Before the new improved Postal ID was released, it was challenging for some Filipinos to apply for a passport or open a bank account due to lack of valid IDs.
And even if they apply for a new valid ID like the UMID or Unified Multi-Purpose ID that includes GSIS, SSS, Pag-ibig Fund and PhilHealth, it takes several months before they could have it.
What is the Improved Postal ID?
The Improved Postal ID is the newest government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation or PHLPost.
It was launched in April 2016 and it’s equipped with multi-level security features including the hologram, QR Code, and Biometrics, which makes it the most secure and most accessible government-issued identification card for Filipinos and foreigners residing in the country.
Because of its new features, the new Postal ID is now considered as a primary ID or primary document for passport application and bank account opening. This has been confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). (Source)
Who can apply for the Improved Postal ID?
- Filipinos living in the Philippines and abroad
- Foreigners living in the Philippines for at least 6 months upon application
How long is the validity of the Improved Postal ID?
- 3 years – for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV)
- 1 year – for the rest of the foreign residents
How to Apply for the New Postal ID?
Step 1
Download 2 copies of the Postal ID application form here. You can also get the form at the Postal Office. Fill out the form with all the required information.
Step 2
Prepare the following requirements for Postal ID Application:
Requirements For Filipinos
A. Proof of Identity
You may submit any 1 of the following list of valid IDs.
- Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry
- GSIS or SSS UMID Card
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Passport
- Marriage Certificate (if married)
If you don’t have any of the above documents, you may submit any 2 of the following documents with at least 1 document that has your photo and signature on it.
- Baptismal Certificate or Certificate of Birth
- College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records, Elementary or High School Form 137, Confirmation Certificate, Valid Alumni ID, Valid College, School or University ID, Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID, Valid PRC ID
- Valid Basic Postal ID or Valid Paper-based Postal ID
- BIR ID or Valid Tax Identification Number Card
- Valid Company ID
- Valid Seaman’s Book
- Valid OWWA ID
- Valid Voter’s ID
- Valid Pag-Ibig ID
- Valid PhilHealth ID
- Valid NBI Clearance
- Valid Police Clearance
- Valid Senior Citizen ID
B. Proof of Address
You may submit any 1 of the following documents to prove your address.
- Utility Bill (water, electric, internet, cable, landline, telephone)
- Barangay Certificate of Residency (must be issued within 3 months prior to Postal ID application)
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement
- School Billing Statement
- Certified True Copy of Lease
- Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
- Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
Requirements For Foreign Residents
A. Proof of Identity
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months prior to Postal ID application)
- Any 1 of the following documents
- Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACRI-Card)
- Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- Diplomatic Visa
- Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
B. Proof of Address
- Utility Bill (electric, water, internet, landline, telephone, cable)
- Barangay Certificate of Residency (must be issued within 3 months prior to Postal ID application)
- Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence
- Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract
- Bank Statement
- Credit Card Statement
- School Billing Statement
Step 3
Go to the nearest Post Office with ID capture station. Click here to see the list of Postal ID capture stations.
Submit your application form, requirements, and payment which is P504 (inclusive of VAT and Delivery Fee).
Once approved, you will be digitally photographed and fingerprinted. After that, you will be given your Official Receipt with the estimated delivery date of your Postal ID.
F.A.Q.s
- How long will it take to deliver my Postal ID?
- If you’re within Metro Manila, it will be delivered approximately 15 working days from the date of application
- If you’re in in other major cities and municipalities, it will be delivered approximately 20 working days
- If you’re in Island provinces and remote barangays, it will be delivered approximately 30 days
- Can I still use my old Postal ID?
- Yes, you can, but it won’t be considered as a Primary ID when applying for a passport or when opening a bank account.
- Old but valid Basic IDs may also be converted to the Improved Postal ID and you will be given a discount.
- What is the Postal ID Privilege Program?
- It entitles the Cardholder discounts, freebies and other privileges at their merchant partners in the Philippines. You can use this and get exclusive discounts in selected restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, salons, and others. To use this program, just visit the merchant partner (like restaurant), present your Postal ID and inquire about their product or service included. Then, follow their mechanics to avail of the discount or freebies. Some merchants like Dermcare (which I regularly visit) offer 10% discount to cardholders.
The new improved Postal ID is very easy to have. It only took me 3 weeks to receive my new Postal ID. I use it when sending and receiving remittances without any hassle. I can also use it now when performing transactions in the bank or when requesting documents from government offices and private institutions.
If you don’t have a valid ID yet or you need another valid ID to support your existing IDs and documents, go ahead and get the new Postal ID now.
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