I. Introduction
The Voter’s Identification Card (commonly called Voter’s ID) and the Voter’s Certification are two of the most widely accepted and useful valid IDs in the Philippines. Both are issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and serve as conclusive proof of registration in the national list of voters.
The Voter’s ID is a permanent, PVC-format identification card with photo, signature, fingerprint, and security features. The Voter’s Certification is a one-page document issued on security paper certifying that a person is a registered voter of a specific precinct in a specific city/municipality.
Because of chronic delays in the printing and distribution of the physical Voter’s ID cards, most Filipinos actually rely on the Voter’s Certification as their primary government-issued photo ID for banking, employment, passport applications, NBI clearance, postal ID applications, and almost all other transactions that require valid ID.
II. Legal Basis
- Republic Act No. 8189 (Voter’s Registration Act of 1996), as amended
- Republic Act No. 10367 (Biometrics Validation Act of 2013)
- Republic Act No. 9369 (Automated Election System Law)
- COMELEC Resolution No. 10672 (12 November 2020) – Rules and Regulations on the Resumption of the System of Continuing Registration and Use of iRehistro Online System
- COMELEC Resolution No. 10833 (16 March 2023) – Continuing Registration until 30 September 2025
- COMELEC Minute Resolution No. 23-0634 (2023) – Current guidelines on issuance of Voter’s Certification and replacement of lost/damaged Voter’s ID
III. What Can Be Done Online vs. What Still Requires Personal Appearance (As of November 2025)
| Service | Fully Online Possible? | Partial Online (Pre-filling + Appointment) | Requires Personal Appearance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Voter Registration | No | Yes (iRehistro) | Yes (biometrics, photo, signature) | Mandatory in-person step |
| Transfer/Transfer with Reactivation | No | Yes | Yes | — |
| Reactivation of Inactive Record | No | Yes | Yes | — |
| Correction of Entries/Change of Name | No | Yes | Yes | — |
| Replacement of Lost/Damaged Voter’s ID | No | No | Yes | Affidavit of Loss + personal appearance |
| Request for Voter’s Certification | No | No | Yes | Must appear before the Election Officer; fee ₱75.00 |
Conclusion: As of 27 November 2025, there is still no fully online issuance of either the Voter’s ID or the Voter’s Certification. However, the entire application process for registration (which eventually leads to the issuance of the Voter’s ID) can be done through COMELEC’s official online platform called iRehistro.
IV. Step-by-Step Guide: Using iRehistro (The Only Official Online Platform)
Official URL: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph
Access the Site
Go to https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph → Click “Apply for Registration” or any of the other services (Transfer, Reactivation, etc.).Select Type of Application
- Registration (first-time voter)
- Transfer from another city/municipality
- Transfer within the same city/municipality (reassignment of precinct)
- Reactivation (if marked inactive for failing to vote in two successive elections)
- Correction of entries / Change of name due to marriage, court order, etc.
- Inclusion/Reinstatement of record
Fill Out the Online Form (CEF-1)
The system will generate the standard COMELEC Form CEF-1 (Common Election Form). All fields are required. Use capital letters and black ink when you later print it.Upload Supporting Documents (if applicable)
- For married women using husband’s surname – PSA Marriage Certificate
- For correction/change of name – PSA Birth Certificate + court order or annotated MC
- For reactivation due to deactivation – no additional document needed
- For dual citizens – Identification Certificate + Oath of Allegiance issued by BID or Philippine consulate
Choose Your Preferred COMELEC Office and Schedule
The system will show available dates and time slots at your local Election Office (OEO). Slots are released on a rolling basis and fill up quickly, especially near deadlines.Review and Submit
Once submitted, you will receive a reference number and a PDF containing three (3) copies of the accomplished application form.Print the Forms
Print the three copies on A4 or long bond paper. Sign all copies using black ballpen only.Go to the COMELEC Office on Your Scheduled Date and Time
Bring:- The three printed and signed copies
- Original + photocopy of at least one (1) valid ID (Philippine National ID preferred, but any government-issued ID with photo is acceptable)
- Supporting documents (if any)
Biometrics Capture
The COMELEC personnel will:- Capture your photo, fingerprints, and signature
- Validate your documents
- Give you the bottom copy stamped “ACKNOWLEDGED”
This acknowledged copy is already proof that you are a registered voter and can be presented while waiting for the Voter’s ID.
Wait for the Voter’s ID
COMELEC is currently printing and distributing Voter’s IDs in batches. Some registrants from 2022–2023 are only now receiving theirs in 2025. The ID will be mailed to the address you indicated or may be claimed at the local COMELEC office when announced.
V. How to Obtain a Voter’s Certification (The Most Practical Valid ID in 2025)
Because of the long delay in Voter’s ID distribution, almost every Filipino who needs a valid government ID immediately requests a Voter’s Certification.
Procedure:
Go to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city or municipality where you are registered (not where you currently reside, unless you have already transferred).
Proceed to the Voter’s Certification window (usually a dedicated desk).
Fill out the simple request slip.
Pay ₱75.00 at the cashier (official fee per COMELEC Resolution).
Present one valid ID and your acknowledged registration stub (if still new registrant).
The Election Officer or authorized personnel will print and sign the certification on official COMELEC security paper with dry seal.
Processing time: 5–15 minutes in most offices (longer during peak seasons).
Validity: No expiration date, but some institutions require it to be issued within the last 6–12 months.
VI. Special Cases
| Situation | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Lost Voter’s ID | File Affidavit of Loss + pay ₱75.00 at local COMELEC office → new ID will be printed in the next batch |
| Damaged/unreadable Voter’s ID | Surrender damaged card + pay ₱75.00 → replacement issued |
| Registered voter but never received physical ID | Just request Voter’s Certification (₱75) – this is the fastest solution |
| Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or absentee voter | Use the Overseas Voting iRehistro portal at https://irehistro-overseas.comelec.gov.ph |
VII. Important Reminders (2025)
The current registration period runs until 30 September 2025 for the 2026 National and Local Elections (COMELEC Resolution No. 10833 as extended).
There is no more Saturday registration in most offices; regular schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Philippine National ID (PhilSys) is now the preferred ID for registration, but it is not yet a substitute for Voter’s ID or Certification.
Any website or person offering “online Voter’s Certification” or “instant Voter’s ID delivery” for a fee higher than ₱75–₱200 is committing estafa or violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Only https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph and official COMELEC pages are legitimate.
By following the procedures above, any Filipino citizen can efficiently secure proof of voter registration and obtain the most practical government-issued identification available today — either through the partially online iRehistro system for eventual Voter’s ID, or through the quick in-person process for Voter’s Certification.