How to Get a National ID: 2023 Guide

The Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID), also known as the Philippine National ID, is the official national identity card for Filipino citizens worldwide and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. It was first implemented as a pilot program in 2019 and is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. The primary aim is to provide Filipinos with government-issued identification, giving them better access to public programs and financial services.

If you are interested in applying, here is our step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Philippine National ID online.

How to Apply for the National ID

You can now get your PhilSys ID without preregistering online. The PSA has opened walk-in registration for the National ID. Just bring your supporting documents and visit the nearest PhilSys registration center. You can find these centers in malls and other public places. To find the nearest registration center, check out this link: List of Registration Centers as of July 28, 2023

When you visit the registration center, the staff will capture your biometric information, including your fingerprints, iris scan, and front-facing image. After this step, they will provide you with a transaction slip. Make sure not to dispose of this slip, as you will need it to track your national ID online and to collect your PhilSys ID from the courier.

You should patiently await the delivery of both your PhilSys Number (PSN) and PhilID to your chosen delivery address. Once the delivery arrives, present the courier with your transaction slip or any valid identification.

PHLPost will attempt delivery of the National ID three times. If you or your authorized representative are unable to receive the National ID, it will be held at the designated post office. You have a 30-day period to claim it by submitting the transaction slip along with a valid ID or a barangay certificate as proof of your identity.

Requirements for the Philippine National ID

To register for the National ID, you need to submit at least one of the following documents:

Primary Documents

• PSA-issued birth certificate and one (1) government-issued identification document which bears the full name, front-facing photograph, and signature or thumb mark;
• Philippine passport or ePassport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs;
• GSIS or SSS-issued Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID);
• Professional/Non-Professional Driver’s License or Student’s License Permit issued by the Land Transportation Office.

Secondary Documents

• PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth/NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with Birth Reference Number (BreN)
• LCRO-issued Certificate of Live Birth
• PSA-issued Report of Birth
• PSA-issued Certificate of Foundling
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
• Seaman’s Book
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• SSS ID
• Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
• License to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance/ID
• Solo Parent’s ID
• PWD ID
• Voter’s ID
• Postal ID
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
• Philhealth ID
• Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-issued Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
• A national ID from other countries
• Residence ID from other countries

If you do not have any of the documents stated above, you can submit the following as secondary supporting documents as long as it has your picture, signature/thumbmark, full name, address, and date of birth:

• Employee ID
• School ID
• Barangay Clearance/Certificate
• Barangay ID
• City/Municipal ID

Conclusion

The Philippine National ID is free for all Filipinos and has no expiration. It is not mandatory for every Filipino, but you are strongly encouraged to get one. The PhilSys ID will not replace our existing functional IDs that serve other purposes like passports and driver’s licenses. Aside from providing valid proof of identity, the PhilSys will provide easier access to applications for eligibility for social welfare programs and benefits from the government. It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions. It will likewise simplify public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.