How to Get a Postal ID: Requirements, Fees, Process, and Where to Use It

Filipinos may easily get a government-issued identification card by applying for a postage stamp postal ID. People who need their ID cards quickly have the option of expedited processing, which makes the procedure simple and convenient for applicants.

The new and improved postal ID

The good news is that this is a genuine id that may be used in a wide range of commercial and public sector operations.

You may not be aware, but your Postal ID gives you access to a variety of additional perks and privileges. And lately, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) updated the security characteristics of the ID card by converting it from a basic paper document to an ID card with enhanced functionality.

What is a Postal ID?

Known as the postal ID, the Postal Identity Card (PIC) is a government identity card provided by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). It's often regarded as the quickest and simplest way to get a government ID in the Philippines.

In postal transactions worldwide, the Universal Postal Union says that postal ID cards are the most generally recognized form of identity. They were also first provided in the Philippines to guarantee accurate letter and package delivery. This ID was then used by postal workers to authenticate the identity and address of the receiver.

Eligibility for Postal ID application

A postal ID may be obtained by anybody, regardless of age, citizenship, or vocation. If you're a foreigner and you've been in the Philippines for at least six months, you may apply for a postal ID. Even students may readily get this ID, which makes it one of the most widely used forms of photo identification available to the general public.

Postal ID requirements in the Philippines

To begin, all candidates must bring both an original and a photocopy of all relevant documentation for the application for a Postal ID. Also, prior to your visit in the nearest post office, be sure to fill out all required postal ID documents.

Postal ID Requirements for Filipino Citizens 2022

1. Two (2) copies of duly accomplished application form that is available at any nearest post office or can be obtained or downloaded online.

2. Proof of identity that includes any of the following government issued identification cards:

• Birth certificate (issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or Local Civil Registry)

• SSS UMID/GSIS ID

• Passport

• Driver’s license

Any two of the following legitimate secondary IDs may be supplied in the absence of a primary valid ID:

• Alumni ID

• Baptismal certificate

• Confirmation certificate

• Company ID

• Elementary or High School Form 137

• IBP ID

• NBI clearance

• OWWA ID

• Pag-IBIG ID

• PhilHealth ID

• Police clearance

• PRC ID

• Seaman’s Book

• Senior citizen ID

• School ID

• Transcript of Records

• TIN ID

• Voter’s ID

3. Proof of address with the name of the applicant. You can present any of the following documents:

• Bank statement

• Barangay certificate of residency (issued within three months before your postal ID application)

• Certified true copy of lease, titles (issued by the Land Registration Authority), or real estate tax receipt

• Credit card billing statement

• Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, etc.)

4. For married women: Marriage certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is an additional requirement.

Postal ID Requirements for foreign residents 2022

1. Two (2) copies of accomplished Postal ID application form

2. Passport which must be valid for six months prior to application if a Postal ID.

3. Any of the following papers valid for at least six months prior to application:

• Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card

• Diplomatic Visa

• Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)

• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

4. Proof of address with the name of the applicant. A copy of any of the following documents issued within three months before the application:

• Bank statement

• Barangay Certificate of Residency

• Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home, or any temporary residence

• Credit card statement

• Notarized land, house, or condominium lease contract

• School billing statement

• Utility bill (electric, internet, landline telephone, water, etc.)

Steps in getting a Postal ID Card

Do you need a valid ID right away? A postal ID card may be obtained in three simple steps as shown below:

Step 1. Submission of postal ID requirements.

Submit all of the required documents and payment to any local post office here in the Philippines.

Step 2. ID data capture.

On site digital capture and fingerprint database records.

Go to a Postal ID capture station and have your picture, fingerprints (through their automated fingerprint identification system), and signature taken. For your convenience, there are more than 260 postal ID capture terminals at post offices and selected malls nationwide.

Step 3. Postal ID delivery.

Await the arrival of your postal ID at your specified mailing address.

Important reminders:

PHLPost offers postal ID mobile capture services in addition to traditional post offices on occasion, so check back for updates. Any notifications about mobile capture times and places will be made on the Postal ID Facebook page (/PostalIDPH).

Postal ID delivery isn't available at all post offices. In this case, you have to wait for a text message to tell you when your postal ID will be ready for pickup at the selected post office.

Although it may require up to a month before a Postal ID can be released, there is now a faster way to get it.

How to have a rush Postal ID application?

If you need your postal ID immediately, there are a few options. You may get a postal ID the same day or the following business day if you use the expedited ID service. Rush postal ID application processing has restarted at some PHLPost locations.

The application process for a postal ID in a rush is identical to that of a standard ID. However, the expedited ID processing service is more expensive.

For those seeking a speedy application for a postal ID in Metro Manila, the following post offices can be of assistance in the major cities:

• Cainta Post Office Rizal (Ardi 1 Bldg. Ortigas Ave. Ext. Brgy Sto. Domingo)

• Las Piñas Central Post Office (Las Piñas City Hall, Real cor. Pamplona St.)

• Makati Central Post Office (Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Ave., Malugay)

• Mall of Asia (​2/L North Parking Bldg., SM Mall of Asia Gov’t Services Center)

• Manila Central Post Office (Liwasang Bonifacio, Intramuros)

• Parañaque Central Post Office (Ninoy Aquino Ave., Brgy. La Huerta)

• Quezon City Central Post Office (NIA Rd., Brgy. Pinyahan, Diliman)

• Robinsons Las Piñas Post Office (L/G, Robinsons Mall, Talon Tres)

• Robinsons Otis Central Post Office (2/F Lingkod Pinoy, Philpost Robinsons Otis, Paz M. Guanzon St., Paco, Manila)

• SM Aura – Government Service Express (7/F SM Aura, Taguig City)

• SM Southmall Post Office (G/F SM Southmall Alabang Zapote Road)

• Taguig City Hall (Gen. Luna St., Tuktukan, Taguig City Hall)

• Valenzuela Central Post Office (Old City Hall Complex, McArthur Hwy., Malinta)

You can also check and visit the Postal ID website for a comprehensive listing of rush ID processing facilities in the Philippines.

Rush postal ID applications are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, with the exception of national holidays, when they are closed. After that, you may pick up your ID the next day between the hours of 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

How to apply for a Postal ID Card renewal

Below is the renewal process for expired, lost, damaged, or information updates of your Postal ID:

• If your digitized postal ID has expired, been lost, or damaged, you may request for a renewal or replacement at any post office in the country. To renew your postal ID, just hand in your expired, expired, or damaged card, complete the postal ID application form, and pay the Php 504 renewal charge.

• If you're updating your valid postal ID to make a name change, a birth date change, or any other information you'd want to have updated, you need to present applicable supporting documents, such as a birth certificate for correction of name/birthdate, marriage certificate for changing from maiden name to married name, or proof of billing for change of address.

• Submit a notarized declaration of loss when applying for a postal ID renewal because of theft or loss. To get this legal document, go to the closest notary public and explain that you misplaced your card. You don't need to draft an affidavit of loss from scratch since the notary public provides a template.

Photo of the old or basic postal ID.

If you're applying to replace an old paper-based postal ID that was issued before April 2016, this will be a new application and not a renewal. Apply for a postal ID by following the directions provided above.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Philippine Postal ID

How long is the validity period for my Postal ID?

Residents possessing a Special Retiree's Resident Visa (SRRV) and permanent residents of the Philippines may use the postal ID for three years at a time. In contrast, for all other foreign nationals in the Philippines, the ID will expire after a year.

Is the Postal ID considered a valid ID?

Yes, the postal ID is accepted as a genuine government-issued ID in many transactions with government and financial organizations as long as it has not expired based on the validity term of the ID card.

Is there an online Postal ID application?

There is currently no online service for registering and applying for a postal ID, as of this writing. In order to take your picture, fingerprints, and signature, you must be physically present at the time of the operation. However, the postal ID application procedure is simple and straightforward as long as your requirements are exact and complete.

Also, don't be fooled by services that promise to help you process your postal ID online using Facebook or other social media channels. Only at PHLPost locations can you apply for a postal ID.

How many days before I can get my Postal ID?

If you reside in Metro Manila, you may receive your new postal ID within 15 working days after submitting your application. IDs are delivered in the provinces in around 20 working days on average. Those living in remote areas and island residents of the Philippines may anticipate their new identification cards in 30 working days or less from the date of application.

How much do I need to pay for the Postal ID fee?

To apply for a new postal ID, the total charge is Php 504-- that is Php 450 for the postal ID card and delivery fee + Php 54 for VAT of 12 percent. This is applicable for both first-time and renewal applications.

Meanwhile, the postal ID cost for rush processing is Php 650.

Where can I use my Postal ID Card?

This form of legitimate ID should be obtained if you have been refused service by a bank or government agency due to the fact that you don't have a valid photo ID on hand. Registration for the National ID is still open, and the card is expected to be issued in six months. In preparation for the new national ID system, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has also ceased issuing new voter identification cards.

Postal IDs may nowadays be used in a variety of ways beyond simple postal transactions, such as the ones listed below:

1. Using the Postal ID Privilege Program, a program comparable to Pag-loyalty IBIG's card, which entitles you to discounts, freebies, and other benefits from a wide range of Philippine business establishments.

2. E-wallet account verification

3. Proof of identity required for any government transactions including:

• Application for other government-issued IDs such as Philippine passport, police clearance, and NBI clearance

• Availing of SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG benefits and other government services

• Sending or receiving money from remittance centers

4. If you want to create a bank account or apply for a credit card, a personal loan, or another kind of financial product, you'll need to provide proof of your identity.

Postal IDs have many uses in the Philippines including when purchasing a real estate property. You will need this valid ID in order for you to make your home reservations and also when applying for a bank loan for your housing finances.

So, if you think you are ready to start a home investment for yourself and your family, make sure you have all the necessary requirements and valid IDs like the postal ID to experience a smoother home buying process.

You can watch our Lumina Sessions to get some ideas about the documents that you need to prepare in getting a bank loan and starting your homeownership journey.

Also, Lumina Homes is a credible community provider that delivers great home features and amenities, including security features, that will surely enjoy by your whole family. In addition, the subdivision is also located in the heart of the city or town centers, having proximity to different government offices including the post offices.

We have house and lot for sale in various island provinces across the country as well as other major cities nationwide. To know more about the different subdivisions we offer in the Philippines, you can visit our website.