
A Complete List Of Philippines Valid IDs
Perhaps, the only country in Southeast Asia that hasn’t imposed a national ID system yet is the Philippines. Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore had implemented an identification system for a long time now.
Without a proper identification system, Filipinos are required to provide a number of valid IDs to verify their identity during official transactions with the government, banks, or any other private institutions. Sometimes, they are even required to provide more than one ID for thorough verification of identity.
Valid IDs are those that are issued by the government and they usually come with a photo or the bearer or some form of biometric, making them unique and fraudproof.
If you are frustrated with the different types of identification documents required for your official transactions, here is a complete list and guide on what they are and how to get them.
1. Philippine passport
Passports are not just useful when traveling overseas, it is also a widely recognized and accepted identification document that you can use in private- and government-related transactions. It is also used as a form of identification outside of the Philippines.
Where to get: At any Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regional office. Validity: 10 years Documents needed: Cost: ₱950 to ₱1,200
You can read our article on how to apply for a Philippine passport for a more comprehensive step-by-step guide.
2. Driver’s license
There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines: student, non-professional, and professional. Each license grants different level of driving proficiency. This type of identification is acknowledged by both private and government offices, including banks.
Where to get: Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Validity: 5 years Documents needed: Cost: ₱ 318 to ₱ 820
3. SSS UMID Card

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The Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) is one of the most powerful valid IDs in the Philippines, as it bears all the information of the cardholder’s local benefits. It also serves as a Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG ID.
Where to get: At any PhilHealth Regional offices Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: Free
Here’s where you can learn more about the basics of the Social Security System and how to get an SSS ID or UMID card.
4. PhilHealth ID
Other than providing PhilHealth members access to their PhilHealth benefits, a PhilHealth ID card (PhilHealth Insurance card) is also acknowledged as a valid ID.
Two types of PhilHealth ID
- PhilHealth regular ID card – a cardboard like ID card that isn’t fully laminated upon provision. It is not universally considered as a valid ID, only by a few government agencies and establishments.
- PhilHealth Insurance card – a fully laminated photo ID card that is acknowledged by all government agencies and all other establishments as a valid ID.
Where to get: PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO)
Documents needed for Regular ID Card
- PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Two 1×1 ID picture
- Member Data Record (MDR)
Document needed for PhilHealth Insurance Card
- PMRF
- Two 1×1 ID picture
- PhilHealth Regular ID card
Validity: Indefinite
Cost:
Regular PhilHealth ID – Free
Philhealth Insurance Card – ₱90 for the ID. ₱358 per dependent
For a more detailed, step-by-step guide, view our article on how to get a PhilHealth ID card.
5. TIN Card
While taxpayers aren’t required to carry their Tax Identification Number ID around, having one can come in handy for all kinds of transactions that will require verification of identity.
Where to get: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: Free
6. Postal ID
This ID card is the easiest to obtain. A postal ID’s primary use is to verify a person’s identity and address, but it can also be used as a valid ID for any transactions concerning government agencies and banks.
Where to get: Issued by PHLPost Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: Free
7. Voter’s ID
Do you want to be eligible to vote? Apparently, being 18 is only the first part of the requirement, what’s next is registering as a voter and getting a Voter’s ID. Securing a Voter’s ID will take months to process as it will entail a fingerprint-matching process that will filter over 52 million voter records. This ID is granted to registered voters. All government agencies and private organization acknowledge this ID as it is issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Where to get: Commission on Elections (COMELEC) How to apply: Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: Free Note: Voters ID are released a few months from the date of application. The release date of your ID are indicated in the claim stub provided after your registration.
8. Professional Regulation Commission ID
Professionals such as registered nurses, engineers, architects, physicians, and etc., among many others who passed their licensure exams are provided with a license card by the Professional Regulation Commission. The IDs serve as proof of identity and license to operate as a professional.
Where to get: Professional Regulation Commission Validity: 5 years Things you’ll need: How to get your Professional Regulation Commission ID Cost: Baccalaureate Fee Registration – ₱600 Annual Fee – ₱450 Total – ₱1050 Non-Baccalaureate Fee Registration – ₱450 Annual Fee – ₱870 Total – ₱1320
Aside from claiming your ID, you can learn more about the application process and requirements with our guide to PRC Online Registration.
9. Senior Citizen ID
According to Republic Act 9994, better known as Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010, every senior citizen is entitled to a 20% discount. Apart from the discount that senior citizens could access with this card, it’s also as good as their valid ID.
Where to get: Office for Senior Citizens Affairs Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: Free
10. OFW ID
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encourages Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to get an OFW ID to assist them with banking and government-related transactions. Not only will this function as their membership card for POEA, but it can also be used for all other transactions in the Philippines.
Where to get: POEA or POLO office in the country of employment Validity: Indefinite Documents needed: Cost: ₱119.50
If you want to make your government and non-government transactions less painful, securing at least two or more of the valid IDs listed above could come in handy. Getting all of them is the most ideal thing to do, but the process of acquiring each can be a bit painstaking. So, prioritize the valid IDs applicable to your needs and transactions, so that verification of your identity will be seamless.
Each valid ID can also provide you the opportunity to participate in some of the economic activities or grant you access to consumer-related services in the country. For the country to become more economically inclusive without a unified identification system in place, citizens should at least have a two or more of these valid IDs.
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