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A government-issued valid ID is a necessary form of identification that allows holders to transact with government offices and private companies. Whether applying for a housing loan, claiming documents, or even applying for another ID, most institutions require valid IDs in the Philippines.
For fresh graduates looking to start their careers, companies will likely require having at least one valid ID as part of their pre-employment requirements.
If you have no government ID yet, or if you’d like to apply for another one, here’s a list of valid IDs, their requirements, validity, and more.
UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
Issued by: Social Security System (SSS)
Validity: No expiration
Fees:
- Free for initial applications
- Php 200 for replacement of lost cards
Requirements:
- Accomplished UMID Application Form
- One (1) primary valid ID or two (2) secondary valid IDs
A UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) is one of the standard valid IDs in the Philippines. This four-in-one valid ID also serves as the unified identification for SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth members. Holders of a UMID card can access benefits, loans, contribution records, and other services across four government agencies. As one of the Philippine IDs with lifetime validity, this is one of the most powerful and essential IDs.
Philippine Passport
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Validity:
- Ten years for applicants who are 18 years old and above
- Five years for applicants below 18 years of age
Fees:
- Php 950 for regular processing
- Php 1,200 for expedited processing
Requirements:
For applicants above 18 years old and above:
- Confirmed online appointment
- Personal appearance
- Accomplished Philippine Passport Application Form
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
- Married females using their spouse’s surname must also present the original and submit a photocopy of their PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage
- A Local Civil Registrar Copy may be required should the PSA Birth Certificate be unclear or unreadable
- Any of the accepted IDs for Passport Processing (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
For applicants under 18:
- Confirmed online appointment
- Personal appearance accompanied by either parent or an authorized adult
- Accomplished Philippine Passport Application Form
- PSA Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate if only one parent is accompanying the minor applicant
- Passport or valid Government ID of either parent with one photocopy
- School ID (if applicable)
A Philippine passport is used for international travel as proof of the holder’s nationality. However, one can also use this government-issued ID in private and government-related transactions like applying for a housing loan, submitting pre-employment requirements, and purchasing or renting real estate properties.
Driver’s License
Issued by: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Validity:
- One year for a student permit
- Five to ten years for non-professional license and professional license
Fees:
- Php 317.63 for a student permit
- Php 685 for non-professional license and professional license
Requirements:
For a student permit:
- Accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
- Any of the following documents/IDs (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission):
- PSA/NSO Birth Certificate
- Philippine Identification Card
- Passport
- Local Civil Registration (for places where there is no PSA)
- PSA Marriage Certificate
- Any issued ID with photo and signature
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (if employed)
- Electronically transmitted Certificate of Completion of the 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
- For applicants below 18 years old:
- Parent or guardian’s consent
- Parent or guardian’s valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
For a non-professional license:
- Accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Original and one photocopy of medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic
- Original and one photocopy of Practical Driving Course certificate
- Valid student driver’s permit
- For applicants below 18 years old:
- Parent or guardian’s consent
- Parent or guardian’s valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (if employed)
For a professional driver’s license:
- Accomplished Application for Permits and Licenses (APL) form
- Medical certificate electronically transmitted by an LTO-accredited clinic (original copy for presentation and one photocopy for submission)
- Valid Non-Professional Driver’s License
The Driver’s License is one of the more common valid IDs in the Philippines, used by millions of citizens to drive private vehicles and Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs). It has three classifications, with a student permit being the prerequisite for getting a non-professional driver’s license. A non-professional license allows you to drive motorcycles and private vehicles. Meanwhile a professional license is a requirement for those who need to drive PUVs like taxis, jeepneys, buses, and more.
PRC ID
Issued by: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Validity: Three years
Fees: Php 600
Requirements:
- Printed Oath Form (Downloadable from PRC Online Services)
- Two passport-sized photos with a white background and your full name tag
- Two sets of metered documentary stamps
- Cedula
Issued by the Professional Regulation Commission, a PRC ID or license is proof that the holder is a registered professional and can legally practice a profession. Some professions that require this ID include lawyers, doctors, accountants, real estate brokers, teachers, and engineers. To get a PRC License, applicants must then set an appointment via the LERIS PRC Online Portal and go to their chosen PRC branch on their appointment day.
In recent news, the South Korean Embassy announced simplified visa application requirements for PRC License holders until December 31, 2024. This also makes visa application more straightforward and easier for licensed professionals.
Postal ID
Issued by: Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost)
Validity: Three years
Fees:
- Php 504 for regular application
- Php 650 for rush application
Requirements:
- Accomplished Postal ID Application Form (two copies)
- Proof of identity (see accepted requirements here)
- Proof of address (see accepted requirements here)
The Philippine Postal ID was originally used by mailmen and postal carriers to verify the identity of a mail or parcel recipient. From a paper ID, the improved Postal ID now includes a security hologram, the ID holder’s information and biometrics, and other features to prevent identity theft.
Senior Citizen ID
Issued by: Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA)
Validity: No expiration
Fees: Depending on the issuing municipality
Requirements:
- Two 1×1 ID photos
- Proof of age
- Proof of residency
A Senior Citizen ID, also known as OSCA (Office of Senior Citizen Affairs) ID, is documentary proof for individuals considered as senior citizens. Aside from proof of their age, Senior Citizen ID holders can also enjoy benefits like discounts, priority lane access, government assistance, and more.
Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus
Issued by: Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)
Validity: Eight or ten years (depending on partner bank)
Fees: PhP 125
Requirements:
- Active Pag-IBIG Membership
- Accomplished Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus Application Form
- One valid ID (provide a photocopy for the application process)
- Permanent Membership ID (MID) number
Pag-IBIG members can maximize their membership through the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. An upgrade from the previous Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card, this new card can be used as a debit card to receive loan proceeds, MP2 dividends, and other benefits. Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus holders can also avail of exclusive discounts and rewards from more than 300 partner establishments nationwide.
Philippine National ID
Issued by: Philippine Identification System (PhilSys)
Validity: No expiration
Fees:
- Free for Filipino citizens
- One year for resident aliens
Requirements:
- Primary or secondary supporting documents (see list of accepted supporting documents)
Also known as the PhilSys ID or Philippine Identification Card, the Philippine National ID serves as a unified identification system for Filipino citizens and resident aliens. The ID also provides essential personal information and biometric data and is meant to streamline access across different government services. Since the Philippine National ID has lifetime validity for Filipino citizens and free registration, this is one of the easiest government IDs to procure.
Tax Identification Number ID
Issued by: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Validity: No expiration
Fees: Free
Requirements:
- Accomplished BIR registration form (either Form 1902 or Form 1904)
- One valid ID
- PSA-issued birth certificate
- Community Tax Certificate
- 1×1 picture (if applicable)
- Marriage contract (if applicable)
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID contains a unique and permanent number given to each taxpayer in the Philippines. The ID is also used for tax purposes, but some agencies and financial institutions accept it as a valid ID. Take note that before getting a TIN ID, you need to register for a Tax Identification Number first.
PhilHealth ID
Issued by: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
Validity: No expiration
Fees: Free
Requirements:
- Accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) (two copies)
- Two recent 1×1 ID pictures
- Photocopy of PSA-issued Birth Certificate OR at least two valid IDs
For Philhealth members, a Philhealth ID is used to verify a member’s eligibility and record a member’s availment of benefits. The ID also contains a member’s PhilHealth Identification Number, a unique and permanent number assigned to registered members. Unlike other government-issued IDs, this is one of the quickest IDs to get and doesn’t require extensive documentation.
PWD ID
Issued by: Persons with Disability Affairs Office (or depending on the issuing municipality)
Validity: Five years
Fees: Free
Requirements:
- Accomplished PWD Registration Form
- Two recent 1×1 ID pictures
- Valid ID
- Documentation confirming medical or disability condition from a licensed physician or government hospital
A PWD ID is a government-issued identification for persons with disabilities in the Philippines, used to avail discounts and benefits as mandated by the law. According to the Department of Health, individuals who have the following disabilities are eligible for a PWD ID:
- Visual Impairment/Blindness
- Hearing Impairment/Deafness
- Orthopedic Disability
- Speech Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Mental/Psychosocial Disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning Disability
Like the Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID holders are also entitled to discounts, priority lane access, mandatory SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG coverage, and other city-specific benefits.
Valid IDs in the Philippines are your gateways to accessing various benefits from different agencies. This is also helpful, especially for fresh graduates or those who’d like to build their credit score and apply for a bank loan in order to purchase their dream home.
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