Valid IDs in the Philippines [Complete List] – Grit PH (2024)

Last Updated – Sep 15, 2022 @ 3:17 pm

Whether you’re looking to apply for membership/document at a government agency, or opening a bank account, you’re usually going to be asked for at least one valid ID.

As such, if you’re looking to go deep into adulthood, you’re going to want to have at least two valid IDs with you at all times.

Below is a list of the most widely-accepted valid IDs in the Philippines.

What is a Valid ID?

Valid IDs (also referred to as identity documents) are essentially used to prove a person’s identity. This typically bears the person’s full name, date of birth, and address.

While other countries have standard national identification cards, here in the Philippines, there’s an extensive list of accepted valid IDs.

List of Acceptable Valid IDs in the Philippines

Below is a quick list of the most-commonly used government-issued IDs in the Philippines:

Philippine National ID

Also known as the Philippine Identification card, this serves as the national identity card for Filipino citizens around the globe, as well as foreign permanent residents in the country.

This is an integral part of the Philippine Identification System Act or Republic Act No. 11055, legislated by former President Rodrigo Duterte on August 6, 2018.

The main goal of national ID is to ease the access of personal records when Filipinos transact with private and government sectors.

Where to get it

Getting a national ID in the Philippines has become more convenient since the PSA is coordinating with LGUs, government agencies, and private sectors to set up booths in strategic locations.

You can get a national ID in any of the following offices in your region:

• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) regional and provincial offices
• Civil Registry Office (LCRO) in your municipality
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) local or provincial offices
• Social Security System (SSS) branches
• Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) branches
• Postal offices (under PHL Post or Philippine Postal Corporation
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) branches
• Pag-IBIG or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) branches
• Other government agencies or GOCCs may be assigned by the PSA
• Philsys website

Learn More: How to Get a Philippine National ID

Passport

As you must’ve surmised, passports are the required document when traveling overseas. But apart from being the main form of identification overseas, it’s also a widely recognized and accepted identity document here in the Philippines.

Where to get it

Philippine Passports can be applied for at any Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regional office. To get started, you need to secure a confirmed online appointment from the DFA website, where you’ll also be filling up the application form. After that, you’ll need to make a personal appearance on the date of your appointment with your supporting documents.

You can find the complete list of required supporting documents here. Once you get your passport, it’s valid for 10 years.

For more information, contact (632) 8920-6446 to 55

Learn More: How to Get a Philippine Passport: DFA Online Appointment & Requirements

Driver’s Licence

There are three types of Driver’s Licence in the Philippines, each representing the bearer’s level of driving proficiency. These are: Student, Non-Professional, and Professional.

Where to get it

You can apply for your Driver’s Licence at any Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch. If you’re applying for the first time, you will need to first apply for a Student’s Permit before moving on to the other types of driver’s licenses. It costs between P318 to P820 and is valid for five years.

For more information, visit the LTO website.

Learn More: How to Get (or Renew) a Driver’s License in the Philippines

SSS UMID Card

The Social Security System (SSS) Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) essentially serves as the Philippine national ID, also being the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID.

Where to get it

You’ll need to personally visit any SSS or GSIS office to apply. However, you can get a head start by filling up the application form. To be eligible for the card, you need to have paid at least one month SSS contribution.

When you apply for the card, make sure to bring the accomplished SSS UMID application form, the original or certified true copy of either your passport, driver’s license, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card, or Seaman’s Book. At the office you visit, your photo and digital signature will be taken, and your fingerprints scanned.

Learn More: Complete Guide to SSS Online: Registration, Contribution, & Benefits

PRC ID

This is ID is given to licensed professionals such as registered nurses, physicians, architects, engineers, among others who have passed their respective licensure exams. The ID serves both as proof of identity and the license to operate as a professional.

Where to get it

Licensed professionals can get this from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Central Office. First-timers, need to undergo the initial registration process by visiting prc.gov.ph. There, you’ll need to register all your information in the required fields. Once completed, your Oath form will be prepared and a reference number will be given to you.

At the PRC Central Office, you’ll need to pay for the Baccalaureate Fee, and submit your Oath Form and supporting documents. The release of the PRC ID usually takes 3-5 working days. It is valid for five years.

Learn More: How to Get a PRC ID: Online Registration & License Renewal

Voter’s ID

You need to be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this identity document. It is given to Philippine registered voters. As such, it is a widely recognized valid ID across the country for whatever purpose.

Where to get it

You can get this from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). To become a registered voter, you need to visit the COMELEC office bringing a valid ID. If you’re already a registered voter, all you need to do is fill out the application form.

The Voter’s ID takes a few months to process but is valid indefinitely.

Senior Citizen ID

Filipinos aged 60 and above are eligible for this ID. Apart from being a valid ID, this entitles the bearer to a 20% discount on things places and services like restaurants, department stores, pharmacies, public transportation, as well as medical and dental services, among others.

Where to get it

This can be procured at the Office for Senior Citizen Affairs. There, you’ll need to fill up the application form, and present a 1×1 ID picture along with a valid ID (almost all of which are on this list). It is free and is valid indefinitely.

Learn More: Senior Citizen ID: Benefits & Discounts in the Philippines

PWD ID

The identification card for persons with disability (PWDs) can be applied for by any Filipino with a permanent disability. It’s defined by Republic Act 10754 as a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that interfere with their interactions in society.

The bearer is entitled to a 20% discount on various establishments and services, similar to those given to senior citizens. It also entails other benefits like educational assistance, mandatory coverage from government agencies like SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, and other city-specific benefits.

Where to get it

While the exact procedures for acquiring the PWD ID varies per local government unit, you can generally apply for it from the following offices:

• National Council on Disability Affairs or its regional counterpart
• Department of Social Welfare and Development
• Office of the Mayor
• Office of the Barangay Captain
• Department of Health Online Registration System

Philhealth ID

While the PhilHealth ID is required before you’re able to claim benefits, the national healthcare provider’s ID is not only free, it also serves as a valid ID.

Where to get it

If you’re currently employed by a company, you can simply ask your HR personnel to accomplish your PhilHealth membership and deliver your ID. If you’re self-employed, you need to register as a Voluntary Member.

To do this, visit any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office and bring two accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form along with two 1×1 ID pictures, and at least two valid IDs or a photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate.

Learn More: Philhealth: Online Registration, Contribution, Requirements & Benefits

TIN Card

This is the Tax Identification Number ID. And though taxpayers aren’t required to carry this ID with them, it still serves as a valid ID for transactions that require one.

Where to get it

You can get your TIN card from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office. You just need to present your Certified NSO birth certificate, a valid ID, and your TIN application form. It is free and is valid indefinitely.

Learn More: How to Get a TIN ID in the Philippines

Postal ID

It’s not common knowledge, but the PHLPost Postal ID is one of the easiest valid identity documents to obtain.

Where to get it

You can get your Postal ID from any PHLPost branch. You just need two accomplished copies of the Postal ID application form, any valid ID or your NSO Birth Certificate, and proof of address (Barangay Certificate of Residency, Certified True Copy of Lease, or your Bank Statement).

Learn More: How to Get a Philippine Postal ID

GSIS e-Card

Considered the most innovative government-issued ID, the GSIS eCard doesn’t only serve as the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) membership card, it also doubles as a GSIS transactional card, disbursem*nt card, ATM, and VISA debit card, among others.

Where to get it

You can get the GSIS eCard by visiting the GSIS office (or its counterpart). You can get a headstart by accomplishing the enrollment form and bringing two government-issued IDs. You can find more information here.

List of Secondary IDs in the Philippines

The following documents may be considered secondary but a number of these are usually required as supporting documents when applying for valid IDs.

• NBI Clearance – This certifies that the bearer, at the time of request, is not involved in any ongoing criminal cases in the Philippines.
• Police Clearance – Similarly, this document certifies that the bearer has no criminal or otherwise derogatory record based on the Philippine National Poilce database. But unlike the NBI Clearance which covers the entire country, this is often restricted to a particular region.
• Seaman’s Book – Also known as the SIRB, this is a major requirement for working on shipping vessels. It also serves as the bearer’s passport/visa when onboard the ship.
• Company ID
• Student’s ID
• Alumni ID
• Cedula – Also called the Community Tax Certificate, this is a certification that comes from the bearer’s barangay.
• PSA Mariage Contract
• PSA Birth Certificate
• Firearms License Card
• Credit Card (With Photo)

Tips for Getting Philippine Government-Issued IDs

Did you know: Filipinos can still apply and get government-issued IDs during a quarantine

Prepare ID pictures in advance

A lot of ID applications require the submission of physical ID pictures, so if you’re entering adulthood and plan to procure a number of these valid IDs, it would be wise to stock up on these.

To be up to standard, earrings, hair accessories, and eyeglasses should be removed before taking the photo. You should also maintain a neutral expression. If you’re going to smile, show no teeth.

Additionally, because some also ask for you to upload ID pictures, it would be best if you digitally scan your pictures.

Fill out and print applications, or apply online whenever possible

Because there’s bound to be a substantial queue in these government offices, it’s best if you fill out application forms in advance as some of these can be downloaded online.

And, if there’s an option to apply online, we suggest you to that to expedite the process.

Speaking of queues…

Avoid Mondays whenever possible

People tend to schedule important stuff on Mondays, so this would typically be the day with the longest queues. If you can, schedule your visit midweek, as those cramming would also make queues longer just before the weekend.

As well, head to the offices early in the morning (be there as soon as they open) so you can get the errand over with as soon as possible.

Make sure you bring all the requirements

You don’t want to waste a visit only to find that you left your requirements at home. The day before your scheduled visit, prepare everything you need, double and triple-checking all that you need.

Bring supporting items

You’re most likely going to be spending at least a couple of hours waiting, so bringing a power bank for your mobile devices would be advisable. Similarly, bring snacks and a bottle of water, as you don’t want to step out of the queue when you get hungry or thirsty.