How to Replace a Lost Voter’s ID in the Philippines (2025 Guide)

Executive summary

You can’t get a replacement COMELEC Voter’s ID anymore. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) stopped producing and releasing voter’s ID cards years ago in favor of the Philippine National ID (PhilSys/PhilID) and Voter’s Certification.
If you lost your old voter’s ID, the practical and legally recognized substitutes are:
1. Voter’s Certification from COMELEC; and/or
2. PhilID (National ID) or another government ID.
Your right to vote does not depend on holding a voter’s ID. What matters is that your voter registration record is active in your city/municipality.

This article explains the legal bases, your options, step-by-step procedures, fees, timelines, special cases (overseas voters, name changes, deactivated records), and provides a sample Affidavit of Loss you can use when third parties ask for one.

Legal background (plain-English)

Voter registration & records. Governed mainly by the Omnibus Election Code and the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996 (RA 8189), as amended (including biometrics requirements under RA 10367). These laws create and maintain the official list of voters and set the grounds for deactivation/reactivation.
National ID system. The Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055) established the PhilSys (National ID), which government and private entities accept for identity verification. In practice, this made the old COMELEC voter’s ID unnecessary.
Data privacy. Processing of voter data is subject to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) and COMELEC’s resolutions on records handling.

Bottom line: COMELEC no longer issues or replaces voter’s ID cards; instead, it issues Voter’s Certifications that confirm you’re a registered, active voter. For general identification, use PhilID or another valid government ID.

What to do if you lost your Voter’s ID

Option A: Get a COMELEC Voter’s Certification (most common)

A Voter’s Certification is a printed, signed, and sealed document from COMELEC confirming that you are a registered voter in a specific city/municipality and stating your precinct details. Many banks, schools, employers, and government offices accept it for transactions that ask for a “voter’s ID.”

Who may apply

Any registered voter with an active voter record (i.e., not deactivated) in that locality.
You must apply in the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city/municipality where you are registered. (Some regional or the national office also issue certifications; local practice varies.)

Requirements

One (1) valid government ID (e.g., PhilID/National ID, passport, UMID/SSS, driver’s license, PRC ID, Postal ID, school or company ID with signature, etc.).
Processing fee: typically nominal (historically around ₱75). Fees can change by resolution or local collection policy—verify the amount posted at the OEO.
Optional: Bring your precinct number if you know it—it speeds up the search but isn’t required.

Process (typical)

Go to your OEO during business hours. Look for the window that handles certifications.
Fill out the request form for Voter’s Certification.
Present your valid ID and pay the fee at the cashier (ask for an Official Receipt).
Verification: COMELEC staff will search your record in the election database.
Issuance: If your record is found and active, they’ll print and sign your Voter’s Certification (often same-day). If the office needs to retrieve archived data, they may schedule a later release.

Validity and use

There’s no statutory “expiry,” but many institutions treat certifications as “fresh” only for a limited window (often 3–6 months). If yours is old, simply request a new one.

Option B: Use/obtain another government ID

Because the voter’s ID is no longer produced, everyday identification is meant to be done with:

PhilID (National ID) – the government’s primary ID credential;
Passport, UMID/SSS, Driver’s License, PRC ID, Postal ID, senior citizen ID, PWD ID, and similar cards.

If you urgently need a photo ID and don’t yet have PhilID, Postal ID and UMID/SSS are common alternatives with well-defined processes.

Can I still ask COMELEC to “replace” the card itself?

No. COMELEC does not reprint or replace the old laminated voter’s ID—even if lost, stolen, or damaged. The official alternatives are Voter’s Certification and/or PhilID.

What if my voter record is deactivated?

You cannot get a Voter’s Certification for a deactivated record. Under RA 8189 (as amended), common grounds for deactivation include:

Failure to vote in two (2) successive regular elections;
Loss of Filipino citizenship;
Final judgment imposing imprisonment of not less than one year (subject to rules on reacquisition of rights);
Declared insane/incompetent by competent authority;
Cancellation/court-ordered corrections;
No biometrics captured (under earlier biometrics validation drives).

How to fix it (reactivation)

File an Application for Reactivation (and, if needed, Change/Correction of Entries or Transfer of Registration) during the registration period at your OEO.
Bring a valid ID and supporting documents (e.g., court order, certificate of naturalization/reacquisition, etc., depending on the ground).
Once reactivated (or transferred/corrected), you can request a Voter’s Certification again.

Tip: Registration/reactivation schedules are controlled by COMELEC calendars and may be suspended close to election periods. If timing is tight, ask the OEO which remedies are currently available.

Voting without a voter’s ID

On Election Day, you can vote without a voter’s ID as long as you’re on the precinct’s list and can prove your identity (usually via a government-issued photo ID).
Precinct officials verify you using the Computerized Voters List and biometrics. The old voter’s ID is not required.

Special situations

Overseas Filipino voters

Overseas voting is governed by RA 9189 (as amended by RA 10590). Overseas voters do not receive COMELEC voter’s ID cards.
For proof of registration, coordinate with the Philippine foreign service post or COMELEC–OFOV for the appropriate voter’s certification or verification. For identification abroad, use your passport/PhilID.

Change of name/civil status or address

File the appropriate Application for Change/Correction of Entries or Transfer of Registration at your OEO (during open registration).
If you need proof of your updated record, request a new Voter’s Certification after the change is approved.

Persons with disability (PWD), senior citizens, pregnant women, and IPs

OEOs typically provide priority lanes and reasonable accommodation. You may authorize a representative to submit/redeem documents if the OEO allows it; check local practice and bring an authorization letter and copies of IDs for both parties.

Fees, processing time, and releases

Fee: Typically minimal (historically ~₱75). Always follow the amount posted at the OEO and pay only to the cashier; get an Official Receipt.
Processing: Frequently same-day, but allow for backlogs, system checks, or retrieval from archives.
Release: Usually over-the-counter to the applicant; some OEOs accept an authorized representative with letter and IDs.

Common questions (FAQ)

Q: The bank/agency asked for “voter’s ID.” What do I submit? A: Submit a Voter’s Certification from COMELEC or a PhilID/National ID. You can also ask the requesting party whether any government ID is acceptable.

Q: Do I need an Affidavit of Loss to get a Voter’s Certification? A: Not usually. COMELEC’s certification is based on your voter record, not on your possession of the old card. Some third parties (banks/employers) may ask for an Affidavit of Loss for their own compliance—see the template below.

Q: I found my old voter’s ID after I got a certification. Can I still use it? A: The card is largely obsolete for government transactions. Use PhilID or other government IDs instead; keep the old card only for reference.

Q: My record shows “deactivated for failure to vote.” What now? A: File reactivation at your OEO when registration is open. After approval, you can request a Voter’s Certification.

Practical checklist

Confirm your status: Ask the OEO if your voter record is active.
If active: Request a Voter’s Certification (bring 1 valid ID; pay the fee).
If deactivated: File reactivation (and any change/transfer), then request certification after approval.
For day-to-day ID needs: Use/obtain PhilID or another government ID.

Sample Affidavit of Loss – Voter’s ID

(For use when a bank/employer/agency requires it. Customize as needed and have it notarized.)

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS I, [Full Name], of legal age, Filipino, [single/married], and a resident of [Address], after having been duly sworn, depose and state that:

I am the same person registered as a voter of [Barangay, City/Municipality, Province].

I was issued a COMELEC Voter’s ID bearing the following details to the best of my recollection: [Voter’s ID No. (if known)], [Date Issued (if known)].

On or about [Date], I discovered that said Voter’s ID was lost/misplaced and despite diligent efforts, I cannot locate it.

I execute this Affidavit to attest to the loss and for whatever legal purpose it may serve. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] at [City/Municipality], Philippines.

[Affiant’s Name]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this [Date] at [City/Municipality], affiant exhibiting to me a government-issued ID [Type/No.] valid until [Expiry Date].

Notary Public Doc No. ___; Page No. ___; Book No. ___; Series of ___.

Red flags & tips

No “fixers.” COMELEC transactions are straightforward and low-fee. Use only official windows and demand an Official Receipt.
Protect your data. Don’t post photos of your voter details online. Report suspected misuse to your OEO.
Mind the election calendar. Some services pause near election periods; plan ahead if you need a certification for a deadline.

One-page summary (save/share)

Replacement card: Not available.
What to get: Voter’s Certification from your OEO; and/or PhilID.
Bring: One valid ID + small fee (amount posted at OEO).
Vote without card: Yes—if you’re on the voter list and can prove identity.
If deactivated: Reactivate during registration, then request certification.

Final note

This guide reflects the current, general practice and the controlling statutes. Specific fees, office hours, and processing times can vary by locality and may change through COMELEC resolutions. If you’re on a deadline, go directly to your local Office of the Election Officer and ask for their most recent instructions for Voter’s Certification and reactivation.