A postal ID is a government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and is considered as a valid ID in numerous business and government transactions. If you’re interested in knowing how to obtain a postal identity card as well as the requirements and fees, we have put up this comprehensive guide to help you get one the easiest and fastest way possible.
In the past, the postal ID was extremely easy to acquire. You simply go to the nearest post office, show your community certificate (cedula) and ID photo, and voila! You now have a new ID.
However, with the rise in cases of identity theft and fraud, PHLPost decided to implement security measures that make it harder for malicious elements to fake or forge the postal ID. What used to be a laminated paper ID is now a plastic ID card with holograms and other security features. The new postal identity card also contains the card holder’s fingerprints that can be checked with a computerized identification system to verify his or her identity.
Table of Contents
What is a Postal ID?
The Universal Postal Union defines the postal ID as “the most widely accepted means of identification in postal transactions worldwide.”
The postal identity card was created to help post offices verify the identity and address of the recipient. Before the mailman or postal carrier hands over a letter or parcel to someone, he may ask for the postal ID of the recipient.
Nowadays, the postal identity card is no longer used only for postal transactions but also for many forms of transactions such as opening a bank account and applying for government ID cards. As of 2026, the Postal ID is now accepted by the DFA as a valid ID for passport applications.
The Postal ID is accepted in a wide range of transactions – more than many people realize. Here are the most common uses:
- Government agencies: SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, NBI clearance, COMELEC voter registration, and DFA passport applications
- Financial transactions: Opening a bank account, applying for a loan, money remittance, insurance claims, and credit card applications
- Other uses: School enrollment, notarial services, claiming packages and parcels, and PhilSys/eKYC verification
The postal ID is a cheap and easy alternative for Filipinos who don’t have other IDs or cannot apply for other government-issued identification cards. What makes the postal identity card different from other government ID cards is that anyone can apply for it. There are no special requirements such as passing an examination.
Who Can Apply for a Postal ID?
Any Filipino, of any age, whether living in the Philippines or abroad, can apply for a postal ID.
Minors (18 years old and below) can apply, but they require the personal appearance of a parent or legal guardian. If the parents are abroad or deceased, a Special Power of Attorney or a court-issued guardianship order may be required.
Foreigners who have been residing in the Philippines for at least six (6) months are also eligible to apply for a postal identity card.
How to Apply for a Postal ID
The postal ID application process is fairly easy. Follow these steps to apply for a postal identity card:
Step 1: Download and fill out the application form
Download the postal ID application form and print one copy. Fill it out completely in bold capital letters using a black or blue ballpen. Make sure that you fill out the required fields as indicated by the red check marks.
If you can’t print the application form, you can get it for free at the local post office.
Step 2: Submit the requirements
Prepare the postal ID requirements (see below) and bring them to the nearest post office in your city or province. Go to the window for PID applications and submit your requirements.
Pay the application fee of ₱550 for a regular application or ₱650 for a rush application, which already includes delivery fees and tax.
Step 3: Proceed to the ID capture station
Go to the ID capture station which is usually in the same office or building as the post office. Have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
Wear decent, presentable clothing: no sando, sleeveless shirts, or see-through tops. Remove hats, caps, sunglasses, and large earrings that may obstruct your face. Face masks must be temporarily removed during photo capture. Also, make sure that your eyes and both ears are clearly visible.
A list of ID capture stations can be found here.
You can also apply at a mobile capturing center. Mobile capturing stations are usually established in malls and other public places.
Step 4: Wait for delivery
Wait for your new postal ID card to be delivered. Here are the usual delivery times:
- Metro Manila – 10-15 working days
- Major cities and municipalities – 20 working days
- Provinces and remote areas – 30-40 working days
The improved ID card is valid for three years for Filipinos and foreigners with the Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For foreign residents without the SRRV, the ID card is valid for one year only.
What are the Postal ID Requirements?
Unlike other government-issued IDs such as PRC ID or UMID, the postal ID card doesn’t require any special skills, employment or qualification. Applicants only need to submit the following documents:
- Proof of identity. Example: birth certificate, passport, UMID card
- Proof of address. Example: electric bill, bank statement, barangay certificate of residency
Postal ID Requirements for Filipino Citizens
- One (2) copy of duly-accomplished postal ID application form. You can download the application form here.
- Proof of identity (bring original copy and one photocopy):
- Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the local civil registry
- Passport
- Print out for Digitized National ID
- PVC National ID
- GSIS or SSS UMID card
- Driver’s license
- Marriage Certificate for married women (Only if documents submitted does not bear married name)
- Proof of address (submit any one of the following):
- Barangay certificate of residency issued within three (3) months prior to 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
- Utility bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, telephone, water)
Women who are married should bring their marriage certificate to validate their change of name.
If you don’t have a proof identity such as birth certificate, passport, UMID card, or driver’s license, you can present any two (2) of the following documents. At least one of these documents must show your photo and signature.
- Alumni ID
- BIR ID
- Basic postal ID
- Baptismal certificate
- Certificate of birth
- College or post-graduate transcript of records
- College, school or university ID
- Company ID
- Confirmation certificate
- Elementary or High School Form 137
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Marriage certificate
- NBI clearance
- OWWA ID
- Pag-IBIG ID
- Paper-based postal ID
- Philhealth ID
- PRC ID
- Police clearance
- Seaman’s Book
- Senior citizen’s ID
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) card
- Voter’s ID
Postal ID Requirements for Foreigners
- One (1) copy of duly-accomplished postal ID application form. You can download the application form here.
- Proof of identity (submit any one of the following):
- Passport with validity of at least six (6) months prior to application
- Any one of these supporting documents relative to applicant’s stay in the country 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)
- Special resident retiree’s visa (SRRV)
- Diplomatic visa
- Student visa
- PEZA Visa
- Any equivalent document allowing the applicant to stay in the Philippines for three (3) months or more, issued by the Bureau of Immigration and/or Department of Foreign Affairs
- Proof of address (submit any one of the following):
- Barangay certificate of residency, issued within three (3) months prior to 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, or water)
Check out this article for the complete and comprehensive list of Postal ID requirements.
How to Renew Your Postal ID
If your Postal ID has already expired or is about to expire, renewing it is easy and straightforward. Here’s what you need to bring:
- Duly-accomplished postal ID application form
- Photocopy of your expired Postal ID (if applicable)
- One (1) Primary ID or any two (2) Secondary IDs
- One (1) proof of address
The renewal fee is the same as a new application: ₱550 for regular processing or ₱650 for rush processing.
What to Do if You Lost Your Postal ID
Lost your Postal ID? Don’t worry, you can apply for a replacement by bringing the following:
- Duly-accomplished postal ID application form
- Duly-notarized Affidavit of Loss
- One (1) Primary ID or any two (2) Secondary IDs
- One (1) proof of address
The same application fee applies.
Security Features of the Improved Postal Identity Card
The new postal identity card contains physical security features that make it harder for would-be criminals to commit fraud, forgery or identity theft. These are the security features of the improved ID:
- On-site digital capture of applicant’s personal details, photograph, fingerprints, and signature
- An encrypted QR (quick response) code printed on the card that verifies the identity of the ID holder using a downloadable smartphone application
- Has a ghost image and ultraviolet (UV) ink that illuminates in UV light
- Overlaid with a hologram that can be viewed only at certain angles
- Applicant uniqueness check via the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which compares the applicant’s fingerprints with the fingerprint database records to verify his or her identity
- Centralized ID printing and database that guarantee that the ID cards are authentic
You can verify the authenticity of any Postal ID using the free PHLPost Verification App, available on the Google Play Store. Launch the app and then scan the QR code on the Postal ID card to instantly confirm whether it’s genuine. It works offline so you don’t need Internet access to check a Postal ID.
Postal ID Privilege Program
Do you know that you can avail of discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals using the improved postal identity card? Cardholders can enjoy certain privileges when shopping, staying at hotels, dining at restaurants, and many more.
Just present your postal ID at any participating merchant or store to avail of this privilege program. A list of participating merchants can be found at the PHLPost website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Postal ID to apply for a passport?
Yes. As of 2026, the Postal ID is accepted by the DFA as a valid primary ID for passport applications and renewals.
How much does the Postal ID cost?
The fee is ₱550 for a regular application and ₱650 for a rush application. The fee is the same nationwide, whether you apply in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao.
How long will it take to receive my Postal ID?
Delivery times depend on your location: 10-15 working days for Metro Manila, 20 working days for major cities and municipalities, and 30-40 working days for provinces and remote areas. For rush applications, you can pick it up at the capture station on the same day or within one to two business days.
How long is the Postal ID valid?
The Postal ID is valid for three (3) years for Filipino citizens and for foreign residents with a Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV). For other foreign residents, it is valid for one (1) year.
Can a minor apply for a Postal ID?
Yes. Minors 18 years old and below require the personal appearance of a parent or legal guardian. If the parents are abroad or deceased, a Special Power of Attorney or court-issued guardianship order may be required.
What should I do if I lost my Postal ID?
You will need to apply for a replacement. Bring a duly-notarized Affidavit of Loss along with your proof of identity and proof of address. The same application fee applies.
Conclusion
Getting your Postal ID is really quick and easy. In fact, you can get it in just one day at the Manila post office! So if you need a valid ID as proof of identity or for use in various transactions, consider applying for a Postal ID at your nearest post office.
If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you can call PHLPost at (02) 8288-7678.
