How To Get A New Postal ID in the Philippines

An identification card ID is very important regardless of what country you are in. It proves the identity of a person thus usually needed in certain legal transactions. One of the identification cards or IDs that are considered valid in the Philippines is the Postal ID. You can present it in certain legal transactions like sending or receiving money, book for a flight, loan application and many more.

The Philippine Postal Corporation or PHILPOST launched a new Postal Identification (ID). The new improved postal ID card will now be accepted to any office or agency just like the other Government Issued IDs. It is easy to apply and the Postal ID will be delivered to your home.

Table of Contents
What is the Importance of the new Postal ID
Who can apply for the new Postal ID card?
What are the requirements for a NEW Postal ID?
How much do I have to pay for the NEW Postal ID?
How to apply for the New Postal ID card?
Postal ID Released and Delivery
What are the SECURITY FEATURES of the NEW Postal ID?
What will happen to my old but still valid Postal ID?
Postal ID Card Requirements for Foreign Residents
How to Upgrade your Old Postal ID into the New Postal ID Card
Final Thoughts

The old laminated postal ID was very vulnerable and easy to copy so Philippine Postal Corporation has launched the new ID card system. You can also use this new ID card when getting a passport as DFA approved it as one of the valid IDs, on banks, hospitals, ports, and other offices.

The new postal ID card is hardbound just like an ATM card and UMID card. In addition, it also has electronic security features that will secure your identity. It will be valid for 3 years for Filipino citizens and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For the rest of the foreign residents, it will be valid for 1 year.

What is the Importance of the new Postal ID

Everybody needs a proper ID to present in banks, hospitals and offices. It is also required before boarding a boat or aircraft. You need to show at least two (2) IDs when applying for a job, a passport, or a loan. Many Filipinos cannot get transactions done because they lack a valid proof of identity and address.

There are several BENEFITS you could acquire upon getting the new postal ID which are as follows:

1. Unlike the old Postal ID which is very risky for it is easy to copy, the new ID is hardbound and has electronic security features which are like an ATM card. Due to this new ID card system of PHILPOST, your identity will never be at risk.
2. The new Postal ID can be used to all agencies, whether governmental or non-governmental. As such, you can present it when getting your passport, making bank transactions and many more.
3. You could now have a valid proof of your identity and address.

Who can apply for the new Postal ID card?

• All Filipinos of any age, living here in the Philippines or abroad ( but were in the Philippines at the time of application), are eligible to apply.
• Philpost now allow foreigners residing in the Philippines for at least 6 months, to be able to apply for ID.

What are the requirements for a NEW Postal ID?

Unlike other IDs like SSS, GSIS, PRC license etc, getting the new postal ID does not need special skill, qualification or employment. You only need to show the 2 following requirements. You just should bring the original and photocopy of the following documents:

1. Proof of Identity - You can pick one among the following:

• Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Authority (NSO) or Local Civil Registrar
• Unified Multi-purpose ID (UMID) Card
• Driver’s License from the LTO
• Valid Passport

2. Proof of Address - You could submit just one of the following:

• Barangay Certificate of Residency
• Utility Bill (Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Credit Card Statement and others similar)

However, it should be noted that:

1. If you are a MARRIED WOMAN, you must bring your Marriage Certificate to validate change of name from birth certificate.
2. If you are a MINOR, BELOW 18 YEARS OLD, then you must be accompanied by your parent or a legal guardian.
3. If you DO NOT HAVE a birth certificate, UMID card, Driver’s License from LTO, or a valid passport, DO NOT LOSE HOPE.

You CAN submit ANY TWO (2) of the following documents instead:

• Valid paper-based Postal ID
• Valid NBI/Police Clearance
• Old SSS or GSIS card
• Valid OWWA ID
• Valid PRC ID
• Digitized BIR ID
• Valid Seaman’s Book
• Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• Voter’s ID
• Valid Company ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• Baptismal Certificate
• Certificates of Birth/Marriage from National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
• National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
• Elementary or High School Form 137
• Transcript of Records with readable dry seal (for applicants 18 years old and below)
• Marriage Contract
• Valid University/School or Alumni ID
• TIN card

How much do I have to pay for the NEW Postal ID?

For a very CHEAP and FIXED price, you can get a Postal ID. Applicants will pay the following fixed fee anywhere in the country. You will need to pay a fee of PHP 504. This already includes the application processing fee and the delivery fee. If you want to have it ASAP, you can apply for rush processing for PHP 650. It might be a little pricey, but it’s worth it to have another valid ID to use.

How to apply for the New Postal ID card?

Based on the website of Postal ID Ph, here is a simple guide that can help you in your Philippine Postal ID application. Just follow the SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS below to get your new Postal ID:

1. Prepare the necessary requirements mentioned above.
2. Fill up an application form which you could get at the nearest post office in your area or you can download the form here: Postal ID Application Form.
3. Submit the documents to the nearest post office in your area.
4. After your documents are screened in the post office, you will proceed to the nearest ID “CAPTURE STATION” for your photograph and fingerprint. There are 260 Postal ID Capture Stations nationwide and you can see the list here: Postal ID Capture Stations.

Postal ID Released and Delivery

How long do you need to wait for the release of your postal ID? Philpost will deliver in the address you indicated in your application in:

• 15 working days – for Metro Manila address
• 20 working days – for other major cities and municipalities
• 30 working days – for island provinces and remote barangays

What are the SECURITY FEATURES of the NEW Postal ID?

To fully secure your identity, the new Postal ID has:

1. On-site digital capture of your fingerprints, photograph, signature and personal details;
2. Centralized ID printing system and database to guarantee that the cards are authentic;
3. An encrypted quick response (QR) code printed on the card which can verify the identity of the ID holder using a downloadable smart-phone application;
4. An overlaid with hologram that can only be viewed at certain angels;
5. A ghost image and UV ink that illuminates UV light; and
6. An applicant uniqueness check via the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). The AFIS compares collected fingerprint to the fingerprint records in the database to ensure the applicant’s identity.

What will happen to my old but still valid Postal ID?

The old ID will remain valid up to its date of expiration. Post offices will stop issuing paper-based IDs when the new Postal ID becomes available in their area. Old but valid postal IDs may also be converted to the new Postal ID at a price discount:

Validity	Discount	Discounted PID fee	Delivery fee	12% VAT	Total fee
Postal ID valid for the next 36 months	25%	₱307.50	₱40.00	₱41.70	₱389.20
Postal ID valid for the next 24-35 months	20%	₱328.00	₱40.00	₱44.16	₱412.16
Postal ID valid for the next 12-23 months	10%	₱369.00	₱40.00	₱49.08	₱458.08

Postal ID Card Requirements for Foreign Residents

You only need to prepare the following:

1. Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished application form;

2. Proof of Identity.

• Passport which must be valid six (6) months prior to application
• One (1) of ANY of the following documents relative to the stay in the Philippines which should be valid for atleast six (6) months prior to application

1. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACRI-Card)
2. Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
3. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
4. Diplomatic Visa
5. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

3. Proof of Address (Submit any one (1) of the following):

• Barangay Certificate of Residency – issued within three (3) months prior to PID application
• Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
• Certification from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
• Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract
• Bank statement
• Credit card statement
• School billing statement
• Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)

Related: How to Get TIN ID Number Online using BIR eReg Website

How to Upgrade your Old Postal ID into the New Postal ID Card

If you want to upgrade your existing postal ID into the new improved Postal ID, bring two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form and your current Postal ID. Your existing ID will be perforated with a puncher in the QR Code and be returned to you.

If you have questions and Postal ID concerns about application process and requirements, you may contact PhilPost at the following mobile numbers:

• Landlines – (02) 7427349 / (02) 2309875
• Globe – (0917) 5215373
• Smart – (0998) 8847629
• Sun – (0925) 3212291

Final Thoughts

To sum up, the postal ID is evidently one of the easiest government IDs to get in the Philippines. So if you need one more valid ID, go ahead with your postal ID application.