, the postal ID^[1] is known as the easiest and fastest government ID to get. Besides postal transactions, the postal ID can also be used in different ways:

• Proof of identity when applying for other government-issued IDs; SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG benefits; and other government services
• Valid ID when opening a bank account and applying for a credit card, personal loan, and other banking products
• Proof of identity when sending or receiving money from remittance centers
• Availment of the Postal ID Privilege Program^[2], a service similar to the Pag-IBIG Loyalty card that provides discounts, freebies, and other privileges from various business establishments in the Philippines

Who Can Apply for a Postal ID?

Anyone regardless of age, citizenship, and occupation can get a postal ID. Foreigners can apply for a postal ID if they’ve been living in the Philippines for at least six months. Even students can get this ID, which makes it one of the most popular valid ID anyone can easily get.

Postal ID Application Requirements

Firstly, applicants need to present both the original copy and photocopy of the required documents. Also, make sure to fill up all the necessary forms before you head down to the nearest post office.

Postal ID Application Requirements for Filipinos

• Two copies of filled out postal ID application form available in any post office or can be downloaded online^[3].
• Proof of identity:
  • Any of the following: Birth certificate, SSS UMID card/GSIS ID, passport, or driver’s license
  • In the absence of a primary valid ID, any two of the following valid secondary IDs can be presented:
    • Alumni ID
    • Baptismal certificate
    • Confirmation certificate
    • Company ID
    • Elementary or High School Form 137
    • IBP ID
    • NBI clearance
    • OWWA ID
    • Pag-IBIG ID
    • PhilHealth ID
    • Police clearance
    • PRC ID
    • Seaman’s Book
    • Senior citizen ID
    • School ID
    • Transcript of records
    • TIN ID
    • Voter’s ID
• Proof of address under the applicant’s name (any of the following documents):
  • Barangay certificate (issued within three months before your postal ID application)
  • Utility bill (electric, water, internet, cable, etc.)
  • Bank statement
  • Credit card billing statement
  • Certified true copy of lease, titles (issued by the Land Registration Authority), or real estate tax receipt
• Additional requirement for married women: Marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority

Read more: Complete Guide to PSA Online Services in the Philippines

Postal ID Application Requirements for Foreign Residents in the Philippines

• Two copies of filled out postal ID application form
• Passport (valid for six months before postal ID application)
• Any of the following documents valid for at least six months before the application:
  • Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card
  • Diplomatic Visa
  • Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
  • Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
• Proof of address under the foreign applicant’s name (any of the following documents issued within three months before the application):
  • Bank statement
  • Barangay Certificate of Residency
  • Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence
  • Credit card statement
  • Notarized land, house, or condominium lease contract
  • School billing statement
  • Utility bill (electric, water, internet, cable, etc.)

How to Apply for a Postal ID

How to Get a Postal ID Online

Currently, there’s no postal ID online application facility yet. The procedure is done on-site, as you need to be personally present to have your picture, fingerprints, and signature taken.

Nonetheless, a postal ID application is an easy and convenient process, as long as your requirements are correct and complete.

Postal ID Application Steps

1. Submission of postal ID requirements: Submit all your documents and payment to any post office in the Philippines.
2. ID data capture: Go to the nearest ID capture station so they can take your photo, fingerprints, and signature. Over 260 postal ID capture stations^[4] are located in post offices and select malls for your convenience.
3. Postal ID delivery: Wait for your postal ID delivery to your mailing address.

Aside from post offices, PHLPost also provides postal ID mobile capturing services from time to time. Usually, mobile booths for processing postal ID application are set up for two days at the LRT1 Baclaran Station (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Robinsons Malls nationwide (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Rush Postal ID Processing

Need to get your postal ID faster? You can avail of the rush ID service that releases a postal ID within the same day or the next working day. The rush postal ID application procedure is the same as the regular one. However, the rush ID processing service costs higher.

Post Offices with Rush Postal ID Service

Here’s a list to find out where to get a postal ID within the same day or the next day:

• Manila Central Post Office (Liwasang Bonifacio, Intramuros)
• Makati Central Post Office (Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Ave., Malugay)
• Las Piñas Central Post Office (Las Piñas City Hall, Real cor. Pamplona St.)
• Parañaque Central Post Office (Ninoy Aquino Ave., Brgy. La Huerta)
• Q. Plaza Central Post Office (Q. Plaza Commercial Center, Felix Ave. cor. Marcos Hi-way, San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal)
• Quezon City Central Post Office (NIA Rd., Brgy. Pinyahan, Diliman)
• Robinsons Otis Central Post Office (2/F Lingkod Pinoy, Philpost Robinsons Otis, Paz M. Guanzon St., Paco, Manila)
• Robinson’s Las Piñas Post Office (Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas)
• SM Aura – Government Service Express (7/F SM Aura, Taguig City)
• SM Southmall Post Office (Lower Ground Floor, Government Services Section, SM South Mall, Almanza, Las Pinas City)
• Taguig Central Post Office (M.L Quezon St., Prk 1 New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City)
• Taguig City Hall (Gen. Luna St., Tuktukan, Taguig City Hall)
• Valenzuela Central Post Office (Valenzuela City Hall Complex, Maysan St.)

Rush postal ID applications are open from Monday to Friday usually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After that, you can pick up your ID at the central office the next day from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Manila Central Post Office follows a different schedule in processing rush postal ID applications. If you apply for a rush ID from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., you can claim your new ID on the same day at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, SM Aura and SM Southmall release rush postal IDs after two working days. The rest of the post offices have a next-day release system regardless of capture time.

How Many Days Will It Take to Get a Postal ID?

After completing your postal ID application, expect your new ID within 10 to 15 working days if you live in Metro Manila. In the provinces, ID delivery takes about 20 working days. Those living in remote barangays and island provinces can expect their new ID within 30 working days.

How Much is the Postal ID Fee?

The postal ID fee is PHP 504 (inclusive of delivery fee and 12% VAT). For rush processing, the postal ID costs PHP 650.

How Long is the Postal ID Validity?

The postal ID is valid for three years for Filipinos and foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). On the other hand, the ID will expire after one year for the rest of foreigners in the Philippines.

How to Renew a Postal ID

If your digitized postal ID is already expired, lost, or damaged, you can apply for a renewal or replacement at any post office in the Philippines. Simply surrender your expired, expiring, or damaged card, submit two copies of accomplished postal ID application form, and pay the PHP 504 postal ID renewal fee.

If you’re replacing your ID to change or update your information on the card, present applicable supporting documents, such as birth certificate for correction of name/birthdate, marriage certificate for changing from maiden name to married name, or proof of billing for change of address.

For postal ID renewal due to loss or theft, submit a notarized affidavit of loss. To get this legal document, go to the nearest notary public and describe how you lost your card. The notary public has a template for affidavit of loss, so you don’t need to create one from scratch.

If you’re replacing your old laminated paper-based postal ID (issued before April 2016), this will be considered a new application and not a renewal. Follow the postal ID application steps listed above.

How to Avail of the Postal ID Privilege Program

To maximize the benefits of having a postal ID, use it to avail of the perks offered by partner establishments.

However, note that only the cardholder can use the postal ID to get the perks under the privilege program. In addition, the privileges that come with the postal ID can’t be used along with other promos of the merchant, senior citizen discount, student discount, and PWD discount. You have to choose only one promo with the higher discount.

Here’s how to use your postal ID as a privilege card:

1. Check the Postal ID website for the list of partner merchants or the Postal ID Facebook page for updates on new partner merchants.
2. Visit your preferred merchant.
3. Present your valid postal ID to the cashier or customer assistant and inquire about the product or service that’s qualified for the privilege program.
4. Follow the mechanics and enjoy your freebie or discount.

How to Verify Your Postal ID

Postal ID scams have started to pop out since the improved postal ID design was released. To help combat this, PHLPost developed an app that verifies an ID through the embedded QR code. Just download the app^[5] and scan the QR code in your postal ID to see if its legitimate. If you received your postal ID from any post office, it’s probably legit.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, the postal ID is evidently one of the easiest government IDs to get in the Philippines. So if you need one more valid ID, go ahead with your postal ID application.

(Photos from Philippine Postal ID website and Facebook page)

Sources:

• ^[1] Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
• ^[2] Postal ID Privilege Program
• ^[3] Application form for Postal ID
• ^[4] Postal ID Capture Stations Locator
• ^[5] PHLPost QR Code Reader – Play Store

Moneymax

With a goal to help Filipinos lead healthier financial lives, Moneymax regularly publishes tips and tricks on personal finance and lifestyle, among many other topics. For more finance-related news and articles, follow Moneymax on Linkedin.