Replacement of a Lost Voter ID in the Philippines

A practitioner-oriented guide as of July 2025

Key takeaway: Since mid-2017 the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) no longer prints the plastic “Voter’s ID.” A lost card is functionally replaced by a Voter’s Certification (in paper form with a dry seal) or, where available, by the Philippine National ID (PhilSys). Nevertheless, the governing rules on replacement remain anchored on Republic Act No. 8189 (Voter’s Registration Act of 1996) and successive COMELEC Resolutions.

1. Legal framework

Source	Core provisions relevant to replacement
Republic Act No. 8189 (Voter’s Registration Act, 12 June 1996)	• §9 authorises COMELEC to issue a voter’s identification card. • §38 empowers COMELEC to prescribe fees for duplicate cards and to promulgate implementing rules.
COMELEC Resolution No. 10148 (12 January 2016, amended)	Sets the “continuing registration” calendar and embeds the procedure for duplicate/ replacement cards via Application for Re-issuance (CEF-1D).
COMELEC Resolution No. 10549 (25 June 2019)	Suspends further printing of the PVC Voter’s ID and recognises the Voter’s Certification as the official proof of registration; allows issuance of certifications for lost IDs on payment of a certification fee.
COMELEC Minute Resolution Nos. 19-1705 & 21-0335	Standardises the certification fee at ₱75 (waived for senior citizens, PWDs, and indigent persons upon proof of status).
Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055, 6 August 2018)	Declares the PhilSys card a valid government ID; COMELEC advises registrants to rely on PhilSys once issued.

Practice point: While the statutory text of RA 8189 still speaks of a physical voter’s card, COMELEC’s later resolutions—validly issued under its constitutional rule-making power—have effectively substituted the Certification for the card.

2. Who may apply for a replacement

Registered voter whose original COMELEC Voter’s ID is lost (card never recovered).
Registered voter whose paper Voter’s Certification is lost or destroyed.
Registered voter awaiting PhilSys but needing immediate proof of registration (e.g., for passports or bank KYC).

3. Documentary requirements

Requirement	Notes
Application for Re-issuance (Form CEF-1D)	Obtainable and executable at any Local COMELEC (Office of the Election Officer, “OEO”).
Affidavit of Loss	Notarised; must describe the circumstances of loss and state that the ID has not been confiscated for election offenses. COMELEC staff have a template; some OEOs accept a sworn statement executed in-house before an election assistant in lieu of notary.
One government-issued ID or PhilSys transaction slip	Needed only to establish identity at filing; if none, two secondary IDs or a barangay certification plus a non-professional driver’s licence, school ID, etc.
Appearance of the voter	Personal filing is mandatory; representatives are not allowed (RA 8189 §12).
Payment of ₱75 certification fee	Exemptions: senior citizens (RA 9994), PWDs (RA 10754) and indigent applicants (indigency certificate from DSWD or barangay). Fees are receipted to the COMELEC trust fund.

Tip: A police blotter is not legally required, though some OEOs informally ask for it. Cite COMELEC Res. 10549 if you encounter this.

4. Step-by-step procedure

Secure and accomplish CEF-1D at the OEO that has custody of the voter’s registration record.
Execute Affidavit of Loss (on-site or notarised in advance).
Submit documents to the Election Officer; biometric verification (fingerprint scan) will be performed to confirm identity.
Pay the certification fee and receive an acknowledgment stub indicating release date.
Claim the Voter’s Certification after 3–5 working days (outside registration blackout periods).
Optionally enrol for PhilSys if the voter wishes a card-based ID for banking or travel; COMELEC counters routinely provide linkage desks during satellite registrations.

5. Timeframes & election-period freezes

Period	Effect on processing
Regular days (outside a period of prohibition)	Release in 3–5 working days; metro offices sometimes implement same-day release.
*Election gun-ban period / 45-day liquor-ban* windows**	COMELEC may suspend release of certifications used for firearms permits or travel authority.
Registration suspension (usually 120 days before a national election)	OEOs accept replacement requests but release the certifications only after election day, to prevent illegal transfers of voting precincts.

6. Legal effects & limitations

No change in precinct assignment – Replacement does not alter a voter’s precinct or status; it is an administrative duplication only.
No extension of voting rights if registration is deactivated – A lost ID cannot be re-issued where the voter’s record is deactivated (e.g., failure to vote in two successive regular elections, per RA 8189 §27). The voter must file for Reactivation (Form CEF-1B) first.
Forgery & false statements – Making a false Affidavit of Loss constitutes an election offense punishable by up to six years’ imprisonment and perpetual disqualification (Omnibus Election Code §264).
Use as government ID – A Voter’s Certification is accepted by DFA for passport application, SSS, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, Landbank, and GSIS provided it bears the dry seal and QR code authentication (COMELEC Advisory 13-2023). Private banks may impose additional KYC.

7. Interplay with the Philippine National ID (PhilSys)

Scenario	COMELEC stance
Lost COMELEC ID, PhilSys already issued	The PhilSys card suffices; COMELEC will still issue a certification if specifically requested.
PhilSys not yet delivered, urgent need for ID	File for Voter’s Certification; once PhilSys arrives, certification remains valid until its printed expiry (usually one year).
Lost PhilSys as well	COMELEC will issue a new Certification; replacement PhilSys follows the PSA’s separate process.

8. Overseas Filipino voters (OFOV)

Under the Overseas Voting Act (RA 9189 as amended), the Overseas Voter Certification—not the PVC card—is the governing proof of registration.
Replacement for a lost OFOV certification is lodged with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or at COMELEC-OFOV in Manila; the affidavit may be executed before the consular officer.
No fee is charged overseas (COMELEC-DFA Joint Circular 02-2020).

9. Special accommodations

Category	Accommodation authorised
Persons with disabilities / Senior citizens	Priority lanes; fee waiver; home/hospital visitation by an Election Officer if medically justified (COMELEC Res. 11135-A).
Indigenous peoples & geographically isolated areas	Mobile registration teams accept oral affidavits witnessed by the tribal chieftain; releases consolidated through the provincial EO.
Detained persons	Jail-based voters may execute affidavits before the warden; certifications are batched and delivered via BJMP liaison.

10. Frequently-asked questions

Question	Short answer
Is the police blotter obligatory?	No, COMELEC rules only require a sworn affidavit; a blotter is optional corroboration.
Can I authorise someone to pick up the certification?	Generally no; personal appearance is required for release. Some OEOs allow a SPA-holder to claim if the voter is bedridden—confirm locally.
How long is the paper certification valid?	One year from issue (until the printed expiry date) or until a PhilSys is presented, whichever comes first.
What if I later find my old ID?	Surrender either the old card or the certification so COMELEC can cancel the duplicate record; retention is an administrative offense.

11. Penalties for misuse

Using a forged or multiple certifications – Election offense under §261(o), Omnibus Election Code; punishable by one–six years’ prison, disqualification, and removal of suffrage rights.
False affidavit – Perjury under the Revised Penal Code (Art. 183) plus election offense under §264, if related to electoral documents.
Issuing officer who releases without due process – Administrative liability for Grave Misconduct and removal (COMELEC Rules on Administrative Cases).

12. Practical checklist for counsel & compliance officers

Verify whether the client truly needs the COMELEC certification (PhilSys may suffice).
Ensure the affidavit of loss has a venue clause and jurat consistent with the place of execution.
Double-check that the voter is not deactivated (ask client if they last voted within two regular elections).
Attach any supporting ID copies to expedite evaluation.
Calendar release date, noting any impending election period where releases pause.

Final word

The shift from the plastic Voter’s ID to a paper-based Certification—and ultimately to PhilSys—reflects COMELEC’s transition toward biometric-centric identification. Nevertheless, the procedure for replacing a lost voter’s ID or Certification remains grounded in RA 8189 and subsequent COMELEC resolutions. Lawyers and compliance officers should master the nuances of affidavits, fee exemptions, and election-period restrictions to guide clients efficiently.

(Information current as of July 10 2025. COMELEC may issue new resolutions; always check the latest circulars.)