The Philippine Identification System issues national identity cards, also known as PhilSys ID. This digital ID system aims to achieve paperless and cashless transactions. In this passage, we are going to talk about what a national ID is and how to register for it. If you have finished the registration and haven’t received the card, you will also find out how to track your national ID.
What is Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
PhilSys ID also called the Philippine Identification Card (PhilID), is an official identity document for Filipinos around the world and alien residents in the Philippines. A valid ID is required when dealing with some daily transactions, such as applying for social benefits, opening a mobile phone line, creating bank or investment accounts, filing taxes, registering for voting, enrolling in school, signing an employment contract, etc. In this case, you can present a PhilSys ID which carries a PhilID card number, name, gender, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, and a photograph. For Filipinos, the card is valid for a lifetime while only one year for foreign residents.
National ID Requirements
Before heading to national ID registration, let’s talk about who can get it and what documents are requested.
You are eligible for the national identity card if you are:
- Filipino citizens, even with dual or multiple citizenships
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)
- Filipino living abroad
- Foreign nationals living in the Philippines for more than 6 months
When going to the registration center, remember to take an original copy of one of the following supporting documents with you.
- Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and one government-issued photo ID that carries your full name, and signature or fingerprint
- Valid passport or ePassport
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Card (UMID) issued by Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or Social Security System (SSS)
- LTO Student Permit or driving license
If you can’t show the primary documents listed above, you are allowed to present any of the following secondary documents.
- Birth certificate issued by National Statistics Office(NSO) or Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
- Seaman’s Book
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- Senior Citizen’s ID
- Social Security System (SSS) ID
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
- License to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Single Parent’s ID
- Person With a Disability (PWD) ID
- Voter’s ID
- Postal ID
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Another country’s national ID
- Another country’s residence ID
Supposing that there is a full name, address, birthday, photograph, signature or thumbmark on the following documents, they are also acceptable
- Employee ID
- School ID
- Barangay Clearance
- Barangay ID
- City/Municipal ID
How To Register a National Identity Card
The registration process includes registering online and attending the appointment at the registration center.
Register National ID Online
Visit PSA portal and provide all required information, including name, gender, date/place of birth, address, marital status, contact, etc.
Book an Appointment
You need to choose the date and time when you will visit the physical registration center. The PhilSys kiosks spread in the shopping malls and workplaces. Just choose the nearest one. Please note that appointment is mandatory. To reduce waiting time and risk of health, walk-in registrants or being late is not acceptable.
After scheduling a booking, you will Application Reference Number (ARN) which is needed in the following registration process.
Attend the Appointment
Go to the chosen registration center on the scheduled date with the supporting documents. Present the ARN or QR code to the officer and they will verify your identity and gather your fingerprint, scan your Iris and take a front-view photograph.
Wait For Your PhilSys ID
Once your PhilID is ready, the card will be sent to you by mail. Please show the transaction slip or any valid IDs to sign for it.
How To Track National ID
It takes a few months to process Philsys national ID registration and deliver it. It is annoying to wait aimlessly for the card. Therefore, the authority launched a national ID tracking system on the Philippine Postal Corp website. Let’s see how it works.
- Find the Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
It is a 30-digit number listed on your PHILSYS transaction slip which is given to you while attending the appointment and submitting documents at the registration center.
- Go to PHL Post Tracker
Enter the TRN and click on the “Track” button. When it says “Not found”, it means your application is still being processed and you need to wait patiently. When it says “In Transit”, it means the card has been on the way and you can check the delivery status.
FAQs
Q: If I lost my transaction slip, can I claim my National ID?
A: Yes, as long as you can present another government-issued valid photo ID. It is advised to note down the TRN on the slip once you receive it, otherwise, you can’t use the national ID tracking service.
Q: How long does it take to receive my National ID card?
A: Generally, it takes 2 – 3 months to process your application or even longer in the case of extra requirements or a heavy workload. Therefore, plus the delivery time, you might wait for about 6 months.
Q: Can I use my PhilID to replace other government IDs?
A: It depends on what you use it for. It is a basic proof of identification. However, it does not replace existing functional IDs. For example, you can‘t use it to replace a passport to travel abroad or replace a driving license to drive legally.
Q: How much does it cost to register a PhilSys ID?
A: The first national ID registration is free of charge, but you might be charged for replacement.
Q: Must I register the national identity card?
A: No, but it is suggested to have one because it is free and makes it more convenient to interact with government and private sectors, access government services, prevent identity fraud, and manage your personal information.
Q: Is there age limits for PhilSys national ID registration?
A: No. Kids under five years old only need to submit their demographic information and front-facing photographs. Their PhilSys Number is connected to their parent or legal guardian until they are 15 years old when they need to update information and submit biometrics.
Q: What to wear for national ID?
A: According to PSA, your dressing should be presentable. Don’t wear white or light-colored clothes, sleeveless clothes, or heavy makeup. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or facial piercings should also be removed while taking a shot.
Summary
Now that you have learned about what the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID is and what it’s used for, we suggest you request one as there are no strict national ID requirements, complicated registration process, or expensive costs. All you need is to register your national ID online and submit supporting documents offline. If you have waited for a long time and haven’t received the card, go to the national ID tracking system to check the reviewing or delivery status. We hope you can get your national identity card soon.
Dolores Xiao