How to Replace a Lost Voter’s ID in the Philippines
(Comprehensive legal guide, updated as of 24 July 2025)
1. Why this guide matters
The voter’s ID (VID) used to be the easiest government-issued proof of identity for many Filipinos. Although the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) stopped printing physical IDs in 2017 to give way to the PhilSys National ID, people still lose the old card and occasionally need formal proof that they are registered voters—for employment, banking, or claiming social benefits. This article gathers every relevant rule so you know what you can realistically get in 2025, whether you still qualify for a re-issuance, or whether a Voter’s Certification is the only option.
2. Core legal framework
| Legal Source | Key provision relevant to replacement |
|---|---|
| Republic Act (RA) 8189 – “Voter’s Registration Act of 1996” | Sec. 25 authorizes the issuance, cancellation, and replacement of VIDs; Sec. 28 requires an affidavit of loss for replacement. |
| RA 10367 (2013) | Made biometrics capture mandatory; ties replacement to updated biometrics. |
| COMELEC Resolutions • 9853 (2013) • 10013 (2015) • 10549 (2019) |
Standardized forms (CEF-1R) for re-issuance; fixed fees for certifications; implemented the 2017 suspension of card printing. |
| Data Privacy Act of 2012 | Protects personal data collected in the replacement process. |
3. The 2017 suspension and what it means in 2025
- Card printing is still on hold. COMELEC has announced—in multiple press briefings up to the 2025 Barangay/SK polls—that it will not resume production because PhilSys IDs now fulfill the same function.
- Replacement requests are accepted only for records correction. If your card is lost, the practical remedy is a Voter’s Certification, not a new plastic VID.
- Voter’s Certification is widely accepted. Banks and most government agencies honor it as a primary ID; the DFA treats it as secondary ID for passport applications.
4. Who may apply for a replacement or certification
- Registered voters whose records are active in the precinct book of voters.
- Overseas voters may request through Philippine embassies/consulates or a representative with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and Indigenous Peoples receive priority lanes and fee exemptions.
5. Documentary requirements
| Scenario | Mandatory documents |
|---|---|
| Lost VID, requesting replacement (if printing resumes) | 1. Affidavit of Loss (notarized) 2. Any one valid government ID or barangay clearance 3. Accomplished CEF-1R (Application for Re-issuance) |
| Lost VID, requesting Voter’s Certification | 1. Affidavit of Loss (optional but recommended if old card number is unknown) 2. One valid ID (PhilSys, driver’s license, passport, etc.) |
Tip: If you possess no other ID, you may bring two registered voters from the same precinct to vouch for you under oath (Rule 25, RA 8189).
6. Step-by-step procedure (2025)
Prepare the affidavit of loss.
- Use any notary public; some local Election Officers (EOs) keep free templates.
Book an online appointment (where available) with the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) that has jurisdiction over your place of registration. Walk-ins are allowed in many rural municipalities.
Appear personally at the OEO. Present your ID and affidavit; fill out CEF-1R or the Voter’s Certification request form.
Biometrics verification. Staff will scan your fingerprints and digital signature to confirm identity. No new capture is needed unless your biometrics were corrupted or missing.
Pay the fee.
- ₱75 for a Voter’s Certification (Cash, G-Cash, or gov-pay channels).
- Free for senior citizens, PWDs, Indigenous Peoples, and indigent applicants (submit Barangay Certificate of Indigency).
Claim the document.
- Regular processing: 1 – 3 working days (same day in low-volume municipalities).
- Express lane (pilot NCR sites): 2 hours for an additional ₱50.
- Bring the official receipt and, if claiming by proxy, an SPA and claimant’s ID.
If COMELEC resumes card production (no notice as of July 2025), expect 4 – 6 months for printing in Manila and shipment back to your OEO.
7. Fees & Exemptions at a glance
| Item | Amount | Statutory/Regulatory basis | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voter’s Certification | ₱75 | COMELEC Res. 10549, Sec. 20 | Seniors, PWDs, IPs, indigents |
| Expedite surcharge (if offered) | ₱50 | Local EO memo authority | Same exemptions as above |
| Notarization of Affidavit | ₱150 – ₱300 (market rate) | 2004 Notarial Rules | May be waived by Public Attorney’s Office for indigents |
8. Special situations
| Situation | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Lost ID a week before election day | You can still vote. Present any ID or be identified by two precinct voters; Sec. 12, RA 8189. |
| Record shows “deactivated” | File an Application for Reactivation first (form CEF-1B), then request certification. |
| Name change due to marriage | File a Supplemental Data Update together with the replacement request; bring PSA marriage certificate. |
| Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) | Submit requirements to the nearest embassy/consulate; processing time depends on diplomatic pouch schedule. |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Voter’s ID still valid for life? A: Yes. Cards issued before the 2017 suspension remain valid proof of identity and voter registration.
Q2: Will COMELEC ever print physical cards again? A: COMELEC’s 2024–2027 Information Systems Strategic Plan indicates no budget for card printing; focus is on PhilSys authentication. Future legislation could revive it, but none is pending as of July 2025.
Q3: Can I authorize someone else to apply and claim for me? A: Application must be personal (biometrics check), but claiming the certificate may be delegated via SPA.
Q4: Do I really need an affidavit? A: For a plain Voter’s Certification, many EOs waive it. For card re-issuance (if ever resumed), affidavit is mandatory.
10. Sample Affidavit of Loss (template)
Republic of the Philippines Province/City of ______
AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS
I, [Name], of legal age, Filipino, single/married, and a resident of [Address], after having been duly sworn, depose and state:
- That I was issued a COMELEC Voter’s Identification Card bearing Voter’s ID No. [number] on [date];
- That on or about [date of loss], I discovered that said card was missing and despite diligent search I have been unable to locate it;
- That the loss was not due to any criminal act on my part;
- That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and to request the issuance of a replacement Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certification.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of ______ 20__, in the City/Municipality of __________, Philippines.
Affiant (Signature over Printed Name)
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of ______ 20__, affiant exhibiting [ID presented].
Notary Public
11. Practical tips & compliance reminders
- Photocopy everything you submit; COMELEC keeps the originals.
- Dress modestly; OEOs are government offices. Shorts and slippers are often refused entry.
- Check precinct status online (Precinct Finder) before going—deactivated voters cannot be issued a certification.
- Protect personal data. Do not post your certificate online; it shows your precinct and voter’s sequence number.
Conclusion
Replacing a lost voter’s ID in 2025 essentially means obtaining a Voter’s Certification until and unless COMELEC revives card printing. The process is straightforward: prepare proof of identity (and an affidavit if required), appear before your Election Officer, pay the ₱75 fee (or claim an exemption), and pick up your certificate. Keep abreast of COMELEC advisories, because regulatory updates are typically released before each electoral cycle. Armed with this guide, you can navigate the legal and procedural landscape with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.