Guide To National ID Online Registration In The Philippines

Whether you’re going to the bank, or need to have a transaction in a government facility or a private institution — there are plenty of times when you will be asked for a valid ID to prove your identity. But there are many Filipinos who cannot access the services they need due to a lack of valid proof of identity. This is why the Philippine Identification System Act is enacted. If you want to learn more about the National ID online registration in the Philippines, keep on reading!

Philippine Identification System Act

The Republic Act No 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on August 6. 2018. It aims to create a single national identification system that can offer valid proof of identity for Filipino citizens and resident aliens in the country. This helps simplify public and private transactions.

One of the principal authors of the Philippine Identification System Act is Gus Tambunting when he was a member of the 17th Congress. He is an advocate of systems that work to make things easier for the Filipino people.

What Is The Philippine National ID

The PhilID or Philippine National ID serves as a valid proof of identity when you’re making transactions in the government or the private sector. It will serve as a unified and centralized form of identification for both Filipino citizens and also resident aliens.

Each ID contains a unique 12-digit number that corresponds to each individual. In the ID, you will also find important information such as your name, gender, birthday, address, blood type, and civil status.

Other than that, the ID will also have a smart chip that contains your biometrics, iris scan, and facial image reception code. The following identification numbers will also be linked with the Philippine ID:

  • SSS
  • Pag-IBIG
  • PhilHealth
  • Passport number
  • Voter’s registration
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Driver’s license number

Don’t worry because the PhilID won’t replace your other government-issued IDs that are useful for other purposes. Instead, the PhilID will serve as your proof of identity to facilitate transactions.

The Philippine National ID for Filipinos has no expiration date. For resident aliens, the validity is one year.

Who Can Get The National ID

Filipino citizens living inside the Philippines or abroad can register for the National ID. People with multiple citizenship or foreign nationals who have lived in the Philippines for more than six months can also register. There is no age limit in applying.

Initial application and renewal are also free of charge. But replacements caused by loss, damage, or change of entries will cost a fee. Individuals with the Certificate of Indigency are exempted from the fee.

How To Apply For The National ID

If you’re interested in applying for the National ID, you can register online at register.philsys.gov.ph.

  1. Fill out the form with all the needed information and then submit. You will need to book your preferred appointment schedule at this step. Don’t forget to save a copy of your Application Reference Number (ARN) and QR code.
  2. On the day of your appointment, you can go to the designated registration center. You will need to present your ARN and/or QR code. You also need to bring the original copy of your supporting documents.
  3. Prepare your transaction slip and valid IDs and present them to the courier when your PhilID is delivered.

Requirements For The National ID

Prepare the following documents and bring them to your appointment:

Primary Documents

Present an original copy of at least one of the following documents:

  • PSA Certificate of Live Birth and one (1) government-issued identification document that contains your full name, a front-facing photograph, and your signature or thumb mark
  • DFA-issued Philippine Passport
  • ePassport
  • Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID)
  • Student’s License Permit or Non-Professional/Professional Driver’s License

Secondary Documents

If you don’t have any of the primary documents listed above, you can bring any of the following secondary documents:

  • PSA Certificate of Live Birth
  • NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with Birth Reference Number (BreN)
  • LCRO Certificate of Live Birth
  • PSA Report of Birth
  • PSA Certificate of Foundling
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card
  • PRC ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • OWWA ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • SSS ID
  • 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
  • TIN ID
  • Philhealth ID
  • PRA issued Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
  • National ID from other countries
  • Residence ID from other countries

Key Takeaway

The National ID online registration in the Philippines is easy and hassle-free. All you need to do is register at register.philsys.gov.ph, prepare your supporting documents, and wait until the day of your appointment. Having a single ID to prove your identity in transactions will be convenient because it will be accepted in both private and government institutions.

Gus Tambunting is one of the principal authors of the bill that established PhilSys. If you’re interested in knowing the other bills he has passed, you can click here to learn more.