In the Philippines, securing a government-issued identification card (ID) is essential for various transactions. Whether opening a bank account, processing important documents, or just simply verifying your identity. Commonly, you need at least two (2) valid IDs for these transactions. Understanding the process of how to get a valid ID in the Philippines could save you time and avoid any potential problems.
What are the Valid IDs in the Philippines?
There are two (2) types of valid IDs in the Philippines: primary valid IDs and secondary valid IDs.
Primary Valid IDs
Primary Valid IDs are government-issued identification cards (IDs) or documents that are generally acceptable due to their high reliability. These include the following:
Philippine Passport
To process a passport application, the new applicant must follow these procedures:
- Set an Online Appointment. The applicants are required to set an appointment online through the official website of the Department of Foreign and Affairs (DFA). The system will hold your slot for 20-30 minutes. Therefore if you fail to finish your application within the given time, you may lose your slot.
- Pay Online Fee. After completing the online application form, you will be required to pay the processing online fee.
- Visit the DFA. Visit the DFA office where you scheduled your appointment. It is advisable to arrive early since DFA will not accommodate late arrivals. More importantly, ensure to bring all the required documents.
Additionally, walk-ins are allowed but there are only limited slots per day depending on the capacity of the Consular Office.
National ID or PhilSys ID
To obtain a National ID, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Visit the Registration Center. The applicants may process their application in registration centers at PSA regional and provincial offices, mall-based registration centers, or Local Government Units (LGU) based registration centers. Make sure to present the required documents to the Registration Kit Operator (RKO).
- Biometric Capture. Your biometric information, such as fingerprints, iris scan, and front-facing image, is required for capturing.
- Review and Confirm. After your biometric information has been captured, you will be asked to review and confirm your demographic and biometric information.
- Issuance. After verifying your information, the RKO will issue a transaction slip. You must keep your transaction slip since your transaction reference number (TRN) can be used to track your National ID delivery and the availability of the printed format of your ID.
PhilHealth ID
To possess a PhilHealth ID, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Go to the PhilHealth Office or Branch. Visit the nearest PhilHealth Office or any PhilHealth Express Branches.
- Submission of Documents. Submit the duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form and other required documents.
- Claim. After registration, you may claim your PhilHealth ID. Prepare a recent 1×1 picture since this will be attached on your ID.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
To process a NBI clearance application, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Create an Account. Visit the NBI Clearance Online Services portal and create an account.
- Fill Out the Form. Fill out the NBI online registration form and click on the “Agree” button after reading and accepting the Terms of Services to proceed.
- Log In. You will be asked to enter a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile phone number to ensure the security of your online NBI Clearance transaction. Once you have logged in, you may now apply for a clearance.
- Schedule an Appointment. Choose your preferred appointment date and time to process your NBI Clearance in person.
- Pay the Fee. Pay the required fee through bayad center, 7-Eleven, Gcash, or other cash payments.
- Go to the NBI Office or Branch. Visit the NBI Office or any of their branches where you set your appointment. Make sure to dress presentable since they will take your photo.
- Claim Your NBI Clearance. If you do not have a hit, you may immediately claim your clearance after your appointment. However, if you have a hit, you need to come back after seven (7) to ten (10) working days.
Applicants with no internet access can go to the NBI main office in Manila City or their local NBI office to ask for assistance in registering for an NBI Clearance appointment.
Senior Citizen ID
To get a senior citizen ID, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Visit the OSCA Office. Go to the nearest Office of the Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) office and fill out the application form.
- Submission of Documents. Submit the required documents and ensure that your documents are complete.
- Verification. After submitting the necessary documents, the OSCA office will verify your information.
- Notification. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a notification from the OSCA office about the status of your application.
- Claim Your Senior Citizen ID. Upon approval of your application, you may claim your senior citizen ID.
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID
To possess a PWD ID, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- File an Application. The applicant may file their application at any of the following offices:
- Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the city or municipal hall
- Social Welfare and Development Office
- City or Municipal Health Office or its Satellite Office
- Mayor’s Office
- Barangay Captain’s Office
- National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Office
- Data Encoding. After submitting the required documents, your personal information will be encoded. If you have confidential information about your medical condition, an officer will conduct a private interview with you.
- Claim Your PWD ID. The applicant must claim their PWD ID and the purchase booklet they will use each time they avail their benefit.
Secondary Valid IDs
Secondary Valid IDs are acceptable for identification purposes, but do not possess a higher reliability than to the primary valid IDs. These include the following:
Postal ID
To get a Postal ID, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- File an Application. The application form is available in all post offices and the official website of Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).
- Submission of Documents. Submit the duly accomplished application form along with the necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the Fee. Upon submission of the required documents, the applicant must pay the fee to any post office.
- Photo and Biometric Capture. Upon approval, you will be required to proceed to the designated post office or selected mall for photo and biometric capturing.
- Delivery. Once your application is finished, your Postal ID will be delivered to your mailing address.
Barangay Clearance
To obtain a Barangay Clearance, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Visit the Barangay Hall. Go to the nearest barangay hall or office and bring the required documents.
- Fill Out the Form. Request for an application form and ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
- Submission of Documents. Submit the duly accomplished application form and the supporting documents.
- Pay the Fee. After submitting the necessary documents, pay the fee to the treasurer’s office or payment window.
- Issuance. A barangay clearance may be issued to you on the same day or within a few days.
Police Certificate
To possess a Police Certificate, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Create an Account. Go to the official website of the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) and create an account by providing your personal information.
- Schedule an Appointment. Choose your preferred police station where you would like to pick up your clearance. Ensure that you are available at your selected date and time.
- Pay the Fee. After scheduling your appointment, you will be required to pay the required fee. A reference number will be generated upon successful payment.
- Biometric Capture. Visit the police station where you set an appointment for fingerprint capture and signature verification.
- Claim Your Police Clearance. Once your application is complete, you may claim your police certificate on the same day.
PSA Marriage Certificate
To process a Marriage Certificate application, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Visit the PSA Website. Go to the official website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and click the “Order Now” button then select the “Marriage” option when the next page appears.
- Fill Out the Form. A page will appear with the list of the information that will be collected from you. Fill out the needed information and ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete.
- Delivery. After completing the application form, you will be required to provide your existing mailing address where they will deliver your marriage certificate.
PSA Birth Certificate
To process a Birth Certificate application, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Visit the PSA Website. Go to the official website of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and click the “Order Now” button then select the “Birth” option when the next page appears. You will be given two options whether you are requesting for your own birth certificate or for someone else.
- Fill Out the Form. A page will appear with the list of the information that will be collected from you. Fill out the needed information and ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete.
- Delivery. After completing the application form, you will be required to provide your existing mailing address where they will deliver your birth certificate.
What are Considered Valid IDs for Foreign Nationals in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the following are considered valid IDs for foreign nationals:
- Immigrant Certificate of Registration
Is School ID Considered as a Valid ID in the Philippines?
School ID is considered as a valid ID for students and serves as proof of their current enrollment status. This is issued by educational institutions where they are studying.
