Published: October 4, 2019 | Updated: September 24, 2020 | Posted by: Venus Zoleta | Government Services
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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 is known as the easiest and fastest government ID to get. Besides postal transactions, the postal ID can also be used in different ways:
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.
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.
Currently, there’s no postal ID application online 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.
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.).
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.
Rush postal ID processing is currently available at 12 post offices in Metro Manila:
Rush ID applications are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. After that, you can pick up your ID at the central office from 4 pm to 5 pm 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. Consequently, release of rush ID is on the next day for applications made from 8:40 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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.
The postal ID fee is PHP 504 (inclusive of delivery fee and 12% VAT). For rush processing, the postal ID costs PHP 650.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Need to apply for other government-issued IDs? Check out these Moneymax guides to applying for different valid IDs in the Philippines:
(Photos from Philippine Postal ID website and Facebook page)