Valid IDs in the Philippines You Need to Have
Published: March 16, 2018 | Updated: December 19, 2019 | Posted by: Mayee Gonzales | Government Services
Nowadays, it’s important to have at least two identification cards in your wallet. Private and government institutions usually ask to see one before pushing through with simple to major transactions like paying for bills or opening a bank account.
Level up your #adulting game by securing (or collecting!) the following valid IDs. You never know when you will need them the most.
Philippine Passport
Passports are not just useful when traveling overseas. A Philippine passport is also a powerful identification card that you can use in private- and government-related transactions.
Apply for a passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website. To avoid delay and inconvenience, secure an appointment slot months before your trip. Philippine passports have a 10-year validity and cost PHP 950 to PHP 1,200.
Read more: Easy Steps to DFA Passport Appointment, Application, and Renewal
Driver’s License
Instagram photo by @realshaimae
There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines: student, non-professional, and professional. Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), these three kinds of licenses are also considered valid IDs. If you’re planning to drive or purchase a vehicle, make sure to get one at an LTO branch near you. A license costs PHP 318 to PHP 820 and is valid for five years.
Read more:
- LTO Student Permit Application Guide for First-Time Drivers
- How to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines
SSS UMID Card
The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) is a four-in-one identification card issued by the Social Security System or SSS. It is one of the most powerful valid IDs in the Philippines as it also serves as a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID. To get one, simply download and fill out a UMID card application form and submit necessary documents to the SSS.
Read more: UMID Card Application: Everything You Need to Know
PhilHealth ID
PhilHealth members need to present their PhilHealth ID before claiming any PhilHealth benefits. Getting one is simple and can be done at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO). Just submit two accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF), along with two 1×1 ID pictures, and two valid IDs to receive your ID for free.
Read more: Simple Steps to Securing a PhilHealth ID
Postal ID
Do you know that anyone can apply for a Postal ID? Issued by PHLPost (2), this identification card is one of the easiest and fastest to obtain valid IDs in the Philippines. Use it to validate your identity and address when transacting with private and government offices. To apply, visit any PHLPost branch and bring the following requirements:
- Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form
- Proof of identity (NSO-issued birth certificate, SSS UMID card, Passport, or Driver’s License)
- Proof of address (Barangay Certificate of Residency, Certified True Copy of Lease, Bank Statement)
Read more: Postal ID Application in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
TIN Card
Taxpayers are not required to carry their Tax Identification Number with a TIN ID, but having one can help you with various transactions such as opening a bank account, sending money abroad, or receiving a package. To get one, visit any Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office and submit the required documents. Take note that the TIN ID is free (1).
Voter’s ID
Are you a registered voter? If yes, then you qualify for a Voter’s ID. Government offices and private entities recognize this ID since it is issued by one of the most powerful agencies in the country, the Commission on Elections or COMELEC. Securing a Voter’s ID, however, takes months or even years to process as it entails a fingerprint-matching procedure that filters over 52 million voter records.
Read more: 5-Step Guide to Voter’s Registration
PRC ID
Licensed professionals such as accountants, engineers, architects, dentists, and doctors, among many others, should have a PRC ID, one of the most recognized valid IDs in the Philippines. Issued by the Professional Regulation Commission, PRC IDs serve as proof of identity and license to operate as a professional.
Senior Citizen ID
Once you reach the age of 60, one of the things you can enjoy is having a Senior Citizen ID. Seniors bearing this kind of ID can enjoy a 20% discount on fast food chains, department stores, pharmacies, public transportation, medical and dental services, and admission to theaters, concerts, and cinemas. To get one, just go to your municipal’s Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs and apply.
Read more: Senior Citizen Discounts and Benefits: Important Facts You Might Not Know
OFW ID
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encourages Overseas Filipino Workers to get an OFW ID to assist them with banking and government-related transactions. To secure one, just make an account on DOLE’s website, apply for an OFW ID, and choose if you want to pick-up your ID or have it delivered.
Some banks and government institutions require a secondary ID to further validate a person’s identity. Be prepared by having any of the following IDs and documents.
Read more: How to Get an OFW e-Card: Guide to OFW ID Card Application
Secondary Valid IDs and Documents
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- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Barangay Clearance
- PSA Marriage Contract
- PSA Birth Certificate
- NSO Marriage Certificate
- GSIS ID – issued by the Government Services and Insurance Corporation (GSIS)
- IBP ID – issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- OWWA ID – issued by the Overseas Worker’s Welfare Administration
- Diplomat ID – issued by the Philippine Embassy
- GOCC and Government Office ID – issued by a branch or agency of the government
Final Thoughts
Take the time to secure the above mentioned valid IDs. It may cost you time and money but having at least two of these identification cards will definitely assist you in the future.
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