If you want to transact with the government in the Philippines, you need to show your valid ID to prove your identity. There are many valid IDs available for Filipino citizens to obtain. A Philippine National ID is one of the valid IDs that you can use. In this article, we will guide you on how to obtain a Philippine National ID and share more details about valid IDs.
What is the Philippine National ID?
Philippine National ID (PhilID), known as the Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID), is an official and valid proof of identity for Filipino citizens, dual nationals and resident aliens when they use it to transact with the government and the private sector.
In addition, it is a single, non-transferable card with a unique 12-digit PhilSys number (PSN), and contains the holder’s personal information, such as full name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, home address, blood type, civil status, iris scan, photograph, and full fingerprint. PhilID has no expiration date, which means you can use it for your entire life. In addition, newborns can automatically obtain their Philippine National ID without fingerprints and iris scans. But they will get a new ID card with biometrics information after 5 years.
What is the Philippine Identification System Act?
The Philippine Identification System Act (PhilSys Act or Republic Act No. 11055) was signed into law by the Philippine government. It can make public and private transactions easier to promote the business. At the same time, it enhances the efficiency and transparency of public and social services and reduces corruption, red tape, and fraud. This law regulates the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to implement PhilSys, such as PhilSys Number (PSN), PhilSys Registry, and Philippine National ID (Phil ID), and make its policies and guidelines.
Is a national ID a valid ID?
Yes, the national ID called PhilID, is a valid ID in the Philippines, which is a necessary card when you need to transact with private or government offices. A valid primary and secondary ID is required in most institutions to process transactions, such as personal loans, bank accounts, life insurance, etc. In addition, you can use it as a required document when you need a valid government-issued ID to apply for your Philippine passport. It is important to have a national ID in the Philippines.
What are Valid IDs, how many are they, and what can they do?
It is necessary to keep a valid ID to prove your identity in the Philippines when you need to transact with private or government offices, such as personal loans and bank accounts. There are 18 valid government-issued IDs in the Philippines. You can check the list below:
| Visa Type | Function | Price | Validity | Issue Place |
| passport | ₱950 for regular processing₱1,200 for expedited processing₱350 additional fee for the replacement of lost or damaged passports | ₱950 for regular processing₱1,200 for expedited processing₱350 additional fee for the replacement of lost or dameged passports | 10 years | Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) |
| UMID | Four-in-one identification card containing SSS, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID. | Free for initial application ₱200 for replacement of lost card | entire lifetime | Social Security System or SSS |
| Driver’s License | Get a license to drive a vehicle A valid ID | Student Permit – ₱317.63Non-Professional/Professional- ₱685 | Student Permit for 1 year Non-Professional/Professional for 10 years | Land Transportation Office (LTO) |
| Proof of identity and license to operate as a professional, such as accountants, doctors, engineers, architects, dentists | An identification card indicates that the holder and his or her qualified dependents are entitled to receive their benefits and privileges. | free | entire lifetime | Local Health Insurance Offices or PhilHealth Express outlet |
| Postal ID | For 18-year-olds or students in the Philippines | ₱504( ₱450 ID fee and delivery fee, and ₱54 VAT) | 3 years | Postal Office |
| PRC ID | A proof of identity and license to operate as a professional, such as accountants, doctors, engineers, architects, dentists | For professions(a baccalaureate degree): ₱150 per year or ₱450 for three years For professions (a non-baccalaureate degree): ₱140 per year or a total of ₱420 for three years | Up to 3 years | PRC |
| PWD ID | Persons with disabilities and comes with privileges and benefits, including discounts on purchases. | free | entire lifetime | Persons with Disability Office (PDAO), City Municipal Health Office, Office of the Mayor |
| Senior Citizen ID | Seniors over 60 can enjoy a 20% discount on fast-food chains, department stores, pharmacies, public transportation, medical and dental services. | free | entire lifetime | Municipal Office |
| Proof the you never messed up with the law when you apply for a job (here or overseas), study abroad, take the civil service exam | A valid proof of identity. Support all private and government transactions. | free | entire lifetime | PSA |
| OWWA OFW e-Card | Overseas Filipino Workers to get an OFW ID to assist them with banking and government-related transactions. | free | 2 years | The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) |
| NBI Clearance | A proof the you never messed up with the law when you apply for a job (here or overseas), study abroad, take the civil service exam | ₱130 | 1 year | NBI |
| TIN ID | A valid ID for employees with transactions such as opening a bank account, sending money abroad, or receiving a package. | free (₱100 for replacement) | entire lifetime | Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office |
How to Apply for National ID?
According to the rules of the Philippine Identification System Act, here you can follow the procedures to obtain your National ID.
Book an appointment online
You can apply for your Phil ID by booking an appointment online. Select the preferred registration center, date and time. There are some registration centers for national ID, so you can visit any one you want.
- PSA regional and provincial offices;
- Local Civil Registry Offices (LCROs) or Municipal Hall;
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
- Social Security System (SSS)
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- Philippine Postal Office
- Selected Land Bank branches
- Any Pag-IBIG or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) branch.
Prepare all your requirements
Once you have booked an appointment, you need to prepare some required documents. Here is the list of required documents:
Application form
You must provide an original copy of any of the following primary documents:
- PSA-issued birth certificate and a government-issued identification document with photo, full name, fingerprint and signature
- A valid Philippine passport or ePassport.
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Card (UMID)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Alien Registration Certificate, if you are a resident alien.
If you cannot provide the documents mentioned above, you need to prepare some supporting documents:
- Certificate of Live Birth
- Report of Birth
- Certificate of Foundling
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Senior Citizen’s ID
- Police Clearance/ID
- Solo Parent’s ID
- Voter ID
Go to the designated registration center
On the scheduled date, you must bring the completed PhilSys Registration Form and supporting documents to the chosen registration center. Applicants must register and apply for a national ID in person.
Have biometrics, fingerprints, and iris scans taken
After you have submitted your documents, the government officer will collect your biometric information, such as the front-facing photograph, iris scan, and fingerprints.
PSN and Phil ID Issuance
After the officer finds your biographical and demographic information unique, you will receive a PSN, which means that your registration is successful in PhilSys. And you just have to wait for your Phil ID to be delivered by Philippine Post.
Or you can choose to walk into your preferred registration center without an online appointment.
Why Do I Need a Philippine National ID?
There are many benefits to having a Philippine National ID. First of all, it is a well-known identification card, which creates opportunities for you to apply for some financial products, such as loans, credit cards and life insurance. Therefore, you don’t need to provide two government-issued IDs to open your bank account, which brings you convenience. In addition, it can create a more trusting society, because both sellers and buyers have a legitimate background. This can prevent fraud, scams, and other illegal acts.
Benefits of the National ID System
The Philippine Identification System, or the national ID system, centralizes the identification system of Filipino citizens and residents. And it aims to streamline transactions in the government or private sector by keeping applicants’ basic information with the national ID number, so as to track your criminal records and loans.
Moreover, fast ID verification makes all transactions easier and more convenient. When you need to do business at SSS, Philhealth, Pag-IBIG, or any government agency, there is a biometric machine that handles your identification without any hassle.
In addition, it can lower the cost of government-related ID applications, which can replace all other forms of valid IDs. So, you don’t need any other “valid IDs.” Because Filipinos have different IDs for different government agencies, such as SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-IBIG. Currently, you don’t need to take multiple valid IDs everywhere. It will be more practical and efficient when a national ID system can bring it all together.
All in all, this system can help strengthen the social services of financial institutions and eliminate fraudulent transactions and corruption.
Is National ID Mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory to keep a national ID. According to PSA-11, it would be better and easier to transact with any government or private entity if you had a national ID. And when institutions and offices refuse to honor Phil ID, they will be fined up to ₱500,000.
Is Philippine National ID free?
Yes. You don’t need to pay the Philippine national fee when you apply for it for the first time. However, if your national ID gets damaged or lost, you need to pay for the replacement. The national ID has no expiry date.
Conclusion
All in all, it is a good choice for you to have a national ID, especially if you need to transact business with the government. Why not get a PhilID to reduce the complicated ID verification process and access more benefits and opportunities in your life?
Dolores Xiao