The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reminded the public that the Digital National ID cannot be printed. Unauthorized printing is punishable by 3 to 6 years in prison and a fine of ₱1 million to ₱3 million under Republic Act No. 11055.
The reminder covers Filipinos registered under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), which Republic Act No. 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, established. The PSA said it is the only agency authorized to print and issue the National ID.
In a Facebook post, the PSA cited Section 23.3 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the law. The post states: “It is prohibited to print or reproduce the PhilID or any of its components without authority.” The PSA said unauthorized printing, reproduction, or misuse of the National ID violates the law and may lead to fines, imprisonment, or both.
The PSA’s accompanying graphic states: “The Digital National ID is intended for digital use only.” It says printing on PVC or plastic cards, or in other ID card formats, is strictly prohibited. It tells holders to present the Digital National ID directly from the eGovPH App or as a screenshot of it.
The Facebook post lists three formats that holders may present: the official physical National ID card, the Digital National ID, and the ePhilID in paper form. The PSA said holders should not print, laminate, or reproduce the Digital National ID.
The reminder follows a public advisory dated September 2024, signed by Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD, the National Statistician and Civil Registrar General. The advisory states that Digital National IDs printed on PVC cards “shall not be accepted as proof of identity and age in any public and private transactions.” The agency made that statement to the public and to relying parties, meaning the offices and businesses that accept the ID for verification.
The advisory says any individual or group found guilty of unauthorized printing, preparation, or issuance of a National ID may face the penalties stated above.
The PSA asked the public and relying parties to report unauthorized printing of the National ID, including the Digital National ID, through three official channels: hotline 1388, the email address [email protected], and the PSA official Facebook page.
