List of Acceptable IDs for Western Union Philippines

One of the most popular money transfer service provider in the Philippines and around the world is Western Union. A valid photo identification (ID) card is needed and required whenever we do transactions, such as sending and receiving money at Western Union and other money transfer agencies here in the Philippines.

Western Union Philippines announced that customers need only to present one valid identification to receive money transfers in any of its agent locations across the Philippines. Western Union has a list of IDs you may present when you claim your money transfer. The money transfer recipient is allowed to present only one ID as proof identification to the nearest Western Union location.

The BSP circular also made it to require the presentation of the original and submit a clear copy of only at least one of the valid ID above instead of the previous requirement of 2 valid IDs for people who will engage in a financial transaction for the first time with financial institutions, such as banks, quasi-banks, trust entities, non-stock savings and loan associations, pawnshops, foreign exchange dealers, money changers, remittance agents, electronic money issuers and other financial institutions which under special laws are subject to BSP supervision and/or regulation.

See Also: Western Union Rates for Domestic and Overseas

This is in order to promote access of Filipinos to services offered by formal financial institutions, particularly those residing in the remote areas, as well as to encourage and facilitate remittances of OFWs through the banking system. Thus, it is best for everyone to secure and keep a valid ID. The following is a list of current valid and acceptable photo identification (IDs) in the Philippines based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular No. 706 (Updated Anti-Money Laundering Rules and Regulations).

List of Valid IDs Acceptable by Western Union:

You’ll need to present any one of the following identity proofs:

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• Philsys ID/National ID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
• Government Office/ GOCC ID
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance.
• Postal ID
• Voter ID
• Service Insurance System (GSIS) E Card
• Employment ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) ID
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) ID.
• Seaman’s book
• Social Security System (SSS) ID
• Student ID (for students 16 – 21 years old)
• Integrated Bar (IBP) ID
• Senior Citizen Card
• Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Alien Certificate of Registration
• Disabled Person Cert/ID NCWDP
• DSWD Certificate
• Taxpayer ID (TIN ID)
• Barangay Certification

With regards to the BIR TIN card and PhilHealth ID Card, it may only be accepted if the transfer was sent from the Philippines and received in the Philippines. So for example, the money is from abroad say the US then the Tax Identification Number and PhilHealth ID card won’t be accepted.

What are the requirements to receive or claim money in Western Union?

Take note of your MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) and bring only one valid ID (see above list) when you go to the nearby Western Union agent location to claim your money transfer. Complete the Receive Money form. Sign the receipt. Receive your cash. 

If you have other questions, you may call Western Union Philippines customer hotline at 02 888-1200 (for calls within Metro Manila) or 1-800-1-888-1200 (toll-free nationwide via PLDT Lines), 1-800-9-888-1200 (toll-free nationwide via Globe Lines) or +632 888-1200 (for calls from overseas).