Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Improved Postal ID
1. Why release the Improved Postal ID?
Most of the security features infused upon the Basic Postal ID, though effective, could only be deciphered with the help of special equipment, making it harder for frontliners to differentiate the genuine from the fake. The Improved Postal ID has additional physical security features that can be identified using just the naked eye, making ID verification simpler and more reliable. Moreover, a biometrics-based uniqueness test was implemented to fully guarantee an individual’s identity.
2. How much is the Improved Postal ID?
Applicants will pay the following fixed fee anywhere in the country:
Fee Particulars Amount
Postal ID Card + Delivery Fee Php 450.00
12% VAT Php 54.00
Total PID Payment Php 504.00
The Improved PID shall be valid for three (3) years for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For the rest of the foreign residents, it will be valid for one (1) year.
3. Why should I avail the Improved Postal ID?
Aside from assuring safe and reliable transactions, the additional security features position the ID as a primary card. Special value-added features will also be put to the card very soon.
4. What will happen to my Basic but still valid Postal ID?
Your Basic ID will remain valid up to its date of expiration. Post offices will stop issuing it when the Improved Postal ID becomes available in their area.
5. What are the main security features of the Improved Postal ID?
a. On-site digital capture of fingerprints, photo, signature and personal details
b. Centralized ID printing and database to guarantee that the cards are authentic
c. An encrypted QR (‘quick response’) code printed on the card can verify the identity of ID holder using a downloadable smart-phone application
d. Overlaid with a hologram that can be viewed only at certain angles
e. Has a ghost image and UV ink that illuminates in UV light
f. Applicant uniqueness check via the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). It compares the fingerprint collected with the fingerprint database records to ensure the applicant’s identity.
6. Who may apply for the Improved Postal ID?
All Filipinos living in the Philippines and living abroad but were in the Philippines at the time of application are eligible to get an Improved PID. Foreign residents living in the country for at least six (6) months may also apply.
7. What are the application requirements?
Bring the original copy and photocopy of the following documents:
I. Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form
II. PROOF OF IDENTITY - Submit any one (1) of the following:
Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry; GSIS or SSS UMID Card; Driver’s License; or Passport
Married females must bring their marriage certificate to validate change of name from birth document.
Applicants with no Birth Certificate, UMID Card, Driver’s License or Passport may submit ANY TWO (2) of the following documents, at least one of which should bear the applicant’s photo and signature:
•BIR ID •Baptismal Certificate •Certificate of Birth •College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records •Confirmation Certificate •Elementary or High School Form 137 •Marriage Certificate •Valid Alumni ID •Valid Basic Postal ID •Valid College, School or University ID •Valid Company ID •Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID •Valid NBI Clearance •Valid OWWA ID •Valid Pag-Ibig ID •Valid PhilHealth ID •Valid PRC ID •Valid Paper-based Postal ID •Valid Police Clearance •Valid Seaman’s Book •Valid Senior Citizen ID •Valid Tax Identification Number Card •Valid Voter’s ID
III. PROOF OF ADDRESS - Submit any one (1) of the following:
Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) prior to PID application; 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; Bank statement; Credit card statement; School billing statement or Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Application requirements for foreign residents:
1. Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished application form
2. PROOF OF IDENTITY
a. Passport – must be valid for at least six (6) months prior to application
b. Any one (1) of the following documents valid for at least six (6) months prior to application:
•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)
3. PROOF OF ADDRESS - Submit any one (1) of the following:
•Barangay Certificate of Residency – issued within three (3) months prior to PID application
•Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
•Certification from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
•Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract
•Bank statement
•Credit card statement
•School billing statement
•Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Just bring two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form and your existing Postal ID to upgrade to the Improved Postal ID.
8. Where do I apply?
You may apply and submit the required documents to any post office. After your documents are screened, you will go the nearest ID capture station to be photographed and fingerprinted. There are 260 postal ID capture stations nationwide (please see locations on www.philpost.gov.ph). Application forms are available in your nearest post office or can be downloaded from the PHLPost website.
9. After I complete the data capture process, when can I expect to receive my Improved Postal ID?
A PHLPost mail carrier will deliver the Postal ID to your doorstep:
• In Metro Manila - Approximately fifteen (15) working days from application
• Other major cities and municipalities – Approximately twenty (20) working days
• Island provinces and remote barangays - Approximately thirty (30) working days
Most of the security features infused upon the Basic Postal ID, though effective, could only be deciphered with the help of special equipment, making it harder for frontliners to differentiate the genuine from the fake. The Improved Postal ID has additional physical security features that can be identified using just the naked eye, making ID verification simpler and more reliable. Moreover, a biometrics-based uniqueness test was implemented to fully guarantee an individual’s identity.
2. How much is the Improved Postal ID?
Applicants will pay the following fixed fee anywhere in the country:
Fee Particulars Amount
Postal ID Card + Delivery Fee Php 450.00
12% VAT Php 54.00
Total PID Payment Php 504.00
The Improved PID shall be valid for three (3) years for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For the rest of the foreign residents, it will be valid for one (1) year.
3. Why should I avail the Improved Postal ID?
Aside from assuring safe and reliable transactions, the additional security features position the ID as a primary card. Special value-added features will also be put to the card very soon.
4. What will happen to my Basic but still valid Postal ID?
Your Basic ID will remain valid up to its date of expiration. Post offices will stop issuing it when the Improved Postal ID becomes available in their area.
5. What are the main security features of the Improved Postal ID?
a. On-site digital capture of fingerprints, photo, signature and personal details
b. Centralized ID printing and database to guarantee that the cards are authentic
c. An encrypted QR (‘quick response’) code printed on the card can verify the identity of ID holder using a downloadable smart-phone application
d. Overlaid with a hologram that can be viewed only at certain angles
e. Has a ghost image and UV ink that illuminates in UV light
f. Applicant uniqueness check via the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). It compares the fingerprint collected with the fingerprint database records to ensure the applicant’s identity.
6. Who may apply for the Improved Postal ID?
All Filipinos living in the Philippines and living abroad but were in the Philippines at the time of application are eligible to get an Improved PID. Foreign residents living in the country for at least six (6) months may also apply.
7. What are the application requirements?
Bring the original copy and photocopy of the following documents:
I. Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form
II. PROOF OF IDENTITY - Submit any one (1) of the following:
Birth Certificate Issued by NSO or Local Civil Registry; GSIS or SSS UMID Card; Driver’s License; or Passport
Married females must bring their marriage certificate to validate change of name from birth document.
Applicants with no Birth Certificate, UMID Card, Driver’s License or Passport may submit ANY TWO (2) of the following documents, at least one of which should bear the applicant’s photo and signature:
•BIR ID •Baptismal Certificate •Certificate of Birth •College or Post-Graduate Transcript of Records •Confirmation Certificate •Elementary or High School Form 137 •Marriage Certificate •Valid Alumni ID •Valid Basic Postal ID •Valid College, School or University ID •Valid Company ID •Valid Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID •Valid NBI Clearance •Valid OWWA ID •Valid Pag-Ibig ID •Valid PhilHealth ID •Valid PRC ID •Valid Paper-based Postal ID •Valid Police Clearance •Valid Seaman’s Book •Valid Senior Citizen ID •Valid Tax Identification Number Card •Valid Voter’s ID
III. PROOF OF ADDRESS - Submit any one (1) of the following:
Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three (3 months) prior to PID application; 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; Bank statement; Credit card statement; School billing statement or Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Application requirements for foreign residents:
1. Two (2) copies of duly-accomplished application form
2. PROOF OF IDENTITY
a. Passport – must be valid for at least six (6) months prior to application
b. Any one (1) of the following documents valid for at least six (6) months prior to application:
•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)
3. PROOF OF ADDRESS - Submit any one (1) of the following:
•Barangay Certificate of Residency – issued within three (3) months prior to PID application
•Certification or statement of account from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
•Certification from hotel, transient home or any temporary residence within three (3) months prior to application
•Notarized, if applicable, Land, House or Condominium Lease Contract
•Bank statement
•Credit card statement
•School billing statement
•Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Just bring two (2) copies of duly-accomplished PID application form and your existing Postal ID to upgrade to the Improved Postal ID.
8. Where do I apply?
You may apply and submit the required documents to any post office. After your documents are screened, you will go the nearest ID capture station to be photographed and fingerprinted. There are 260 postal ID capture stations nationwide (please see locations on www.philpost.gov.ph). Application forms are available in your nearest post office or can be downloaded from the PHLPost website.
9. After I complete the data capture process, when can I expect to receive my Improved Postal ID?
A PHLPost mail carrier will deliver the Postal ID to your doorstep:
• In Metro Manila - Approximately fifteen (15) working days from application
• Other major cities and municipalities – Approximately twenty (20) working days
• Island provinces and remote barangays - Approximately thirty (30) working days