Need a Valid ID Fast? and How to obtain a Postal ID

Is there an easy way to obtain a valid ID? Your guess is correct: the postal ID. Postal ID registration in the Philippines is an efficient and convenient method of getting a valid ID. In case an applicant needs their ID card right away, they can even choose rush processing. Postal IDs are necessary if banks and governments refuse to do business with you without a valid ID.

The registration process, processing, and delivery of national ID cards are still ongoing, and the card may not be issued for months-or even years.To prepare for the new national ID system, COMELEC has stopped issuing new voter ID cards.

For now, you may have no choice but to obtain a postal ID to complete your banking or government transactions.

In the Philippines, you can get a postal ID by following these steps.

What is the Postal ID?

In the Philippines, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) issues the Postal Identity Card (PIC), commonly referred to as the postal ID card, which is a government issued identification card. In the Philippines, it’s the fastest and easiest way to get a government identification card.

What are the Uses of the Postal ID?

Universum Postal Union states that postal ID cards are widely accepted for identification purposes worldwide.

It was originally designed to ensure that letters and parcels were delivered correctly in the Philippines. IDs were used by postal workers to verify recipients’ identity and addresses.

In addition to postal transactions, the postal ID may also be used for the following purposes:

In order to transact with the government, you must prove your identity:
- For example, obtaining a Filipino passport, clearance from the police, and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation
- It is essential that you make use of the benefits offered by SSS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG, as well as other government programs
- Transferring money through remittance centers
A valid ID is required when you open a bank account, apply for a credit card, borrow money, or apply for a personal loan
Account verification for e-wallets
In the Philippines, you can avail of the Postal ID Privilege Program, which is similar to the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card in terms of being able to get discounts, freebies, and other perks from various businesses and establishments.

Who Can Apply for a Postal ID?

Postal IDs are available to anyone regardless of age, citizenship, or occupation. If a foreigner has lived in the Philippines for six months or more, they can apply for a postal ID. A valid ID can also be obtained by students, making it one of the most popular IDs available.

What are the Postal ID Requirements in 2024?

The original and photocopy of the required documents must be presented by the applicant. Before heading down to your local post office, be sure to complete all the necessary forms.

Postal ID Requirements for Filipinos

The Postal ID is a widely accepted government-issued ID in the Philippines, providing a secure and convenient way to validate one’s identity. It is useful for a variety of transactions, both within the Philippines and internationally. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the requirements for obtaining a Postal ID in 2024 for Filipinos:

Duly Accomplished Application Form: Obtain and fill out the Postal ID application form, which is available at any post office or through the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) website.
Proof of Identity: Provide at least one primary valid ID with your full name, photograph, and signature, such as a passport, driver’s license, or SSS/GSIS UMID card. If you do not have a primary ID, you may submit two secondary IDs like a birth certificate and a marriage certificate, or a school ID and an NBI clearance.
Proof of Address: Submit a recent utility bill, bank statement, or any other document that clearly shows your name and current residential address. This is necessary to verify your place of residence.
Processing Fee: Pay the necessary fee for the processing of your Postal ID. Fees may vary, so it’s best to confirm the exact amount at your local post office.
Personal Appearance for Biometric Data Capture: Visit the post office for a biometric data capture session, which includes taking your photograph, fingerprints, and signature.

The Postal ID application process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to all Filipinos. By ensuring you have the correct documentation and meeting the requirements, you can easily obtain this essential identification card, which not only serves as proof of identity but also opens doors to a variety of services and opportunities.

Any of the following documents should be submitted as proof of the applicant’s address:

(Essential to apply for your postal ID within three months after receiving your barangay certificate).
An electric bill, water bill, internet bill, cable bill, etc.
Statement of banking transactions
Credit card billing statement
Whether it’s the lease contract, title (issued by the Land Registration Authority), or receipt for real estate taxes, you need a copy of a certified true copy

Women who are married must obtain a marriage certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority as an additional requirement

Postal ID Requirements for Foreign Residents in the Philippines

There should be two copies of the postal ID application form that have been filled out
Prior to applying for postal ID, passport must be valid for six months.

Before the application, any of the following documents must be valid for at least six months:

Identification card for aliens
An official visa for diplomats
Extending the stay of visitors for a long period of time (LSVVE)
An SRRV is a visa specifically for retired residents
Visas for Temporary Residents (TRVs)

An address certificate issued by the foreign applicant within three months of the application date):

Statement of bank accounts
Document proving residency in a barangay
A certificate or statement of accounts from the hotel, transient home, or any other temporary residence
Statement of credit card usage
Contracts for the lease of land, houses, or condominiums that are notarized
The school’s billing statement
(An electric bill, a water bill, an internet bill, a cable bill, etc.)

How to Get a Postal ID: Regular and Rush Application Guide in the Philippines

How to Apply for a Regular Postal ID

Submit the postal ID requirements:Any Philippine post office can accept your documents and payment. Are you wondering where you can get a postal ID near you, whether it is in Manila, Cavite, or anywhere else in the country? For locations of designated post offices and malls, visit the Philippine postal ID website.
Have your ID data captured:Visit the ID capture station near you so they can take a picture of you, your fingerprints, and your signature. There is also a website where you can find postal ID capture stations.
Receive your postal ID:A postal ID will be mailed to your mailing address once it has been processed.

Important notes:

Have you thought about applying for a postal ID somewhere else? Postal ID mobile capturing services are also provided by PHLPost from time to time. Mobile capturing schedules and locations will be announced on the Postal ID Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PostalIDPH).

It is important to note that some post offices do not provide the delivery of postal IDs. Your postal ID will not be available for pick-up until you receive a text message when it is available.

How to Apply for a Rush Postal ID?

Are you looking for a faster way to get your postal ID? Rush service available. There are only a few branches that offer processing.

What is the procedure for obtaining a rush postal ID? There is no difference in the application process from the regular one. Postal ID rush fees are, however, more expensive than those for regular postal IDs.

Where Can I Get a Rush Postal ID Near Me?

In Metro Manila, the following post offices can accommodate rush postal ID applications:

Post Office at Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita (Manila Central Post Office)
The Makati Central Post Office is located at Gil Puyat and Ayala Avenue in Makati.
A central post office can be found at the city hall in Las Pias (Real and Pamplona streets).
It is located in the Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Brgy. La Huerta, in Paracaque city.
(Ardi 1 Building. Ortigas Ave. Extension. Brgy Sto. Domingo)
It is located in Brgy. Pinyahan in Diliman, along NIA Road.
The Robinsons Otis Central Post Office is located in Paco, Manila, on the second floor of the Philpost Robinsons Otis building on Paz M. Guanzon St.
Post Office, Robinsons Mall, Talon Tres (L/G, Robinsons Mall).
The Government Service Express is located on the 7th floor of SM Aura in Taguig City.
Government Services Center, SM Mall of Asia (2/L North Parking Building)
Post Office, Ground Floor, SM Southmall Alabang Zapote Road
There is a city hall in Taguig. It is located on Gen. Luna Street, near Tuktukan Street.
Located at the Old City Hall Complex on McArthur Highway, Malinta, is the Valenzuela Central Post Office.

Detailed information about rush ID processing locations in the Philippines can be found on the Postal ID website[5].

How Many Days Does It Take to Get a Rush Postal ID?

Could you please let me know if you are able to get your postal ID the same day that you apply for it?

At some post offices, you will be able to get your ID within the next business day or even the same day. In most cases, rush postal ID applications are available from Monday through Friday, usually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once approved, the ID can be picked up that same day or the next day between the hours of 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

How to Renew Your Postal ID: Requirements and Procedure

Whenever your postal ID expires, gets lost, or gets damaged, you can renew it or replace it at any Philippine post office. It’s as simple as submitting two copies of the accomplished postal ID application form and paying the fee to get a new card if yours is expired, expiring, or damaged.

If you are replacing your ID to change or update your information on it, you must submit supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate if your name/birthdate has been corrected, a marriage certificate if your marital name has been changed, or proof of your billing if your address has changed.

An affidavit of loss must be submitted when renewing a postal ID after loss or theft. The legal document can be obtained by going to the notary public nearest you and explaining how your card was lost. It saves you time and effort to use the notary public’s affidavit of loss template.

In the case of replacing an old laminated paper-based postal ID (issued before April 2016), you will be required to submit a new application rather than renew your current one. You will need to follow the steps listed above in order to apply for a postal ID.

Postal ID Application FAQs

1. Is the postal ID a valid ID?

Postal ID cards are accepted as valid government-issued IDs in different transactions with government and financial institutions, as long as they are still valid.

2. What is the validity of the postal ID?

In the Philippines and in countries where Filipinos are residents with special retirement visas (SRRV) the postal ID has a validity period of three years. Meanwhile, foreigners in the Philippines with postal IDs expire one year after they receive them.

3. How to get a postal ID online?

The process of getting or applying for a postal ID may seem confusing to you. It is currently not possible to register and apply for a postal ID online. Taking your picture, fingerprints, and signature takes place on-site because you must be present personally.

In any case, if you fill out your postal ID application correctly and completely, it should be a simple and convenient process.

4. How many days does it take to get my postal ID?

AREA: How many days to get postal ID:

Metro Manila 1. 15 working days
Other cities and provinces outside Metro Manila 2. 20 working days
Remote provinces and islands 3. 30 working days

For Metro Manila residents, your new ID will be delivered within 15 business days after you finish your application. The provinces take about 20 working days to deliver IDs. It may take up to 30 working days for those living in remote barangays and island provinces in the Philippines to receive their new ID.

5. How much is the postal ID fee?

Application type: Postal ID price:

First time application ₱504

Renewal application ₱504

Rush application ₱650

In all cases, the postal ID cost for members of the first and second generation of the postal ID is approximately ₱504 (₱450 postal ID card and delivery fee + ₱54 for 12% VAT). Rush postal ID applications are available for 650 dollars if you need this card immediately.

6. How to track my postal ID application status?

The tracking number you received can be verified by visiting the PHLPost Tracking website (tracking.phlpost.gov.ph)[6].

If that doesn’t work, or if you do not have a tracking number, you can contact the PHLPost customer service hotline at (02) 8288-7678 (available Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or send an email to phlpostcares @phlpost.gov.ph or visit the Postal ID Facebook page to inquire about the delivery status of your postal ID.

Using the PHLPost Tracking site, you can also check the status of your national ID or Phil ID if you haven’t yet received it.

7. What is the Philippine Postal Corporation and what does it do?

Known also as the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) or the Philippine Post Office, the Philippine Postal Corporation[7] is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) which provides postal services in the country through its subsidiaries.

It is also responsible for collecting, handling, transporting, delivering, forwarding, returning, and holding mail and parcels within the Philippines and to and from select countries abroad.

8. What is the postal code of my province?

If you want to find out your city’s postal code, go to the World Postal Code website (worldpostalcode.com/philippines).

You can search for a place by clicking on the initial letter of its name and then pressing CTRL+F. Choosing B, pressing CTRL+F, and typing Baguio will give you the postal code for Baguio City.

Baguio’s ZIP code is 2600, which you can find on this page. In the same way, you can also use this method to look up the postal codes of other provinces such as Cabanatuan, Cagayan, and Quezon should you need to do so.

Checking your local government or province’s website is another way to find your postal code in the Philippines. Take the case of a person who is looking for Bulacan’s postal code. Bulakenyo.ph[9] contains the complete list of postal codes for all 25 cities and towns.

Cavite’s official website[10] includes a list of each postcode of its cities and towns, including Bacoor (4102) and Dasmarias (4114).

9. How to verify if a postal ID is legit?

Don’t fall victim to scams claiming to help you process postal IDs through Facebook or other social media. You’ll probably be scammed out of a few hundred pesos through hidden fees or extra charges. You will be asked to provide personal information to them, which is worse.

If you don’t know someone, don’t send any personal or financial information to them via Facebook, e-mail, telephone, or text message. PHLPost offices are the only places where you can apply for a postal ID.

In order to combat scams, PHLPost developed a QR code-based app that verifies IDs. By downloading the Postal ID Verification App from Google Play, you will be able to scan the QR code on your postal ID. Usually, postal IDs are legitimate if they were issued by the post office.

10. How to avail of the Postal ID Privilege Program?

Get the most out of your postal ID by taking advantage of the perks offered by your partner establishments.

To be eligible for the privileges under the program, the postal ID must be used by the cardholder. In addition, the privileges that come with a postal ID cannot be combined with other promotions, such as senior citizen discounts, student discounts, and discounts for people with disabilities. The promo with the greatest discount should be chosen only once.

If you want to use your postal ID as a privilege card, follow these steps:

If you want to know about new merchant partners, check Postal ID’s website or Postal ID’s Facebook page.
Your preferred merchant can be found online.
Inquire about the privileges program with the cashier or customer assistant when you present a valid postal ID.
Enjoy your freebie or discount by following the mechanics.

Conclusion:

So, in summary, it can be said that a Philippine postal ID is one of the easiest government identifications to obtain in the country. Don’t forget about postal IDs if you need to obtain an additional valid ID!