Today, identification cards are essential to ensure a person’s identity. They can identify you and show who you are in public, and be used for work purposes. But the greater demand is for Filipinos to possess these IDs, which they can use in many different ways.
So, what exactly is the Philippine National ID? Why do we need it? What makes this ID different from the other IDs in our wallets? Is it free? Who are eligible and how can you get one? Where can you register?
Here’s a complete guide, read along.
What is Philippine National ID?
The Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) or ‘Pambansang Pagkakakilanlan’ is the official national identity card for Filipino citizens worldwide and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. This refers to the physical ID card serving as the proof of identity used by customers in businesses, government, and non-profit organizations. As part of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), this card will not be transferable and can only be issued once you are registered with the PhilSys.
Age requirements
Children below the age of five (5) can get a PSN by registering for a national ID, and even newborn babies can obtain a national ID. PSNs will be linked to the child’s parent’s or guardian’s NID. At the time of registration, their demographic data and complete biometric information will still be collected. Still, they will have to update and have their biometric data captured by turning fifteen (15).
Requirements
Every registrant must bring with them the original copy of the documents listed below:
- One (1) government-issued ID document bearing the child’s full name, a picture, signature, and a thumbprint, as well as a PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth.
- Filipino passport or e-passport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
- Unified Multipurpose Identification Card (UMID) issued by GSIS or SSS;
- LTO-issued student license permit or non-professional/professional license
In addition to the above documents, registrants may bring original copies of any of the secondary ones listed below:
- 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)
- National ID from other countries
- Residence ID from other countries
The following identification documents are acceptable as secondary documents, provided they have a front-facing photo, signature/thumbprint, full name, address, and date of birth.
- Employee ID
- School ID
- Barangay Clearance/Certificate
- Barangay ID
- City/Municipal ID
How to apply Philippine National ID?
Step 1: Submit demographic data and set an appointment for Step 2
STEP 2: Validation of demographic data and capture of biometric information. This will only take 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP 3: Issuing of PhilSys Number or PSN and PhilID
How to register online?
Step 1: Registration can be done online through the Philsys web portal at register.philsys.gov.ph.
Step 2: Registration still has to be done at the registration center since it will involve validating your demographic information against your original documents and capturing your biometric data.
What is PSN?
This 12-digit permanent identification number, known as the PhilSys Number (PSN), is assigned only to citizens or foreign nationals who have successfully registered to PhilSys.
How long is the validity of PhilID?
- The PhilID does not expire for Filipino citizens and can only be renewed by updating demographic and biometric data.
- A PhilID is valid for one (1) year for resident aliens and may be renewed annually.
Is Philippine National ID free?
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the law also state that the enrollment, issuing of the National Identification Number (NIN), and the ID card is also free of charge. You will not have to pay even a single penny for this ID, just your time to complete it.
Is it mandatory?
It may not be necessary to obtain your Philippine National ID, yet it will make your life easier. You can easily transact with all government and private entities by using this single ID, enabling you to provide quicker verification of all your important documents.
Take advantage of applying for the Philippine national ID today. You can register online or check participating areas where you can book an appointment, walk-in, and register. Since it’s completely free and there are options to obtain one, best to prioritize it sooner. Registrations will last until the 30th of June.
