I. Introduction

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID (officially called the Voter’s Identification Card or PVC ID) and the Voter’s Certification are two of the most important documents a Filipino voter can possess. The Voter’s ID serves as a valid government-issued photo ID accepted for almost all transactions (bank accounts, passport applications, employment, loans, etc.), while the Voter’s Certification is the official proof of voter registration required by many government agencies, courts, and private institutions.

As of November 2025, COMELEC has significantly digitized its services. While the physical Voter’s ID still requires an in-person biometric step, almost the entire process can now be initiated and completed online. Voter’s Certification is now fully obtainable online with digital signature and can be downloaded instantly after payment.

This article explains the current (November 2025) procedures step-by-step, including requirements, fees, timelines, and common issues.

II. Voter’s ID (PVC ID) – Current Online Procedure

Who Can Apply Online

New registrants (18 years old and above)
Transfer from another city/municipality or from abroad (OFWs)
Transfer within the same city/municipality but different barangay/precinct
Reactivation of deactivated record
Correction of entries (name, birthdate, etc.)
Change/correction of gender or civil status
Inclusion/reinstatement of record

Step-by-Step Online Application (as of November 2025)

Visit the official portal: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/vrr or https://vrs.comelec.gov.ph (both redirect to the same unified system).
Create an account or log in using your mobile number or email address. You will receive an OTP.
Select the type of application (Registration, Transfer, Reactivation, Correction, etc.).
Fill out the online CEF-1 (Computerized Enrollment Form-1) completely and accurately.
Upload the required documents (clear scanned copies or photos, PDF/JPG, max 5MB each):
- Any valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
- For married women using spouse’s surname: PSA Marriage Certificate
- For transfer from another city: proof of residence in new location (barangay certificate, lease contract, utility bill, etc.)
- For OFWs: passport and proof of voting in last election or affidavit of intent to resume residence
Review and electronically sign the form (using the mouse or touchscreen signature pad).
Book your biometric appointment. The system will show available slots in COMELEC offices, selected malls (SM, Robinsons, Ayala), and Register Anywhere Program (RAP) sites nationwide. You may choose the most convenient date and venue (even outside your city in many cases).
Pay the convenience fee (if applicable). Some RAP sites in malls charge ₱100–₱200 convenience fee on top of the free COMELEC service.
Attend your scheduled biometric appointment on time. Bring:
- Printed Acknowledgment Receipt with QR code
- Original IDs you uploaded
- Supporting documents
Biometric capture (photo, fingerprints, signature) takes 5–10 minutes.
After biometric capture, your application is approved on the spot in 95% of cases. You will receive an SMS and email confirmation with your new precinct number.
The physical Voter’s ID (PVC card) will be printed and delivered via Philippine Post (PhilPost) to your registered address within 3–6 months. You will receive an SMS when it is dispatched. There is no additional fee for the card itself.

Important Notes on Voter’s ID

The entire process from online application to biometric appointment can be completed in as fast as 1–2 weeks if slots are available.
If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online twice. After that, the application is cancelled and you must start over.
Lost or damaged Voter’s ID replacement follows the same online procedure (choose “Correction/Replacement of Lost/Damaged ID”).

III. Voter’s Certification – Fully Online Issuance (2025)

As of 2025, COMELEC has finally made Voter’s Certification 100% online with digital signing by the Election Officer. No more lining up at the municipal/city COMELEC office.

Who Can Request Online

Any currently active registered voter in the Philippines or overseas (OFW/absentee).

Step-by-Step Online Request (November 2025)

Go to https://certification.comelec.gov.ph or access it directly from the iRehistro portal (there is a “Request Voter Certification” button after logging in).
Log in using the same account you used for registration or create one with your mobile number/email.
The system will automatically pull your voter record using your full name, birthdate, and mother’s maiden name for verification.
Confirm your details and select the purpose (employment, passport, court case, etc.) – this is now required for tracking.
Pay the certification fee of ₱75.00 through any of the following channels:
- GCash
- Maya
- Credit/Debit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Over-the-counter partners (Bayad Center, LBC, SM Bills Payment, 7-Eleven Cliqq, etc.)
- Online banking (BPI, BDO, UnionBank, etc.)
After successful payment, the system generates the Voter’s Certification instantly. It is:
- Digitally signed by your Election Officer
- Contains a QR code for verification
- With COMELEC dry seal embedded digitally
- Valid indefinitely unless your registration is deactivated
Download the PDF version (high-resolution, colored) and print if needed. The digital file itself is already accepted by almost all government agencies and private companies.

Turnaround Time

Instant after payment (usually within 30 seconds to 2 minutes)
If payment is via over-the-counter, allow 1–2 hours for posting.

Validity and Acceptance

The online Voter’s Certification is exactly the same as the one previously issued manually at the COMELEC office and is accepted by:

DFA (passport application/renewal)
SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG
NBI clearance
Courts (for affidavits, cases)
Banks and employers
Philippine National Police (firearms license)
All other agencies that previously required the manual version

IV. Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: “No record found” when requesting certification
Solution: Your record may be deactivated (due to failure to vote in two successive elections) or there is an ongoing transfer application. File for reactivation online via iRehistro.

Issue: Biometric appointment slots are full
Solution: Check daily at 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM when new slots are released. Slots in malls and RAP sites are usually more available than municipal offices.

Issue: Voter’s ID not delivered after 6 months
Solution: Go to your local COMELEC office with your Acknowledgment Receipt or check status at https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph and request re-printing (free).

Issue: Name spelling error or wrong birthdate on the certification/ID
Solution: File “Correction of Entries” online via iRehistro with supporting PSA Birth Certificate/Marriage Certificate.

V. Legal Basis (Key Laws and Resolutions)

Republic Act No. 8189 – The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996 (as amended)
Republic Act No. 10367 – Mandatory Biometrics Law
COMELEC Resolution No. 10999 (2023) – Continuing Voter Registration and Online Services
COMELEC Resolution No. 11070 (2024) – Full Implementation of Online Voter Certification with Digital Signature
Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code) – Sections on voter identification

VI. Conclusion

As of November 2025, obtaining your COMELEC Voter’s ID is now almost entirely online except for the quick biometric visit, while the Voter’s Certification is completely online and instant. These improvements have dramatically reduced waiting time and eliminated the need for most Filipinos to visit COMELEC offices.

Keep your iRehistro account active because all future election-related services (precinct finding, sample ballot, election day reminders) are now sent through it.

For the most updated information or if you encounter any system issues, you may contact COMELEC through their official Facebook page (COMELEC Ph) or hotline 527-5571 / 8703-4477.