Acquiring a primary or secondary ID in the Philippines adheres to a specific protocol. While procedural nuances may exist for each ID, the general sequence encompasses the application, fee payment, and ID retrieval. 

Categories of Valid IDs in the Philippines

In the Philippines, valid IDs are classified into two distinct types: Primary and Secondary IDs. 

Primary IDs:

Primary IDs encompass government-issued identification documents renowned for their high reliability and widespread acceptance. Notable examples include passports, driver’s licenses, and PhilSys cards. The credibility and authenticity associated with primary IDs render them indispensable in various official transactions and processes.

List of Primary IDs in the Philippines:

ACR/ICR
Driver’s License
GSIS e-Card
Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) ID
NCDA ID
Passport
Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
Postal ID (PVC Plastic Card)
PRC ID
School ID
Senior Citizen Card
SSS Card
Unified Multi-purpose ID
Voter’s ID

Secondary IDs:

Secondary IDs remain widely accepted for identification purposes while not carrying the same weight as primary counterparts. Examples of secondary IDs include company IDs, Cedula, and Barangay clearances. Despite their secondary status, these documents are vital in establishing identity in numerous scenarios.

List of Secondary IDs in the Philippines:

Barangay Certification
City Health Card/Health Certificate Card
Company ID
DSWD Certification
GOCC ID [e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)]
NBI Clearance
OFW ID
OWWA ID
Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card
PhilHealth Insurance Card ng Bayan (PHICB)
Police Clearance
Postal ID (Paper-based card)
Seaman’s Book
Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Detailed List of Valid IDs

Acquiring a valid ID in the Philippines is essential in various transactions. Below is an extensive list of primary IDs widely accepted in many transactions, each playing a role in establishing identity and eligibility.

List of Primary IDs:

1. Philippine Passport
   • Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Passport is both a travel document and a powerful ID, serving as proof of identity and citizenship. It is indispensable for international travel.
2. Driver’s License
   • Issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Driver’s License is a legal document permitting the operation of a motor vehicle on public roads. It also serves as a widely accepted ID.
3. Social Security System (SSS) ID
   • Issued by the Social Security System, the SSS ID tracks members’ contributions and benefits, playing a vital role in employment and retirement.
4. Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
   • Granted to Filipino lawyers who are members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), this ID serves as proof of eligibility to practice law in the country.
5. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
   • The PRC ID is proof of professional qualification in various fields issued to professionals who passed licensure examinations.
6. Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) / ePhilID
   • Under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), the PhilID, also known as ePhilID, is issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to provide a unified national ID for Filipinos and resident aliens.
7. Voter’s ID
   • Issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Voter’s ID serves as proof of registration and voting eligibility.
8. Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) Transaction / Loyalty Card
   • Issued by the Pag-IBIG Fund, this card serves as proof of membership and offers discounts and rewards from partner establishments.
9. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID / eCard
   • Issued to GSIS members, this ID tracks insurance contributions and benefits for government employees.
10. OFW ID / iDOLE Card
    • The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) ID, or iDOLE card, is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to registered OFWs, providing proof of legal status and access to government services.
11. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ID
    • Issued by PhilHealth, this ID serves as proof of membership and allows access to PhilHealth benefits.
12. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
    • Integrating GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund IDs, the UMID serves as a single identification card for these government agencies.
13. NBI Clearance
    • Issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), this document serves as proof of the absence of criminal records, often required for employment and travel abroad.
14. Police Clearance / ID
    • Issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Police Clearance certifies the absence of a criminal record and is necessary for employment or business purposes.
15. OWWA e-Card
    • As proof of membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the e-Card facilitates transactions with government agencies for OFWs.
16. Seaman’s / Seawoman’s Book
    • Issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), this official document records a seafarer’s service.
17. Diplomat / Consular ID
    • Consular Identification (CID) cards, issued by Philippine Embassies, are used for various identification purposes, including voting in a foreign country.
18. Voter’s Certification
    • Issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), this certification verifies a person’s registration and may be given free of charge in some instances.
19. Firearms License
    • Regulated by the Firearms and Explosives Division of the PNP, the Firearms License is necessary for individuals to possess firearms, subject to renewal every two years.
20. Senior Citizen ID
    • Issued by the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) and LGUs, this ID grants discounts, benefits, and privileges to individuals aged 60 and above under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
21. PWD ID
    • Issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its counterparts, the PWD ID provides discounts and benefits to individuals with disabilities.
22. Government Office IDs and GOCC ID
    • Issued by government offices and Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), these IDs serve as proof of employment in these entities.
23. School ID (for students)
    • Issued by educational institutions, school IDs serve as proof of current enrollment and are valid identification documents for students.
24. PhilSys ID
    • PhilSys is a government ID designed to streamline and enhance the efficiency of various public services in the Philippines. Also known as the “PhilID,” this national identification card consolidates essential personal information, such as biometric data and demographic details, into a secure and standardized format.

List of secondary IDs:

1. TIN Card / TIN ID
   • Issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the TIN Card serves as proof of registration and is essential for tax-related transactions.
2. Barangay Clearance
   • A document issued by the Barangay Hall certifying residency and good standing in the community.
3. Postal ID
   • A widely accepted government-issued ID, easy to obtain and recognized for various transactions.
4. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
   • Issued by the NCWDP, this certification verifies disability status for specific benefits or services.
5. 4Ps ID / DSWD Certification
   • The 4Ps ID is issued to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, while the DSWD Certification verifies beneficiary status.
6. Cedula / Community Tax Certificate
   • Issued by local government, the Cedula is often required for government and financial transactions.
7. Solo Parent ID
   • Issued by the DSWD, the Solo Parent ID grants benefits and privileges under the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000.
8. Company IDs
   • Issued by private companies, these IDs serve as proof of employment for various transactions.
9. Government Service Record
   • Issued by respective government agencies, this record outlines a government employee’s history of service.
10. Elementary or High School Form 137 for students
    • Academic performance records are often required for college applications or transferring to a different school.
11. Transcript of Records from University or College
    • An official document providing a comprehensive record of a student’s academic performance required for job applications or further studies.
12. Land Title
    • Issued by the Land Registration Authority, the Land Title is proof of ownership of a piece of real estate.
13. PSA Marriage Certificate
    • This document is legal proof of marriage issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
14. PSA Birth Certificate
    • Issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, this document is a legal record of a person’s birth.
15. Valid ID for Specific Applications
    1. Specific applications may require particular valid IDs, and having a range of options is beneficial.

Valid IDs for Foreign Nationals

• • Foreign nationals in the Philippines require valid identification, such as a passport, Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) card, Immigrant Certificate of Registration, or Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV).

This comprehensive list aims to clarify the primary and secondary IDs available in the Philippines, facilitating smoother transactions and ensuring compliance with various requirements.