Overview

A “primary valid ID” is a government-issued, photo-bearing credential commonly accepted for identification, age, and residency verification—especially for banking (KYC), travel, and government transactions. While each institution can set its own ID policies, the following are widely recognized as primary in practice:

Philippine Passport
PhilID / ePhilID (National ID under PhilSys)
Driver’s License (LTO; including Non-Professional/Professional; student permit is usually secondary)
UMID Card (Unified Multi-Purpose ID: SSS/GSIS)
PRC Professional Identification Card
Postal ID (PHLPost, upgraded PVC)
GSIS eCard (for government employees/retirees)
COMELEC Voter’s ID (legacy; largely replaced by Voter’s Certification—acceptance varies)
AFP/PNP/IBP Government IDs (specific holders)

Other government cards (e.g., Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, Solo Parent ID, PhilHealth PVC card, TIN/BIR ID) are valid IDs but are not always treated as primary across all banks or agencies. Always check the receiving institution’s list.

Key legal touchpoints:

Civil Code (identity, status);
AMLA/KYC rules (BSP/SEC/IC) for what IDs banks/financial entities can accept;
R.A. 11055 (PhilSys) for the National ID;
R.A. 8239 (Passport);
R.A. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) & LTO issuances (licenses);
EO 420 & related directives (UMID);
R.A. 8981 (PRC);
PHLPost rules (Postal ID);
Election laws (COMELEC).

Practical rule: When in doubt, present two IDs (e.g., a primary + another government ID), and bring supporting civil registry documents (PSA birth/marriage certificate) if your name recently changed.

1) PhilID / ePhilID (Philippine National ID)

What it is: The PhilSys National ID (physical PhilID card) and its paper or digital ePhilID equivalent, issued to Filipino citizens and resident aliens.

Eligibility: All ages (newborns included).

How to apply:

Register with PhilSys (Step 1: demographic data & appointment; Step 2: biometrics capture at a registration center).
Validation & issuance: You’ll receive either the PhilID (PVC card) or an ePhilID; both are generally accepted as valid ID.
Delivery/claiming: PhilID is delivered/claimed per PhilSys instructions; keep your transaction slip until received.

Requirements:

Basic demographics; PSA birth certificate helps resolve data issues.
For minors: parent/guardian accompanies; present guardian’s ID and child’s birth certificate.

Fees/Validity:

Free for first issuance. Replacement fees may apply (waived in limited circumstances).
No expiry currently prescribed for citizens (subject to future rules).

Tips:

If card printing is pending, the ePhilID (paper or digital) is commonly accepted.
Ensure your name, birthdate, and sex match PSA records to avoid downstream KYC issues.

2) Philippine Passport

What it is: The strongest travel and identity document for Filipinos.

Eligibility: Filipino citizens (minors allowed; with parental consent/appearance).

How to apply (DFA):

Set an online appointment at a DFA site (regular or satellite).
Appear in person with original PSA birth certificate (and marriage certificate if using married name), and acceptable IDs (company/school ID may be used at DFA’s discretion for first-timers).
Biometrics & data capture; pay fees; choose delivery or pickup.

Fees/Validity:

Regular vs expedited fees; validity: 10 years (adults); 5 years (for certain minors/issuance categories).
Lost/damaged passports incur penalties and affidavits.

Common pitfalls:

Name discrepancies with PSA; resolve first (via civil registry correction) to avoid annotation issues.
For minors: both parents’ IDs; if one is absent, bring a Special Power of Attorney/consent plus ID.

3) Driver’s License (LTO)

What it is: Photo-bearing license for driving; widely accepted as primary ID.

Types: Student Permit (usually secondary), Non-Professional, Professional.

How to apply (new Non-Professional):

Start with a Student Permit:
- Present PSA birth certificate, TIN if available, and one valid ID; pass theoretical exam (TDC).
Practical steps for Non-Pro (after holding the student permit for the required period):
- Complete Practical Driving Course (PDC); pass driving test and medical exam.
Fees: Application, computer, and license fees.

Validity:

Multi-year validity with demerit system; good driving behavior may qualify for extended validity.

Renewal/Conversion:

Bring old license, medical certificate, and settle penalties if any.
Foreign licenses may be converted under LTO rules.

Tip:

Ensure your real residential address is on file; banks often check address congruence.

4) UMID Card (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)

What it is: Biometric card used by SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth for identity and benefits.

Eligibility:

SSS members and GSIS members (separate issuance streams).

How to apply (SSS track):

Ensure SSS number and complete records (name/birthdate/sex).
Book UMID capture; bring one primary ID or civil registry document for identity proofing.
Biometrics, photo, and signature capture; choose delivery.

Fees/Validity:

First issuance typically free; replacement has a fee.
No standard expiry (subject to program updates).

Tip:

Align your SSS records with PSA (name/DoB) before application to avoid card data errors.

5) PRC Professional Identification Card

What it is: ID and license card for board-licensed professionals (e.g., engineers, nurses, CPAs).

Eligibility: Holders of PRC licenses (after passing exams or via registration without exam where allowed).

How to obtain:

Initial registration after passing board exam: oath-taking, payment of registration and PRC ID fees, biometrics/photo.
Renewal requires CPD compliance (subject to PRC’s CPD rules/deferrals) and fees.

Validity:

Typically 3 years, renewable.

Tip:

For name changes (marriage), process a record amendment with supporting PSA documents.

6) Postal ID (PHLPost, Upgraded PVC)

What it is: Address-bearing photo ID issued nationwide; often accepted where a government ID is needed and you lack others.

Eligibility: Filipino citizens and qualified foreign residents with local address.

How to apply:

Go to an authorized Postal ID capture station.
Bring proof of identity (e.g., PSA birth certificate/another valid government ID) and proof of address (barangay certificate, utility bill).
Biometrics and photo capture; pay fee; choose delivery.

Validity:

3 years (Filipinos); rules can vary for resident foreigners.

Tip:

The Upgraded Postal ID (with security features) is more widely accepted than older paper IDs.

7) GSIS eCard (Gov’t Employees/Retirees)

What it is: Government Service Insurance System ID used for transactions and benefits; widely accepted for public sector members.

Eligibility: GSIS members and pensioners.

Process:

Enrollment through GSIS branches; biometrics capture; card delivery/activation.

Tip:

Often bundled with ATM functionality; keep card and PIN secure.

8) COMELEC Voter’s ID / Voter’s Certification

Status: COMELEC has largely shifted to issuing Voter’s Certifications (paper with photo); some institutions accept it as primary, others as secondary.

How to obtain a Voter’s Certification:

Ensure you are an active registered voter; resolve precinct or record issues.
Apply at the COMELEC office with a valid ID and pay the certification fee (fee can be waived in limited cases).
Claim the certification (some offices release same day; others later).

Tip:

Because acceptance varies, pair it with another government ID for bank KYC.

Special IDs Frequently Accepted (But Not Always “Primary” Everywhere)

Senior Citizen ID (R.A. 9994) – For Filipinos aged 60+; strong local acceptance.
PWD ID (R.A. 7277, as amended) – For persons with disability; strong acceptance, especially in LGU and gov’t offices.
Solo Parent ID (R.A. 11861) – Identity plus entitlement card; acceptance varies.
PhilHealth ID – PVC card with photo can help; often secondary.
BIR TIN Card – Paper eTIN printout is not an ID; PVC photo card acceptance varies.
NBI Clearance – Government-issued with photo; some banks accept as primary, others treat as supporting.

Bottom line: “Primary vs secondary” is an acceptance issue, not only a law issue. The receiving institution’s AML/KYC manual (for banks/fincos) controls. Bring two IDs when possible.

Common Requirements Across IDs

Proof of identity: PSA birth certificate; previous valid ID.
Proof of civil status/name change: PSA marriage certificate, court order, or annotated PSA record.
Proof of address: Barangay certificate, utility bill, lease, bank statement.
Biometrics: Photo, fingerprints, signature.
Fees: Vary by ID; first issuance of PhilID and UMID is typically free.

For minors:

Parent/guardian’s presence; child’s PSA birth certificate; guardian’s valid ID; letter of consent when required.

For dual citizens / naturalized Filipinos:

Present Identification Certificate/Recognition documents and valid Philippine citizenship proof when applying for Philippine-only IDs (passport, PhilID, etc.).

For resident foreigners:

Some IDs (PhilID for resident aliens, Postal ID, driver’s license) are available with valid stay/visa and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card); check each agency’s foreigner rules.

Lost, Damaged, or Incorrect IDs

Report loss (police blotter is sometimes requested).
Affidavit of Loss may be required.
Replacement fees apply; for PhilID/UMID, certain cases may be fee-exempt (e.g., production error).
Data correction follows each agency’s rectification protocol (usually with PSA-backed documents).

Name, Sex, or Birthdate Mismatches

Fix PSA first: Correct civil registry entries (clerical error, change of first name, legitimation, adoption, change of sex/name through appropriate legal processes).
Update all IDs after PSA correction to keep records aligned and prevent KYC denials.

Banking & KYC Notes

Banks follow BSP AML/KYC rules and their internal acceptance matrix.
Many require one primary ID; some accept two secondary government IDs.
If your ID lacks an address, bring proof of address.
For eKYC/online onboarding, ensure clear scans/photos and that name formats match exactly (spacing, hyphens, suffixes).

Quick How-To Checklists

A. First ID when you have none

Apply for PhilID/ePhilID or Postal ID (lower barriers).
Once you have one, it’s easier to get UMID or driver’s license.
Use two IDs to obtain a passport if DFA requires stronger primary proof.

B. Fastest path for bank opening

Driver’s License or Passport + PhilID/Postal ID; bring a proof of address.

C. After marriage or legal name change

Update PSA record first (annotation).
Update PhilID, passport, UMID, LTO, PRC, bank records.
Carry the PSA marriage/court document during transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ePhilID accepted like the physical PhilID? Yes, it is generally recognized; carry the transaction slip if newly issued.

Can a student permit be used as a primary ID? Usually no; the full Driver’s License is the primary ID.

Is NBI Clearance a primary ID? Acceptance varies. Some banks accept it; others require a card-type ID.

Is company or school ID a primary ID? Typically secondary and often not enough on its own for banks.

Document Safety & Privacy

Keep originals safe; use certified true copies when possible.
Never post full ID images online; redact sensitive numbers before sharing copies.
Report loss/theft immediately to the issuing agency and your bank.

Key Takeaways

The most broadly accepted primary IDs are: Passport, PhilID/ePhilID, Driver’s License, UMID, PRC ID, Postal ID, and for specific holders, GSIS eCard/AFP/PNP/IBP IDs.
“Primary” is ultimately determined by the receiving institution (especially banks under AML/KYC).
Start with PhilID/ePhilID or Postal ID if you’re building your ID portfolio, then proceed to UMID, Driver’s License, and Passport.
Keep your PSA records accurate; mismatches cause most denials.
Bring two IDs plus proof of address for smoother transactions.

This article is general information on Philippine practice. For agency-specific rules, consult the latest official issuances or the relevant office before you apply.