Valid ID: List of Primary and Secondary IDs in the Philippines

Valid ID: List of Primary and Secondary IDs in the Philippines

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In today’s busy world, having a valid ID is very important. It helps us do things like pay for stuff, sign up for services, or just prove who we are. But understanding which IDs are valid in the Philippines can be tricky. That’s why we’re here to help. This article will give you all the information you need about the different kinds of valid IDs in the Philippines. We’ll explain why they matter and who gives them out. So let’s get started and make this whole ID thing a lot easier for you.

Table of Contents

What is a Valid ID?

A valid ID, or Identification Document, is an official document issued by a government or recognized authority that certifies the identity of an individual. It plays a crucial role in numerous instances such as financial transactions, applications for services, and verification processes. Having a valid ID can streamline these processes and make your life a whole lot easier.

The Process of Obtaining a Valid ID in the Philippines

Obtaining a primary or secondary ID in the Philippines follows a certain process. While the exact steps may vary for each ID, the general process involves the application, payment of fees, and claiming of the ID. Researching the specific process for the ID you intend to obtain is essential.

Categories of Valid ID in the Philippines

In the Philippines, valid IDs are categorized into two types: Primary and Secondary IDs. Understanding the difference between these two is essential for various contexts.

Primary IDs

Primary IDs are government-issued identification documents that are commonly recognized and accepted due to their high reliability. These include passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards, among others.

Secondary IDs

Secondary IDs, on the other hand, are identification documents that may not have as much weight as primary IDs but are still widely accepted for identification purposes. Examples of secondary IDs include company IDs, Cedula, and Barangay clearances.

Comprehensive List of Primary IDs in the Philippines

Understanding the various primary identification documents in the Philippines is a crucial first step in acquiring a valid ID. Below is a list of primary IDs that are widely accepted in many transactions, and are therefore important to be aware of:

Philippine Passport

The Philippine Passport is a travel document that also serves as a powerful ID issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to Filipino citizens. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship and is necessary for international travel.

Driver’s License

A Driver’s License is issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines. It is a legal document that permits a person to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It not only allows you to drive but also serves as a widely accepted ID.

Social Security System (SSS) ID

The Social Security System (SSS) ID is issued by the SSS to its members in the Philippines. It’s used to track a member’s social security contributions and benefits, making it essential for employment and retirement purposes.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID is issued to Filipino lawyers who are members of the IBP. It serves as proof of a person’s eligibility to practice law in the country.

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID is issued to professionals who passed the licensure examinations conducted by the PRC. It is proof of professional qualification in various fields like engineering, medicine, teaching, etc.

Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) / ePhilID

The Philippine Identification Card (PhilID), also known as ePhilID, is a government-issued ID under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It aims to provide a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

Voter’s ID

The Voter’s ID is issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to registered voters in the Philippines. It serves as proof of a person’s registration and eligibility to vote.

Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) Transaction / Loyalty Card

The Pag-IBIG Fund Transaction or Loyalty Card is issued by the Home Development Mutual Fund. It serves as proof of membership and allows members to avail of discounts and rewards from partner establishments.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID / eCard

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID or eCard is issued to all GSIS members. It’s used to track members’ insurance contributions and benefits, making it vital for government employees.

OFW ID / iDOLE Card

The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) ID, also known as the iDOLE card, is a free identification card issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to registered OFWs. It serves as proof of an OFW’s legal status, provides access to government services, and also serves as a replacement for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ID

The PhilHealth ID is issued by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. It serves as proof of membership and is used to avail of PhilHealth benefits.

Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)

The UMID is a government-issued ID in the Philippines that integrates the ID systems of GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. It serves as a single identification card for these government agencies.

NBI Clearance

NBI Clearance is a document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). It serves as proof that the person has no criminal records, and is often required for employment, travel abroad, and other legal transactions.

Police Clearance / ID

The Police Clearance or ID is issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP). It’s a document certifying that the individual has no criminal record and is often required for employment or business purposes.

OWWA e-Card

The OWWA e-Card serves as proof of membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and also functions as an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for OFWs, facilitating smoother and faster transactions with different government agencies​.

Seaman’s / Seawoman’s Book

Issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Seaman’s Book, also known as Seaman’s Services Book or Seaman’s Record Book, is an official document that records a seafarer’s service, including details of where, when, how, and on which vessel they served​​.

Diplomat / Consular ID

Consular Identification (CID) cards issued by the Philippine Embassy can be used to allow its citizens to vote in a foreign country, among other identification purposes.

Voter’s Certification

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issues a voter’s certification, which can be secured from the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the district, city, or municipality where the voter is registered. Applicants must present a valid ID, pay a fee, and in some cases, the certification is issued free of charge​.

Firearms License

Firearms licenses in the Philippines are regulated by the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police (PNP). To possess a firearm, a person must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, and take a firearms training and safety course. Licenses must be renewed every two years, and failure to renew results in firearm confiscation.


Senior Citizen ID

The Senior Citizen ID is issued by the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) and/or Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines to individuals aged 60 and above. It entitles the holder to discounts, benefits, and privileges under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

PWD ID

The Person with Disabilities (PWD) ID is issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), or its regional counterpart, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Barangay Captain, DSWD Office, and other participating organization with a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health (DOH). It provides discounts and benefits to individuals with disabilities, supporting their access to health, education, and other necessary services.

Government Office IDs and GOCC ID

These are identification cards issued by government offices (e.g. AFP, DAR, DENR, DOH, DOJ) and Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in the Philippines. They serve as proof of employment in these entities.

School ID (for students)

A school ID is issued by educational institutions (schools, colleges, or universities) as proof of current enrollment. It often serves as identification for school-related activities and may also provide access to campus facilities. For students, school IDs are valid identification documents.

Comprehensive List of Secondary IDs in the Philippines

Secondary IDs also hold significant value. Here are the secondary IDs you should be aware of:

TIN Card / TIN ID

The TIN (Tax Identification Number) Card is issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines. It serves as proof of registration with the BIR and is important for tax-related transactions.

Barangay Clearance

Barangay Clearance is a document issued by the Barangay Hall in the Philippines. It certifies that the individual is a resident of a particular barangay and has a good standing in the community.

Postal ID

The Postal ID is a government-issued identification card in the Philippines. It’s widely accepted as a valid form of identification and is easy to obtain, making it a popular choice for those without other forms of ID.

Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)

This certification is issued by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons in the Philippines. It verifies the disability status of an individual and may be required for certain benefits or services.

4Ps ID / DSWD Certification

The 4Ps ID is issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD Certification, meanwhile, is a document that verifies a person’s status as a beneficiary of a DSWD program.

Cedula / Community Tax Certificate

The Cedula, or Community Tax Certificate, is a form of identification issued by the local government in the Philippines. It’s often required for government and financial transactions.

Solo Parent ID

The Solo Parent ID is a card issued by the DSWD in the Philippines to single parents. It grants benefits and privileges under the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.

Company IDs

Company IDs are identification cards for employees. It is issued by private companies or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP, SEC, or IC. Company IDs serve as proof of employment and are also recognized for various transactions.

Government Service Record

A Government Service Record is a document that outlines a government employee’s history of service. It’s issued by the respective government agency and can be important for retirement, benefits, or job applications.

Elementary or High School Form 137 for students

Form 137, also known as the Permanent Record, is a record of a student’s academic performance from elementary or high school. Schools issue it, and it’s often required for college applications or transferring to a different school.

Transcript of Records from University or College

A Transcript of Records (TOR) is an official document issued by universities or colleges. It provides a comprehensive record of a student’s academic performance and is often required for job applications or further studies.

Land Title

A Land Title is a legal document issued by the Land Registration Authority in the Philippines. It serves as proof of ownership of a particular piece of real estate.

PSA Marriage Certificate

The PSA Marriage Certificate is an official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. It serves as legal proof of marriage in the Philippines.

PSA Birth Certificate

The PSA Birth Certificate is an official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. It serves as a legal record of a person’s birth and is often required for various identification purposes.

Valid ID for Specific Applications

Certain applications require specific valid IDs. For instance, when applying for a Philippine passport, you would need any one of the listed primary IDs and supporting documents.

Special cases also occur in banking and government transactions where certain IDs are favored. Therefore, having a range of valid IDs can only be beneficial.

Valid ID for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals living in or visiting the Philippines also require valid identification. While their passport is typically the most universally recognized form of valid ID, there are other acceptable documents, such as the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) card. Below is a list of identification documents that foreign nationals can use for transactions in the Philippines:

Passport

A passport is a document issued by a foreign government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. It is widely accepted as a valid form of identification.

Alien Certification Registration (ACR I-card)

The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a microchip-based, credit card-sized, tamper-proof identification card issued to all registered aliens in the Philippines. It serves as the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), Re-entry Permit (RP), and Special Return Certificate (SRC).

Immigrant Certificate of Registration

The Immigrant Certificate of Registration is a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. It signifies that a foreign national is registered as an immigrant and is often required for legal and financial transactions in the country.

Special Resident Retirement Visa

The Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV) is issued to foreign nationals who wish to retire and live in the Philippines by the Bureau of Immigration through the Philippine Retirement Authority. It offers various benefits, including multiple-entry privileges and exemption from customs duties for the importation of personal goods.

Conclusion

Having valid identification in the Philippines, or anywhere in the world, is a necessity. Not only does it validate your identity, but it also facilitates various transactions and applications. By understanding what counts as valid identification, you can navigate your way around with more ease and convenience. Whether you are a Filipino citizen or a foreign national residing in or visiting the Philippines, having a valid identification is an integral part of your daily life. Knowledge of these valid IDs and the processes involved in obtaining them will help you carry out your transactions more smoothly.

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