A Voter’s Certificate is an official document issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that serves as alternative proof of registration. Following the transition to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and the subsequent decommissioning of the physical Voter’s ID, the Voter’s Certificate has become the primary document for voters needing to verify their status for legal or administrative purposes.

Under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as the "Voter's Registration Act of 1996," any registered voter is entitled to a certification of their registration upon request.

1. Primary Uses and Legal Validity

The Voter’s Certificate is recognized by various institutions as a valid document for:

Passport Applications: Accepted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Proof of Residency: Often used for local government requirements or bank transactions.
Identification: Serving as a secondary form of ID in the absence of a National ID or Passport.
Verification: Confirming your specific precinct number and voting center before an election.

2. Obtaining a Certificate: The Walk-In Process

The most common way to secure this document is through the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in the city or municipality where you are registered.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

Verification: Visit your local OEO (usually located within or near the City/Municipal Hall). Confirm that your registration record is "Active."
Identification: Present at least one valid government-issued ID (e.g., Driver’s License, UMID, Postal ID) along with a photocopy.
Payment of Fees: Proceed to the City/Municipal Treasurer’s Office to pay the certification fee. The standard fee is PHP 75.00, though this may vary slightly by municipality.

Note: Under COMELEC rules, Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Indigent persons are often exempt from this fee upon presentation of valid proof of status.

Submission of Receipt: Return to the OEO and present your Official Receipt.
Issuance: The certificate is typically printed and signed by the Election Officer on the same day.

3. The Online Request System

To streamline the process, COMELEC has integrated digital options through the Election Records and Statistics Department (ERSD).

Requesting via Email/Online:

Inquiry: Voters may email the ERSD at the COMELEC main office (Intramuros) or their specific Regional Office.
Document Submission: You will be required to send a scanned copy of your valid ID and a formal request letter.
Digital Payment: In certain jurisdictions, payment can be made through authorized government payment gateways or Landbank.
Electronic Delivery: While a digital copy may be sent for immediate reference, many government agencies still require a physical copy with a "wet signature" or a dry seal.

4. Requirements for Representatives

If the registered voter cannot appear in person, a representative may facilitate the request provided they have:

A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or a signed Authorization Letter.
A photocopy of the voter’s valid ID.
The representative’s own valid government-issued ID.

5. Important Legal Distinctions

Registration Status: If you have failed to vote in two consecutive regular elections, your record may be deactivated. You cannot be issued a Voter’s Certificate if your status is inactive. You must first undergo the "Reactivation" process during the designated registration period.
The "Voter’s ID" Scams: The COMELEC officially stopped issuing plastic Voter’s IDs in 2017. Any individual or online service claiming to "print" or "rush" a plastic Voter’s ID for a fee is likely engaging in fraudulent activity. Only the paper-based Voter’s Certificate is currently issued.

Next Step

Would you like me to draft a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) template or a formal request letter that you can use to authorize a representative to get the certificate for you?