You need a valid ID in the Philippines when transacting with both private and government offices. Most institutions require a primary and a secondary valid ID to process transactions like applying for a personal loan, opening a bank account, and claiming discounts, just to name a few.
And yes, a valid government-issued ID is also a requirement to apply for another valid ID, as in the case of a passport application.
In short, it’s important to have a valid ID. If you have none yet—or just want another one—here's how to get a valid government-issued ID in the Philippines.
List of Valid IDs in the Philippines and How to Get Each
In the Philippines, a valid ID is more than just proof of your identity. It’s also a requirement for transactions that will allow you to access different benefits, privileges, and opportunities.
Learn how to get these valid IDs below:
📌 National ID
Is the national ID a valid ID? Yes. Also called PhilSys ID or Phil ID, the national ID is a valid proof of identity in the Philippines, as mandated by Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act.
Your national ID should be accepted in all private and government transactions. Establishments and offices that refuse to honor the Phil ID card will be fined up to ₱500,000.
- Validity: Lifetime
- Fees and charges: None
- Requirements:
- PSA-issued birth certificate, passport, UMID, or driver's license
How to Get This Valid ID
Go to your preferred registration center[1] and finish your application from there.
📌 Philippine Passport
A passport is required not just to travel outside the country. Use this powerful valid government-issued ID in the Philippines in private and government-related transactions as well.
- Validity: 10 years
- Fees and charges:[2]
- ₱950 for regular processing, which takes around 12 days
- ₱1,200 for expedited processing, which takes a maximum of six days within Metro Manila and seven days if you applied at consular offices in the provinces.
- ₱350 additional application fee for the replacement of lost or mutilated passports
- Requirements:
- Confirmed online appointment
- Duly filled application form
- Original and photocopy of birth certificate and/or marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- Valid government-issued ID
How to Get This Valid ID
Apply for a passport ID through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website. Secure an appointment slot months before your trip to avoid delays and inconvenience.
Passport Application FAQS
1. Can I process my passport application online?
No. You can only book an online appointment. You’ll be required to appear in person at your chosen consular office and bring your supporting documents and other requirements.
2. Will a birth/marriage certificate issued by the local civil registrar be accepted instead of the PSA-issued certificates?
Yes. Sometimes a birth certificate or marriage certificate from your local civil registrar is required if the prints on your PSA certificate are not legible.
3. Is there a penalty for losing or damaging a valid passport?
You’ll not be penalized for losing or damaging a valid Philippine passport. But you may need to pay more and wait longer before your new passport will be issued. Applications for lost or damaged valid passports charge an additional ₱350 and require 15 days of clearing.
4. Is there a delivery charge for new passports?
Yes. The delivery charge is not included in the passport application fee and depends on your choice of courier.
📌 Driver’s License
There are three types of driver’s licenses in the Philippines: student license permit, non-professional, and professional. Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), these three licenses are also considered government-issued IDs.
- Validity:
- Student Permit - 1 year
- Non-Professional - Up to 10 years
- Professional - Up to 10 years
- Fees and charges:
- Student Permit - ₱250
- Non-Professional - ₱685
- Professional: ₱685
- Requirements:
- Duly accomplished application form
- Original and photocopy of PSA-authenticated birth certificate, Philippine Identification Card, passport, local civil registry, or marriage certificate
- Tax Identification Number
- Medical examination certificate
- Theoretical driving course certificate
How to Get This Valid ID
If you’re planning to get a license to drive a vehicle, you'll need to take a theoretical driving course, get your student permit, enroll in a practical driving course, and undergo a medical examination. From there, get your license at an LTO branch near you or schedule an appointment via the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal.[3]
Driver’s License Application FAQS
1. What are the additional requirements for applicants that are below 18 years old?
Applicants below 18 years old should also submit their parent’s consent and a copy of the parent or guardian’s valid government-issued ID.
2. How do you apply for a driver’s license with 10-year validity?
LTO automatically renews your driver’s license with a 10-year validity if you have not incurred any violations prior to your renewal.[4]
3. What happens if I have traffic violations?
You won't be entitled to a driver’s license that’s valid for ten years. You’ll also be required to take the Comprehensive Driver’s Education exam.
📌 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’s one of the most powerful valid IDs as it also serves as a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID.
Also, it's one of the few valid IDs with no expiration date in the Philippines.
- Validity: Lifetime
- Fees and charges: None for initial application; ₱200 for replacement of lost cards
- Requirements:
- Duly-filled UMID application form
- A copy of one valid government-issued ID
- In case you don't have a primary ID, two secondary documents/IDs[5]
How to Get This Valid ID
SSS members with at least one posted contribution are qualified to apply for an SSS UMID card. File your application for an appointment date for biometric data capture at your preferred SSS branch via your My.SSS account. You can also head directly to your nearest SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility.
📌 PhilHealth ID
Compared to others on this list, this is one of the easiest valid IDs to get in the Philippines. Learn about the PhilHealth ID validity period and other details below:
- Validity: Lifetime
- Fees and charges: None
- Requirements:
- Duly-filled PhilHealth Member Registration Form
- 1 x 1 ID picture (2 pieces)
- Photopcy of PSA-authenticated birth certificate and/or marriage certificate
How to Get This Valid ID
For your PhilHealth ID application, you'll need to fill out the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF). If you're employed, your HR department will process your application for you. If you're self-employed, head to the nearest Local Health Insurance Offices or PhilHealth Express outlet.
No need to worry about fees—it's one of the free valid IDs in the Philippines.
📌 Postal ID
Did you know that anyone living in the Philippines can apply for a Postal ID? It's one of the valid IDs 18-year-olds or students in the Philippines can get.
This identification card issued by PHLPost[6] is also one of the easiest and fastest valid IDs to get in the Philippines. Use it to validate your identity and address when transacting with private and government offices.
- Validity: 3 years
- Fees and charges: ₱504
- Requirements:
- Two copies of accomplished Postal ID application form
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
How to Get This Valid ID
You can now apply for a Postal ID, which now has new physical security features for easier and more reliable ID verification. Just bring your requirements and head to any post office in the Philippines. Once you're done with your ID data capture, wait for the delivery to your designated mailing address.
Postal ID Application FAQS
1. Why should I apply for the improved Postal ID?
The Basic Postal ID can only be deciphered by select special equipment. The improved Postal ID is now equipped with new security features and can be easily identified and verified by the naked eye. Take note that the DFA only accepts Postal IDs issued from 2016 onwards as valid IDs.
2. What will happen to my basic Postal ID?
Your basic Postal ID will be valid until the indicated expiration and may need to be replaced with the improved Postal ID.
📌 TIN ID
Is the TIN ID honored as a valid ID? Yes.
Taxpayers are not required to carry their Tax Identification Number with a TIN ID. But a physical ID can help you with various transactions such as opening a bank account, sending money abroad, or receiving a package. It's one of the ideal valid IDs in the Philippines for employees.
- Validity: Lifetime
- Fees and charges: None upon initial issuance but ₱100 for replacement
- Requirements:
- Duly accomplished BIR Form 1902
- 1 valid government-issued ID, such as birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if applicable
How to Get This Valid ID
To get a TIN ID, submit the accomplished form and requirements[7] to your employer, who will then visit the applicable Revenue District Office (RDO). Take note that the TIN ID is free.
📌 Voter’s ID
Government offices and private entities honor the voter’s ID as a valid government-issued ID in the Philippines since it’s issued by one of the most powerful agencies in the country, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
However, in 2017, COMELEC stopped issuing voter’s ID cards because of the national ID system implementation.[8]
📌 NBI Clearance
Photo: NBI Clearance Online
Is the NBI clearance a valid ID? The NBI Clearance is physically and technically not an ID. However, some institutions consider it a valid ID due to the stringent application process you undergo before getting one.
- Validity: Up to 1 year
- Fees and charges: ₱130 and an additional ₱25 for e-payment services, if applicable
- Requirements: 2 valid government-issued IDs
How to Get This Valid ID
Set an appointment at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Pay the fees and head to the NBI branch on your appointment date. Wait for the issuance of your clearance. If there's a hit, you may have to return to the branch after a few days to get your NBI clearance.
📌 PRC ID
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.
- Validity: Up to 3 years
- Fees and charges:
- For professions requiring a baccalaureate degree - ₱600 initial registration fee
- For professions requiring a non-baccalaureate degree - ₱450 initial registration fee
- For medical representative and real estate salesperson - ₱300 initial registration fee
- For ocular pharmacology - ₱1,200
- Requirements:
- Printed oath form
- Two passport-size pictures with white background and full name tag
- Two documentary stamps
- Community Tax Certificate
How to Get This Valid ID
To get a PRC ID, you'll have to set an appointment via PRC Online Services or LERIS at online.prc.gov.ph, pay the fees, and go to your selected PRC branch on your appointment schedule.
📌 Senior Citizen ID
Once you reach the age of 60, you can enjoy the perks of 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. With that, it’s one of the best government-issued IDs out there.
- Validity: Lifetime
- Fees and charges: None, but some municipalities may ask for a fee should you apply for a replacement
- Requirements:
- Application form from the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA)
- Birth certificate or any proof of the applicant’s age
- Valid ID
- Proof of Residency
How to Get This Valid ID
To get one, just go to your municipality's Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs and apply.
📌 OWWA OFW e-Card
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encourages Overseas Filipino Workers to get an OFW ID, called the OWWA OFW e-Card, to assist them with banking and government-related transactions. Though not mandated, the OFW ID is one of the best valid IDs in the Philippines.
- Validity: 2 years
- Fees and charges: None
- Requirements:
- Overseas Employment Certificate
- Passport
How to Get This Valid ID
Head to ecard.owwa.gov.ph (although the website is down as of writing) and follow the prompts to apply for an OFW ID. Alternatively, head to the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1, fill out the form, and get your biometrics taken.
Note that some banks and government institutions may require a secondary ID to further validate a person’s identity.
📌 PWD ID
The PWD ID is also on the list of valid IDs accepted in the Philippines. It's issued to persons with disabilities. It comes with privileges and benefits, including discounts on purchases.
- Validity: 3 years
- Fees and charges: None
- Requirements:
- Duly accomplished PWD ID application form
- Any valid government-issued ID
- Two 1x1 ID pictures
- Clinical abstract or medical certificate
How to Get This Valid ID
Process your application in select government offices, such as the City or Municipal Mayor or Barangay Captain. Note that PWD ID application can’t be done online.
List of Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines
Below is a list of valid IDs that can serve as secondary IDs:
So is your barangay clearance, birth certificate, or cedula a valid ID? Not all institutions accept these IDs, but they may come in handy as supporting proof of identity when you need to make a transaction.
Other secondary valid IDs include the following:
- GSIS ID – Issued by the Government Services and Insurance Corporation (GSIS)
- IBP ID – Issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- GOCC and Government Office ID – Issued by a branch or agency of the government
- Alien Certification of Registration - Issued by Bureau of Immigration
- Seaman’s Book - Issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Company ID - Issued by duly-registered private institutions
How to Get a Valid ID in the Philippines Fast and Hassle-Free
Ready to get a valid ID in the Philippines? Here are the steps you need to follow:
👉 Start with the Easiest ID to Get
The National ID, UMID, PhilHealth ID, and Postal ID are some of the easiest valid IDs to acquire. There aren't as many requirements compared to other government IDs in the Philippines.
But you generally need an existing ID to get most of these.
👉 Prepare the Application Forms in Advance
Queuing in government offices takes a lifetime. It’s true—we’ve all been there.
Download the application forms online and fill them out in advance. Since most of the government offices don’t provide enough tables and chairs, you 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. Save yourself from going back and forth just because you don't have the complete requirements.
👉 Set an Appointment Online, If Possible
Whenever possible, apply for an appointment to shorten the application process. Several agencies such as the DFA and NBI require applicants to set online appointments to register for a valid ID. Visit their websites for more information.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to apply for a valid ID in the Philippines! Yes, it may cost time and money. But you need a valid ID when transacting with banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and more.
If you don’t have any of these IDs yet, it’s time to apply for one so you can enjoy more benefits and privileges.
💳 Compare Credit Card Options via Moneymax
Need a valid ID so you can apply for a credit card smoothly? Once you get your ID, compare some of the best credit cards in the Philippines below:
| Credit Card | Best For | Key Features |
|
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
  |
Rewards
|
|
|
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®
  |
Dining
|
|
|
BPI Rewards Card
 |
Beginners
|
|
|
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card
 |
Online Shopping
|
|
|
Petron BPI Card
 |
Fuel Purchases and Auto Services
|
|
Sources:
- [1] Registration - Philippine Identification System
- [2] Passport FAQs | Department of Foreign Affairs
- [3] Land Transportation Management System Portal
- [4] Nationwide Issuance of 10-Year Drivers' Licenses Slated Dec (PNA, 2021)
- [5] Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card Application Form
- [6] The Improved Postal ID
- [7] Application for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- [8] Voter ID Generation and Distribution
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