In the Philippines, having a Valid ID is crucial for everyday transactions, whether it’s opening a bank account, applying for a loan, securing government benefits, or traveling. Government agencies, private institutions, and businesses require proper identification to verify a person’s identity and ensure security. However, not all identification documents are equally accepted. Some are classified as Primary IDs, while others are considered Secondary IDs and may require supporting documents.

This guide will walk you through the different types of Valid IDs in the Philippines, their purpose, and where they are commonly required. Understanding these classifications will help you avoid inconveniences when processing important documents.

Primary Valid IDs in the Philippines

Primary Valid IDs are the most widely accepted identification documents. These are issued by government agencies and serve as the main proof of identity for official transactions. Having a Primary Valid ID ensures that you can access essential services with ease.

1. Philippine Identification (PhilID) / ePhilID

The Philippine Identification (PhilID), also known as the ePhilID, is the official national identification card under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). It is designed to be the universal Valid ID for all Filipinos, streamlining transactions across various sectors.

• Issued by: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Purpose: Your universal VALID ID for virtually all government and private transactions—banks, mobile registration, schools, benefits
• Validity: Lifetime (Filipinos); resident aliens get a one-year validity—but mostly lifetime
• Other facts:
  • Free to apply
  • Contains unique PhilSys Number (PSN)
  • SIM registration requires it

Other Primary Valid IDs

In lieu of the PhilID, the following Valid IDs may also be used:

2. Philippine Passport

• Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• Purpose: Proof of citizenship, primary ID for identity verification, international travel
• Validity: 10 years (for adults); 5 years (for minors)
• Other facts:
  • Recognized worldwide
  • One of the strongest government-issued IDs

3. SSS or SSS UMID Card

• Issued by: Social Security System (SSS) / Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Purpose: Identity verification across SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth
• Validity: No expiration (as long as membership is active)
• Other facts:
  • Has biometric chip and magnetic stripe
  • Highly accepted as a primary ID

4. GSIS ID or GSIS UMID Card

• Issued by: Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Purpose: Used for government employees’ benefits and transactions

5. LTO Driver’s License

• Issued by: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
• Purpose: Authorization to drive, commonly accepted as a primary government ID
• Validity: 5 years (first issuance), 10 years (renewal for drivers with no violation)
• Other facts:
  • Types: Student Permit, Non-Professional, Professional
  • Digital version available via LTO portal

6. PRC ID

• Issued by: Professional Regulation Commission
• Purpose: Proof of professional license (e.g., engineers, nurses, teachers, architects)
• Validity: 3 years
• Other facts:
  • Exclusive to licensed professionals
  • Recognized as a strong primary ID

7. OWWA E-Card

• Purpose: Proof of OWWA membership, access to OFW programs and benefits
• Validity: Valid while OWWA membership is active (usually 2 years)
• Other facts:
  • Free for active OWWA members
  • Accepted in both government and banking transactions

8. iDOLE Card

• Issued by: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
• Purpose: Identification card for OFWs and local employees

9. Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate

• Issued by: Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
• Purpose: Proof of voter registration and identity
• Validity: Voter’s Certification – 1 year
• Other facts:
  • Original laminated voter’s ID phased out
  • Voter’s Certification serves as official replacement

10. PNP Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence

• Issued by: Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Purpose: Serves as proof of legal firearm ownership

11. Senior Citizen ID

• Issued by: Local Government Units (LGUs) through OSCA (Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs)
• Purpose: Access to 20% discount, VAT exemption, government benefits
• Validity: Lifetime
• Other facts:
  • Exclusive to Filipino citizens aged 60 and above
  • Accepted nationwide

12. Persons with Disability (PWD) ID

• Issued by: LGUs through Social Welfare and Development Offices
• Purpose: Avail of 20% discount, VAT exemption, and PWD-related government programs
• Validity: Lifetime (some LGUs issue renewable IDs every 3–5 years)
• Other facts:
  • Must present medical certificate or proof of disability upon application
  • Accepted nationwide

13. NBI Clearance

• Issued by: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
• Purpose: Required for employment and legal transactions
• Validity: Up to 1 year
• Other facts: Not an ID per se, but accepted as one in many cases.

14. Alien Certificate of Registration / Immigrant Certificate of Registration

• Issued by: Bureau of Immigration (BI)
• Purpose: Proof of legal residence for foreign nationals in the Philippines
• Validity: 1 year (renewable), depending on visa type
• Other facts:
  • Mandatory for foreigners staying beyond 59 days
  • Contains biometric and electronic security features

15. PhilHealth ID

• Issued by: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
• Purpose: Proof of PhilHealth membership and entitlement to benefits
• Validity: No expiration (valid while membership is active)
• Other facts:
  • Comes in paper or PVC card type

16. Government Office and GOCC ID

• Issued by: Respective Government Offices or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs)
• Purpose: Identification card for government employees

17. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID

• Issued by: Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
• Purpose: Serves as an official ID for licensed lawyers in the Philippines; often used for legal transactions, court-related matters, and proof of professional identity.
• Validity: Remains valid as long as the lawyer maintains good standing with the IBP (renewed with bar dues).
• Other facts: Exclusively issued to attorneys who passed the Philippine Bar Exam and took their lawyer’s oath.

18. School ID (For Students)

• Issued by: Schools, Colleges, Universities
• Purpose: Proof of student identity, used for school-related and limited bank/government transactions
• Validity: While enrolled (expires upon graduation or transfer)
• Other facts:
  • Usually a secondary ID
  • May need to be paired with a Birth Certificate or Parent’s ID

19. Current Valid ePassport (For Renewal of ePassport)

• Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• Purpose: Serves as the official travel document of Filipino citizens for international travel; also used as proof of citizenship and identity.
• Validity: 10 years for applicants 18 years old and above; 5 years for minors below 18.
• Other facts: Required for international travel, visa applications, and OFW processing.

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Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines

Secondary Valid IDs are also issued by the government but may require supporting documents when used for certain transactions. While these IDs are not as widely accepted as Primary Valid IDs, they are still considered Valid IDs for specific purposes.

List of Secondary Valid IDs:

1. TIN ID

• Issued by: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
• Purpose: Identifies taxpayers for tax-related transactions.
• Validity: No expiration, but must remain consistent with taxpayer’s record.
• Other facts: Considered a Secondary Valid ID since it lacks strong security features (older laminated versions are easy to fake).

2. Postal ID

• Issued by: Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
• Purpose: Proof of identity and residence, accepted in banks and government offices
• Validity: 3 years
• Other facts:
  • Enhanced version has biometric, hologram, and QR code
  • Easy to obtain and widely used

3. Barangay Certification

• Issued by: Barangay Hall (Local Government Unit)
• Purpose: Certifies an individual’s residency in a barangay.
• Validity: Usually valid for 6 months.
• Other facts: Often required for local transactions, barangay clearances, and job applications.

4. GSIS e-Card

• Issued by: Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Purpose: Used by government employees for identification, loan processing, and insurance benefits.
• Validity: Valid as long as the member remains employed in government service.
• Other facts: Serves as an ATM card for GSIS benefits and loans.

5. Seaman’s Book (Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book)

• Issued by: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
• Purpose: Identification and record of sea service for Filipino seafarers.
• Validity: Usually 10 years.
• Other facts: Required for international maritime employment and deployment.

6. NCWDP Certification (Now NCDA – National Council on Disability Affairs)

• Issued by: NCDA (formerly NCWDP – National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons)
• Purpose: Certifies an individual as a person with disability (PWD) for benefits and privileges.
• Validity: Indefinite, unless details need updating.
• Other facts: Used to apply for a PWD ID card.

7. DSWD Certification

• Issued by: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Purpose: Certifies beneficiaries of social welfare programs such as 4Ps.
• Validity: Depends on the program duration.
• Other facts: Used to avail of government benefits and financial assistance.

8. Company ID

• Issued by: Employer or company’s HR department
• Purpose: Identifies employees and grants workplace access.
• Validity: Valid until resignation or termination of employment.
• Other facts: Commonly requested as supplementary proof of identity.

9. Police Clearance

• Issued by: Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Purpose: Certifies that the individual has no pending criminal case in the locality.
• Validity: Typically 6 months.
• Other facts: Often required for employment, travel abroad, and local permits.

10. Barangay Clearance

• Issued by: Barangay Hall (Local Government Unit)
• Purpose: Certifies good moral character and residency.
• Validity: Usually valid for 6 months.
• Other facts: A requirement for police clearance, local employment, and small business permits.

11. Cedula (Community Tax Certificate)

• Issued by: City/Municipal Treasurer’s Office
• Purpose: Proof of community tax payment.
• Validity: One year (expires December 31 of the issuing year).
• Other facts: Required for affidavits, legal documents, and some permits.

12. Government Service Record

• Issued by: Employer (Government agency)
• Purpose: Official record of service for government employees.
• Validity: Permanent record with no expiration.
• Other facts: Often needed for retirement, clearance, or promotions.

13. School Form 137

• Issued by: School or Department of Education (DepEd)
• Purpose: Academic record of a student from elementary to high school.
• Validity: Permanent record with no expiration.
• Other facts: Required for school transfers or further studies.

14. Transcript of Records

• Issued by: Colleges and Universities
• Purpose: Official academic record for college students.
• Validity: Permanent record with no expiration.
• Other facts: Required for employment, licensure exams, and graduate studies.

15. Land Title

• Issued by: Land Registration Authority (LRA)
• Purpose: Proof of ownership of a parcel of land.
• Validity: Permanent, unless annulled or transferred.
• Other facts: Essential for property transactions and collateral for loans.

16. PSA Marriage Contract

• Issued by: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Purpose: Proof of legal marriage between two individuals.
• Validity: Permanent record with no expiration.
• Other facts: Required for spousal benefits, annulment/divorce proceedings, and legal documents.

17. PSA Birth Certificate

• Issued by: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Purpose: Proof of birth, citizenship, parentage, and age.
• Validity: Permanent record with no expiration.
• Other facts: Required for passports, school enrollment, employment, and government benefits.

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Conclusion

Having the right Valid ID ensures smooth transactions in both government and private institutions. If you don’t have a Primary Valid ID, securing a PhilID is highly recommended. Keeping multiple Valid IDs will help you avoid delays and complications in various transactions. Always check the requirements before applying for an ID to ensure a hassle-free process.

Source: DFA

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