When attending important events, handling important requirements, or simply just paying bills, you're often asked to present a valid ID. However, the list of accepted government-issued IDs in the Philippines is quite limited, and not having one can lead to delays or missed opportunities. Many people find themselves in a frustrating loop of trying to access services or complete transactions—only to be held back by this requirement.
Thankfully, there's good news! The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced on October 15 that applications and renewals for the Postal ID (PID) are officially back (after being suspended for over a year!).
The Postal ID offers a practical solution for those who have struggled with obtaining other government-issued IDs (especially for the fresh grad-slash-newly unemployed, iykyk). Whether you need it for applying for a passport, securing a driver's license, or opening a bank account, this versatile card has you covered. It's also accepted for government services, financial transactions, and other establishments requiring identity verification.
So don't waste this opportunity and secure your card! Below, we'll guide you on all the steps you need to take to apply and get your Postal ID.
GUIDE: How To Apply For A Postal ID In The Philippines
Like most applications, getting a Postal ID requires submitting a few documents. But the best part? The requirements are incredibly easy. You just need three things: the Postal ID Application Form, a Proof of Identity, and a Proof of Address.
NOTE: You need to bring BOTH (1) original copy and (2) photocopies of the following requirements:
1. Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished PID application form
2. Proof of Identity. You may submit ONE of the following:
- Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry
- PhilSys ID Card
- PhilSys ID (digitized and/or paper)
- GSIS
- SSS
- UMID
- Driver’s License
- Passport
NOTE: Do not panic if you do not have any of the required IDs above. You can still apply for a PID by submitting ANY TWO (2) of the following documents. Make sure that one of which should bear the applicant's photo and signature:
- BIR ID
- Baptismal Certificate
- Certificate of Birth
- College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records
- Confirmation Certificate
- Elementary or High School Form 137
- Marriage Certificate
- Valid Alumni ID
- Valid Basic Postal ID
- Valid College, School, or University ID
- Valid Company ID
- Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Valid NBI Clearance
- Valid OWWA ID
- Valid Pag-Ibig ID
- Valid PhilHealth ID
- Valid PRC ID
- Valid Paper-based Postal ID
- Valid Police Clearance
- Valid Seaman’s Book
- Valid Senior Citizen ID
- Valid Tax Identification Number Card
- Valid Voter’s ID
3. Proof of Address (you may submit one of the following):
- Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) prior to PID application
- Barangay Residence ID
- Certified True Copy of Lease
- Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
- Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement
- School Billing Statement
- Utility Bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Once you have secured the requirements, it's time to do the following:
- Find the nearest post office branch: Visit the PHLPost website to check the branches available near you. All applications must be done in person—as of writing, there's no online application option at the moment.
- Prepare and submit the necessary documents: Make sure to bring both the original and photocopies of the required documents. It's always a good idea to double-check the requirements ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Pay the application or renewal fee: The fee for the Postal ID is PHP550, which already includes VAT (Value-Added Tax). This covers both new applications and renewals.
- Application process and photo-taking: Once you've submitted your documents and paid the fee, you'll be asked to have your photo taken for the ID. The verification process is quick, especially if the line isn’t long.
- Wait for printing and receive your ID: After completing the steps, you'll only need to wait a few more minutes for your Postal ID to be printed. And just like that, you're done!
