In the Philippines, the traditional plastic Voter’s ID has been officially discontinued and replaced by the Voter’s Certification. Under the current guidelines of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this certification serves as a primary form of identification and a valid substitute for the old ID cards for all legal and transaction purposes.

Below is a comprehensive guide on the legal requirements, procedures, and relevant regulations for securing these records.

1. The Voter’s Certification: A Legal Substitute

Since 2017, COMELEC ceased the production of plastic Voter’s IDs in anticipation of the National ID system (PhilSys). Consequently, the Voter’s Certification is now the official document proving registration. It is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Who Can Apply?

Registered Voters: Any person whose registration is active in the precinct book of voters.
Deactivated Voters: Those whose registration has been deactivated (due to failure to vote in two consecutive elections) may still request a certification of their last known record, though they cannot use it for voting purposes until reactivated.

2. Where to Apply

Depending on your location and the type of certification needed, you have two primary options:

Local Office of the Election Officer (OEO): The COMELEC office in the city or municipality where you are registered.
COMELEC Main Office (Intramuros): For those who require a certification issued by the National Central File Division (NCFD).

3. Requirements for Issuance

To ensure the integrity of the electoral records, the applicant must present the following:

Valid Government-Issued ID: (Original and photocopy) e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, PhilID, or UMID.
Application Form: Usually provided at the OEO or available for download on the COMELEC website.
Payment of Fees: Generally PHP 100.00.

Note: Under Republic Act No. 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act), the fee is waived for first-time jobseekers, provided they present a Barangay Certification.

For Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Indigent Clients: Fees are often waived or discounted upon presentation of the appropriate ID or Certification of Indigency.

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

A. At the Local COMELEC Office (OEO)

Verification: Present your ID to the duty officer to verify your name in the database.
Payment: Pay the certification fee at the City/Municipal Treasurer’s Office or the designated collection point.
Submission: Return to the OEO with the Official Receipt (OR).
Processing: The staff will print the certification, which includes your biometrics and registration details.
Release: Affix your thumbprint and signature on the office's copy and receive your original Certification.

B. Through the "Voter’s Certification Information System" (Online Appointment)

In some jurisdictions, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), COMELEC implements an online appointment system to manage foot traffic. Check the official COMELEC social media pages for the active registration links.

5. Obtaining Replacement Records

If you have lost your old Voter’s ID or need a certified true copy of your Voter’s Registration Record (VRR), the process is similar to obtaining a certification.

Voter’s Registration Record (VRR): This is a more detailed document containing your digitized signature and fingerprints. This is often required for overseas employment or DFA transactions.
Lost IDs: Since plastic IDs are no longer printed, the OEO will issue a Voter’s Certification stating that you are a registered voter in lieu of a "replacement ID."

6. Important Legal Notes

Representation: If you cannot go personally, an authorized representative may apply for you. They must present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or a signed authorization letter, a photocopy of your ID, and their own valid ID.
Overseas Filipinos: Registered overseas voters can request certification through the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) in Manila or through their respective Embassies/Consulates.
Data Privacy: Voter records are protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2012. COMELEC will not release sensitive personal information to third parties without a court order or the explicit consent of the data subject.

7. Summary Table of Costs and Validity

Document	Estimated Cost	Validity
Voter's Certification	PHP 100.00	1 Year
Certified Copy of VRR	PHP 100.00	Permanent (as per record)
Senior/PWD/Jobseeker	FREE	1 Year

Would you like me to draft a sample Authorization Letter for claiming a Voter’s Certification on someone else's behalf?