How to Get a Philippine National ID

In the Philippines, you can’t just get an ID, especially if you’re not regularly employed or if you don’t have a driver’s license. That’s why so many people don’t have a valid ID.

In the past, the postal ID is the only ID that’s the easiest to get, but that also has its limitations and is not even accepted as valid ID by some institutions!

It’s a good thing that the Philippine government has rolled out the Philippine national ID. Any Filipino who’s 18 years old and above can get this ID.

Philippine National ID
Photo credit: PDOS

Getting a Philippine National ID

Step 1. Prepare any of the following PRIMARY documents:

  • PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth AND one government-issued ID document with your full name, front-facing picture, and signature or thumb mark
  • DFA-issued Philippine Passport or ePassport
  • GSIS or SSS-issued UMID (Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card)
  • Driver’s License

If you don’t have these documents, bring the following secondary documents:

  • PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth/NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with BreN (Birth Reference Number)
  • Certificate of Live Birth from Local Civil Registrar
  • PSA-issued Report of Birth
  • PSA-issued Certificate of Foundling
  • IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) ID
  • PRC (Professional Regulatory Commission) ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • SSS ID
  • 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) ID
  • LTOPF (License to Own or Possess Firearms) ID
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance/ID
  • Solo Parent’s ID
  • PWD ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Postal ID
  • TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) ID
  • Philhealth ID
  • PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority)-issued SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa)
  • National ID from other countries
  • Residence ID from other countries

Step 2. Go to your barangay hall to inquire about the registration or go to register.philsys.gov.ph for online registration. Click “Proceed”.

Step 3. Enter your Philippine mobile number or email address. Check the box beside “I’m not a robot” before clicking “Send OTP”.

Step 4. Enter the OTP (one-time password) on the screen and proceed with the pre-registration.

Step 5. Completely fill out the form truthfully. Double-check if all the information on the form is correct.

Step 6. The system will find the nearest locations for biometrics capture and registration. If there are several in your area, you can pick the most convenient location. Find the date and schedule that suits your availability.

How to Get a Philippine National ID

Step 7. Once your pre-registration is booked, you’ll be sent a text message or email containing your reference number and schedule.

Step 8. Make sure to arrive on time. Bring your requirements, a ballpen, and other necessary items (face mask and face shield to follow COVID-19 protocols).

Step 9. Follow the procedure for biometrics capture. Once you’re done, you’ll receive a printout of the PhilSYS transaction slip. The ID will be mailed for free to your registered address. Don’t lose the transaction slip because you’ll need it to receive your national ID.

Joy Adalia

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