How to Get a Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate in the Philippines After Registration

I. Introduction

In the Philippines, voter registration does not automatically end with the issuance of a physical Voter’s Identification Card (Voter’s ID). Due to longstanding delays in printing and distribution, millions of registered voters have never received their PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Voter’s ID despite being validly registered and able to vote.

For this reason, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) provides two primary documents that serve as official proof of voter registration:

1. The Voter’s Identification Card (commonly called Voter’s ID) – the permanent, biometric PVC card.
2. The Voter’s Certification (commonly called Voter’s Cert) – a paper certificate issued on demand by the local Election Officer.

Both documents are recognized under Philippine election laws and COMELEC resolutions as valid proof of registration. The Voter’s Certification has become the most practical and widely used substitute because it is issued immediately and costs only ₱75.00.

II. Legal Basis

• Republic Act No. 8189 (The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996)
• Republic Act No. 10367 (An Act Providing for Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration, 2013)
• COMELEC Resolution No. 10083 (23 March 2016) – Rules on Voter’s Certification
• COMELEC Resolution No. 10446 (2018), as amended – Continuing printing and distribution of Voter’s IDs
• COMELEC Minute Resolution No. 22-0995 (2022) and subsequent resolutions resuming mass production and distribution of pending Voter’s IDs registered from 2015 onwards
• Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code), as amended – recognizes any COMELEC-issued proof of registration

III. The Voter’s Identification Card (Voter’s ID)

A. What it looks like

A credit-card-sized PVC card containing:

• Full name
• Photograph
• Fingerprint
• Signature
• Precinct number
• Registration date
• Bar code and QR code (newer versions)

B. Who is entitled to receive it

Every person who completed biometric registration (capture of photo, fingerprints, and signature) on or after 2013 is entitled to a Voter’s ID. Those who registered before the mandatory biometrics law (pre-2013) have the old paper IDs or none at all.

C. Current status of issuance (as of November 2025)

COMELEC has been printing and distributing millions of long-pending Voter’s IDs since 2023. The priority order is generally:

1. 2022–2025 registrants
2. 2018–2021 registrants
3. 2015–2017 registrants
4. Older records (being gradually reprinted)

Many 2016–2019 registrants finally received their IDs in 2024–2025 through local COMELEC offices, barangay distribution, or mall claiming events.

D. How to claim your Voter’s ID if it is already printed

1. Check status first (see Section VI below).
2. If the status says “Printed” or “Ready for Release,” proceed to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in the city/municipality where you registered.
3. Bring any valid government-issued ID and your application stub (if still available).
4. Present yourself for verification (fingerprint scan may be required).
5. Sign the acknowledgment logbook and receive the card.
   No fee is charged for initial issuance.

E. If your Voter’s ID is lost, damaged, or never received

File an application for replacement/reprinting at the local COMELEC office with:

• Accomplished COMELEC Form
• Affidavit of Loss (if applicable, notarized)
• Two (2) recent 1×1 ID photos (for old non-biometric cases)
• Payment of ₱150.00 replacement fee (as of 2025)

Processing time: 30–90 days.

IV. The Voter’s Certification (Most Practical Option)

A. Nature and validity

The Voter’s Certification is an official document signed by the Election Officer stating that you are a registered voter of a specific precinct in the city/municipality. It is valid nationwide and for an unlimited period unless you transfer, reactivate, or are deactivated.

B. Common uses

• Proof of identity and Filipino citizenship (widely accepted by banks, employers, DFA for passport applications)
• Requirement for candidacy filing
• Requirement for certain government transactions
• Substitute for Voter’s ID when applying for postal voting, local absentee voting, etc.
• Proof when voting if the BEI doubts your identity (though not strictly required)

C. Requirements

1. Personal appearance (as a general rule)
2. Any valid government-issued ID (PhilID/National ID, driver’s license, passport, SSS, senior citizen ID, etc.)
3. Application stub or old Voter’s ID (if available, but not required)
4. Payment of ₱75.00 certification fee

D. Step-by-step procedure (2025)

1. Go to the COMELEC Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city or municipality where you are registered (not where you currently reside, unless you previously transferred).
2. Proceed to the Voter’s Certification counter/window.
3. Fill out the simple request form (usually just name, precinct, purpose).
4. Present your ID for verification.
5. Pay ₱75.00 at the cashier (Official Receipt issued).
6. Wait 5–15 minutes.
7. Receive the Voter’s Certification (printed on COMELEC security paper with dry seal and signature of the Election Officer).

Some cities (Quezon City, Manila, Davao, Cebu) issue it in less than 10 minutes. No appointment needed.

E. Special cases

• If you are outside your registration area: You may request via authorized representative with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) + your ID photocopy + representative’s ID. Some Election Officers accept this, others insist on personal appearance.
• Senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, and detained persons may request free delivery or assistance through the barangay.
• Overseas Filipinos: Request from the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate or through the Office of the Election Officer via email (with scanned IDs); the certification will be mailed or emailed (scanned copy is often accepted by banks).

V. Online Verification Options (No Need to Go to COMELEC)

1. COMELEC Voter Verifier
   https://voterverifier.comelec.gov.ph
   Enter full name + birthdate → shows registration status, precinct, and whether Voter’s ID is “Printed,” “For Printing,” or “Not Yet Processed.”

2. COMELEC Precinct Finder (iRehistro)
   https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/cef1

3. Voter Information Lookup (some LGUs provide via their own portals)

If the online system shows you are registered, you can vote even without any physical document.

VI. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Solution
Never received Voter’s ID after many years	Apply for Voter’s Certification (₱75, immediate)
Transferred registration to new city	Old certification becomes invalid; apply for new one in the new city
Name spelling error on voters list	File correction of entry at local COMELEC with supporting documents
Deactivated for failure to vote twice	File petition for reactivation with affidavit + ₱75 fee
Lost application stub	Not needed for certification; just bring any valid ID

VII. Important Reminders (2025)

• The Voter’s Certification is now the fastest and most reliable proof of registration for 90% of Filipinos.
• The National ID (PhilSys) is gradually replacing the need for Voter’s Certification in many transactions, but COMELEC documents remain specifically required for election-related purposes.
• Bringing your Voter’s Certification or Voter’s ID on election day is helpful but not mandatory.
• Any alteration or falsification of either document is punishable under the Omnibus Election Code with imprisonment of 1–6 years and perpetual disqualification to vote.

By following the procedures above, every registered Filipino voter can obtain official proof of registration within the same day (Voter’s Certification) or within weeks to months (Voter’s ID), whichever is more urgently needed.