3 Steps for Filipinos to Apply for the National ID Online

Finally! The long wait is over! Filipinos from all over the world can now apply for the National ID also known as the “PhilID” online.

Since the process will be done online, all Filipinos can undergo this process as this will only take three simple steps to accomplish according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

3 Steps for Filipinos to Apply for the National ID Online — Credits: PSA

A 3-Step Guide for Filipinos to Apply for the National ID Online

If you’ve been waiting to get your national ID for a long time, then make sure to note the following steps and get yours processed ASAP:

STEP 1: Collection of Demographic Information

Applicants should register at the official portal of the PSA (https://psa.gov.ph/philsys) and provide the following information:

Full name
Sex
Date and Place of Birth
Blood type
Address

Additional pieces of information you need to provide include your email address, marital status, and mobile number.

STEP 2: Capturing of Biometric Information

For the next step, you will need to set an appointment as to when you need to go to the registration center where you will provide your biometrics data.

Important: Prepare the required documents before going to the registration center for your appointment.

After you have booked an appointment and showed up at the registration center on your scheduled date, your biometric information will be taken, including your fingerprint, photo, and iris scan. You will also need to provide other supporting details for verification.

STEP 3: Issuance of PSN and PhilID

And for the final step, you will be issued your PhilSys Number (PSN) and your PhilID will be delivered straight to your residence.

Reminder: Do NOT post on social media your PhilID because this document contains sensitive information, which other people can take advantage of.

As for the physical registration centers, the PSA will designate several mobile registration centers in various locations. That said, make sure that you follow the official social media pages of the Philippine Embassy of your host country for updates regarding this.

The PSA revealed that is currently in coordination with LGUs, government agencies, and private sector to determine these locations.

What are the Documents Required?

Primary Documents:
- PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth
- One (1) government-issued ID (passport, GSIS/SSS ID, Driver’s License) or any of the following:
  - PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth/NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with Birth Reference Number (BreN)
  - LCRO-issued Certificate of Live Birth
  - PSA-issued Report of Birth
  - PSA-issued Certificate of Foundling
  - Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card
  - Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
  - Seaman’s Book
  - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  - Senior Citizen’s ID
  - SSS ID
  - Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
  - License to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID
  - NBI Clearance
  - Police Clearance/ID
  - Solo Parent’s ID
  - PWD ID
  - Voter’s ID
  - Postal ID
  - Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
  - Philhealth ID
  - Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-issued Special Resident
  - Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
  - National ID from other countries
  - Residence ID from other countries
- Secondary IDs
  - Employee ID
  - School ID
  - Barangay Clearance/Certificate
  - Barangay ID
  - City/Municipal ID

To learn more about the PhilSys, here’s a short video to give you an overview of its importance and benefits:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it mandatory to apply for a national identification card?
Registration for a national ID card is voluntary, according to the statute. The PhilSys would be used to issue and distribute government services, so citizens are strongly encouraged to register.
What is the minimum age to apply for a national identification card?
People of all ages, including newborns, can register with PhilSys. Children under the age of five (5) will have only their demographic details and a front-facing photograph collected, and their PSN will be linked to their parent or legal guardian. Their demographic and complete biometric information will be obtained at the time of registration, but once they reach the age of fifteen, they will need to update their information and have their biometrics taken again (15).
How do OFWs apply for a national identification card?
By 2021, the PSA has announced that it will work with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to develop a registration plan for our overseas Filipinos. In 2022, the PSA plans to begin the registration process for our OFWs.

If you have further questions and concerns regarding this process, you may send your queries via info@philsys.gov.ph or call 1388 (fees may apply).

President Duterte specifically pinpointed the National ID system to be one of his hallmark projects for the country. The national ID will serve as a unified document that will be recognized in all public and private institutions to facilitate ease of transactions and access to services for all residents of the Philippines and Filipino citizens based overseas. This was also considered to be one of the strategies to be used for the country’s vaccination program that is still underway at this moment.