No matter what working age you are – whether a fresh college graduate or into the advanced adult age – it is important here in the Philippines to have at least two (2) valid government identification cards. Aside from the more common driver’s license, we are all familiar with the UMID, PRC ID, SSS ID or GSIS ID, voter’s ID, and the Philippine passport. Having 2 government IDs is important because some business and legal transaction requirements today now require 2 IDs. But many of us know that some government IDs need a lot of requirements and long waiting periods before it is released. This is where the Postal ID comes in.
Why a Postal ID?
Some government IDs like driver’s license, Philippine passport, and PRC ID are more specialized. Like the driver’s license is for vehicle owners, the PRC ID is for board passers only. So, for other Filipinos, this leaves the UMID, SSS or GSIS ID, voter’s ID, and the recently introduced Philippine Identification System Card or PhilSys ID. However, these IDs are notorious for a lot of requirements in the application process. Sometimes each requirement is a process in itself. The worst part is the waiting period during the application process itself, and for the IDs to be released. Sometimes the IDs are mailed to the applicant, which prolongs the release period, not to mention the fact that some IDs get lost in transit in the mail.
The Postal ID offers a quick alternative to having a government ID handy for any legal transaction. Also, it offers the user a valid ID while applying for other IDs needed by the user. It is an easy and fast government ID you can obtain since the Postal ID requirements are not hard to prepare.
What are the benefits of the new Postal ID?
The new Postal ID is no longer the old postal ID issued in the early to mid-200s. The new Postal ID is now widely accepted as an identification document in postal transactions all over the world. This is according to the Universal Postal Union. This includes verifying a recipient’s identity and address in the delivery of letters and parcels.
The ID can also be used as proof of identity for such transactions as:
- Application for government-issued IDs like Philippine passport, NBI clearance, and police clearance
- Availing of government services from SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-Ibig
- Sending or receiving money from remittance centers
- Opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, personal loan, and other banking accounts
- E-wallet account verification
Availing of the Postal ID Privilege Program. It is a form of Loyalty card that provides discounts, freebies, and other privileges from various business establishments in the Philippines.
The validity of a Postal ID is three (3) years.
How to Get a Postal ID
The process on how to get Postal ID is not complicated. There is no age or employment requirement. All Filipinos living in the Philippines are qualified to apply for the ID. Filipinos living abroad can also apply so long as they are in the Philippines during the period of application. Even foreign residents living in the Philippines for at least six months are qualified to apply as well. The applicant can choose from any of the following Postal ID requirements:
- Original copy and photocopy of proof of identity from any of the following:
- Birth certificate issued by Philippine Statistics Authority, formerly NSO. (Married female applicants using this must bring their marriage certificate to validate the change of name from the birth document)
- GSIS, SSS, or UMID
- Valid driver’s license
- Valid passport
- Or, any two (2) of the following (one must bear the applicant’s photo and signature):
- BIR ID or Tax Identification Number (TIN) card
- College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records
- Elementary or high school Form 137
- Marriage certificate
- Alumni ID
- School, college, or university ID
- Company ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- NBI clearance
- OWWA ID
- Pag-Ibig ID
- PhilHealth ID
- PRC ID
- Police clearance
- Seaman’s Book
- Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID
- Voter’s ID
- Original copy and photocopy of proof of address from any of the following:
- Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three months before the Postal ID application
- Certified true copy of lease
- Bank statement
- Certified true copies of titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
- Credit Card statement
- School billing statement
- Certified true copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
- Utility bill (electricity, water, internet, cable, telephone)
Application Process
Step 1:
Submit the completely filled-out application forms, payment, and requirements at any postal office. Application forms are available at all post offices or you may download them from Postal ID online.
Step 2:
Upon approval of requirements, proceed to the nearest ID capture station usually located at a postal office (or see the full list of capture stations on the WHERE TO APPLY page at postalidph.com). You will then be digitally photographed and fingerprinted.
Step 3:
When the ID data capture process is completed, the ID will be delivered to your mailing address. You can also choose the option to pick up the ID on a designated date.
Rush processing
Rush processing is available only at selected post offices in Luzon. The processing costs more than regular processing. You have a choice of same-day release or next-day release.
The Postal ID Privilege Program
The Postal ID Privilege Program is a value-added service that entitles the ID user/cardholder to certain discounts, product or service upgrades, freebies, and other promotional deals from different merchant partners in the Philippines. The new Postal ID provides cardholders service privileges while dining at restaurants, staying at hotels and resorts, visiting theme parks, shopping for appliances and other products, and availing services from salons, spas, clinics, fitness centers, and training schools. You can check out the official Postal ID website or the Postal ID Facebook page for more details.
Where can you check out the merchant partners?
You can check out the full list of merchant partners on the Privilege Program page on the Postal ID website. Take note that this list is constantly updated, so always check out the said page, or the Postal ID Facebook page.
How is the ID used as a privilege card?
1. Choose and visit the merchant partner of your choice.
2. Present your valid Postal ID and inquire about the product or service.
3. Follow all mechanics provided by the merchant partner to avail of the discount, upgrade, product, or service.
Note: Always make sure that your Postal ID is the improved or new version (gray PVC) with special security features such as the cardholder’s special hologram picture, a special link that can be seen when illuminated with UV light, and a QR code that can be used to verify the identity of the cardholder using a downloadable smartphone app. Also, ensure that the ID is within the validity period and that it is in good physical condition. It must not be bent, broken, or vandalized in any manner.
Conclusion
Who says getting a government ID here in the Philippines is a struggle? With the Postal ID, you can have one more valid government identification to add to your list! Truly, it is a game-changer which has significantly simplified the way we apply and get a government ID. Whether you are young or old, fresh graduate or veteran employee, or just anyone who needs a valid government ID – there’s no reason to wait any longer! With Postal ID, you can instantly obtain valid government identification cards at reasonable costs. So do yourself a favor and take some time to secure your own ID and know its postal id requirements now! It’ll save you from stress and hassle in the long run – definitely worth your efforts!
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