Valid IDs in the Philippines You Need to Have
Published: September 24, 2020 | Updated: January 13, 2021 | Posted by: Mayee Gonzales | Government Services
Nowadays, it’s important to have at least two valid IDs 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.
And since we’re still months (or years) away from the release of the national ID, you’ll have to secure the following IDs one by one. Level up your #adulting game by collecting these valid IDs.
Table of Contents
Primary Valid IDs in the Philippines
| ID Type | Validity | Price | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | 10 years | PHP 950 or PHP 1,200 | DFA |
| Driver's License | 5 years | PHP 320 to PHP 820 | LTO |
| UMID | Lifetime | Free | SSS |
| PhilHealth ID | Lifetime | Free | PhilHealth |
| TIN ID | Lifetime | Free | BIR |
| Postal ID | Lifetime | Free | Postal Office |
| Voter's ID | Indefinite | Free | COMELEC |
| PRC ID | 5 years | PHP 300 to PHP 600 | PRC |
| Senior Citizen ID | Lifetime | Free | Municipal Office |
| OFW ID | 2 years | Free | OWWA |
Philippine Passport
Photo c/o Wikimedia
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.
Where to Get Your Passport
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 1,250.
Read more: Easy Steps to DFA Passport Appointment, Application, and Renewal
Driver’s License
There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines: student license permit, non-professional, and professional. Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), these three kinds of licenses are also considered government IDs.
Where to Get Your Driver’s License
If you’re planning to drive or purchase a vehicle, make sure to get one at an LTO branch near you or through their online portal[1]. A license costs PHP 318 to PHP 820 and is valid for five years.
Read more: How to Get a Driver’s License in the Philippines
PhilHealth ID
Photo c/o PhilHealth Website
PhilHealth members need to present their PhilHealth ID before claiming any PhilHealth benefits. Getting one is simple and won’t cost you a single cent.
Where to Get Your PhilHealth ID
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 at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO).
Read more: Simple Steps to Securing a PhilHealth ID
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 government IDs in the Philippines as it also serves as a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID.
Where to Get Your UMID
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
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 government IDs in the Philippines. Use it to validate your identity and address when transacting with private and government offices.
Where to Get Your Postal ID
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 ID
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.
Where to Get Your TIN ID
To get one, visit any Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office and submit the required documents. Take note that the TIN ID is free[3].
Read more: How to Get a TIN ID in the Philippines: A Complete Guide
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: #MagpaRehistroKa: COMELEC Registration 2020 Guide for Voters
PRC ID
Photo c/o NSO Helpline Website
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.
Read more: Steps to Getting a PRC ID: Online Registration and Renewal
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.
Where to Get Your Senior Citizen ID
To get one, just go to your municipal’s Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs and apply.
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.
Where to Get Your OFW ID
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 secondary valid IDs below.
Read more: How to Get an OFW e-Card: Guide to OFW ID Card Application
Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines
Instagram photo by @clatowncenter
Below is a list of valid IDs that can serve as a secondary ID. Not all institutions accept these IDs but they may come handy when you need to fulfill a transaction.
| ID Type | Validity | Price | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBI Clearance | 6 months to 1 year | PHP 155 | NBI |
| Police Clearance | 6 months | PHP 160 | Nearest Police Station |
| Barangay Clearance | Varies | Varies | Barangay Hall |
| Birth Certificate | Lifetime | PHP 330 | PSA |
| Marriage Certificate | Lifetime | PHP 330 | PSA |
| Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) | 1 year | Minimum of PHP 5 | City or Municipa Hall |
Other secondary valid IDs include:
- GSIS ID – issued by the Government Services and Insurance Corporation (GSIS)
- IBP ID – issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Diplomat ID – issued by the Philippine Embassy
- GOCC and Government Office ID – issued by a branch or agency of the government
- Alien Certification of Registration
Read more:
- NBI Clearance Online Application: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Police Clearance Online Application Guide for Filipinos
- Complete Guide to PSA Online Services in the Philippines
- How to Get PWD ID: Benefits and Application Guide
How to Get a Government ID Fast and Hassle Free
Start with the Easiest ID 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 compared to other government IDs in the Philippines. For these valid IDs, you would only need a proof of identity such as your birth certificate and a document that proves your address like Barangay Clearance.
Prepare the Application Forms in Advance
It’s true, we’ve been there. Queuing in government offices takes a lifetime, so it is best to download the application forms online and fill them out in advance. And since most of the government offices do not provide enough tables and chairs, you also avoid the hassle of looking for a place where you can fill out your application form.
Double Check Your Requirements Before Leaving Home
Create a checklist of requirements and review them before heading to your planned government office. It will save you time and effort of going back and forth just because you dont have the complete requirements.
Apply Online if Possible
Lastly, choose to apply online to shorten the application process. Several agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, SSS, and NBI allow applicants to register for a valid ID online. Visit their websites for more information.
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 can assist you when doing transactions with banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and more.
Sources:
- [1] LTO Online Portal
- [2] The Improved Postal ID
- [3] Application for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Mayee is an experienced writer, editor, and content strategist. She enjoys writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. On her free time, she reads, travels, and watches a lot of movies. She’s also a proud cat-mom. Follow Mayee on LinkedIn.
