Replacement Voter ID (Philippines, 2025): Requirements, Rules, and a Practical Guide

Short answer up front: As of 2025, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) no longer prints or re-issues the old Voter’s ID card. If you lost or damaged yours, there is no replacement card. The official substitute is a Voter’s Certification issued by COMELEC. This article explains what that means, who can get one, the requirements, common edge cases, and what to do when an agency asks for a “Voter’s ID.”

1) Legal backdrop (why there’s no “replacement ID” anymore)

COMELEC’s mandate: The 1987 Constitution (Art. IX-C) and the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996 (RA 8189) task COMELEC with maintaining the list of voters and historically allowed issuance of a voter identification card.
Transition away from the Voter’s ID card: COMELEC discontinued card printing years ago in favor of maintaining accurate voter rolls and to avoid duplication with the Philippine Identification System (RA 11055).
What replaced the card for proof of registration: COMELEC now issues a Voter’s Certification—an official document proving you are a registered voter, with your precinct details, signed and sealed by the Election Officer.
Data privacy: Your voter data is protected under the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173); COMELEC releases only what is necessary to prove registration.

Bottom line: You cannot apply for a “replacement Voter’s ID card” in 2025. You can, however, obtain a Voter’s Certification, which serves as COMELEC’s official proof that you’re registered.

2) What is a Voter’s Certification?

An official COMELEC document (usually on security paper, signed by the Election Officer and dry-sealed) that typically states:

Full name, birthdate, sex, civil status (as recorded)
Address/barangay, city/municipality, province
Precinct and polling center
Registration status (active/inactive)
Date issued and issuing office

Validity: COMELEC does not fix a national “expiry.” Many agencies accept it if recently issued (e.g., within the last 3–6 months). Always check the receiving agency’s freshness requirement.

What it is not: It’s not an ID card. It’s proof of voter registration. For “any government-issued ID,” use PhilSys (National ID/ePhilID), passport, driver’s license, UMID, etc.

3) Who can get a Voter’s Certification?

Active registered voters (records approved by the local Election Registration Board and not deactivated).
Where registered: You apply in the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city/municipality where you are registered.
Overseas voters: Coordinate with COMELEC’s Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) or the Philippine Embassy/Consulate where you registered; processing and pickup arrangements vary.

4) Requirements (2025)

For personal application at your OEO:

One (1) valid government-issued ID (original). Examples: PhilSys ID/ePhilID, passport, driver’s license, UMID, PRC ID, Postal ID, GSIS/SSS ID, etc.
Payment of the certification fee. Historically ₱75 (agencies have, at times, waived or subsidized it during special periods). Some OEOs grant fee waivers for indigent applicants upon presentation of a Certificate of Indigency from the LGU/DSWD.
Filled-out request slip/form (provided at the OEO).
If your name recently changed (marriage/annulment/court order) and your voter record still shows the old name, bring the supporting civil registry document. You can still get a certification reflecting whatever is currently on record, but you should also file a correction/update application at the next registration period so your future certificate matches your other IDs.

If authorizing a representative to file/claim for you:

Signed authorization letter from the voter (template below).
Photocopy of the voter’s valid ID (front and back, if applicable).
Representative’s valid ID (original for verification; submit a copy if asked).
Fee (or indigency proof, if applicable).

For Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), PWDs, and Seniors: OEOs are required to provide priority assistance. PDL requests are often routed through the BJMP facility’s paralegal or focal person.

5) Step-by-step process

Confirm your registration status. If you’re unsure, you can verify at the OEO (you may also use COMELEC channels when available).
Go to (or contact) your OEO. Ask for a Voter’s Certification.
Present your valid ID and fill out the request slip.
Pay the fee (unless waived). Keep the receipt.
Release. Many OEOs release same-day; some require 1–3 working days, depending on workload or retrieval from archived books. If represented, your authorized representative can claim on your behalf.

If your record is “inactive” or “deactivated,” the OEO cannot issue an active-status certification. You must reactivate (see Section 7).

6) Will agencies accept a Voter’s Certification instead of a “Voter’s ID”?

Generally yes. Because COMELEC no longer issues Voter’s ID cards, the Voter’s Certification is the official proof of registration.
Agency discretion: Some offices insist on “recently issued” certifications. Others prefer any government-issued photo ID instead.
If an office refuses: Politely explain that COMELEC has discontinued Voter’s ID printing, and the Voter’s Certification is the lawful, current proof of voter registration. Offer another government ID if their policy requires “valid photo ID.”

7) What if I’m deactivated, newly registered, transferred, or need to fix my record?

A) Deactivated voter (e.g., didn’t vote in two successive regular elections, court-ordered disqualification, etc.):

You must file an Application for Reactivation during the next registration period, typically in person at your OEO with a valid ID. Once your record is active again, you can request a Voter’s Certification.

B) Newly registered voter (pending ERB approval):

Until the Election Registration Board (ERB) approves and your data is encoded in the Book of Voters, the OEO may not issue a certification. Ask when your application will be heard/posted.

C) Transfer of registration (new city/municipality):

If you filed a transfer, wait for approval and record migration. Apply for your certification at the new OEO once the transfer is reflected.

D) Correction of entries / name change / encoding errors:

File the appropriate correction/update application at your OEO with supporting civil registry or court documents. You can still request a certification reflecting the current (pre-correction) record, but update it as soon as practicable.

8) Frequently asked questions

1) Can I still get a plastic Voter’s ID card in 2025? No. COMELEC no longer prints or re-issues the old cards. There is no “replacement Voter’s ID.”

2) Is a Voter’s Certification the same as a government-issued ID? No. It’s not an ID card; it’s proof of voter registration. For “valid ID” requirements, use PhilSys/ePhilID, passport, UMID, driver’s license, etc. If an office specifically wants proof you’re a voter, present the Voter’s Certification.

3) How much is it? Historically around ₱75 per copy. Fee waivers may apply for indigents (bring a Certificate of Indigency). Fees can change—ask your OEO.

4) How long does issuance take? Many OEOs release same day; others 1–3 working days. Processing time varies by office volume and archives.

5) Can someone else claim it for me? Yes—with a signed authorization letter, a photocopy of your ID, and the representative’s valid ID (see template below).

6) Can I use a Voter’s Certification for passport or other services? It depends on the receiving agency’s rules at the time. Many accept it if recently issued; some prefer other government IDs.

7) I lost my old Voter’s ID. Do I need an Affidavit of Loss? No affidavit is needed for COMELEC because they aren’t replacing the card. If another agency asks for an affidavit for their process, that’s between you and that agency.

8) I’m registered overseas. Where do I request certification? Coordinate with COMELEC-OFOV or the Philippine Embassy/Consulate where you registered. Procedures and release times vary.

9) Practical tips

Bring multiple IDs if possible—some OEOs or guards screen entry differently.
Ask for “fresh” issuance if your target agency wants a recent date.
Name consistency matters. If your civil status or name changed, update your voter record at the next registration so future certifications match your other IDs.
Keep a photocopy or scan of your certification before submitting it to an agency.
Mind registration calendars. While certifications are typically available year-round, record changes (transfer/reactivation/corrections) are only accepted during registration periods.

10) Template: Authorization Letter to Claim/Request Voter’s Certification

Date: _____________

The Election Officer
Office of the Election Officer
[City/Municipality], [Province]

RE: Authorization to Request/Claim Voter’s Certification

I, [Your Full Name], of legal age, with address at [Your Address],
and a registered voter of [City/Municipality, Province], hereby authorize
[Authorized Representative’s Full Name], of legal age, with address at
[Rep’s Address], to request and/or claim my Voter’s Certification on my behalf.

Attached are photocopies of:
1) My valid government-issued ID; and
2) [Authorized Representative’s Full Name]’s valid government-issued ID.

This authorization is being given due to [reason, e.g., work/health/travel constraints].

Signed:
________________________
[Your Full Name]
[ID Type & Number / Contact No.]

11) Quick checklist (2025)

If you need a “replacement Voter’s ID”:

Understand that no replacement card is issued.
Apply instead for a Voter’s Certification at your OEO.
Bring valid ID (+ copies if represented).
Prepare fee or Certificate of Indigency for waiver.
Ask for same-day release or pickup date.
If any agency insists on the old card, explain COMELEC’s discontinuation and submit the certification or another government ID.

Disclaimer

This is general legal information for the Philippines as of 26 August 2025 and not a substitute for formal legal advice. Local COMELEC offices may refine procedures, formats, and fees. When in doubt, call or visit your OEO for the latest on issuance and release.