The Philippines implements a mandatory biometrics voter registration system under Republic Act No. 10367 (An Act Providing for Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration, enacted February 15, 2013). This law explicitly mandates the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to issue a permanent, machine-readable Voter’s Identification Card (commonly called Voter’s ID or Voter ID) to every registered voter whose biometrics (photograph, fingerprints, and signature) have been successfully captured. The Voter’s ID is free, non-expiring, and serves as a valid government-issued ID for almost all transactions in the country.

Separately, any registered voter may also request a Voter’s Certification (sometimes mistakenly called “Voter’s Certificate”), which is a one-page official document certifying the voter’s registration status, precinct number, and voting history. This document has a fee and is used primarily for employment, bank accounts, business permits, and other requirements where proof of identity and residency is needed.

Below is the complete, updated (as of November 2025) guide on how to obtain either document.

I. Voter’s Identification Card (Voter’s ID)

Who is entitled to a Voter’s ID?

Every Filipino citizen, 18 years old or older on or before election day.
Resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the locality for at least six (6) months.
Not otherwise disqualified by law (insanity, crime involving moral turpitude with final sentence).
Must have undergone biometrics capture (registration on or after June 2016 onwards almost always includes biometrics).

Voters registered before the biometrics law (pre-2016) who have not yet undergone biometrics validation/deactivation will NOT receive a Voter’s ID until they complete biometrics capture.

Is the Voter’s ID automatically mailed or delivered?

No. COMELEC does NOT mail Voter’s IDs. The cards are printed in batches by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and distributed to local COMELEC offices. The voter must personally claim the card.

Where to claim your Voter’s ID

Primary location: Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city or municipality where you are registered.
- In highly urbanized cities and independent component cities: City COMELEC Office.
- In component cities and municipalities: Municipal/City Hall COMELEC satellite office or the designated OEO.
- In the National Capital Region (NCR): District COMELEC Office of your legislative district (e.g., Manila has four district offices).
Special claiming events: COMELEC regularly holds “Voter’s ID Caravan” or mall claiming activities (SM, Robinsons, etc.). These are announced on COMELEC’s official Facebook page and website.
Overseas Filipinos: Claim at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you registered (or during COMELEC missions abroad).

How to know if your Voter’s ID is ready for claiming

Visit the local COMELEC office and check the master list of releasable IDs (posted on the bulletin board or available with the Election Assistant).
Text COMELEC’s hotline: Send VOTER <Voter’s data-preserve-html-node="true" full name>/<Birthdate data-preserve-html-node="true" MM/DD/YYYY> to 5758 (example: VOTER JUAN DELA CRUZ/01/01/1990). This service is intermittent but still operational in 2025.
Check COMELEC’s official website (comelec.gov.ph) → Voter Services → “Voter’s ID Status Inquiry” (available in some regions).
Many local government units now post lists on their official Facebook pages.

Requirements when claiming

Any valid government-issued ID (preferably the same ID you presented during registration).
Original registration acknowledgment receipt/stub (if still available; not strictly required if your name appears on the releasable list).
Personal appearance (strictly required; no authorized representatives allowed for security reasons).

Fee

Completely FREE. Anyone demanding payment for the release of your Voter’s ID is committing extortion.

Processing time upon claiming

Immediate. You sign the acknowledgment log, your biometrics may be verified on the spot (fingerprint scan), and the ID is handed to you.

What if your Voter’s ID is not yet available

COMELEC prints in batches. If your ID is not yet released, you have two options:

Wait (typical waiting time now is 6–18 months after registration for new registrants).
Apply for a Voter’s Certification (see Section II below) as temporary proof.

Lost or damaged Voter’s ID

Proceed to your local COMELEC office.
File an affidavit of loss/damage (form provided free).
Pay no fee for replacement (as of 2025 policy).
New card will be printed in the next batch (processing time: 3–12 months).

II. Voter’s Certification

Nature and purpose

A one-page certification on COMELEC security paper stating:

Full name
Address
Precinct number
Registration date
Status (active/inactive)
Voting history (optional)

It is widely accepted as valid ID by banks, employers, GSIS/SSS, Pag-IBIG, DFA (passport), LTO, and most government agencies.

Where to apply

Same locations as Voter’s ID claiming:

Office of the Election Officer (city/municipality of registration)
COMELEC district offices in NCR
Philippine Embassies/Consulates (for overseas voters)

Requirements

Personal appearance (representatives allowed only with Special Power of Attorney and both IDs).
Accomplished Application for Voter’s Certification form (available at the office or downloadable from comelec.gov.ph).
One (1) valid government-issued ID.
Payment of ₱75.00 (standard fee nationwide per COMELEC Resolution No. 10886 promulgated 2023, still effective 2025).

Procedure

Go to the Election Records and Statistics Division (ERSD) window or Voter’s Certification window.
Submit accomplished form and ID.
Pay ₱75.00 at the cashier (official receipt issued).
Wait 5–30 minutes (usually issued same day; in busy offices, may be released next working day).

Special cases

Inactive voters: Certification will still be issued but will indicate “INACTIVE” status. You must reactivate first if you wish to vote.
Transferred registration: Apply in the NEW city/municipality of registration.
Deceased voters: Immediate family may request certification of deletion from the list (for inheritance purposes).

III. Important Reminders and Common Issues (2025)

Voter’s ID is superior to Voter’s Certification because it contains biometrics and is almost universally accepted without question.
Never transact with fixers. All services are free (Voter’s ID) or ₱75 only (certification).
COMELEC has significantly reduced the backlog. As of mid-2025, over 92% of eligible biometrics-captured voters already have their IDs or have them available for claiming.
During election period (90 days before election), claiming of Voter’s IDs and issuance of certifications are suspended in the affected locality.
For senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women: Priority lane is strictly implemented.
Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV): Voter’s Certification may be requested via email to the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) with scanned ID and payment via remittance, but physical Voter’s ID must still be claimed in person at the post.

By knowing the correct procedure and venue, every registered Filipino voter can easily obtain either the permanent Voter’s ID or the immediately issuable Voter’s Certification without unnecessary delay or expense. Exercise your right—claim your proof of citizenship and suffrage today.