A postal ID is a government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) and is considered as a valid ID in numerous business and government transactions. If you’re interested in knowing how to obtain a postal identity card as well as the requirements and fees, we have put up this comprehensive guide to help you get one the easiest and fastest way possible.
In the past, the postal ID was extremely easy to acquire. You simply go to the nearest post office, show your community certificate (cedula) and ID photo, and voila! You now have a new ID.
However, with the rise in cases of identity theft and fraud, Philpost decided to implement security measures that make it harder for malicious elements to fake or forge the postal ID. What used to be a laminated paper ID is now a plastic ID card with holograms and other security features. The new postal identity card also contains the card holder’s fingerprints that can be checked with a computerized identification system to verify his or her identity.
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The Universal Postal Union defines the postal ID as “the most widely accepted means of identification in postal transactions worldwide.”
The postal identity card was created to help post offices verify the identity and address of the recipient. Before the mailman or postal carrier hands over a letter or parcel to someone, he may ask for the postal ID of the recipient.
Nowadays, the postal identity card is no longer used only for postal transactions but also for many forms of transactions such as opening a bank account and applying for government ID cards. At the moment, however, the postal ID is not a valid ID for passport applications and renewals.
The postal ID is a cheap and easy alternative for Filipinos who don’t have other IDs or cannot apply for other government-issued identification cards. What makes the postal identity card different from other government ID cards is that anyone can apply for it. There are no special requirements such as passing an examination.
Any Filipino, of any age, whether living in the Philippines or abroad, can apply for a postal ID.
Foreigners who have been residing in the Philippines for at least six (6) months are also eligible to apply for a postal identity card.
The postal ID application process is fairly easy. Follow these steps to apply for a postal identity card:
Download the postal ID application form and print two copies. Fill out both copies. Make sure that you fill out the required fields as indicated by the red check marks.
If you can’t print the application form, you can get it for free at the local post office.
Prepare the postal ID requirements (see below) and bring them to the nearest post office in your city or province. Go to the window for PID applications and submit your requirements.
Pay the application fee of ₱504, which already includes delivery fees and tax.
Go to the ID capture station which is usually in the same office or building as the post office. Have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
A list of ID capture stations can be found here.
You can also apply at a mobile capturing center. Mobile capturing stations are usually established in malls and other public places. To know the places where mobile capturing stations are scheduled to visit next, visit their Facebook page.
Wait for your new postal ID card to be delivered. Here are the usual delivery times:
The improved ID card is valid for three years for Filipinos and foreigners with the Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For foreign residents without the SRRV, the ID card is valid for one year only.
Unlike other government-issued IDs such as PRC ID or UMID, the postal ID card doesn’t require any special skills, employment or qualification. Applicants only need to submit the following documents:
Women who are married should bring their marriage certificate to validate their change of name.
If you don’t have a proof identity such as birth certificate, passport, UMID card, or driver’s license, you can present any two (2) of the following documents. At least one of these documents must show your photo and signature.
If you already have an old postal ID card (paper-based), you can have it upgraded into the new and improved ID. Old IDs remain valid until the expiration date, but holders can opt to have it upgraded to the new ID at discounted rates. The fees are as follows:
| Validity | Discount | Discounted PID fee | Delivery fee | 12% VAT | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postal ID valid for the next 36 months | 25% | ₱307.50 | ₱40.00 | ₱41.70 | ₱389.20 |
| Postal ID valid for the next 24-35 months | 20% | ₱328.00 | ₱40.00 | ₱44.16 | ₱412.16 |
| Postal ID valid for the next 12-23 months | 10% | ₱369.00 | ₱40.00 | ₱49.08 | ₱458.08 |
To have your old postal identity card replaced with the new ID, simply bring two copies of the duly-accomplished application form as well as your old ID. You don’t need to submit your requirements or documents. Your old ID will be perforated with a puncher and returned to you.
The new postal identity card contains physical security features that make it harder for would-be criminals to commit fraud, forgery or identity theft. These are the security features of the improved ID:
Do you know that you can avail of discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals using the improved postal identity card? Cardholders can enjoy certain privileges when shopping, staying at hotels, dining at restaurants, and many more.
Just present your postal ID at any participating merchant or store to avail of this privilege program. A list of participating merchants can be found at the Philpost website or on their Facebook page.
As you can see, getting a postal identity card is a walk in the park. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you can call Philpost at (02) 742-7349 or (02) 230-9875, or contact them through these mobile numbers: 09175215373 (Globe), 09988447629 (Smart), 09253212291 (Sun).
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