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| You may check here the updated list of Valid IDs in the Philippines, either primary or secondary, which you can use for government or private transactions. |
(UPDATED) A primary valid ID or secondary ID is required in the Philippines when applying for a job or receiving services. Even if you have a national ID, other IDs may be required because they serve different purposes.
This is especially true if you intend to obtain a primary ID, such as a passport, or conduct business with private institutions or government agencies. Aside from that, services such as medical aid through Philhealth require a photocopy of your valid ID. Financial transactions, such as obtaining a loan, also necessitate the use of a valid ID.
It is useful to have one, whether primary or secondary, as you may need it for transactions and other requirements. So, if you require a valid ID, you may check the list in this article.
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What is a Valid ID?
A valid ID in the Philippines is a government-issued identification card that includes the holder's name, birth date, and place of birth. It also has additional security features to ensure that it cannot be forged and that transactions are secure.
When a person applies for one, they must usually appear in person so their biometrics or other demographic data can be taken.
It is not only required but also necessary, such as applying for a job in a government or private institution or conducting bank business. There are two types of valid IDs in the Philippines: primary and secondary.
Why is a valid ID required in the Philippines?
Although the Philippines already has a National ID system, other identification cards are still valuable because people may need them in their daily lives or to obtain various government services such as an SSS loan, PhilHealth benefit, and TIN purposes.
It also improves security measures in establishments by checking people upon entry to see if they have a valid ID. Another application of valid IDs is accountability, as it demonstrates that a person is responsible for obtaining them despite the difficulty.
What is a Primary Valid ID?
A primary valid ID in the Philippines is usually the main ID needed to process a transaction as may be required by a government or private entity. This valid ID provides proof of identity for Filipino citizens or foreigners residing in the country.
Said IDs are important, especially when transacting in government agencies and financial institutions. It is a prerequisite for opening a bank account and other similar transactions. Individuals must have a photocopy of it for transaction purposes. Individuals must have a photocopy of it and submit it with the original ID to the transacting officer for verification.
What is a Secondary Valid ID?
If you don't have a primary valid ID, you'll need a secondary valid ID in the Philippines to complete transactions. Government institutions or private establishments typically require two secondary IDs in lieu of a primary valid ID. Secondary IDs can include TIN IDs, Voter IDs, and PhilHealth IDs.
Because it is required when transacting, you must have a photocopy of it to submit with your original IDs for verification.
List of Primary Valid IDs in the Philippines
Primary Valid IDs vary depending on the government or private institution where you will transact, but the most common are a passport, UMID, national ID, postal ID, and driver's license.
You may check the list of primary valid IDs in the Philippines here:
UMID
The Unified Multi-Purpose ID, or UMID, is a valid ID that was introduced in 2010. It is designed as a single card for interactions between various government-related agencies, most notably the Social Security System (SSS), as well as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG.
PRC ID
PRC ID is an identity card that shows that a person is a professional in the Philippines. It can only be obtained through passing a board exam. It is issued by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Postal ID
Postal ID is another primary form of identification in the Philippines. It is issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation, a government-owned corporation. It is a legal identification document that Filipino citizens can use to access various government services and transactions, as well as banking and other financial institutions.
It is valid for three years for Filipino citizens and foreigners with SSRV, and one year for foreigners without SSRV.
Passport
You can obtain a Philippine passport if you still do not have a valid primary identification card. It is a travel document as well as a primary national identity document issued to Philippine citizens by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Driver's License
A driver's license is also a primary form of identification in the Philippines. There are three types of driver's licenses: student permit, non-professional, and professional. The minimum age for driving in the Philippines is 16 years old, so it is also advisable for young people who do not yet have a valid ID to obtain one, but they must first enroll in driving courses.
NBI Clearance
NBI Clearance is also a primary valid ID or documentation that individuals who do not yet have a valid id can use. It is proof that a person has been cleared of any criminal offenses or derogatory records.
Government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) ID
Employees of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC), which are state-owned enterprises that conduct both commercial and non-commercial activity, are issued this type of ID. The latter includes the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), a social security system for government employees. As of 2020, the Philippines had more than 200 GOCCs.
Philippine National Identity Card (PhilID)
The National ID Card is not only a primary valid ID in the Philippines, but it is also intended to be the country's ultimate identification document. The Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID) and the Philippine Identification Card are other names for it (PhilID).
It serves as the official national identity card for Filipino citizens all over the world, as well as foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. The document is an important component of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), the national identification system that the Philippine government plans to implement.
Related: List of National ID Requirements
IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) ID
The IBP ID, or Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID, is only available to those who have passed the Supreme Court's Philippine Bar Examination. This means that only lawyers can obtain this type of identification. It is considered a primary valid ID in the Philippines and can be used for transactions.
List of Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines
Typically, if you lack a primary valid ID for transactions, you are asked to show two secondary IDs. This is accurate for both government and financial transactions. You may present two secondary IDs if you intend to apply for a valid primary ID.
Check the list below for secondary valid IDs in the Philippines:
Senior Citizen Card
The Senior Citizen Card is a secondary valid ID in the Philippines that provides a generally accepted proof of age for people over the age of 60. It also gives them access to discounts or priority services provided by government agencies, public transportation, and commercial establishments.
Police Clearance
Police clearance is a document that is required in order to obtain a valid ID or other government-issued documents. It is a document issued to individuals to certify that they have no criminal records. Some employers in the Philippines require it, in addition to clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation.
PhilHealth ID
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation issues the PhilHealth ID (PhilHealth). Anyone who is a member of PhilHealth can obtain a PhilHealth ID.
According to the Universal Health Care Act, all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and financial protection. This means that all Filipino citizens are entitled to PhilHealth benefits by default (including having a PhilHealth ID).
Voter's ID
The Voter's ID is a valid ID or document that anyone over the age of 18 can obtain if they register with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). As of 2022, COMELEC issues voter certification in lieu of voter identification. Voter certification can also be used as a valid ID.
Barangay ID
Barangay ID is an identity card issued by a barangay. Individuals must obtain it in their barangay of residence. It also serves the same purpose as a barangay clearance, which proves that an individual is a resident of a particular barangay.
TIN ID
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) identification card (ID) proves that you are registered as a taxpayer with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Even if you are not employed or a student, having a TIN ID is important because it may be required for government or private transactions.
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card Plus
The GSIS eCard Plus, also known as the UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose Identification) Card, is the official GSIS identification card, allowing active members and pensioners to transact with GSIS. GSIS card holders are typically government employees. GSIS ecards were later replaced by UMID cards, which are more interconnected with other government agencies.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID/ OFW e-Card
The OWWA OFW e-CARD serves as proof of membership in OWWA and allows for faster access to OWWA programs and services. When assistance or services are required, this is also recognized as a government-issued ID and can be presented to any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy, or Consulate abroad.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Valid IDs in the Philippines:
Is a barangay certificate a Valid ID?
Yes, a barangay certificate can be used as a valid ID because it proves your identity. Some government and private entities regard it as a secondary valid ID because it contains a person's name, address, signature, and other vital information.
What is the most common Valid ID in the Philippines?
As previously stated in this article, the most common valid ID in the Philippines accepted for government or private transactions are UMID, Passport, Postal ID, and Driver's License.
What Valid ID can I get fast?
The Postal ID is one of the quickest and easiest valid IDs to obtain, with the fewest requirements. You only need to go to your local Post Office and present a birth certificate, proof of address, or barangay certificate/clearance.
Is the PhilHealth card a Valid ID?
The PhilHealth card is a Valid ID because it serves as proof of identity. Typically, it is accepted as a secondary form of identification for government or private transactions.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article on valid IDs in the Philippines useful. Having a valid ID is important because it shows that you are a responsible person, especially since getting one can be difficult at times. It is also required when transacting in the government or private sector, particularly when processing a government-issued document or opening a bank account.
So, if you want to learn more about the primary and secondary valid IDs in the Philippines, you can read the information we've provided here. —iTacloban