If you need a government-issued ID, the Postal ID is one of the quickest and easiest to obtain; this article will explain all you need to know about it and how to obtain one.
The Philippine Mail Corporation uses it to document local and international postal transactions. It contains information that is used to validate and verify a person’s address and personal details.
Who is eligible to obtain a Philippine Postal ID?
Any Filipino living in the Philippines or elsewhere (but was in the country during time of application). Foreign residents must have lived in the nation for at least 6 months before applying.
What makes the new and upgraded Postal ID unique?
Security elements on the most recent Postal ID have been enhanced. It now has numerous layers of protection, similar to other recently updated government-issued IDs, and can even be validated using a smartphone app.
Key Features of the New Postal ID
- A security hologram of a mailman is visible from various angles on the card.
- The ID holder’s details and biometrics are only captured at the post office, guaranteeing that all personal information is legitimate and valid.
- To avoid duplication, the new postal IDs are printed in one central area.
- You can scan the integrated QR code (similar to other ordinary smartphone apps) to validate the cardholder’s identification using the Postal ID Verification app.
- The Automated Fingerprint Identification System compares a person’s fingerprint to one stored in its database to verify it.
What is the validity of a Postal ID (and for how long)?
For Filipinos, the Philippine Postal ID is good for three years.It is valid for one year for foreigners who are currently residing in the nation. The validity of a Special Retiree Resident Visa is three years for foreigners.
Requirements for New Postal ID Applications
Applicants must produce both an original and a xerox copy of the following documents when applying for a new Postal ID:
- Two copies of the duly completed Postal ID Application
- Identification Proof (provide one of the following)
- Birth Certificate from the NSO or the Local Civil Registry
- UMID card from GSIS / SSS
- Authentic passport
- a current driver’s license
If the applicant is unable to present any of the aforementioned proof-of-identity documents, they may submit any TWO of the following documents instead. The signature and photo of the person should be included:
- Voter’s ID
- Tax ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- Seaman’s Book
- Police Clearance
- PRC ID
- Philhealth ID
- PAGIBIG ID
- OWWA ID
- NBI Clearance
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP ID)
- Company ID
- School ID
- Marriage Certificate
- Elementary or High School Form 137
- Confirmation Certificate
- Transcript of Records (College or Post Graduate)
- Birth Certificate
- Baptismal Certificate
- BIR ID
Address Verification (provide one of the following)
- Bill for Services (Electric, Cable, Internet, Landline, etc)
- Statement of Accounts
- Billing for Schools
- Real Estate Tax Receipt, Certified True Copy
- True Copy of Lease Certification
- Certificate of Residency from the Barangay (must be issued 3 months prior application for Postal ID)
Renewal or replacement of a postal ID is required.
You must give the following information without making any modifications to your biographic data:
- 2 copies of the completed application for a Postal ID
- Basic or enhanced postal identification card (original or photocopy)
If your Postal ID is lost or stolen, you can obtain a replacement by completing the following form:
- 2 copies of the completed application for a Postal ID
- Affidavit of Loss Notarized
Replacements with biographical data change(s):
- Two (2) copies of the completed Postal ID application
- Postal ID card (improved or basic) (original or photocopy)
- Additional needs to support biographic data amendments/changes
Fees for New Postal ID Applications
When applying for a Postal ID, keep the following amounts in mind.
| Fee | Amount |
| Postal ID + Delivery | 450 pesos |
| Vat (12%) | 54 pesos |
| Total Postal ID Fee | 504 pesos |
The processing cost for rush requests is 650 pesos.
Rush Postal ID requests are only accepted at the following post office locations:
- Manila Central Post Office (Liwasang Bonifacio, Intramuros)
- Quezon City Central Post Office (NIA Rd., Brgy. Pinyahan, Diliman)
- Makati Central Post Office (Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Ave., Malugay)
- Parañaque Central Post Office (Ninoy Aquino Ave., Brgy. La Huerta)
- Las Piñas Central Post Office (Las Piñas City Hall, Real cor. Pamplona St.)
- Valenzuela Central Post Office (Valenzuela City Hall, Maysan St.)
How to Obtain a Postal ID (Application Process)
- The complete postal ID application process is simple and straightforward, with three key steps:
- Bring all relevant documents to the post office and submit them there.
- Complete all needed fields on a copy of the application form.
- After you’ve submitted your paperwork, go to the nearest ID capture station to have your photo and fingerprint data taken. Pay all of the required fees.
That’s everything! It will only take 15-20 working days for your new Postal ID to arrive at your home address.
As previously noted, there is a rush application option (you may obtain your ID the same day or the next business day), but it costs a little more.
How to Get an Online Postal ID
To be clear, this isn’t exactly an online procedure. You can simply download and complete the Postal ID application form ahead of time.
Complete the needed fields and visit the local Post Office branch to complete the remaining procedures after downloading the form from here (see above).
Release and Distribution of Postal IDs
Within the next several days, you should receive your freshly created Postal ID:
- 15 business days in Metro Manila
- 20 working days for all other major cities and municipalities
- 30 working days for island provinces and barangay removal
What happens to your old (working) postal identification?
Your old identification will be accepted until it expires. You’ll get a little discount if you show it before it expires and apply for a new PID:
| Remaining Validity | Discount | Total (including delivery) |
| 36 months | 25% | P389.20 |
| 24-35 months | 20% | P412.16 |
| 12-23 months | 10% | P412.16 |
Additional Information:
- Even with the new Postal ID, you can’t use it to apply for a passport because it’s not valid.
- The Postal ID Privilege Program functions similarly to other discount cards. When you display your Postal ID, you can get discounts and special offers at any of our partner retailers (see the full list here).
- You can get a new PID from any post office branch.
