List of Philippine Valid Government IDs 2024

Do you know about the different IDs issued by the Philippine government?

It can be confusing to understand all the ID options available in the Philippines.

In this article, we care about making things easier for you.

This article helps you understand the different IDs given by the Philippine government. It explains why these government IDs are important, how to get them, and what you need. 

Knowing this helps you do things like transactions or accessing services easily in the Philippines.

Let’s dive in together and learn about these IDs!

List of Valid IDs in the Philippines

Primary

1. Philippine Passport
2. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
3. Driver’s License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
5. Postal ID
6. National ID (PhilSys ID or Philippine Identification System)
7. Social Security System (SSS) ID
8. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) I
9. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) for foreign residents
10. Seaman’s Book issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for seafarers

Secondary

1. Voter’s ID
2. Senior Citizen ID
3. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
4. PhilHealth ID
5. TIN ID (Tax Identification Number)
6. Barangay Certification or ID
7. Company ID issued by private institutions
8. Student ID from a recognized educational institution
9. Police Clearance ID
10. NBI Clearance ID issued by the National Bureau of Investigation
11. Firearms License issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP)
12. Health Insurance ID from private insurance companies

Uses and Benefits of Each Government ID’s

Here are the uses and benefits of each of the listed valid IDs in the Philippines.

Primary IDs

1. Philippine Passport:
   • This ID is used for international travel and serves as a primary identification document when going abroad.
2. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID):
   • UMID is issued by the government to provide access to various social services and benefits like social security, health insurance, and loans.
3. Driver’s License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO): 
   • Allows individuals to operate a motor vehicle legally and serves as a valid identification document.
4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID:
   • It is issued to licensed professionals (e.g., engineers, and doctors) and validates their qualifications for professional practice.
5. Postal ID: 
   • This is a government-issued identification card that can be used for various transactions, including banking and postal services.
6. National ID (PhilSys ID or Philippine Identification System):
   • A universal ID for citizens and resident aliens that consolidates essential personal information for easier access to government services.
7. Social Security System (SSS) ID:
   • Issued to members of the Social Security System, providing access to social security benefits and services.
8. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID:
   • Specifically for members of the GSIS, allowing access to benefits and services provided by this government agency.
9. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card):
   • Required for foreign residents in the Philippines to prove their legal residency status.
10. Seaman’s Book issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA): 
    • Essential for seafarers working internationally, providing validation of their profession and identity.

Secondary IDs

1. Voter’s ID: 
   • Serves as proof of voter registration and can be used during elections.
2. Senior Citizen ID: 
   • Grants special privileges and discounts to senior citizens in various establishments and services.
3. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID: 
   • Provides access to welfare and assistance programs for overseas Filipino workers.
4. PhilHealth ID: 
   • Identifies members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, enabling access to healthcare services and benefits.
5. TIN ID (Tax Identification Number): 
   • Contains the Tax Identification Number issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and is used for tax-related transactions.
6. Barangay Certification or ID: 
   • Confirms an individual’s residency in a specific barangay (village) and can be used for local transactions.
7. Company ID issued by private institutions: 
   • Validates an individual’s affiliation with a specific company or organization for various purposes.
8. Student ID from a recognized educational institution: 
   • Confirms enrollment in an educational institution and may offer student discounts in some establishments.
9. Police Clearance ID: 
   • Provides proof of clearance from the police, often required for employment or other official purposes.
10. NBI Clearance ID issued by the National Bureau of Investigation: 
    • Validates clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation for various transactions and employment purposes.
11. Firearms License issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP): 
    • Allows the legal ownership and use of firearms in the Philippines.
12. Health Insurance ID from private insurance companies: 
    • Identifies individuals covered by private health insurance companies for healthcare services.

These IDs serve various purposes, from proving identity to accessing specific services and benefits, depending on the issuing authority and the individual’s needs.

Here’s a list indicating where you can typically use each of the mentioned IDs in the Philippines

Primary IDs:

1. Philippine Passport:
   • International travel
   • Airport and immigration checkpoints
   • Hotel check-ins
   • Foreign consulate or embassy transactions
   • Can also serve as proof of identity when applying for a job or opening a bank account within the country.
2. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID):
   • Social Security System (SSS) transactions
   • Government agency services (e.g., PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund)
   • Banking transactions
   • Loan applications
   • May be required for enrollment in government programs or services beyond those mentioned.
3. Driver’s License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO):
   • Traffic stops
   • Vehicle registration and ownership
   • Identification for various transactions
   • Can also used for rental car services and some non-governmental transactions.
4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID:
   • Professional practice (e.g., for doctors, engineers, teachers)
   • Employment verification in specific fields
   • Government-related applications requiring professional licenses
5. Postal ID:
   • Postal services
   • Identification of local transactions (e.g., banking, remittances)
6. National ID (PhilSys ID or Philippine Identification System):
   • Government services and transactions
   • Opening bank accounts
   • Access to public and private services requiring identification
   • Necessary for certain legal proceedings and court-related matters.
7. Social Security System (SSS) ID:
   • Availing SSS benefits and services
   • Loan applications
   • Employment-related transactions
8. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID:
   • Access to GSIS benefits and services
   • Government-related transactions for GSIS members
9. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card):
   • Proof of legal residency for foreign residents
   • Transactions requiring verification of residency status
10. Seaman’s Book issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA):
    • Verification of profession and identity for seafarers
    • Maritime-related transactions and employment abroad

Secondary IDs:

1. Voter’s ID:
   • Voting during elections
   • Verification of voter registration
2. Senior Citizen ID:
   • Availing discounts and privileges for senior citizens
   • Access to senior citizen-specific services and benefits
3. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID:
   • Access to OWWA services and assistance programs for overseas Filipino workers
4. PhilHealth ID:
   • Availing PhilHealth benefits and services
   • Healthcare transactions and hospital visits
5. TIN ID (Tax Identification Number):
   • Tax-related transactions
   • Employment purposes requiring tax identification
6. Barangay Certification or ID:
   • Local barangay transactions
   • Residency verification within a barangay
7. Company ID issued by private institutions:
   • Access to company facilities and services
   • Employment verification
8. Student ID from a recognized educational institution:
   • Access to student discounts
   • Verification of student status
9. Police Clearance ID:
   • Employment applications
   • Government-related transactions requiring police clearance
10. NBI Clearance ID issued by the National Bureau of Investigation:
    • Employment-related transactions
    • Government applications requiring NBI clearance
11. Firearms License issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP):
    • Legal ownership and use of firearms in the Philippines
    • It is essential for purchasing and owning firearms legally and participating in shooting competitions.
12. Health Insurance ID from private insurance companies:
    • Access to healthcare services covered by private insurance companies

How do you get any of these IDs?

Here’s a general overview of the process to obtain each of the mentioned IDs in the Philippines:

Primary IDs:

1. Philippine Passport:
   • Apply at any Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office.
   • Schedule an appointment, fill out the application form, and bring the required documents (e.g., birth certificate, valid IDs, application fee) for processing.
   • Here’s How to Get a Passport in the Philippines 2023 | Step-By-Step Guide
2. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID):
   • UMID is typically automatically generated for members of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Application processes may vary for each agency.
3. Driver’s License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO):
   • Undergo a written and practical driving examination at an LTO office.
   • Submit required documents such as a valid ID, medical certificate, and application form.
   • Once passed, pay the necessary fees to obtain the license.
4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID:
   • Take the licensure examination relevant to your profession and pass.
   • Submit necessary documents and requirements to the PRC office.
   • Pay the prescribed fees and claim your PRC ID once processed.
5. Postal ID:
   • Apply at a local post office and secure an application form.
   • Submit the completed form along with necessary documents (e.g., proof of identity and address) and pay the required fees.
6. National ID (PhilSys ID or Philippine Identification System):
   • The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration process involves providing personal details and biometrics at designated registration centers.
   • Check the PhilSys website for registration schedules and requirements.
7. Social Security System (SSS) ID:
   • Apply at an SSS branch near you and fill out an application form.
   • Submit required documents (e.g., birth certificate, application form) and pay necessary fees for ID processing.
8. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID:
   • GSIS IDs are typically issued automatically to GSIS members. Contact the GSIS office for inquiries or replacements.
9. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card):
   • Foreign residents in the Philippines apply for this card at the Bureau of Immigration office.
   • Submit required documents, biometrics, and pay the necessary fees.
10. Seaman’s Book issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA):
    • Apply through a POEA-accredited agency or directly at the POEA office.
    • Submit necessary documents (e.g., training certificates, application form) and pay the fees for processing.

Secondary IDs:

The process for obtaining secondary IDs varies widely depending on the specific ID and issuing authority. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Voter’s ID: 
   • Register as a voter during designated registration periods and wait for the issuance of the Voter’s ID.
2. Senior Citizen ID: 
   • Apply at the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in your local area. Provide proof of age and other necessary documents.
3. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID: 
   • Obtainable through OWWA membership. Contact OWWA for membership details.
4. PhilHealth ID: 
   • Register as a member of PhilHealth and apply for an ID card at PhilHealth offices.
5. TIN ID (Tax Identification Number): 
   • Secure a TIN from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and apply for a TIN ID.
6. Barangay Certification or ID: 
   • Obtain from the barangay hall by providing proof of residency.
7. Company ID issued by private institutions: 
   • Issued by the respective companies or employers.
8. Student ID from a recognized educational institution: 
   • Provided by the educational institution upon enrollment.
9. Police Clearance ID: 
   • Apply at the local police station and undergo the clearance process.
10. NBI Clearance ID issued by the National Bureau of Investigation: 
    • Apply online or in person at NBI clearance centers.
11. Firearms License issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP): 
    • Apply through the Firearms and Explosives Office of the PNP and fulfill the requirements for firearms ownership.
12. Health Insurance ID from private insurance companies: 
    • Provided by the specific private insurance company upon enrollment.

These IDs serve specific purposes and are recognized in various settings and transactions across the Philippines.

We’ve covered primary IDs like the Philippine Passport, UMID, Driver’s License, and National ID, along with secondary IDs like Voter’s ID and PhilHealth ID. These serve as key documents for identity and accessing specific services.

Having valid IDs in the Philippines is crucial. They prove identity and grant access to government services, healthcare, education, and work opportunities. IDs ensure security, efficiency, and the exercise of rights for citizens and residents.

It’s vital to obtain and manage IDs properly. Keep them updated and secure to prevent misuse. Embracing the National ID system (PhilSys ID) can make transactions easier. 

Being proactive with IDs ensures maximum benefits and rights in the Philippines.

References

1. Valid IDs for Passport Application | Department of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Dfa-Oca.ph. Retrieved December 1, 2023, from https://dfa-oca.ph/valid-ids-for-passport-application/