Table of Contents
Government-issued IDs are important requirements for getting other valid IDs and undergoing transactions with the public and private sectors. The Unified Multi-Purpose ID or UMID is one of the standard valid IDs in the Philippines.
The UMID is a single identification card for all members of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). In 2011, the UMID card was introduced and served as a replacement for the old SSS ID. It is often considered the de facto SSS ID.
This valid has a contactless smart chip storing the cardholder’s biometric data such as facial image, signature, and fingerprints. The UMID also includes a unique Common Reference Number (CRN), which also doubles as the ID number. It also has security features such as a magnetic strip to prevent it from being reproduced or used for fraud.
What is the Use of a UMID Card?
When you own a UMID, you don’t need to apply for multiple valid IDs from SSS, GSIS, HDMF (Pag-IBIG), and PhilHealth. This card is considered a valid ID by government offices and other entities in the Philippines.
SSS and GSIS members can choose between a regular UMID card or a UMID-ATM card. Aside from proof of identity, you can use the UMID-ATM card to withdraw SSS or GSIS benefits and loans. Regular UMID cardholders can also upgrade to the UMID-ATM by applying for a card replacement at any SSS branch nearby.
SSS members can also use the ID to view contributions, check loan status and balance, and see other information at SSS kiosks.
Can I Apply for a UMID?
The following are the conditions that will make you eligible for a new or replacement UMID card:
- You are an SSS member with at least one posted contribution
- Your SSS ID or UMID card was lost, stolen, or damaged
- You are updating your UMID card because of a change of name or making corrections in your personal data
- You are upgrading your regular UMID card to a UMID-ATM card
- You’d like to replace your old SSD ID with the UMID card
What Requirements are Needed to Apply for a UMID Card?
If you intend to apply for a UMID card, know that you are required to submit one valid primary ID. If you don’t have a valid primary ID, you must present two valid secondary IDs. Whether you’re submitting a primary or secondary ID, it must be the original copy.
Here’s a list of primary and secondary IDs you can use to apply for a UMID:
Primary Valid ID for UMID
- Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card (for replacement or upgrading)
- Social Security Card
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Postal Identity Card
- Voter’s ID Card
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (Seaman’s Book)
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- Firearm Registration
- License to Own and Possess Firearms
- Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence
Secondary Valid ID for UMID
If you don’t have any valid primary IDs above, here are the secondary valid IDs to get a UMID Card. You’ll need to submit two of the following IDs. Both documents should have signatures, and at least one should have a photo of you.
- School or Company ID
- Senior Citizen Card
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) ID
- Pag-IBIG Member’s Data Form (MDF)
- PhilHealth Member’s Data Record (MDR)
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Contract
- Police Clearance
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Card
- Baptismal Certificate
- Transcript of School Records
- Permanent Residency ID
- Health or Medical Card
- Bank Account Passbook
- Credit Card
- ATM Card with Cardholder’s Name
- Life Insurance Policy
- ID Card issued b y the LGU (Barangay/Municipal/City)
- ID Card issued by a professional association recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
- Fisherman’s Card issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
- Temporary License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- Seafarer’s Registration Certificate issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- A Certificate of Naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration
- Certificate from the Office of Muslim Affairs
- Certificate from the Office of Northern/Southern Cultural Communities
What are the Ways to Apply for a UMID Card?
There are two ways you can apply for a UMID Card with SSS:
Online Appointment System: If you prefer this method, you may set an appointment via your My.SSS at your selected SSS branch. You can also go for this option if your SSS branch doesn’t allow walk-ins.
Branch Walk-in: If you prefer this method, follow the mandatory Branch Number Coding Systems implemented by SSS for over-the-counter transactions:
| 10th Digit of SSS or Employer (ER) ID Number | Appointment Day |
| 1 and 2 | Monday |
| 3 and 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 and 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 and 8 | Thursday |
| 9 and 0 | Friday |
This number coding system is implemented in all SSS branches in Metro Manila and other major cities nationwide, including Baguio, Dagupan, Bacoor, Biñan, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Iloilo-Central, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.
You can also check out this list of SSS branches in the Philippines accepting UMID applications.
Note: If you have applied for an SS Number online starting December 10, 2020:
- You don’t need to fill out the UMID Application Form.
- You must schedule an appointment for biometric data capture through the My.SSS Appointment System. Present your printed SSS Number application and transaction number slip on your appointment date.
How Do I Apply for a UMID Card?
Download and Print the UMID Application Form
Click here to access, download, and print the UMID Application Form. Or you can also go to the Social Security System’s (SSS) official website. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Forms. Click the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card Application Form.
Step 2: Fill up the UMID Application Form
Fill in the required information on the UMID Application Form using a black or blue ballpen. Write in capital letters and write “N/A” if the required information does not apply to you. Do your best to avoid any erasures or alterations. Up to two erasures or alterations are only allowed, and you must affix your signature on each erasure or alteration.
Step 3: Set an Online Appointment With SSS
Go to the My.SSS portal on your computer or smartphone’s web browser and log in to your account.
Step 4: Go to the SSS Branch for Your Scheduled Appointment
Go to the SSS Branch at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Don’t forget to bring the requirements, such as one valid primary ID or two valid secondary IDs.
Wear proper attire. Collared shirts and blouses are recommended. Your face and neck should be free from accessories (such as a hat, necklace, dangling earrings, and metal piercings) and bandages. You will also be asked to take off your eyeglasses and sunglasses before taking your photo during your appointment.
However, make sure to wear your face mask during your appointment. You may only remove them when taking your photo.
After taking your photo and biometrics capture, an SSS personnel will detach the acknowledgment stub at the bottom of your UMID Application Form. Keep this for your reference.
Step 5: Check the Status of Your UMID Card Application
You may call the SSS hotline at 8920-6401 local 5714 to know the status of your UMID card application. Another option is to send an email to sss_id@sss.gov.ph. You can verify the status of your application or the availability of your card if you changed your number or did not receive a text notification from the SSS within 30 days after your application.
You may also check the status online via My.SSS throught he following steps:
- Log in to your My.SSS account
- Once you’re in, select Member Info
- Click UMID/SSS ID Details from the down options
- Once selected, you will see the details of your UMID or SSS ID, including the enrollment date, serial or transaction number, and transaction status.
Step 6: Claim Your UMID Card
Once your UMID Card is ready for pickup, SSS will notify you via a text message. Claim your Regular UMID Card from the SSS branch where you made your application and appointment within 60 days of receiving the SMS notification. If you go beyond this time, you may call the SSS hotline to see if your UMID Card is still available for pickup. All unclaimed cards will be destroyed after five days.
If you enrolled your UMID Card as an ATM card, claim your card at the chosen bank’s branch within 30 days of receiving your SMS notification.
How do I Schedule an SSS Appointment Online?
Step 1: Log in to Your My.SSS Account
Open your web or online browser on your computer or smartphone and log in to your My.SSS account. If you don’t have one yet, register and activate your account. If you can’t remember your login details, you can also recover your SSS password or user ID.
Step 2: Go to the SSS Appointment System
After logging in to your account, click Member Info on the menu bar. Then, click Appointment System from the options on the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Fill in the Required Information
Provide the following information by choosing the appropriate option in the dropdown menu:
- Purpose: Find Membership and select Application for Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card.
- Region: The region where you will have the appointment.
- Branch: Once you have selected the region, a dropdown menu will auto-populate with the SSS branches in that region. Select the branch where you want to have your appointment.
- Appointment Date: Your preferred date for your appointment.
Step 4: Choose the Time for Your Appointment
Indicate the best time for your appointment, and on the Concern(s) box, you may briefly write the purpose of your visit. If you would like to apply for a UMID Card, you may simply write: “I would like to apply for a UMID Card.”
Step 5: Submit Your Appointment Schedule
After completing the required information, click Submit Schedule to book your appointment. Then, a pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm your submission. Just click Submit.
After this, take note of your appointment details, such as your schedule and transaction number. You may also opt to print your appointment confirmation. Check your email for confirmation of your request. The email from SSS will contain your appointment details and a guide on canceling your appointment.
Step 6: Go to the SSS Branch on Your Appointment Date on Time
It is advisable to go to the SSS branch on your appointment schedule at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Don’t forget to bring with you the required documents to apply for a UMID Card.
How Do GSIS Members Apply for a UMID Card?
Step 1: Fill Out Your UMID eCard Enrollment Form
Click here to access, download, and print the UMID Application Form. Read the instructions before filling in your application.
Step 2: Go to any GSIS Branch
Once you are in a GSIS Branch, get a queue number. All GSIS Offices are open Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Step 3: Submit all your UMID Requirements
Once your number is called, present your accomplished UMID Form and copies of your two valid IDs once requested by the assigned officer for review.
Step 4: Have Your Biometrics Taken
The enrollment officer will be the one to take your biometric information, such as photo, fingerprint, and digital signature.
After this, they will give you the eCard Release Form. You will use this to claim your card.
Step 5: Wait for the Confirmation Message from GSIS
GSIS will send you a text to inform you where and when to get your UMID Card.
Step 6: Claim Your UMID Card
Once you get a notification from GSIS via text, you can claim your UMID Card in the GSIS branch where you filed your application. Once you return to the GSIS branch, get a queue number at the information center.
When your number is called, submit the following:
- UMID eCard Release Form
- Accomplished Bank Customer Information Record
- Original and photocopy of your GSIS eCard
- Passport, or two valid government-issued IDs
Once you have your card, double-check if all information is accurate.
Step 7: Activate your UMID Card
To activate your card:
- Go to the nearest branch of GSIS, City Hall, Municipal Hall, or Robinson’s Mall.
- Look for and go to the GSIS Wireless Activated Processing System Kiosk.
- On the e-card reader, place your card. Then place your pre-registered finger by touching the screen as it scans your fingerprints.
A confirmation message will appear if you successfully scan your finger. Expect that your UMID Card will be active within 72 hours.
How much is the UMID Application Fee?
Applying for a UMID Card is free. However, you need pay the PhP 200 fee if you want to replace your card.
How do I Replace My UMID?
If you want to replace your card, you need to provide the identification requirements and the original copy of the following documentary requirements:
If you lost your SSS digitized ID or UMID Card:
- Duly notarized Affidavit of Loss
- Proof of payment
If you need to amend your data:
- Previously issued SSS digitized ID or UMID Card
- Proof of payment
If you failed to receive or claim your Card:
- Duly notarized Affidavit of Non-Receipt of Card
- Notice or email from the Identity Management Department (IMD) that the courier lost or failed to deliver the Card
If your UMID Card is damaged, you want to replace your card with an ATM Card, and other reasons:
- Proof of payment
Note: The validated Miscellaneous Payment Form or Special Bank Receipt (SBR) generated by the collecting agent where you paid the PhP 200 card replacement fee is the proof of payment. You can also pay this fee at the SSS branch office on your appointment.
For more real estate tips and advice, view our previous journals here.
