How to Replace a Damaged Voter’s ID or Update Voter Records in the Philippines

Updated for general guidance; always confirm any locally posted schedules and fees with your Office of the Election Officer (OEO).

Snapshot: What changed about the “Voter’s ID”?

COMELEC no longer produces the old laminated Voter’s ID. Production was discontinued years ago in favor of newer identity systems (e.g., PhilSys).
Old Voter’s IDs remain valid as proof that you were registered when they were issued, but they cannot be reprinted or replaced if lost or damaged.
The official proof of registration today is a COMELEC Voter’s Certification (a one-page document issued by the OEO). Many agencies accept this together with another government ID.

Bottom line: If your Voter’s ID is lost or damaged, you generally request a Voter’s Certification instead. If your personal details or address changed, file an update to your voter record at the OEO.

Part I — Replacing a Lost or Damaged “Voter’s ID”

What you can request now

Voter’s Certification from the OEO where you are registered (or where your records now reside after transfer).
Some OEOs issue certifications same day; others release on a scheduled date. A modest fee may apply (some exemptions/waivers exist for specific groups or periods). Bring exact change.

Basic requirements

One valid government ID (with photo, full name, and preferably your present address).
- If your ID does not show an address, bring proof of address (e.g., barangay certificate, utility bill in your or an immediate family member’s name plus proof of relationship).
Personal appearance (authorizations/powers of attorney are typically not allowed for certifications).

Steps

Go to your OEO during office hours or during announced “satellite registration” days.
Accomplish the Voter’s Certification request form (the staff usually prints the details from your record for your confirmation).
Pay any applicable fee (ask about fee waivers).
Claim the certification as instructed (same day or on the release date). Verify name spelling, birthdate, precinct, and registration status before leaving.

Part II — Updating Your Voter Record

You update your record when any of the following apply:

Transfer of residence (to another city/municipality/district or within the same city but different precinct).
Change of civil status or name (e.g., marriage, annulment, court-ordered change).
Correction of entries (e.g., birthdate, spelling).
Reactivation (deactivated for failure to vote in two consecutive regular elections or for other legal grounds once the cause is lifted).
Biometrics capture/update (photo, fingerprints, signature).
Supplementary data (Persons with Disabilities (PWD), Senior Citizens, Indigenous Peoples, detainees, etc., for accessible polling).

Legal anchors & timing rules (high level)

Continuing registration is the norm, but no applications are accepted within 120 days before a regular election (and within a shorter “blackout” period before special elections/plebiscites).
Applications are heard by the Election Registration Board (ERB) on set dates. Your application becomes effective only upon ERB approval.

Core eligibility (for registration/transfer)

Filipino citizen
At least 18 years old on or before election day
Resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year and of the city/municipality where you intend to vote for at least 6 months immediately preceding election day
Not otherwise disqualified by law

Forms you’ll encounter

CEF-1 (Application Form) – used for registration, transfer, reactivation, change/correction of entries, and inclusion into the book of voters.
Supplementary Data Form – for PWDs, Seniors, IPs, and others needing assistance or accessible polling.

Documentary requirements (bring originals)

Valid government ID (with photo and preferably address).
For transfer of residence: proof of new address (barangay certificate, lease, utility bill, employer certification, school certification).
For change of name/civil status: PSA/Local Civil Registry documents (e.g., marriage certificate, annulment decision/entry).
For correction of entries: Birth certificate or relevant court/registry document.
For reactivation: Valid ID; if deactivated for a legal cause (e.g., final conviction) that has been set aside, bring the court/order of release or clearance showing the ground no longer applies.

Tip: Names and dates must match your civil registry documents. If your IDs use a nickname or maiden name, expect the OEO to follow your civil registry name unless you legally changed it.

Step-by-step process at the OEO

Appear in person at the OEO with your requirements.
Screening: Staff verifies identity and finds your existing record (or creates one if registering).
Accomplish CEF-1 and indicate the correct transaction type:
- Registration (if new voter)
- Transfer (inter-city/municipality/district or within city)
- Change/Correction of Entries
- Reactivation
- Inclusion/Reinstatement (as applicable)
Biometrics capture: photo, fingerprints, signature (and re-capture if updating).
Receive your acknowledgment/claim stub detailing the ERB schedule or expected posting periods.
Wait for ERB action: Applications are posted for objections and decided on ERB dates.
Check status: You may return or contact the OEO to confirm approval and your assigned precinct.

Special scenarios

A. Transfer of registration

Within the same city/municipality: often labeled “transfer within,” moving you to the correct precinct/cluster.
To another city/municipality/district: your old record is cancelled in the former locality once the transfer is approved; you will vote only in your new locality.

B. Change of name due to marriage

Submit your marriage certificate; sign the application using your new signature going forward. If you continue using your maiden name for professional reasons, be consistent with civil registry records or obtain appropriate documentation.

C. Correction of entries (typos/birthdate)

Provide PSA birth certificate or the pertinent court/registry document. Minor corrections still require documentary proof.

D. Reactivation

If deactivated for failing to vote in two consecutive regular elections, file Reactivation with a valid ID.
If deactivated for other legal grounds (e.g., final criminal conviction, declared insanity) and the ground has ceased or been reversed, bring supporting court/medical documents showing you have regained eligibility.

E. Persons with Disabilities, Seniors, IPs

Fill out the Supplementary Data Form to request assistance, priority lanes, or transfer to accessible polling places where allowed. Bring any supporting certifications you have (not strictly required in many OEOs, but helpful).

F. Detainees and displaced voters

There are mechanisms for detainee registration and for voters displaced by disasters/violence. Coordinate with the OEO or authorized satellite teams when announced.

G. Overseas/Local transitions

Former overseas voters resuming residency in the Philippines need to transfer their registration back to a local OEO (and vice-versa when moving overseas). Bring a valid Philippine passport and proof of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I still get a new laminated Voter’s ID? No. COMELEC has stopped producing it. Request a Voter’s Certification instead and use your PhilSys ID or other government IDs for general identification.

2) Is the Voter’s Certification enough for banks or government transactions? Many institutions accept it as proof of voter registration (not as a stand-alone identity document). You may still need a separate photo ID for identity verification. Always check the receiving office’s list of acceptable IDs.

3) How long until my update takes effect? Your application takes effect only after ERB approval. The OEO can tell you the next ERB date and when your name is expected to appear in the Certified List of Voters for your precinct.

4) What if I moved but didn’t file a transfer? You remain listed where you were previously registered and must vote there unless you successfully transfer before the deadline.

5) I have no ID with my current address. What can I present? Bring a barangay certification of residency and any reasonable proof (lease, bills, employer/school letter). The OEO has discretion to evaluate proof of residence.

6) I changed my signature—do I need to update biometrics? Yes. Updating your signature/photo ensures your Election Day voter identification (and possible signature verification) matches your current signature.

Practical Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid

Mind the deadlines. There is a registration blackout period before elections (commonly 120 days before a regular election). Finish your update well ahead of that.
Spellings must match across documents (civil registry, IDs, voter record). Resolve inconsistencies through corrections before ERB dates.
Bring originals (and a photocopy set) of your IDs and civil documents to save trips.
Check your precinct after ERB approval—precinct numbers can change after transfers or clustering.
Use satellite registration drives if your OEO is far. These are announced periodically in barangays, malls, campuses, and workplaces.
Keep your receipt/acknowledgment until you confirm your status.
Ask about fee waivers (some groups or periods may be exempted).

Quick Checklists

For Voter’s Certification (replacement for lost/damaged ID)

Valid government ID
Proof of address (if your ID lacks it)
Small fee (if applicable)
Personal appearance at OEO

For Transfer / Change / Correction / Reactivation

Valid government ID
Proof of new address (for transfers)
PSA/registry documents (for name/date corrections)
Court/medical papers (if reactivation from legal disability)
Time your filing before the pre-election blackout

Where to Go & What to Ask

Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of your city/municipality (usually at the city/municipal hall complex).
Ask for:
- “Voter’s Certification” (if you need proof of registration)
- “CEF-1 for Transfer/Change/Correction/Reactivation” (as applicable)
- “Supplementary Data Form” (if you’re a PWD, Senior, IP, or need accessible polling)
- ERB schedule and release date of your certification or approval

Final word

For a damaged or lost Voter’s ID, replacement cards are no longer issued—request a Voter’s Certification instead. For any change in your details or residence, file the appropriate update through CEF-1 at your OEO well before the pre-election blackout. Bring solid IDs, proof of address, and supporting civil registry papers to keep your voter record clean, current, and election-day ready.