Today, it’s important to have at least two valid IDs in your wallet. Private and government institutions usually ask to see one before pushing through with simple or major transactions—like paying for bills or opening a bank account.
Level up your adulting game by collecting these valid IDs.
Philippine Passport
Not only a passport is useful when traveling overseas. It is also a powerful identification card that you can use in both public and private transactions.
Where to get your passport
Apply for a passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website. To avoid delay and inconvenience, secure an appointment slot months before your trip. Philippine passports have a 10-year validity and cost PHP 950 to PHP 1,250.
National ID
The Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID) or the Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) is the official national ID for Filipinos worldwide and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines.
Where to get your National ID
Thanks to the internet, you can easily get your national ID through the PhilSys online portal. Here’s an article that will guide you on how to get yours.
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 kinds of licenses are also considered government IDs.
Where to get your driver’s license
If you’re planning to drive or purchase a vehicle, make sure to get one at an LTO branch near you or through their online portal. Prepare to spend around Php 15,000 for this one.
PhilHealth ID
PhilHealth members need to present their PhilHealth ID before claiming any PhilHealth benefits. Getting one is simple and won’t cost you a single cent.
Where to get your PhilHealth ID
Just submit two accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF), along with two 1×1 ID pictures, and two valid IDs to receive your ID at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO).
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 is one of the most powerful government IDs in the Philippines as it also serves as a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID.
Where to get your UMID
To get one, simply download and fill out a UMID card application form and submit the necessary documents to the SSS.
Postal ID
Do you know that anyone can apply for a Postal ID? Issued by PHLPost, this identification card is one of the easiest and fastest to obtain government IDs in the Philippines. Use it to validate your identity and address when transacting with private and government offices.
Where to get your Postal ID
To apply, visit any PHLPost branch and bring the following requirements:
- Two (2) copies of the duly accomplished PID application form
- Proof of identity (NSO-issued birth certificate, SSS UMID card, Passport, or Driver’s License)
- Proof of address (Barangay Certificate of Residency, Certified True Copy of Lease, Bank Statement)
Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID
Taxpayers are not required to carry their Tax Identification Number with a TIN ID, but having one can help you with various transactions such as opening a bank account, sending money abroad, or receiving a package.
Where to get your TIN ID
To get one, visit any Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office and submit the required documents. Take note that the TIN ID is free.
Voter’s ID
Are you a registered voter? If yes, then you qualify for a Voter’s ID. Government offices and private entities recognize this ID since it is issued by one of the most powerful agencies in the country, the Commission on Elections or COMELEC. Securing a Voter’s ID, however, takes months or even years to process as it entails a fingerprint-matching procedure that filters over 52 million voter records.
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.
Senior Citizen ID
Once you reach the age of 60, one of the things you can enjoy is having 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.
Where to get your Senior Citizen ID
To get one, just go to your municipal’s Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs and apply.
OFW ID
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encourages Overseas Filipino Workers to get an OFW ID to assist them with banking and government-related transactions.
Where to get your OFW ID
To secure one, just make an account on DOLE’s website, apply for an OFW ID, and choose if you want to pick up your ID or have it delivered. Some banks and government institutions require a secondary ID to further validate a person’s identity. Be prepared by having any secondary valid IDs below.
Strategies to get them fast
Start with the easiest one
Postal ID, NBI Clearance, UMID, and Passport are four of the easiest valid IDs to acquire. The requirements are not as many as compared to other government IDs in the Philippines. For these valid IDs, you would only need proof of identity such as your birth certificate and a document that proves your address like Barangay Clearance.
Prepare the application forms in advance
It’s true, we’ve been there. Queuing in government offices takes a lifetime, so it is best to download the application forms online and fill them out in advance. And since most of the government offices do not provide enough tables and chairs, you also avoid the hassle of looking for a place where you can fill out your application form.
Double-check your requirements
Create a checklist of requirements and review them before heading to your planned government office. It will save you time and effort of going back and forth just because you don’t have the complete requirements.
Apply online (if possible)
Lastly, choose to apply online to shorten the application process. Several agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, SSS, and NBI allow applicants to register for a valid ID online. Visit their websites for more information.
Final Thoughts
Take the time to secure the above-mentioned valid IDs. It may cost you time and money but having at least two of these identification cards can assist you when doing transactions with banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and more.
