What it is. A Voter’s Certification is an official COMELEC document showing your registration details (name, birthdate, address/precinct, and registration status). It’s commonly requested by employers, schools, LGUs, courts, and occasionally as a supporting ID in other agencies. It is not the old Voter’s ID card (which is no longer issued).

This guide explains eligibility, the end-to-end online request workflow, fees and exemptions, pickup/authorization rules, delivery options, and how to fix record issues—plus ready-to-use templates and checklists.

1) Eligibility & When to Use It

You can request a Voter’s Certification if:

You are a registered Filipino voter (local or overseas).
Your record exists in the COMELEC voter database (even if deactivated, the certification can reflect status).
You need official proof of registration (employment, scholarship, court/legal filings, passport support, LGU programs, etc.).

Not a substitute for: NBI/Police clearance, birth/marriage certificates, or passports. It complements them.

2) What You’ll Need Before You Start

Valid government ID (original for pickup; clear image if uploading is requested): e.g., PhilID, passport, UMID/SSS, driver’s license, postal ID, PRC, school ID with current validation, etc.
Personal details exactly as registered: full name (with middle name), birthdate/place, registration address (barangay/city), and precinct/cluster number if known.
Contact info: active mobile number and email.
Payment method (if fees apply): e-wallet, debit/credit card, or other modes accepted by COMELEC’s portal.
(Optional) Barangay Certification as First-Time Jobseeker if availing fee exemption under RA 11261 (see §6).

3) Online Request: Step-by-Step

The exact labels/buttons may vary by portal version, but the flow is substantially the same.

Create/Verify Your Request
- Go to COMELEC’s online Voter’s Certification request page.
- Encode personal details and select purpose of request.
- Choose where to claim:
  - Local Office of the Election Officer (OEO) where you are registered or currently staying; or
  - COMELEC Main (National Capital Region).
  - Some local offices allow inter-office claiming—pick the most convenient.
Upload/Attach (if prompted)
- Clear image of your valid ID (front/back).
- Recent selfie holding the ID (anti-impersonation), if required.
- For representatives: authorization letter and IDs (upload for pre-check; originals shown at pickup).
Appointment/Slot
- Pick an appointment date/time for pickup (most offices require personal appearance or an authorized representative due to wet signature and dry seal).
- Note: Some OEOs may process walk-ins but online appointment speeds up handling and avoids cutoffs.
Payment
- Pay the certification fee via the portal’s e-payment options unless exempt (see §6).
- Save the electronic receipt/reference number.
Confirmation
- You’ll receive an email/SMS with your reference number, appointment, and claiming instructions. Keep this.
Processing
- The OEO retrieves/validates your record and prepares the printed certification.
- Typical release is same day on your appointment or shortly thereafter, depending on volume and system availability.
Pickup / Release
- Present valid ID and your reference/receipt.
- Check your details on the spot (name spellings, birthdate, address, precinct, status “Active/Deactivated”).
- Sign the logbook and receive the document with signature and seal.

Courier/Delivery: Some offices may offer courier at your cost or allow you to arrange pickup by a courier after verification. Ask your chosen OEO (policy varies by office).

4) Claiming Through an Authorized Representative

If you cannot personally appear:

Provide an Authorization Letter (see template below).
Representative must bring:
- Their government ID (original + photocopy).
- Your government ID (photocopy).
- Printed appointment/confirmation and payment proof.
The representative signs the logbook; some OEOs may call/text you on the spot for live confirmation.

Template — Authorization Letter

Date: __________

To the Office of the Election Officer of [City/Municipality]:

I, [YOUR FULL NAME], born on [DOB], registered at [Barangay, City], hereby authorize
[REPRESENTATIVE’S FULL NAME], with ID No. [ID type & number], to request and claim my
COMELEC Voter’s Certification on my behalf.

Enclosed are photocopies of our valid IDs.

Signature: _____________________
Printed Name: __________________
Contact No.: ___________________

5) Overseas Filipino Voters (OFOV)

Where to request: Your Philippine Embassy/Consulate or designated MECO/ME posts (the “Post” acts as OEO for overseas voters).
How: Many Posts accept email/online scheduling, with in-person pickup (or local mail).
Bring a Philippine passport (primary ID). If requesting while in the Philippines, coordinate with COMELEC-OFOV and indicate your overseas registration details.

6) Fees, Official Receipts, and Who May Be Exempt

Fee: A modest certification fee is charged per copy (exact amount depends on current schedule).
Official Receipt: Always secure an OR; it may be digital (e-receipt) or printed at pickup.
Exemptions/waivers (common cases):
- RA 11261 (First-Time Jobseekers Act) — one-time fee waiver for government documents used for job application, upon presentation of a Barangay Certification that you are a first-time jobseeker and have not previously availed the law.
- Some offices extend courtesy lanes or waive fees for Senior Citizens, PWDs, Solo Parents, IPs, 4Ps, etc., subject to local office policy and supporting IDs.

Tip: If you intend to claim an exemption, bring the supporting certificate/ID and inform the OEO in your online request or at the window before paying.

7) What If Your Record Has Issues?

A) Name/Spelling or Birthdate Error

Minor clerical errors generally require a Request for Correction/Update at your OEO (supporting IDs/civil registry docs). The certification will reflect what is in the database until corrected.

B) Deactivated Status

Deactivation can occur for reasons like failure to vote in two consecutive regular elections, multiple registration hits, or court/legal reasons.
You may still obtain a certification (showing “Deactivated”), but you must reactivate or re-register during the registration period for future voting.

C) Transferred Residence

If you recently filed a transfer, the new city/municipality may not instantly reflect changes. You may request the certification from the current OEO of registration on record.

D) No Record Found

Double-check name variants (middle name vs. middle initial, married vs. maiden name), birthdate format, and barangay.
If still unresolved, visit the OEO for manual database search and to determine if you must (re)register.

8) Contents & Validity

A Voter’s Certification typically shows:

Full name, sex, date/place of birth;
Registration address and precinct/cluster number;
Status (Active/Deactivated/Cancelled) and relevant remarks;
OEO/COMELEC signature and dry seal; date of issuance.

Validity: No fixed statutory “expiry,” but most recipients prefer a recent document (e.g., issued within 3–6 months).

9) Data Privacy & Security Notes

The certification contains personal data.
Provide copies only to entities with legitimate need.
If you suspect improper disclosure or mishandling, you may complain to the Office of the Election Officer and, where appropriate, the National Privacy Commission.

10) Quick Checklists

A) Before You Apply

Valid ID ready (and a clear scan/photo if uploading)
Exact registered name and address; precinct number if known
Mobile number & email
Payment method (or First-Time Jobseeker barangay cert for fee waiver)

B) For Pickup (You)

Valid ID (original)
Reference number & proof of payment (or fee-waiver docs)
Double-check spellings/status before leaving the window

C) For Pickup (Representative)

Authorization letter (signed)
Representative’s ID (orig + copy)
Your ID (copy)
Reference/receipt

11) FAQs

Q: Can I get a digital (PDF) Voter’s Certification? A: COMELEC generally releases paper certificates with wet signature and seal. Some offices may pilot digital confirmations, but most recipients still require the physical document.

Q: Can I walk in without an online request? A: Many OEOs accept walk-ins, but online scheduling reduces wait times and ensures staff can pre-pull your record.

Q: How long does it take? A: Often same-day on your appointment, subject to system availability and queue volume. Plan for possible follow-up day if records need manual verification.

Q: Do I need my precinct number? A: Not strictly, but it speeds up search. Your name, birthdate, and address usually suffice.

Q: Can I use it for passport applications? A: It can serve as a supporting document. Confirm with the requesting agency which IDs they accept as primary vs. supporting.

12) Pro Tips

Match spellings with your birth certificate to avoid “no record found.”
If you recently married/changed name, be consistent: some recipients prefer maiden name if your COMELEC record hasn’t been updated.
For urgent needs, choose the OEO with the lightest queues (often your city/municipality of registration).
Bring extra photocopies of your ID and two pens—small, but it saves time.
If you’re a first-time jobseeker, always ask about the fee waiver before paying.

Need help tailoring this to your situation?

Tell me where you’re registered, whether you’ll claim personally or via representative, and if you’re a first-time jobseeker or overseas voter—I’ll map the exact steps, documents, and a one-page checklist you can print and bring to your OEO.