GUIDE: HOW TO GET YOUR GOVERNMENT IDS
(SPOT.ph) There is an age-old conundrum we Filipinos have to live through: needing a valid government ID to get a valid government ID. We've all lived through it, and for those just about to start the vicious cycle, know that we are with you in spirit. To help you out, we've got a guide below that will hopefully make things easier.
We covered the most basic government IDs pretty much anybody can get, from your driver's license to a postal ID. At the very least, we recommend that you make sure you have several copies of your birth certificate and/or marriage certificate on hand from the PSA before you begin your journey. And when an appointment is necessary—as it likely will if this is your first time to get said ID—don't forget to bring a ballpen, spare ID pictures, water, a battery pack, and a whole lot of patience.
How to get different government IDs in the Philippines
How to get a Philippine Passport
Steps:
- Book an appointment online via the DFA passport website
- Prepare your documents (well) ahead of time
- Head to your chosen DFA office for the personal appearance
- Go through verification and biometrics at DFA
- Choose how to claim your passport
As with all things, the first step is typically the hardest when it comes to anything about your passport. Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing, or whatnot, scoring an appointment at the DFA may require several attempts. Once you've secured a slot, the most important thing to do next is make sure you've got all the requirements needed; double check if you're application requires supporting documents, too. Be sure to dress properly for your appointment. Not only do they typically have strict dress codes in DFA offices, the picture you take for your passport will accompany you through the next 10 years. Once the appointment is through, the DFA will tell you when to come back to personally claim your passport or you can choose to have it delivered by a courier for an added fee.
Also read: Guide to ePassports: What to Know About the Travel Document
Requirements:
- Confirmed Online Appointment
- Personal appearance
- Accomplished Application Form
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper
- Married females (who are using their spouse's last name) must also present Original and submit photocopy of PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage
- Local Civil Registrar Copy is required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read
- Valid IDs with one (1) Photocopy
Check out the list of applicable IDs for passport processing.
How to get a Non-Professional Driver's License
Steps:
- Head to your preferred LTO branch
- Request for the Application for Permits and License (APL) form
- Secure a queue number and wait your turn
- Submit the accomplished APL alongside other requirements
- Once approved, pay at the cashier
- Take the written examination (if failed, you may come back the next day to retake)
- Take the driving test (if failed, head back to step one another day)
- Proceed to the biometrics and encoding window for them to input your details in the LTO system
- Await release of your card
Note that if it is your first time applying for a driver's license, you can still do the first steps of your application through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal, but you will still need to show up at your chosen LTO branch for the exams, submission of documents, and biometrics.
Also read: GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know About LTO’s Electronic Driver’s Licenses
Requirements:
- Must be at least seventeen years old. For foreigners, you must be at least eighteen years old
- Must be a holder of a Student-Driver's permit valid for at least one month from the issuance
- Must have attended and passed the Practical Driving Course (PDC) from an LTO-accredited licensed driver, LTO Driver's Education Center (DEC), LTO-accredited driving school, or LTO-accredited TESDA Training Center
- Must have passed the Automated Theoretical Examination and Practical Driving Test
- Duly accomplished Application for Permits and License (APL) form
- Original and one photocopy of a medical certificate from an LTO-acreddited medical clinic
- Tax Identification Number (TIN), if employed
- A negative drug test result from a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited testing center and/or government hospital
- If applicant is 17 years old, parental or guardian's consent with a copy of a valid government I.D. with photo and signature
How to get a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
Steps:
- Depending on whether you're with the SSS or the GSIS, head to the office of either agency. If with the former, you can set an appointment online.
- Submit your requirements
- Pay and have your biometrics taken
- The card will not be issued the same day so head home and wait to be informed you can pick it up
The UMID is an all-in-one ID that will give you access to the services of at least three government agencies: the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund), and either the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Depending on whichever of the last two you belong, you can head to either to apply for a UMID. Note that the SSS is a little stricter when it comes to walk-ins, as each day of the week is allotted for specific numbers on the 10th digit of your SSS number (1 and 2 on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, and so forth).
Requirements:
- Fully accomplished UMID Card Application form
- Original and photocopy of one of the following valid IDs (non-exhaustive list):
- Driver's license
- Passport
- SSS Card
- Postal Identity Card
- Voter's ID
- NBI Clearance
- Seaman's Book
If you have none of the IDs mentioned, you can bring an original and photocopy of two of the following:
- School or company ID
- Senior citizen card
- Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) ID
- Pag-IBIG Member’s Data Form
- PhilHealth Member’s Data Record
- Birth certificate
- Marriage contract
- Police clearance
- School Transcript of Records (TOR)
How to get a PhilHealth ID
Steps:
- Head to the nearest PhilHealth office (ensure you are already a member beforehand)
- Submit your application
- Wait for your PhilHealth ID
The PhilHealth ID is arguably a government ID you can get in one of the most straightforward manners. Just make sure that all your records are in order to avoid a hassle at the office. The requirements may also differ depending on your employment type and status so be sure to double check the documents you bring. For those who are employed, it is typical for your HR department to take care of getting your ID.
Also read: Adulting 101: How to Apply for a PhilHealth ID
Requirements:
For unemployed, self-employed, and voluntary members
- Two accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Two latest 1×1 ID pictures
- At least two valid IDs or a photocopy of your birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority
How to get a Postal ID
Steps:
- Head to any postal office and fill up an application form
- Submit alongside proof of identity
- Head to the nearest ID capture station
- Wait for the ID to be sent to your address
The Postal ID would be the easiest to get in terms of the requirements. All you really need is one proof of identity (PSA birth certificate counts!) and one proof of address (like, say, a billing statement). If you're starting from absolutely zero valid IDs, you can get this one first.
Also read: PSA: Here's a Valid ID You Can Get Pretty Easily
Requirements:
- Two copies of duly-accomplished Postal ID application form
- Proof of identity (submit any one of the following, with photocopy)
- Birth Certificate
- GSIS or SSS UMID Card
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Passport
- Marriage Contract for Married Women (Only if documents and IDs submitted does not bear married name)
- Proof of address (submit any of the following, with photocopy)
- Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) prior to PID application
- Certified True Copy of Lease
- Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
- Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement
- School Billing Statement
- Utility Bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
If you have none of the above, you can submit any two of the following:
- BIR ID
- Baptismal Certificate
- Certificate of Birth
- College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records
- Confirmation Certificate
- Elementary or High School Form 137
- Marriage Certificate
- Valid Alumni ID
- Valid Basic Postal ID
- Valid College, School or University ID
- Valid Company ID
- Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Valid NBI Clearance
- Valid OWWA ID
- Valid Pag-Ibig ID
- Valid PhilHealth ID
- Valid PRC ID
- Valid Paper-based Postal ID
- Valid Police Clearance
- Valid Seaman’s Book
- Valid Senior Citizen ID
- Valid Tax Identification Number Card
- Valid Voter’s ID
How to get a National ID
Steps:
- Head to any registration center with your required documents
- Validate your information and have your biometrics taken
- Review your information
- You will be issued a transaction slip with a reference number; be sure to keep these to help you track delivery
The national ID has everyone waiting these past few years. If you haven't been able to register to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) to get this ID card, well, trust us when we say the earlier the better, and better late than never. There are multiple registration sites across the nation, and the requirements are easy enough to gather.
Requirements:
You can bring any of the following
- PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth and one (1) government-issued identification document which bears a full name, front-facing photograph, and signature or thumb mark
- Philippine Passport or ePassport
- UMID
- Student’s License Permit or Non- Professional/Professional Driver’s License