A Complete Guide to Valid IDs in the Philippines: How to Get Them and Their Validity

In the Philippines, having a valid ID is essential for a wide range of everyday activities, from opening a bank account to processing government transactions. With several types of valid identification cards available, it can be overwhelming to know which one to use for different purposes. This guide provides an overview of the most commonly accepted valid IDs in the Philippines, their uses, and how to obtain them.

What Are Valid IDs?

Valid IDs are government-issued identification cards that serve as proof of identity, age, and citizenship for Filipinos and residents. These IDs are often required for transactions involving financial institutions, government services, employment, and more. Having at least one or more of these IDs is essential for most formal transactions.

List of Valid IDs and How to Get Them

A. Philippine Passport

• Purpose: Primarily for international travel, but also widely accepted as proof of identity in the Philippines.
• Issuing Authority: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• How to Get It:
  1. Schedule an appointment through the DFA Passport Appointment System.
  2. Submit the required documents, including your birth certificate (PSA-authenticated) and a valid ID.
  3. Attend the appointment for biometrics and photo capture.
• Validity: 10 years (for adults); 5 years (for minors).

B. Driver’s License

• Purpose: Proof of identity and driving privileges.
• Issuing Authority: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
• How to Get a Driver’s License:
  1. Pass both theoretical and practical driving exams.
  2. Submit the required documents such as a medical certificate, and application forms.
  3. Visit the LTO office for biometrics and issuance.
• Validity: 5 to 10 years, depending on driving record.

C. UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)

• Purpose: A versatile ID that combines services for SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. It’s widely accepted for both government and private transactions.
• Issuing Authority: Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• How to Get It:
  1. Visit the SSS or GSIS office to apply for the UMID.
  2. Submit supporting documents such as birth certificate and valid IDs.
  3. Undergo biometrics and wait for the UMID card delivery.
• Validity: Lifetime, unless changes are made to your personal details.

D. PhilHealth ID

• Purpose: Proof of membership in the national health insurance program.
• Issuing Authority: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
• How to Get It:
  1. Visit any PhilHealth branch or kiosk.
  2. Submit required documents such as the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) and valid ID.
  3. Receive the ID after registration.
• Validity: Lifetime, as long as membership is active.

E. Postal ID

• Purpose: The Postal ID is one of the easiest to obtain and is accepted for various transactions.
• Issuing Authority: Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
• How to Get It:
  1. Go to a Postal ID enrollment center with required documents such as birth certificate and proof of residence.
  2. Pay the application fee and undergo biometrics capture.
• Validity: 3 years (for Filipinos and foreigners with a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa); 1 year for temporary resident foreigners.

F. Voter’s ID

• Purpose: Proof of voter registration.
• Issuing Authority: Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
• How to Get It:
  1. Register as a voter at the local COMELEC office or during the registration period.
  2. Submit the required documents and undergo biometrics.
  3. The Voter’s ID will be processed and issued.
• Validity: Lifetime

G. TIN ID (Tax Identification Number ID)

• Purpose: Proof of tax registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
• Issuing Authority: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
• How to Get It:
  1. Submit the TIN application form (1904 or 1901) to your local BIR office.
  2. Provide documents such as birth certificate and a valid ID.
  3. The TIN ID will be issued upon registration.
• Validity: Lifetime, unless you change taxpayer details.

H. National ID (PhilSys ID)

• Purpose: The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or National ID aims to streamline public transactions by providing a single, universally accepted ID.
• Issuing Authority: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• How to Get It:
  1. Register online or visit a PhilSys registration center.
  2. Submit the necessary documents like a PSA birth certificate, and undergo biometrics.
  3. Wait for the National ID to be delivered.
• Validity: Lifetime for Filipino citizens, 1 year for resident aliens.

I. PRC ID (Professional Regulation Commission ID)

• Purpose: Issued to licensed professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers.
• Issuing Authority: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
• How to Get It:
  1. After passing the licensure exam, apply for the PRC ID at a PRC office.
  2. Submit personal and exam-related documents and wait for the issuance of the ID.
• Validity: 3 years, renewable upon submission of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units.

Secondary IDs in the Philippines

Secondary IDs are often used in conjunction with primary valid IDs, as they may not be universally accepted for major transactions but still provide an additional layer of identification.

Here are some common secondary IDs:

A. Company ID

• Purpose: Often accepted for banking and other transactions, particularly for employees.
• Issuing Authority: Employer
• Validity: Dependent on employment status.

B. School ID

• Purpose: Typically used for student-related transactions, such as scholarships, tuition fee payments, and certain government services.
• Issuing Authority: School or University
• Validity: Valid while the student is enrolled.

C. Barangay Clearance

• Purpose: Often used to verify residency in a specific barangay (village) and can serve as a supplementary ID for various local transactions.
• Issuing Authority: Barangay Hall
• Validity: 6 months to 1 year.

D. NBI Clearance

• Purpose: Required for employment applications, visa processing, and various government transactions.
• Issuing Authority: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
• Validity: 1 year.

E. Police Clearance

• Purpose: Proof of no criminal record in a particular locality. Often used for employment purposes or as supplementary ID.
• Issuing Authority: Local police station
• Validity: 6 months.

Why Having Multiple IDs Is Beneficial

While it may be tempting to rely on just one ID, it’s a good idea to have multiple valid IDs for several reasons:

1. Convenience: Some institutions may require more than one valid ID for transactions, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan.
2. Backup: In case one of your IDs gets lost or expires, having another valid ID can ensure you don’t face interruptions in your transactions.
3. Specialized Uses: Some IDs are tailored for specific services, such as the PRC ID for professionals or the SSS ID for accessing social benefits.

Valid IDs are essential for navigating everyday life in the Philippines. Understanding which IDs are accepted, how to acquire them, and their validity periods ensures smooth transactions and compliance with legal requirements. While primary IDs are often required, having secondary IDs can still be useful in many situations.

Make sure to keep your IDs up-to-date and secure, and always know which ones are necessary for your specific needs.