I remember the first time I applied for a major document for my cadetship training.
My company asked us to prepare a Seaman’s Book and some of its requirements are live Birth Certificate and NBI clearance.
As I journeyed into the maritime workforce, I also gained more valid IDs that I use in both public and private transactions.
Why valid IDs are important
Valid identification cards are necessary for any official transaction in the Philippines.
These IDs serve as a verification tool to confirm the identity of the person involved in the process and to prevent fraudulent activities.
Here are some uses of valid IDs:
- Identity Verification – Valid IDs are often required by organizations to verify the identity of an individual. This helps to prevent identity theft and fraud.
- Banking, Real Estate, Car loans, etc. – Many services require an identification card. Without it, a person will be denied from availing them.
- Government Services – The government offers many services that are beneficial for us. But to avail of them, you need to have valid IDs presented. I made a salary loan on my SSS account and got approved because I obtained the necessary requirements. One of them is a valid ID.
- Compliance of Laws and Regulations – A few years ago, our government rolled out the Philippine Identification System where all citizens and alien residents of the country must register.
- Emergency Situations – In case of emergency situations, a valid ID can help emergency responders quickly identify an individual, notify his or her next of kin, and provide necessary assistance.
- Visa Applications – Especially for seafarers, when we join or disembark in foreign countries they require us to have visas. To obtain visas like the U.S. Visa or Schengen Visa, we must have the necessary valid IDs.
- Employment Contracts – Without a doubt, working locally or abroad requires valid IDs recognized by our government.
Common Information Found in Valid IDs
Valid IDs typically contain important information about the identity of the holder. Some common information found here include:
- Full name – This refers to the complete name of the ID holder, including their first, middle, and last names.
- Photo – Most valid IDs include a photograph of the holder. This is used to verify their identity visually by comparing the bearer’s face against their ID.
- Date of birth – The date of birth of the ID holder is important in establishing their age and identity.
- Gender – Some IDs indicate the gender of the holder.
- Nationality – The nationality or citizenship of the ID holder is often indicated especially if the document is used internationally.
- Address – Some IDs may include the current or permanent address of the holder.
- Signature – Many IDs require the holder to sign the card or document to further establish their identity.
These details are important in verifying the identity of the holder.
In some cases during inspections, the authorities or any person verifying your ID will ask these information above. You shouldn’t have any problems answering them if it’s your own ID.
Additionally, be sure to check your IDs if they contain the details given above.
List of government-issued valid IDs in the Philippines
Here is a list of acceptable valid IDs that are issued by the Philippine government.
You can use any of them to avail of different services both in the private and public sectors.
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)/ Immigrant Certificate of Registration
- Authenticated Birth Certificate
- Driver’s License
- Employee’s ID / Office ID
- GSIS UMID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- NBI Clearance (For those who would like to renew their NBI Clearance)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration OWWA ID with picture
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) ID with picture
- Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
- Person’s With Disability (PWD) ID
- PhilID or Philippine Identification System Act
- Philhealth ID
- Police Clearance
- Postal ID
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) License
- School ID with picture issued by the current school enrolled in
- Seaman’s Book
- Senior Citizen ID
- Solo Parent ID
- Social Security System (SSS) ID
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID
- Valid passport
- Voter’s ID
- Other valid government-issued IDs or
There are other IDs out there that are also valid to be used for any transactions.
I only listed the most common ones since these documents are obtainable for the general public. Most Filipinos have at least two or three of those types.
May the winds be in your favor.
A family man, he loves writing, reading, investing, and watching the golden hours while sailing.
