Complete List of Valid IDs in the Philippines (2026 Update)

You’re finally at the bank teller’s window after waiting 45 minutes in line. You hand over your ID. The teller looks at it, then looks at you, and says: “Sorry po, hindi po ito valid dito.”

Frustrating, right? Especially when you thought you had a perfectly good ID in your wallet.

The truth is, not all IDs carry the same weight in the Philippines. Some are universally accepted everywhere from Pag-IBIG to the nearest Palawan Express. Others are only valid in specific situations. And a handful are technically government-issued but routinely rejected anyway.

This guide gives you the complete, up-to-date list of every valid ID in the Philippines either government-issued and otherwise, along with exactly where to get each one, how long it takes, and how much it costs.

Whether you’re opening a bank account, registering a SIM card, applying for a job, or transacting at any government office, this is the only ID guide you’ll need. Bookmark this for future reference.

Pro tip: If you could only get one ID, get the PhilSys National ID. It is free, has no expiration date, and is designed to be accepted everywhere. If you need an ID fast, the Postal ID is your best bet since it can be processed in as little as 7 working days.

Most Commonly Accepted IDs by Purpose

Not all valid IDs are created equal in practice. Here is a quick-reference guide to which IDs carry the most weight in the situations Filipinos encounter most often.

Transaction	Best ID to Bring	Acceptable Secondary ID
1. Bank account opening	Passport UMID Driver’s License	Postal ID PhilHealth ID
2. SIM registration	Any primary government ID	Voter’s ID Postal ID
3. Government agency	Agency-specific ID	PhilSys National ID
4. Notarial services	Passport Driver’s License UMID	PRC ID
5. Employment application	Driver’s License UMID	Postal ID PhilHealth ID
6. Domestic flights	Passport PhilSys ID	Driver’s License

What is a Valid ID in the Philippines?

A valid ID in the Philippines is an identification document issued by a government agency (or, in some cases, a recognized private institution) that verifies your identity. It typically contains your:

Full name
Profile photo
Signature
Date of birth
ID number
Issuing authority

Institutions require valid IDs for identity verification, fraud prevention, and compliance with regulations like Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies in banks and financial institutions.

Primary vs. Secondary Valid IDs

Not all IDs carry the same weight. In practice, IDs are usually categorized into:

1️⃣ Primary IDs
These are government-issued IDs that are widely accepted for major transactions like opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or securing a passport.

Examples include:

Philippine Statistics Authority-issued PhilSys National ID
Department of Foreign Affairs passport
Land Transportation Office driver’s license

Primary IDs are typically enough on their own for most transactions.

2️⃣ Secondary IDs
These are supporting identification documents. On their own, they may not be sufficient for high-level transactions, but they can:

Supplement a primary ID
Be combined with other secondary IDs
Serve as temporary identification

Why Institutions are Strict About Valid IDs

Organizations verify IDs to:

Confirm identity and prevent impersonation
Avoid money laundering and fraud
Comply with government regulations
Protect both the institution and the customer

In short: A valid ID isn’t just a formality. It’s your access pass to banking, travel, government services, and even digital platforms.

What Makes an ID “Valid” in the Philippines?

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and various government agencies, a valid ID must generally meet these three conditions:

Issued by a government agency or authorized institution — it must come from a recognized national or local government body, or an institution authorized to issue IDs (like PRC or SSS).
Bears the holder’s photo and signature — a card with only a name or barcode is generally not considered sufficient for most formal transactions.
Not expired — most institutions will not accept expired IDs, although some (like the PhilSys National ID) currently have no expiration date.

Note: Some IDs technically meet all 3 criteria but are still routinely rejected by private establishments (like malls, banks, or notarial offices) because their policies are stricter than what the law requires. We’ll flag these throughout the list.

In practice, most transactions in the Philippines will ask for “one valid government-issued ID with photo” or “two valid IDs.” The safest bet is always to carry a Primary Government-Issued ID, which we cover in the next section.

Primary Government-Issued IDs

These are the most widely recognized and accepted IDs across banks, government agencies, telecoms, and private establishments in the Philippines. If you only have one ID in your wallet, it should be from this list.

For each ID, we’ve included: who it’s for, where to get it, typical use cases and validity.

1. Philippine National ID / PhilSys National ID

The National ID is designed to serve as the central identification system in the Philippines and is increasingly accepted across institutions.

Issued by: Philippine Statistics Authority
Who can apply: Filipino citizens and resident aliens
Typical use cases: Opening bank accounts, SIM registration, government transactions, private sector verification
Validity period: No expiration for Filipino citizens; resident alien cards may have validity periods

2. Philippine Passport

The Philippine passport is one of the most universally accepted primary IDs both locally and internationally.

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs via Passport Appointment System
Who can apply: Filipino citizens
Typical use cases: International travel, visa applications, banking transactions, hotel check-ins, major legal and financial documents
Validity period: 10 years for adults; 5 years for minors

3. Driver’s License

Driver’s License is one of the most commonly presented IDs for everyday transactions.

Issued by: Land Transportation Office
Who can apply: Individuals who meet age and driving requirements and pass examinations
Typical use cases: Banking, government transactions, vehicle-related matters, general identification
Validity period: Usually 5 to 10 years depending on compliance history

4. SSS ID / UMID Card

The UMID card consolidates multiple government identification systems into a single card.

Issued by: Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System
Who can apply: SSS or GSIS members
Typical use cases: Social security transactions, pension claims, banking, government services
Validity period: Generally does not expire unless replaced

5. PRC ID

This ID is issued to regulated professionals such as engineers, teachers, nurses, and accountants.

Issued by: Professional Regulation Commission
Who can apply: Licensed professionals who passed board examinations
Typical use cases: Professional practice, banking, employment verification, government transactions
Validity period: Typically 3 years, renewable

6. Postal ID

The Postal ID is often considered one of the more accessible government-issued primary IDs.

Issued by: Philippine Postal Corporation
Who can apply: Filipino citizens and qualified residents
Typical use cases: Banking, government services, private transactions requiring identification
Validity period: 3 years for Filipino citizens; 1 year for foreign residents

7. Voter’s ID

Issuance policies may vary, so availability depends on current regulations.

Issued by: Commission on Elections
Who can apply: Registered Filipino voters
Typical use cases: Voting and identification for certain financial and government transactions
Validity period: Typically valid as long as voter registration remains active

8. Senior Citizen ID

The Senior Citizen ID provides access to benefits and discounts mandated by law.

Issued by: Local Government Units under the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs
Who can apply: Filipino citizens aged 60 and above
Typical use cases: Availing senior citizen discounts, government services, identification
Validity period: Generally valid for life unless replaced

9. PWD ID

The PWD ID grants access to statutory benefits and protections.

Issued by: Local Government Units
Who can apply: Qualified persons with disabilities
Typical use cases: Availing disability-related benefits and discounts, identification for medical and government transactions
Validity period: May vary by LGU

10. OFW ID

This ID verifies official OFW registration.

Issued by: Department of Migrant Workers
Who can apply: Registered Overseas Filipino Workers
Typical use cases: Overseas employment verification, government services, banking
Validity period: Depends on overseas employment status

A Filipino guy doing a transaction with a bank teller

11. Seaman’s Book

Also known as the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book.

Issued by: Maritime Industry Authority
Who can apply: Licensed seafarers and maritime workers
Typical use cases: Maritime employment, travel documentation, identification
Validity period: Typically 10 years

12. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card

Commonly referred to as the ACR I-Card, it serves as the primary ID for foreign residents.

Issued by: Bureau of Immigration
Who can apply: Foreign nationals residing in the Philippines
Typical use cases: Immigration compliance, banking, business transactions
Validity period: Depends on visa type and immigration status

List of Secondary Valid IDs in the Philippines

Secondary IDs are commonly accepted as supporting documents. Requirements vary depending on the institution, so always confirm beforehand.

Below is a list of commonly recognized secondary valid IDs in the Philippines:

13. TIN ID

Issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and used primarily for tax-related transactions. It is often considered secondary unless accompanied by another ID.

14. PhilHealth ID

Issued by PhilHealth. It is used for health insurance claims and medical transactions. Usually treated as secondary ID.

15. Company ID

Issued by a private employer. It is accepted in some banks and establishments but rarely accepted alone for major financial transactions.

16. Barangay Clearance

Issued by your local barangay office. It is commonly used for local employment requirements and as supporting identification.

17. Police Clearance

Issued by the Philippine National Police. It’s often required for employment and government applications. Considered a supporting document.

18. NBI Clearance

Issued by the National Bureau of Investigation. Widely required for job applications, travel, and certain legal transactions. Typically secondary.

19. School ID

Issued by recognized educational institutions. Usually accepted if currently enrolled and accompanied by registration documents.

20. PSA Birth Certificate

Issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Not technically an ID (no photo), but frequently required as a supporting identity document.

21. Marriage Certificate (PSA)

Also issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Used for name change verification and legal documentation.

22. Bank ATM Card (With Name Printed)

Some institutions accept this as supporting identification if your name is printed on the card.

23. Student Permit

Issued by the Land Transportation Office. May be accepted as supporting ID in limited cases.

Important Reminder

Acceptance of secondary IDs varies by institution. Some banks require:

1 Primary ID, or
2–3 Secondary IDs combined

Always check the official website or call the institution before visiting to avoid wasted trips.

School and Company IDs (When are they accepted?)

School and company IDs are not government-issued, which means they do not automatically qualify as valid IDs for most official transactions. However, there are specific situations where they are accepted, and it’s useful to know exactly when and where.

When School IDs are Accepted

School IDs issued by universities and colleges recognized by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) or DepEd are accepted in the following situations:

Banking transactions: Some banks accept a school ID as a secondary ID when opening a student account, especially in banks with campus presence or those offering student-specific accounts. It is almost never accepted as a sole primary ID.
Student discounts: School IDs are the required proof for student discounts at cinemas, restaurants, bookstores, and transportation like LRT and MRT.
On-campus and affiliated transactions: School IDs are the standard ID for libraries, registrar transactions, school clinics, and partner establishments near the campus.
Government benefit applications: For minors and students applying for documents like a birth certificate copy or barangay clearance, a school ID may be accepted alongside a parent’s ID as supporting proof of identity.

Important: A school ID alone is almost never accepted for bank account opening, SIM registration, notarial services, or government agency transactions. Always pair it with a government-issued ID or bring a PSA birth certificate as a supporting document.

An elderly Filipino woman using her Senior Citizen card at a pharmacy

When Company IDs are Accepted

A company ID issued by a registered private or public company has slightly broader acceptance than a school ID, but it still falls short of government ID recognition in most formal settings.

Employment-related transactions: Company IDs are accepted at HR offices, payroll pickups, and company-affiliated banks or cooperatives.
Some banks: Certain banks, particularly rural banks and cooperatives, accept a company ID as a secondary ID for account opening or loan applications when combined with at least one government-issued ID.
Barangay transactions: Local barangay halls often accept a company ID as proof of identity for barangay clearances and other community-level documents, especially for residents who do not yet have a primary government ID.
Company facilities: Company IDs are the standard identification for building access, canteen accounts, and internal HR transactions.

Important: For major banks, notarial services, government agency transactions, or any transaction specifically requiring “government-issued ID,” a company ID will not be accepted on its own. It should always be presented alongside a government-issued ID.

The Bottom Line on School and Company IDs

Think of school and company IDs as supporting documents rather than standalone identification. They are most useful when you need a second ID to accompany your primary government-issued one.

If you are a student or a first-time worker without a government ID yet, prioritize getting a Postal ID or registering for the PhilSys National ID, as both are accessible and fast to obtain.

What If You Don’t Have a Valid ID Yet?

Not having a valid ID can feel like a dead end. You cannot open a bank account, apply for jobs easily, or complete government transactions. The good news is you can build your identification portfolio step by step.

Step 1: Start with the most accessible ID

Begin with IDs that are generally easier to obtain:

PhilSys National ID issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority
Postal ID issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation
Barangay Clearance from your local barangay office

These can serve as your foundation.

Step 2: Prepare supporting documents

Before applying for any government ID, secure these documents:

PSA Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority
Marriage Certificate if you changed your surname
Proof of address
School records if you are a student

Having complete documents reduces delays and repeat visits.

Step 3: Build your ID stack

Once you secure one primary ID:

Use it to open a bank account
Register for TIN with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
Apply for PhilHealth through PhilHealth
Register with SSS or GSIS through the Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System

Over time, you should aim to have at least two active primary IDs. This prevents transaction delays in urgent situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest valid ID to get in the Philippines?

The National ID or Postal ID are the easiest valid ID to secure because they are designed to be widely accessible.

Is a TIN ID considered a primary ID?

In most cases, a TIN ID issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue is treated as a secondary ID. It is usually required for tax purposes but may not be sufficient alone for major financial transactions.

How many valid IDs do I need?

Most banks and institutions require 1 primary ID. If you do not have a primary ID, you may need 2 or more secondary IDs depending on the institution’s policy.

Is the Philippine National ID enough for everything?

The PhilSys National ID is increasingly accepted nationwide. However, some institutions may still request an additional supporting document depending on their internal compliance rules.

Can I use an expired ID?

Expired IDs are generally not accepted. Always renew your IDs before they expire to avoid disruptions in transactions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Bringing expired IDs

Many applications get rejected simply because the ID has already expired. Always check the validity date before visiting any office.

2. Assuming all IDs are accepted everywhere

Acceptance policies vary. A bank may accept an ID that a government office does not. Always confirm requirements beforehand.

3. Inconsistent signatures

If your signature on your ID does not match your signature on forms, this can delay processing. Maintain a consistent signature across documents.

4. Using unofficial or questionable IDs

Only government-issued or officially recognized IDs are accepted for major transactions. Avoid relying on informal or unverified identification cards.

5. Not checking updated requirements

Policies can change. Before applying, check the official website of the issuing agency or contact them directly.

Final Thoughts

Valid IDs are not just paperwork. They are part of your financial and legal foundation.

With proper identification, you can open bank accounts, apply for loans, secure employment, access government benefits, and complete important life transactions without unnecessary stress.

If you do not yet have a valid ID, start small. Secure your foundational documents, apply for your first primary ID, then gradually build your ID stack.

Your future self will thank you when a time-sensitive opportunity comes and you are fully prepared.

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