Top 10 Valid IDs in the Philippines

Compiling all your job requirements? Opening a bank account? Applying for a credit card? Getting your dream car? Whether private or public, most organizations would entail for you to present at least two valid IDs for any transaction.

Perhaps, the only country in Southeast Asia that hasn’t imposed a national ID system yet is the Philippines. Neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore had implemented an identification system for a long time now.

Without a proper identification system, Filipinos are required to provide a number of valid IDs to verify their identity during official transactions with the government, banks, or any other private institutions. Sometimes, they are even required to provide more than one ID for a thorough verification of identity.

Valid IDs are those that are issued by the government and they usually come with a photo or the bearer or some form of biometric, making them unique and fraud proof.

If you are frustrated with the different types of identification documents required for your official transactions, here is a complete list and guide on what they are and how to get them.

1. PHILIPPINE PASSPORT

Primarily required for traveling via airplane, the Passport also serves as a valid ID in many applications including bank accounts, loan, and other government IDs. Being the preferred ID for its lengthy validity of 10 years, the Department of Transportation (DOT) receives a number of applications a day.

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs

2. DRIVER’S LICENSE

Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the driver’s license allows its user to legally drive a vehicle on Philippine roads. There are three types: Student, which is valid for six months, and the Non-Professional and Professional licenses, which are valid for five years.

Issued by:Land Transportation Office (LTO)

3. SSS Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)

The Philippine Social Security System is the country’s social insurance program for Filipino employees. With a regular contribution, SSS provides services including disability, maternity, funeral and death benefits, salary loan, and retirement benefit. The application for an SSS number is only done once and is yours for life.

Issued by: Social Security System (SSS)

4. PRC ID

Many professions, such as doctors, engineers, architects or dentists, require a license as an evidence that they passed a rigorous board exam. This is to give them the right to operate and practice their profession in the country.

Issued by: Professional Regulation Profession (PRC)

5. Tax Identification Number (TIN) Card

Like the SSS number, the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is kept for life. The 9-digit number is assigned to a tax-paying employee as an identification and for filing tax returns and the like. An application is done by the employer unless the applicant is self-employed.

Issued by:Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)

6. Voter’s ID

It is within the rights of the citizen of every nation to choose the country’s leaders. However, to exercise this right, one must be a registered voter.

Issued by:Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

7. Postal ID

This ID card is the easiest to obtain. A postal ID’s primary use is to verify a person’s identity and address, but it can also be used as a valid ID for any transactions concerning government agencies and banks.

If you want to make your government and non-government transactions less painful, securing at least two or more of the valid IDs listed above could come in handy. Getting all of them is the most ideal thing to do, but the process of acquiring each can be a bit painstaking. So, prioritize the valid IDs applicable to your needs and transactions, so that verification of your identity will be seamless.  

Each valid ID can also provide you the opportunity to participate in some of the economic activities or grant you access to consumer-related services in the country. For the country to become more economically inclusive without a unified identification system in place, citizens should at least have a two or more of these valid IDs.