Updated: February 2026
As a young adult in the Philippines, having at least one valid government issued ID is essential. Whether you’re applying for a job, opening a bank account, getting a loan, processing government documents, traveling, or even voting, a valid ID proves your identity and unlocks countless everyday services.
In this updated 2025 guide, we list the complete and most widely accepted valid IDs in the Philippines both primary and secondary, so you’ll know exactly which one you can use depending on your needs.
Full List of Valid IDs in the Philippines 2025
Below is the complete, updated list of valid primary and secondary IDs commonly required by government agencies, banks, employers, schools, and private institutions.
Primary Valid IDs in the Philippines (Most Accepted)
Primary IDs are government-issued and contain photo, signature, and biometrics. These are accepted almost everywhere.
| ID Type | Validity | Government Agency |
| Philippine Passport | 10 years | DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) |
| UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) | Lifetime | Single ID Card of all SSS, GSIS, Philhealth and PAG-IBIG Members |
| SSS Card | Lifetime | SSS (Social Security System) |
| GSIS Card | Lifetime | GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) |
| PRC ID | 3 years | PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) |
| Driver’s License | Student Permit for 1 year Non-Professional for 3 years Professional for 5 years or 10 years | LTO (Land Transportation Office) |
| National ID | Lifetime | PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) |
| Voter’s ID | Lifetime | COMELEC (Commission on Election) |
| Senior Citizen ID | Lifetime | Office for Senior Citizens Affairs |
1. Philippine Passport
- Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Valid for both local and international identification
- Accepted in banks, government offices, hotels, and visa applications
2. Philippine National ID (PhilSys ID)
- Issued by PSA
- Considered one of the most powerful valid IDs
- Accepted in banks, government transactions, and private institutions
3. Driver’s License
- Issued by Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- One of the most frequently accepted valid IDs
- Includes non-professional, professional, and student permit
4. SSS Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
- Issued by SSS
- Also used for Pag-IBIG and GSIS transactions
- Widely accepted across financial institutions
5. Postal ID
- Issued by PHLPost
- Easier and faster to obtain
- Accepted by banks, remittance centers, and government offices
6. PRC ID
- Issued by the Professional Regulation Commission
- Accepted by most private and government offices
- Valid for licensed professionals
7. Voter’s ID / COMELEC Voter’s Certification
- Issued by COMELEC
- Used as proof of identity and voter registration
8. Senior Citizen ID
- Issued by LGUs
- Accepted in most establishments, banks, and government offices
9. PWD ID
- Issued by Municipal / City Social Welfare Office
- Certified government ID recognized nationwide
10. OFW/Seafarer’s Seaman’s Book
- Issued by MARINA
- Recognized across banks and government agencies
Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines (Supporting Documents)
Secondary IDs support identity verification but are usually not accepted alone. They often need to be paired with another ID.
| ID Type | Validity | Government Agency |
| NBI Clearance | 1 year | NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) |
| Police Clearance | 6 months | PNP (Philippine National Police) |
| Barangay Certification | 6 months | Barangay Hall |
| Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) | 1 year | Barangay Hall |
| TIN ID | Lifetime | BIR (Tax Identification Number ID) |
| PhilHealth ID | Lifetime | Philhealth |
| Voter’s ID | Lifetime | COMELEC |
| Postal ID | 3 years | PHLPost (Philippine Postal Corporation) |
| Solo Parent ID | Lifetime | DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) |
| PWD ID Card | 5 years | PDAO (Persons with Disability Office) |
| Seaman’s Book | 10 years | MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) |
| Seafarer’s ID | 5 years | MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) |
| OFW ID | Lifetime | POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Association) |
| OWWA ID | 2 years | OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) |
| Student ID | Depends | Schools |
| Company ID | Depends | Private companies |
1. TIN ID
- Issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
- Lacks photo but widely used as supporting ID
2. PhilHealth ID
- Issued by PhilHealth
- Accepted for health and employment transactions
3. Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card / Loyalty Card Plus
- Issued by Pag-IBIG Fund
- New “Plus” version works as a cash card
4. Student ID
- Accepted if validated by school records
- Common requirement for academic-related applications
5. Company ID
- Accepted in some private transactions
- Must be issued by a legitimate business
6. Barangay Certificate
- Serves as proof of residency
- Used for local transactions and supporting requirements
7. NBI Clearance
- Official clearance document
- Often paired with another ID for government services
8. Police Clearance
- Digital verification system
- Can be used for job applications
9. PSA Birth Certificate (Supporting Only)
- Serves as proof of personal details
- Usually paired with a secondary ID
What Is the Easiest Valid ID to Get in the Philippines?
If you don’t have any valid ID yet, these are the easiest to apply for:
- Postal ID
- PhilSys National ID
- Barangay ID
- Student ID (if enrolled)
- PhilHealth ID
These have simpler requirements and faster processing times.
Tips When Applying for Your First Valid ID
- Bring photocopies of required documents
- Prepare 1×1 or 2×2 photos
- Double-check fees before visiting the office
- Keep digital copies of your IDs for backup
- Store your physical IDs in a secure holder
Having at least one valid ID is essential for adult life in the Philippines. It makes everyday transactions smoother, from opening a bank account to applying for government benefits. If you’re planning to get your first ID or update your list, use this guide as your quick reference.
For more helpful guides, government updates, and money-saving tips, visit lifeguide.ph and explore our latest resources.