Valid IDs in the Philippines are one of the most important things you need to get. It can determine your personal information, such as your complete name, address, birthdate, civil status, etc.

Valid IDs are really important nowadays; even if you’re going outside or to other places, valid IDs should not be lost in your pockets. In some situations, like when you’re applying for a postpaid plan, entering a private subdivision, receiving money in remittance, or even if you are applying for a new job, valid IDs are required to show them.

Some Filipinos didn’t know which was the primary identification and which was the secondary identification. So here is the complete list of valid IDs in the Philippines. Below is the list of primary IDs, followed by the complete details and where to find them.

PRIMARY ID

1. NATIONAL ID

In August 2018, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who used to be President of the Republic of the Philippines, signed a law that made Republic Act No. 1055, also known as the Philippine Identification System Act, official. This law sets up a single national ID system for everyone who lives in the Republic of the Philippines, whether they are Filipino citizens or resident aliens.

Steps to Get a National ID

1. Register to register.philsus.gov.ph and create your account for the national ID application.
2. Submit the application form and book your preferred appointment schedule.
3. Proceed to the next registration. Make sure that you save a copy of the Application Reference Number (ARN) and the QR code which you will present at the registration center.
4. Go to the nearest designated registration center on the day of your appointment. Do not forget to bring your ARN and/or the QR code. Additionally, bring your other supporting documents.
5. Wait for the delivery of your PhilSys National ID that will be delivered to your registered address.
6. Present your transaction slip or any supporting IDs to the courier.

2. DFA PHILIPPINE PASSPORT

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is where you can get a Philippine passport. They are in charge of creating the Philippine passport. You can schedule an appointment on their website here if you need to apply for it.

The Philippine passport is the most important form of government-issued ID, so both public and private places will accept it as a valid form of ID.

Here is an overview of how to apply for and get a Philippine passport.

1. Go to the DFA website and make an appointment. (Schedules depend on their available slot, so make sure to check the available slot before you send the request to them.)
2. Please check your email for appointment confirmation.
3. Wait to receive the reference number via email and print the document for your appointment.
4. Bring the appointment documents and go to the assigned DFA site. (Remember to wear proper attire before you go to the DFA site.)
5. Prepare for the processing fee of 950 pesos for regular and 1,200 pesos for express.
6. The next procedure is biometrics (photo capture, digital signature, and fingerprint).
7. Done. You need to wait for your Philippine passport to be delivered to your mailing address.

3. UNIFIED MULTI-PURPOSE ID (UMID)

The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card is also accepted as a valid ID in the Philippines since it is an updated version of the SSS and GSIS IDs and covers the Pag-Ibig, SSS, GSIS, and PhilHealth programs.

The UMID card is very helpful for people who want to get benefits from the Social Security System (SSS), such as for sickness, childbirth, disability, retirement, death, or a funeral. The UMID card has a security feature that uses a smart chip to store full biometric information about the cardholder.

An Overview of the Documents Required for the UMID Card

SSS Members

• UMID card application form
• Valid IDs: (e.g., PRC ID, LTO License, Passport, or Seaman’s Book)
• In the absence of the IDs listed above, you can present the secondary ID cards and documents.

GSIS Members

• UMID-eCard enrollment form for GSIS members
• With two (2) valid government-issued IDs (e.g., LTO license, passport, PRC card, etc.),

4. LTO DRIVER’S LICENSE CARD

The LTO Drivers License is one of the most important forms of ID in the Philippines. All Filipinos must have one before they can drive a car. The driver’s license was issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines for those who wanted to drive either a public or private vehicle.

There are three (3) types of driver’s licenses in the Philippines: student, non-professional, and professional. The cost of this license will vary depending on the type you apply for. An LTO driver’s license has a maximum validity of five (5) years.

You can use it as a valid ID in the Philippines, not just your regular driver’s license. Like the UMID card, you can also present this ID if you’re applying for or getting documents or clearances.

Applying for a driver’s license in the Philippines is quite easy; you must bring your valid ID, NSO or birth certificate, local registry, and application form to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

5. PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC)

Some Filipinos used their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID card as a valid ID to do business or apply for something new. This ID card has qualifications that must be met before you obtain it. Like the LTO driver’s license card, the PRC ID is only given to people with the highest level of education, such as doctors, engineers, accountants, dentists, lawyers, and other professionals.

Overview of the PRC ID Process

1. Download the action sheet for authentication. ^{[Download Here]}
2. Bring the registration certificate or the original ID.
3. Go to the PRC office.
4. Fill out the downloaded action sheet for authentication.
5. Proceed to the services desk officer for the payment of the documentary stamp.
6. Now, proceed to the cashier to pay the required amount depending on how many copies of the certificate you need.
7. Submit all the originals and photocopies with the documentary stamp to Windows 5.
8. Claim your Certified True Copies at Windows 6.

6. SENIOR CITIZEN ID

Filipinos who are at least 60 years old can use the senior citizen ID, which can also be used to apply for a job. With a Senior Citizen ID, you can get discounts on services like travel, shopping malls, fast food restaurants, medical care, dentists, pharmacies, and more.

Overview of the Process for Senior Citizen ID

1. Go to the local Senior Citizens Affairs Office.
2. Fill out the application form that is available in the OSCA office.
3. Bring the original and photocopies of the requirements (1 x 1 picture, any valid ID, and birth certificate).
4. Proceed to the assigned desk officer to process your application for a senior citizen ID card.

Reminder: Ask someone to come with you so that the process is easier and you don’t have to deal with any problems.

7. OFW ID

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched a special, valid ID card called the OFW ID card. This is the new upgrade version of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). OFW’s identification system serves as one of the requirements for your travel documents and also your exit pass.

The OFW ID is applicable for use as a primary ID card, so if you’re working outside of the country, you must apply for and get this identification card. Obtaining the OFW ID card is quite easy since they have online registration.

Overview of the Process for OFW ID Online Registration

1. Visit the DOLE website and create an account (https://idole.dole.gov.ph/).
2. Fill out all the information on their online registration form and enter your latest Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) number.
3. Once you’re done setting up your account, log in, then click “iDOLE One Stop Shop” and then “OFW ID Card.”
4. Choose the delivery type and pick-up location. “Click Submit” after selecting the POEA office closest to you.
5. Print out the OFW ID number confirmation details and bring them with you to the POEA office.

8. POSTAL ID

PhilPost has issued the fastest and easiest-to-validate IDs in the Philippines. It is used in government offices and private businesses to check the legitimacy of documents, application forms, and online registration.

How to Obtain a Postal ID

1. Download the postal ID form ^{[Download Here]}.

2. Fill out the application form and bring valid IDs. (Birth Certificate, LTO License, Passport, UMID Card)
3. Go to the PhilPost Office.
4. Proceed to the data-capturing station.
5. Payment for postal ID
6. Done. Wait for the delivery of a Postal ID to your mailing address.

9. VOTER’S ID

A voter’s identification is one of the requirements for a valid ID in the Philippines for those who have already registered with the Commission on Elections, or COMELEC. Even though the process of obtaining this ID takes too long, some private companies, business establishments, and government offices recognize the voter’s identification as a primary ID. However, the others are still looking for a valid primary ID.

The House of Representatives put a hold on giving out voter ID cards because a bill to set up the National Identification System in the Philippines had just passed.

10. FIREARMS LICENSE FROM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) issues a firearms license to those individuals who have registered their firearms under the PNP License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). Before giving out a gun license, this document is used to make sure the owner is who they say they are by looking at the results of their neuropsychiatric exam and drug test.

11. A REGISTERED ePassport (FOR ePassport Renewal)

The Philippine Electronic Passport (Philippine ePassport) is an updated version of the Philippine Passport. It has microchips in its pages that hold the information needed to verify the identity of the passport holder. ePassport is available at DFA Manila, Philippine embassies, and consulates abroad.

12. STUDENT SCHOOL IDENTIFICATION

In schools and universities, students are granted their school ID to use as a primary ID since they cannot apply to get a valid ID in the Philippines because of their age.

SECONDARY ID

1. Barangay Clearance: You can get this certificate of residency in the barangay hall, city hall, and the city municipality.
2. Police clearance – can be obtained from the city hall and the municipal police station. It is used to verify that the criminal cases were locally issued.
3. NBI Clearance – You can obtain this clearance at any NBI branch that can tell if you have filed a criminal case in the courts of the Philippines.
4. NSO Birth Certificate – Proof of your complete identity is required for a child to have a birth certificate after birth. The National Statistics Office (NSO), issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the birth certificate have no expiration date.
5. PhilHealth ID – can also be used as a secondary ID in any transaction or application. This identification was recognized as national health insurance in the Philippines.
6. TIN (Tax Identification Number) – ID was issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to be able to collect taxes from their taxpayer members to add revenue to any government projects. It is also used as a supporting or secondary ID in the Philippines.
7. GSIS ID – was issued by the Philippines government and is more likely to be used by SSS as private insurance for a private company.
8. NSO Marriage Certificate – a certificate document that contains strong proof of two people and their relationship who have agreed to be a couple for the rest of their lives. This certificate contains details of the couple, such as the complete names of husband and wife, the date of marriage, the place of marriage, both complete addresses and the purpose of the certification. It is also recognized by government offices and the private sector as a supporting document.
9. IBP ID – This identification is issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
10. GOCC ID – A government-owned and controlled corporation issued this ID to receive government program funds and subsidies. It also belongs to the second identification system.
11. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I-CARD) – IssuanceForeign nationals who have been in the Philippines for more than fifty-nine (59) days may apply for a temporary visitor’s visa or tourist visa. They can also use it as a secondary ID while staying in the Philippines.