We all need Valid IDs for different purposes. For example, loan applications and other financial transactionS require a valid ID. If you’re applying for remote work, your client needs to confirm your identity on top of your credentials.
The problem with getting valid IDs in the Philippines is that you need another valid ID to get one. How do you get a valid ID if you don’t have a valid ID in the first place?
I got you! Let’s break the cycle! Here are the 3 easiest valid IDs you can get in the Philippines and how to get them.
Before we start, here’s a list of all primary valid IDs in the Philippines.
- Philippine Passport
- SSS ID or SSS UMID from SSS
- GSIS ID or GSIS UMID from GSIS
- Philhealth ID (Digitized PVC)
- Driver’s License
- PRC ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
- Voter’s ID
- Firearms License
- PWD ID
- NBI Clearance
- iDOLE Card
- Government Office ID
- School ID (while enrolled)
- OWWA ID
- Alien Certification
- For those staying abroad, Host Government Issued IDs showing PH Citenzship (like a residence card)
Take note though; I may say that it’s the easiest. To manage your expectations, it’s easy because you don’t need a job or to pass a test to get one. But it’s not exactly a walk in a park. And here’s how you start.
Get a Birth Certificate First
If you don’t have a job or are not a student, you don’t have any form of identification for most valid ID applications. So the first step is to get your birth certificate. It’s not a valid ID. But it will serve as your proof of identity for some of the easiest ones to get.
There are 2 options, either you go walk-in or request online for home delivery. You just need the following information:
- Complete name of the child (first, middle, last)
- Complete name of the father
- Complete maiden name of the mother
- Date of birth (month, day, year)
- Place of birth (city/municipality, province)
- Whether or not registered late. (If registered late, please state the year when it was registered.
- Complete name and address of the requesting party
- Relationship to the child (if you’re getting it for someone else)
- Number of copies needed
- Purpose of the certification
Here’s where you can get one. You will use this as a requirement for the other valid IDs.
Postal ID
Receiving packages from postal delivery? You need identification to receive it. And your postal ID is a valid ID you can use.
But based on your experience, do your couriers even ask for a postal ID specifically? Not really. But it’s handy to get one because it’s considered a primary Valid ID! And it’s probably the easiest to get.
Compared to the Postal ID before 2015, the newly issued ones have security features in the PVC material to stop counterfeiting. Here are the requirements.
- 2 Accomplished Copies of the PID application form (download it here)
- 1 Proof of Identity:
- NSO Birth Certificate
- GSIS or SSS UMID Card
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- 1 Proof of Address:
- Utility Bill
- Bank Statement
- Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within 3 months before application.
After passing the requirements, it might take around 15 working days before you get your ID. And around 30 working days if you’re located in remote barangays.
Improved Postal IDs shall be valid for three (3) years for Filipino. You can check this link for the nearest Philpost branch near you.
NBI Clearance
Next in line is your NBI clearance. Basically, it signifies your police record at the national level. And having no record means you’re cleared of any past cases.
Your NBI clearance serves as a primary Valid D for your identification needs. If it’s your first time, you need to set up an account and an online appointment to get it. If not, you just have to log in to your past account and request a renewal. There’s no walk-in application.
You just need two valid government-issued IDs from the following:
- Original copy of birth certificate
- Postal ID
- Police Clearance
- Voter’s ID
- PRC License
- Driver’s license
- UMID (SSS or GSIS)
- PhilHealth ID
- PAG-IBIG ID
- BIR ID
- Passport
Check this link for the step-by-step process of getting one.
Depending on the branch, it might take a lead time of 2 weeks before you secure an appointment. But generally, you can claim your NBI clearance the day you process it. Your NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance.
Passport
Last on the list is your Passport. Your passport serves as your identification when travelling around the world. And it might be the best primary ID you can have because it’s even recognized internationally.
Applying for your passport is quite easy. But the appointment process might take you a long time. Depending on the branch, you might schedule your passport application 2 to 3 months in advance.
Here are the requirements:
- Online Appointment Confirmation
- Schedule your appointment here. (Be wary of people selling appointment slots. It’s free.)
- Application Form (Download it here)
- Birth Certificate
- 1 Valid ID
- Philippine Passport
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- SSS or GSIS Card
- UMID Card
- Driver’s License
- PRC ID
- OWWA E-Card
- PNP Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book
- Senior Citizen
- PWD
- Solo Parent
- COMELEC Voter’s ID / Certification
- Marriage Contract (If you are using your spouse’s last name)
On your appointment date, just follow the application process. And then, you can get your passport after 1 to 2 weeks. Your passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
Conclusion
It might be hard to get a valid ID at first. But once you get one primary valid ID, it’s quite easy to process the other ones. Cheers!
