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At this point, you already probably heard about the importance of having a government-issued ID. With that in mind, you also probably own one or two IDs (your school ID included). In case you’re wondering whether this is finally the right time to get your primary IDs, then this article is just about right for you. 

A primary ID is a government-issued identification card that has additional security features to ensure safe transactions and to prevent identity theft. Applying for one also usually requires a physical appearance to obtain your biometrics. Not only is it a must-have, but it’s also essential in everyday living—be it in applying to any government or private-owned institution or doing bank transactions. Valid IDs also differ in validity and cost.

Even though government agencies have gone a long way in improving their TATs, getting one can still be difficult given the quarantine restrictions. On the flip side, some government offices are continuously doing business and accepting online appointments. If you’re planning to get complete your set of IDs, here’s a list of valid IDs you could easily apply for under the new normal.

The Philippine Passport

Government Agency To Issue: Department of Foreign Affairs

Requirements:

• Confirmed Online Appointment
• Personal Appearance
• Accomplished Application Form (Download the blank application form here)
• 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 a photocopy of PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage
• Local Civil Registrar Copy has required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read
• Any of the following acceptable IDs with one (1) photocopy (click here for the List of Acceptable IDs for Passport Processing)

Validity

• Ten-year (10) validity period, for those issued to Filipinos 18 years or older
• Five-year (5) valid passports will be issued for Filipinos under 18 years.

TAT

•  Regular processing takes about twelve (12) working days to be released after being accommodated for processing
• For expedited processing, it takes six (6) working days for NCR applicants and seven (7) working days for non-NCR applicants. The fee is Php 1,200.

 Cost

While passport appointments are free, passport schedule of fees must be observed:

• Regular Processing – Php 950.00
• Expedited Processing – Php 1,200.

 How to Apply

• When applying for a passport, securing an online appointment is always the first step. Book your appointment here. (Note: New slots are also made available at 12:00 noon and 9:00 pm from Mondays to Saturdays so make sure to stay alert!)
• Personal appearance is required therefore, you should be on-site at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment at your chosen consular office. Prepare all the originals and photocopies of the documentary requirements for passport application.
• Be sure to wear decent clothing for passport photo taking! Jewelleries such as earrings and necklaces as well as colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capturing. This is to ensure entry to countries with strict dress codes.

(Note: Make sure your next flight is at least half the year away since flight bookings are only possible if your passport is at least six (6) months old)

UMID

What is it – The Unified Multi-Purpose Card (UMID) is the Unified ID Card of SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG.

Government Agency To Issue: Social Security System

Requirements:

• Personal Appearance at the SSS branch upon application. Know the nearest branch to you with UMID Enrollment Facility here.
• Accomplished UMID Card Application Form. Download it here and prepare it ahead of time!
• Prepare one (1) Original and photocopy of any of the following: Driver’s License, Passport, PRC Card, Seaman’s Book, or any two (2) secondary IDs. (See the complete list of Valid IDs here.)

Validity

UMID has no expiration and is valid for life.

TAT

Per SSS, UMID card is to be delivered within 30 days after application.

 Cost

• For first-time applicants, UMID cards are free of charge
• For those who lost/want to change their UMID, a replacement fee of Php 200 is required.

 How to Apply

• When applying for a UMID, it’s important to know the nearest SSS branch with UMID enrollment facility to you. Queue up and let them verify your documents.
• Have your photo and biometrics taken.
• Make sure all your information is correct
• Wait for your UMID to be delivered.

Note: Be wary of text scams offering help with your any SSS related applications! Scams like these usually offer help in exchange for a fee.

Postal ID

What is it – The Improved Postal ID is the newest government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). Additional physical security features have been added to the card since its launch in April 2016.

Government Agency To Issue: Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)

Requirements:

Make sure to bring the original copy and the photocopy of the following documents:

• Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form
• Proof of Identity- Submit any one (1) of the following: Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry; GSIS or SSS UMID Card; Driver’s License; or Passport or any two (2) secondary IDs, see the complete list here.
• Proof of Address – Credit card statement; School billing statement or Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water) definitely fits here.

Validity

The Improved ID shall be valid for the following:

• Three (3) years for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV)
• One (1) year validity for the rest of the foreign residents

TAT

A PHLPost mail carrier will deliver the Postal ID to your doorstep:

• In NCR – Approximately fifteen (15) working days from application
• Applicants outside NCR – Approximately twenty (20) working days
• Island provinces and remote barangays – Approximately thirty (30) working days

 Cost

Based on PhilPost.Gov.ph page, the fixed amount is Php504.00

 How to Apply

• When applying for a Postal ID and to save time, it’s important to know, prepare, and fill out the application form ahead. Download it here.
• Proceed to the nearest ID capture station. Know the nearest station to you here
• Upon the completion of the data capture process, your ID will be delivered to your mailing address.

PRC ID

What is it – The professional identification card (PIC) or a PRC ID, certifies that the holder is a registered professional with legal authority to practice his/her profession.

Government Agency To Issue: Professional Regulation Commission

Requirements: PRC has a dedicated website for PRC registration and ID application. Create your account here. Account creation also requires the following:

• A scanned 2×2 ID picture in JPEG format in plain white background, with the applicant wearing a decent attire with a collar.
• Scanned Valid ID after completing your registration, prepare the following requirements which you’ll personally submit upon your appointment schedule.
• Printed Oath Form (Can be downloaded from the PRC Online Services after your registration)
• Two passport-size photos in white background with a full name tag
• Two sets of metered documentary stamps (Available at your chosen PRC branch) Community Tax Certificate/Cedula

Validity

Professional ID cards are valid for three years for all professions.

TAT

If you applied for a PRC ID for the first time, the PRC will issue it along with your Certificate of Registration right after your scheduled oath-taking ceremonies.

 Cost

•  For professions requiring baccalaureate degrees – Php 1,050
•  For professions requiring non-baccalaureate degrees – Php 870
•  For medical representatives and real estate salespersons- Php 450
•  For ocular pharmacologists-Php 1,200 Note. In addition to this, a service fee is also required depends on the preferred payment option.

 How to Apply

• The process of PRC online registration and ID issuance is almost the same as a passport application—you set an appointment online, submit the requirements on the scheduled date, and receive your ID.
• Register for a PRC online account
• Complete your online profile
• Set an appointment online
• Pay for the PRC license registration fee
• Print your oath form
• Submit the PRC ID requirements
• Claim your PRC ID

Driver’s License

What is it –There are three types of driver’s license in the Philippines: student, non-professional, and professional. These three are considered a valid ID and are issued of course if you know how to drive.

Government Agency To Issue: Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Requirements:

• Duly accomplished original Application Form for Driver’s License (ADL)
• Electronically transmitted medical certificate in LTO prescribed form (present hard copy)
• For requirements for each classification, click here.

Validity

Five years

TAT

The same day upon passing the written and actual driving test.

 Cost

Depends on the classification, getting a  driver’s license costs from Php 318 to Php 953.

 How to Apply

• Fully accomplished Driver’s License form (Tip: Save time by downloading it and preparing it beforehand)
• Get your queue number
• Submit all the requirements and proceed to the cashier for payment of fees.
• Take your written examination, (if failed, you may retake after a month, move to the next step if passed)
• Proceed to the actual driving test (If failed, you may re-apply after 31 days, if passed congratulations! A few more steps to go!)
• Together with the accomplished Road Test Score Sheet, proceed to cashier once again for payment of fees
• Proceed to the biometric window and accomplish other needed details for your Driver’s License
• Congratulations! You’re ready to receive your OR or Driver’s License. Make sure to sign in to their log sheet as well. Then you’re off to go

Digitized Voter’s ID

What is it – The voter ID is a valid ID that is recognized by all government offices and banks and is being issued to the registered voter pursuant to Section 25 of Resolution No. 8189. All registered voters in the country are qualified to get one.

Government Agency To Issue: Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

Requirements:

There’s no other requirement needed for a voter’s ID as long as you’re already a registered voter. If not yet, do yourself (and the PH!) a favor and make sure to be registered before May 2022.

Validity

Voter’s ID has no expiration and valid for life.

TAT

You might want to take time and apply for your other IDs first as securing a voter’s ID takes months or even years to process as it entails a fingerprint-matching procedure that filters over 52 million records in the national voter database.

 Cost

The voter ID is free-of-charge and is already laminated upon release. No fee should be charged by the local COMELEC office to the voter.

 How to Apply

• Make sure you’re already a registered voter
• Get in touch with the Office of the Election Officer (OEC) in your localities, ask the Comelec personnel to search for your Voter ID. Alternatively, the IDs are released at the satellite registrations in barangays during the continuous voter registration.

ACR

What is it – An Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card or ACR I-Card is a microchip-based, credit card-sized,  identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines has exceeded fifty-nine (59) days. This card serves as a re-entry permit, emigration clearance certificate, and their special return certificate

Government Agency To Issue: Bureau of Immigration

Requirements:

• Learn the checklist for new applicants and for paper-based ACR holders here.
• Accomplished Application Form. (Tip: Save time by downloading it here and preparing it beforehand)

Validity

I-card is valid for one (1) year

TAT

You will receive your ACR I-Card from two days to a month upon application.

 Cost

Based on immigration.gov.ph, the ACR I-Card application takes $50.00 + Php 500

How to Apply

• Secure and fill out an application form and attach the required documents.
• Submit application with complete requirements
• Check the database for any derogatory record
• Get an Order of Payment Slip (OPS)
• Pay the required fees
• Submit a copy of the Official Receipt.
•  After the evaluation application and approved,
• the ACR I-Card shall be printed. •Present claim stub and identification (ID) card

If you’re currently at home with so much time to plan your next errands once this pandemic is over, we are with you. But just like us, use your time wisely and make sure to get the best out of the situation like getting your IDs when you have so much free time.