Here’s a clear, everything-you-need-to-know legal guide (Philippine context) on “Voter ID Application Requirements”—with an important upfront update, plus the exact documents and steps you’ll need today.

This is general info, not legal advice. Processes may vary a bit by local COMELEC office (OEO). When in doubt, bring extra IDs and civil-status papers.

Zero-confusion update first

COMELEC no longer issues the old plastic “Voter’s ID” card. Printing was discontinued years ago.
What you can get instead:
1. A Voter’s Certification (official paper certification of your registration, precinct, and status) from COMELEC; and/or
2. A PhilSys National ID (primary government ID), which is separate from COMELEC.
So when people say “requirements for voter ID,” what you actually need are either:
- Requirements to register as a voter (so you’re on the list), and/or
- Requirements to request a Voter’s Certification as proof you’re registered.

Below covers both, plus common edge cases (transfer, reactivation, correction, SK voters, overseas voters).

A) Requirements to REGISTER as a voter (so you’re on the list)

Who can register (regular/national & local elections):

Filipino citizen
At least 18 years old on or before election day
Residency: lived in the Philippines for at least 1 year, and in the city/municipality at least 6 months immediately preceding the election
Not disqualified by law (e.g., by final judgment of a crime that disqualifies suffrage—rights can be restored upon pardon or amnesty; persons adjudged insane/competency issues while such judgment is in effect)

For Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections (village youth council):

Filipino, 15–30 years old on election day, resident of the barangay for at least 6 months before the election
SK voters 15–17 vote only in SK polls (not in regular national/local elections)

When you can register:

During official registration periods set by COMELEC. Registration is suspended during certain pre-election windows. (Plan ahead: don’t wait until the last week.)

Where:

Your local COMELEC Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in the city/municipality where you actually reside; satellite/ mall registrations also happen.

What to bring (minimum):

One valid, government-issued photo ID showing your full name, photo, signature, and ideally address (or bring a supporting proof of address). Commonly accepted:
- Passport, Driver’s License, PhilID/ePhilID, Postal ID, UMID/SSS, GSIS, PRC, Pag-IBIG, Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, School or Company ID (current), Barangay ID.
- If your ID lacks address, bring a supporting proof (e.g., barangay certificate, lease, utility bill)—some OEOs ask for it to confirm residency.
Yourself—biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) are captured in person.
Optional/when applicable: civil-status or name-change document (e.g., PSA marriage certificate if you’re registering under a new surname).

What you’ll fill up:

CEF-1 (Application for Registration) or the specific COMELEC form for your transaction (new registration, reactivation, transfer, correction of entries, change of name, inclusion of biometrics, etc.). OEO provides the correct form on-site.

Special transactions (additional notes):

Transfer of registration (new city/municipality): Bring a valid ID and expect to state your new address; prior record will be moved.
Reactivation (you were deactivated for failure to vote in consecutive elections): Bring a valid ID; you’ll sign and re-capture biometrics if needed.
Correction of entries / change of name: Bring supporting civil registry documents (PSA birth/marriage/court order).
PWD / Senior / Heavily Pregnant: Priority lanes are available; say so at the counter.
Students / boarders: You can register where you actually reside (school city), not necessarily your family’s hometown—bring proof of residence if asked.
Homeless / informal settlers: Register where you habitually reside; a barangay certification is useful.

After filing:

You’ll get a stub/acknowledgment. Your application is posted and subject to approval. Once approved, you’ll appear in the Precinct Finder and can request a Voter’s Certification if needed.

B) Requirements to get a Voter’s Certification (proof you’re registered)

A Voter’s Certification is an official COMELEC printout that states your full name, birthdate, polling place/precinct number, and registration status—useful for banks, employers, passport applications, travel, or government transactions that ask to see proof you’re a registered voter.

Who can request it:

You, personally; or a representative with documents (see below).

Where to request:

Your OEO where you are registered (some provincial/field offices also issue). Some cities centralize at the City/Municipal COMELEC. Ask front desk which window handles certifications.

What to bring (if you are the registrant):

Valid government ID (name/photo/signature; bring two if you can).
Personal details to speed lookup: full name (with middle), birthdate, current and former address, and the year you last voted (if you remember).
Payment for the certification (there’s a small fee).
If urgent humanitarian/government transactions: bring the document/requesting agency letter—some offices waive fees for qualified cases (e.g., indigency, social services; at OEO’s discretion and per circulars).

If a representative will pick up for you:

Signed authorization letter from the registrant or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for strict offices
Photocopy of your valid ID and the representative’s valid ID

Processing time:

Often same day if records are clear; longer if your registration needs verification/reactivation or if files are archived.

C) What people used to call “Voter ID requirements” (and what’s replaced them)

Historically, people asked:

“What documents do I need to apply for a Voter’s ID?”
- Answer today: You can’t apply for the old plastic card; it’s discontinued.
- Do this instead: Make sure you’re registered (Part A), then request a Voter’s Certification (Part B). For a durable ID card for general identification, apply for PhilSys National ID.

D) Common disqualifications & fixes

Non-residency: If you don’t actually live in the city/municipality, register where you truly reside.
Incomplete biometrics: Your record can be marked “with incomplete biometrics.” Visit OEO to complete capture.
Deactivated for failure to vote: File reactivation (bring ID).
Name/entry mismatch: Correct via “correction of entries” and attach civil registry proof.
Conviction that disqualifies suffrage: If you obtained pardon/amnesty or your rights have been restored, bring proof so you can re-register.

E) Practical tips that save time

Go early and expect queues in peak periods.
Bring two IDs and any proof of address (barangay cert/utility bill/lease)—some OEOs ask; having them prevents repeat trips.
Check spelling and birthdate on your forms—tiny errors cause precinct issues later.
Keep the receipt/stub for your certification; some agencies ask for it with the paper certification.
If you moved cities/municipalities: Transfer your registration; otherwise your name won’t appear in your new area’s list.

F) Overseas voters (quick primer)

Who: Filipinos abroad who will be outside the Philippines during overseas voting period.
Where to register: At the Philippine embassy/consulate (or designated registration sites).
What to bring: Philippine passport (or seafarer’s book for seafarers); for dual citizens, also bring your dual-citizenship certificate.
Output: You’re enrolled in the Overseas Voting list tied to your foreign post. (Overseas posts don’t issue the old Voter’s ID either; you may request a voter certification through COMELEC channels if needed.)

G) Quick checklists

New registration (regular voter)

☐ Valid government ID
☐ Proof of address (barangay cert/lease/utility) – bring if available
☐ PSA civil document (only if you’re correcting entries or changing name)
☐ Show up for biometrics capture
☐ Fill out the correct COMELEC form on-site

Voter’s Certification request

☐ Valid ID (bring two)
☐ Cash for fee
☐ For representative: authorization letter/SPA + both IDs
☐ Details for search (full name, birthdate, address, last election voted)

Transfer/reactivation/correction

☐ Valid ID
☐ Proof supporting the change (address/civil document)
☐ Biometrics if flagged incomplete

H) FAQs

Do I need my PhilID to register as a voter? No. Any acceptable government ID works; PhilID just happens to be widely accepted.

Can students register where they study? Yes, if that’s your actual residence. Bring a barangay certificate or similar if asked.

I lost my old Voter’s ID card. Can COMELEC reprint it? No. Instead, request a Voter’s Certification. For a plastic ID, apply for PhilSys National ID (separate agency).

How do I know I’m approved? Your application is posted and, once approved, you’ll appear on the list/precinct records. You can also check via COMELEC’s precinct finder (when available) or ask your OEO.

My name was deactivated. What now? File a reactivation with valid ID; you may need to recapture biometrics.

Key takeaways

The old COMELEC Voter’s ID is discontinued. Focus on (1) getting registered/updated and (2) requesting a Voter’s Certification when you need proof.
Registration requires citizenship, age, and residency thresholds, plus a valid ID and in-person biometrics.
Keep your record current (transfer, reactivate, correct entries) to avoid election-day problems.
For a multipurpose physical card, use the PhilSys National ID; for proof of voter registration, use COMELEC’s Voter’s Certification.

If you want, tell me your city/municipality and what you need (new registration, transfer, or a voter’s certification), and I’ll tailor a step-by-step mini-checklist for your exact case.