Replacing a Lost Voter’s ID (or Voter’s Certification) in the Philippines

A 2025 Legal Guide

1. Background: Why “Voter’s ID” Is Now a “Voter’s Certification”

Period	What COMELEC Issued	Key Policy Change
1997 – 2017	Plastic Voter’s Identification Card bearing biometrics and signature.	Mandated under Republic Act 8189 (Voter’s Registration Act of 1996).
2018 – present	Voter’s Certification (secure paper with QR code).	COMELEC permanently halted printing of plastic cards (Minute Resolution 18-0510) in anticipation of the Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055). Existing cards remain valid; newcomers or those replacing lost cards receive a Certification instead.

Practical takeaway: If you lost an old plastic card, replacement now comes in the form of a Voter’s Certification. The process below applies to both.

2. Legal Foundations

Instrument	Relevant Provisions
1987 Constitution	Art. V §1-2 guarantees suffrage and authorizes Congress/COMELEC to regulate registration and identification.
RA 8189 (1996)	§12: COMELEC shall issue an official voter’s identification card. §11 & §13: Elector must personally appear; may request re-issuance for loss, mutilation, or change of entries.
COMELEC Resolution Series	- Res. No. 10549 (2019) & subsequent registration-period resolutions incorporate replacement procedure. - Minute Res. 18-0510 (2018) suspends plastic-card printing. - Res. No. 10172 (2016) standardizes fees (₱75) and exemptions.
RA 11055 (2018)	Establishes the PhilSys National ID; COMELEC recognizes it as sufficient proof of identity on election day, but voters may still secure a Certification if needed for other transactions.

3. Who May Apply for Replacement

Registered voter whose record is active in the precinct book.
Card/Certification is lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
The elector has not been delisted (e.g., failure to vote in two consecutive regular elections).

Tip: Verify status via the COMELEC Precinct Finder (precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph) before queuing.

4. Documentary Requirements (2025 schedule)

Document	Notes
a. Duly-notarized Affidavit of Loss	Use COMELEC template (available on-site) or private counsel. Must narrate circumstances of loss and commit to surrender card if found.
b. One (1) valid government ID	Passport, PhilSys National ID, PRC, UMID, Driver’s License, etc.
c. Payment	₱75 certification fee (cash only) unless exempt (see §5).
d. Appointment stub (if city/municipality implements online booking)	Secure via iRehistro or local LGU portal.

5. Fee Exemptions

Category	Legal Basis	Proof Required
Senior Citizens (60 +)	RA 7432 (Senior Citizens Act)	Senior Citizen ID
Persons with Disabilities (PWD)	RA 10754	PWD ID / medical certificate
*Indigents holding Certificate of Indigency* issued by DSWD or Barangay**	Sec. 99, RA 8189 IRR	Original Certificate (within 6 months)

6. Step-by-Step Procedure

Prepare documents (Affidavit, ID, cash).
Personal appearance at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) where you are registered.
Queue for biometrics verification — fingerprints and photo matched against the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Submit Affidavit & pay fee. Obtain Official Receipt (keep this).
OEO encodes “Replacement” transaction in the Voter Registration System (VRS).
Issuance of Certification
- Most OEOs: Same-day release (20-30 min) with dry-seal and QR code.
- High-volume areas (e.g., Manila, QC): Claim next business day.
Sign logbook acknowledging receipt.

Lost plastic card? COMELEC releases a Certification, not another plastic card. The paper certification is valid for one (1) year but can be re-validated indefinitely.

7. Special Situations

Scenario	Added Requirement	Note
Change of name (marriage/annulment)	PSA-issued marriage certificate / court decree	File a “Correction / Update” application concurrent with replacement.
Transfer of residence	Proof of new residency (barangay cert, utility bill)	File a “Transfer of Registration” first; certification can only be printed after transfer is approved (approx. 3 months).
Record tagged ‘deactivated’	None (application not allowed)	Must first file “Reactivation” (COMELEC Res. 10965); certification issued only after reactivation.
Affidavit of Loss can’t be notarized (e.g., remote islands)	Sworn statement before the Election Officer	COMELEC treats the EO as ex-officio notary for voter-related affidavits without fee.

8. Validity & Uses of the Voter’s Certification

Government & bank transactions (GSIS, SSS, DFA, LTO, etc.) — under Memorandum Circular No. 2016-110 all agencies must honor it.
SIM registration, firearms license, private employment, school enrolment, etc.
Election day identification only if PhilSys ID unavailable.
Accepted by BI for balikbayan travel tax exemption (with PSA birth certificate).

9. Penalties & Liability

Falsification of Affidavit or Use of Fake Certification
- Art. 171 & 172, Revised Penal Code: Prisión correccional (6 months-6 years) and/or fine.
Illicit purchase or sale of Certification
- Sec. 261 (d) Omnibus Election Code: 1-6 years imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from public office and right to vote.
Multiple registration to secure extra IDs
- Sec. 22, RA 8189: 1-6 years plus disqualification; automatic cancellation of all records.

10. Common Questions (FAQ)

Q	A
How long after registration can I request a Certification?	Once biometrics have been “verified” (usually 7 days after filing).
Can someone else claim it for me?	Yes, with a Special Power of Attorney and the claimant’s ID.
What if I recover my old card after receiving a Certification?	Surrender either document to the OEO; holding two is unlawful.
Is the Certification recognized abroad?	Generally yes at Philippine embassies; always pair with passport for clarity.
Will COMELEC resume plastic cards once PhilSys is fully rolled out?	No current plan. Certification remains the fallback until PhilSys coverage is universal.

11. Sample Affidavit of Loss (Extract)

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

That I am a duly registered voter of [Barangay, City/Municipality, Province], as evidenced by my voter’s identification card/certification.

That on or about [Date], said card/certification was lost/misplaced through no fault or negligence on my part…

That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the foregoing facts and to request the issuance of a replacement Voter’s Certification. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand this ___ day of ______ 2025, at [City], Philippines.

[Affiant]

12. Timeline Snapshot (Typical Metro Manila OEO)

Stage	Day	Cumulative Time
Online appointment	–7 to –1	5 min
Affidavit preparation & notarization	–1 to 0	30 min
OEO appearance & biometrics check	0	15 min
Payment & encoding	0	5 min
Printing/sealing	0	10 min
Total	Same day	~1 hr

13. Practical Tips

Morning queues are shortest; “cut-off numbers” fill by 11 a.m. in urban districts.
Bring exact change; cashless is not yet standard.
Laminate the Certification only after photocopying; agencies sometimes require a photocopy with dry-seal visible.
If you need the document for DFA passport renewal, schedule COMELEC visit at least three (3) working days before your DFA appointment in case of printing delays.
Save a digital scan; some online services accept the PDF copy.

14. Future Developments to Watch (as of July 6 2025)

COMELEC-PhilSys API pilot (Q4 2025): aims to allow agencies to cross-check voter status directly with COMELEC—potentially reducing demand for Certifications.
E-Certification portal under study (Res. No. 10997): would enable printable PDF certificates with e-signature; still pending Data Privacy impact assessment.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. For case-specific concerns, consult the Election Officer having jurisdiction over your place of registration or a qualified election law practitioner.