PHLPost rolls out new postal ID nationwide

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) has announced that selected post offices have been deployed nationwide to digitally process applications for the new and modernized postal ID card. 

A total of 261 centrally located post offices are being equipped for the digital capture of fingerprints, photos and signatures of ID applicants to ensure that only highly secure and genuine postal IDs are issued to the public. Locations of the digital capture stations are available in philpost.gov.ph. The postal ID is among a few government-issued IDs recognized by key institutions as a valid proof of identity and address.

The new IDs do not have to be picked up as PhilPost will deliver them to the applicants’ addresses. The new postal ID will cost P370 plus 12% VAT anywhere in the country. Applicants must bring original and photocopies of two required documents, namely: (1) birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office or the local civil registrar; and (2) proof of address, which can be a barangay clearance or a utility bill showing the applicant’s name and address. Additionally, married females must show their marriage certificate to validate their change of name, while minors need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Postal ID application forms are available in post offices and can also be downloaded from the PhilPost website.

Postal IDs are helpful for many Filipinos who have a hard time getting transactions done—whether in applying for a job, loan or passport or encashing a check—because they lack a valid proof of identity and address. IDs are also required before boarding a boat or an aircraft. The postal ID has become popular because applicants do not need to have a special skill, qualification or employment, unlike the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license, PRC license, SSS or GSIS card. Even among the employed, it makes sense to own a postal ID because of the requirement to show more than one valid ID for important transactions.