Philippine Postal ID: What You Need To Know in 2021

Since its launch back in 2016, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHILPOST)’s Postal Identification Card was thought to be the working Filipino’s go-to government-issued ID. With its simple requirements and easy enough to understand process, it seems to be aiming to alleviate the well-known struggle of acquiring a valid ID in the Philippines.

Furthermore, with the national identification card still not being fully implemented, and the COMELEC stopping its operation of issuing new voter IDs. A postal ID may be the only option you have at the moment to complete your requirements for any transaction in need of a valid ID. But, of course, it has been 5 years since it was first made operational, did the postal ID live up to the aforementioned expectation and is it worth acquiring? And what has changed and developed since it was first launched? To answer these questions, here are a few information about the Postal ID:

WHY you should apply for the Postal ID:

Right of the bat, its one of the most hassle-free government-issued IDs in the country. But other than this, there are multiple benefits of the Postal ID that has been already established when it first came out, things like the card being more secure, and also usable in several establishments as a proof of identity and address. Since then, the PHILPOST has added a few more features which further enhances its usefulness, these features include:

• The card being recognized even internationally as a primary form of identification being valid for three (3) years for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For the rest of the foreign residents, it will be valid for one (1) year.
• A valid card for passport application, money remittance, opening accounts in banks, and checkpoints.
• Additional physical security features that can be identified using just the naked eye, making ID verification simpler and more reliable.
• Biometrics-based uniqueness test was implemented to fully guarantee an individual’s identity.
• There is also an improved postal ID privilege program which is a value-added service that entitles the cardholders discounts, product/service upgrades, freebies, and other exclusive deals at different merchant partners across the country. All of which can be viewed from their website.

HOW you can apply for the Postal ID:

Although there are new features to the card, when it comes to the process of obtaining the ID itself there hasn’t been much change compared to when it was first launched in 2016, which must mean that it has been effective in mitigating the trouble that most Filipino face when trying to acquire government-issued IDs (problems which are mostly caused by inaccessibility and lack of government IDs itself, because most IDs require at least one to even apply)

But before we get into the process of it all, it is important to note that any Filipino can apply for the postal ID even those living outside of the country, as long as they are physically in the Philippines during the application process, and if you are a Foreigner who has been staying in the Philippines for at least 6 MONTHS, then, you are encouraged to do so as well. And here is how you can…

WHAT you need to bring:

FILIPINO CITIZEN

Note: Bring two (2) copies of each document, one original and a photocopy

1. Philippine Postal ID application form, filled and accomplished, which can found at your local postal office, or downloaded online through this link provided by PHILPOST.
2. Proof of Identity

Which can be any of the following:

• Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Authority (NSO) or Local Civil Registrar
• Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID) Card
• Driver’s License from the LTO
• Valid Passport

3. Proof of Address

Which can be any of the following:

• Barangay Certificate of Residency
• Utility Bill (Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Credit Card Statement and others similar)

However:

1. If you are a MARRIED WOMAN, you must bring your Marriage Certificate to validate change of name from birth certificate.
2. If you are a MINOR, BELOW 18 YEARS OLD, then you must be accompanied by your parent or a legal guardian.
3. If you DO NOT HAVE a birth certificate, UMID card, Driver’s License from LTO, or a valid passport,

You can submit ANY TWO (2) of the following documents instead (one must bear the applicant’s photo and signature):

• Valid paper-based Postal ID
• Valid NBI/Police Clearance
• Old SSS or GSIS card
• Valid OWWA ID
• Valid PRC ID
• Digitized BIR ID
• Valid Seaman’s Book
• Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• Voter’s ID
• Valid Company ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• Baptismal Certificate
• Certificates of Birth/Marriage from National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
• National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
• Elementary or High School Form 137
• Transcript of Records with readable dry seal (for applicants 18 years old and below)
• Marriage Contract
• Valid University/School or Alumni ID
• TIN card

FOREIGNER

Preparation of the following documents is needed:

1. Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished application form;
2. Proof of Identity

• Passport which must be valid six (6) months prior to application
• One (1) of ANY of the following documents relative to the stay in the Philippines which should be valid for at least six (6) months prior to application

1. 1. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACRI-Card)
   2. Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
   3. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
   4. Diplomatic Visa
   5. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
2. Proof of Address

• Barangay Certificate of Residency – issued within three (3) months prior to PID application
• Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
• Certification from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
• Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract
• Bank statement
• Credit card statement
• School billing statement
• Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)

WHAT you need to pay:

Applicants will have to pay the following fixed fee:

UPDATED POSTAL ID CARD FEE AS OF 2021

WHAT you need to do:

The application process for the Postal ID consists of these three (3) steps:

​Step 1. Submit completely filled-out application forms with your requirements and payment to any post office.

Step 2. Upon approval of your requirements, proceed to the nearest ID capture station (see full list of capture stations on here) where you will be digitally photographed and fingerprinted. There are 260 ID capture stations nationwide in designated post offices and selected malls (see locations on www.philpost.gov.ph).

Step 3. When you complete the ID data capture process, your ID will be delivered to your mailing address.

WHAT you do after:

You now only have to wait for your ID to be delivered by PHLPost mail carrier, which will take about:

• Metro Manila – Approximately fifteen (15) working days from application
• Other major cities and municipalities – Approximately twenty (20) working days
• Island provinces and remote barangays – Approximately thirty (30) working days

IF WAITING IS NOT FOR YOU…

Rush processing is also available at selected post offices (see full list here). Which will cost you ₱650, inclusive of 12% VAT and delivery fee.

Postal ID: Rush Application Locations

City of TanauanPlaza Mabini St., Brgy. II, Balayan, BatangasBatangas CityPadre Burgos St., Brgy. Poblacion, Batangas City

​Rush postal ID applications are open from Monday to Friday from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In most places, the next step is to pick up your ID at the central office the next day.

Although some offices differ, like in the Manila Central Post Office wherein if you apply for a rush ID from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., you can claim your new ID on the same day at 4 p.m. Some places like, SM Aura and SM South mall release rush postal IDs after two working days.

WHAT to do with your old postal ID:

Since you have obtained the improved Postal ID, your old Basic ID will remain valid up to its date of expiration. Post offices will stop issuing it when the Improved Postal ID becomes available in their area.

HOW you can apply for RENEWAL/REPLACEMENT:

The process for renewal or replacement is even simpler than initial application. You just have to go your preferred post office and bring the following:

FOR RENEWAL OR REPLACEMENT WITHOUT CHANGE IN BIOGRAPHIC DATA

• Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished PID application Form
• Original and photocopy of Improved or Basic Postal ID card, whichever is applicable

FOR RENEWAL OR REPLACEMENT DUE TO CHANGE IN BIOGRAPHIC DATA

• Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished PID application Form
• Original and photocopy of Improved or Basic Postal ID card, whichever is applicable
• Additional requirements to support the amendment/change in biographic data

DUE TO LOSS AND/OR THEFT OF POSTAL ID

• Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished PID application Form
• Duly notarized Affidavit of Loss

That’s all you really need to know about the Improved Postal ID in 2021. Like what was expected, it is the easiest government ID to obtain in the Philippines. It is truly worth acquiring if you are in need of a valid ID, and if you already have one it is a good and cheap alternative.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE…

You can check the Postal ID’s official website and Facebook page for more updates and information. The following contact details can also be used:

• Landlines: (02) 8742 7349 / (02) 8230 9875
• Globe: 09175215373
• Smart: 09988447629
• Sun: 09253212291

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