I. Legal Framework

The issuance of Voter’s Identification Cards (Voter’s ID) and Voter’s Certifications is governed by the following laws and regulations:

Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines), as amended
Republic Act No. 8189 (The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996)
Republic Act No. 10367 (Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration Act of 2013)
Republic Act No. 9369 (Automated Election System Law), as amended
COMELEC Resolution No. 10088 (12 April 2016) – Rules on the Issuance of Voter’s Certification
COMELEC Resolution No. 10674 (25 November 2020) and subsequent resolutions on the printing and distribution of the new PVC Voter’s ID with QR code
COMELEC Minute Resolution No. 21-0364 (2021) and continuing programs on Voter’s ID distribution

All registered voters with complete biometrics are entitled to a physical Voter’s ID. The Voter’s Certification serves as the official substitute document when the physical ID has not been issued, is lost, damaged, or when a certified true copy of the voter’s record is required for legal purposes.

II. The Voter’s ID (Physical Card)

A. Current Status of Voter’s ID Issuance (as of November 2025)

Since the full implementation of mandatory biometrics in 2016, COMELEC has been printing and distributing polycarbonate (PVC) Voter’s IDs with photo, fingerprint, signature, and QR code.

As of 2025, COMELEC continues its nationwide distribution program. Millions of IDs have already been released, but a significant backlog remains, especially for voters registered between 2015–2022.

Voters who registered or updated their records from 2023 onward usually receive their Voter’s ID within 6–18 months, depending on the printing batch.

B. How to Claim Your Voter’s ID When It Is Ready

COMELEC notifies the public through its official Facebook page, website (comelec.gov.ph), and local Election Officers when a batch is ready for a particular city/municipality.
Go to your local COMELEC office (Office of the Election Officer) in the city or municipality where you are registered.
Present any valid government-issued ID and your acknowledgment receipt (if still available).
Surrender the old paper-based Voter’s ID or VRR (Voter Registration Record) if you have one.
Sign the acknowledgment form and receive the new PVC Voter’s ID on the spot.

No fee is charged for claiming the first issuance of the Voter’s ID.

C. Replacement of Lost, Damaged, or Faded Voter’s ID

Contrary to persistent myth, COMELEC does issue replacement Voter’s IDs.

Procedure (COMELEC Resolution No. 10674 and standard operating procedure as of 2025):

Proceed to the COMELEC office where you are registered.
Execute an Affidavit of Loss/Damage (form available at the office or you may have it notarized in advance).
Fill out the Application for Replacement of Voter’s ID form.
Pay the replacement fee of ₱150.00 (subject to change; confirm current amount).
Submit two (2) recent 1x1 ID photos with white background (some offices no longer require this because they use the existing biometrics).
The replacement ID will be printed and released within 3–6 months (priority is given to upcoming elections).

Note: During the election period (120 days before election day), replacement of Voter’s IDs is suspended.

III. Voter’s Certification

This is the most commonly requested document from COMELEC because it is issued immediately and is accepted by almost all government agencies, banks, employers, and foreign embassies as proof of being a registered Filipino voter.

A. Purposes for Which Voter’s Certification Is Required or Accepted

Passport application (DFA requirement for first-time applicants and renewals under certain conditions)
NBI clearance (alternative when no Voter’s ID is presented)
Employment (local and overseas)
Bank account opening and loan applications
Postal ID application
GSIS/SSS/Pag-IBIG transactions
Court cases requiring proof of identity/residence
Scholarship applications
Barangay clearance/indigency certification (some LGUs require it)

B. Procedure to Obtain Voter’s Certification (2025)

Go to the COMELEC office in the city/municipality where you are registered as a voter.
(You cannot get it from another city unless you have already transferred your registration.)
Proceed to the Voter’s Certification window/counter.
Fill out the Request for Voter’s Certification form (two copies).
Present one (1) valid government-issued ID with photo and signature (e.g., driver’s license, SSS, PhilHealth, senior citizen ID, company ID, etc.).
Pay the certification fee of ₱75.00 (Official Receipt will be issued).
The Election Officer or authorized personnel will print and sign the certification.
Processing time: 5–15 minutes (usually issued on the spot).

C. Special Cases

If you are outside your registration area (e.g., working in Manila but registered in Cebu):
You must either go back to Cebu or have a relative/friend with a signed Special Power of Attorney (SPA) request it on your behalf. COMELEC does not yet allow nationwide issuance.
For deactivated voters (failed to vote in two successive regular elections):
You must first file an Application for Reactivation with biometrics capture (free). Once reactivated, you may then request a Voter’s Certification or wait for the new Voter’s ID.
For voters with “For Validation” or incomplete biometrics:
You must appear personally for validation/biometrics capture before any certification or ID can be issued.

IV. Online and Alternative Options (as of November 2025)

Voter Status Verification: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/voter-validation
You can check your registration status, precinct number, and whether your Voter’s ID is already printed and ready for claiming.
Register Anywhere Program (RAP) and Mobile Registration: COMELEC periodically conducts off-site registration and certification services in malls, universities, and barangays.
COMELEC Satellite Offices: Many cities (Quezon City, Manila, Davao, Cebu, etc.) have satellite offices in SM malls or government centers that can issue Voter’s Certification on the spot.

V. Important Reminders

Voter’s Certification is valid for only six (6) months from date of issuance for DFA passport purposes; other agencies accept it longer or without expiry.
The Voter’s ID has no expiration date and is valid for life unless the voter is deactivated.
It is a criminal offense (election offense) to sell, buy, or falsify a Voter’s Certification or Voter’s ID.
Always bring extra valid IDs because some COMELEC personnel are strict.
During election period (January to June of election year), services may be limited and offices extremely crowded.

By following the procedures above, any registered Filipino voter can obtain either the permanent PVC Voter’s ID or the immediately available Voter’s Certification from COMELEC without unnecessary delay.