How to Get a TIN ID Card from the BIR (2025 Updated Guide)

Ever wondered how to get an ID from the BIR without jumping through a lot of hoops? Look no further because I’ll teach you how to get a TIN ID from start to finish. You’ll realize how easy it is to get this ID card even if you are not a registered taxpayer yet.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the national revenue service of the Philippines and is the agency responsible for collecting taxes in accordance with the National Internal Revenue Code. Anyone who generates income, whether through employment or in the operation of a business, is required to register with the BIR and remit the proper taxes that are due from them.

Suppose that you have already registered with the BIR as a taxpaying individual, what’s next? Aside from diligently paying your taxes on time, you can also apply for a TIN ID card that serves as a valid identification in private and government transactions. This card is one of the easiest government-issued IDs that you can possibly get, in some cases requiring no forms to accomplish nor documents to submit.

So how do you get a TIN ID from the BIR? What are the requirements in getting one? Is it possible to get this ID using online assistance services? Find out and more with this comprehensive, step-by-step guide.

What is a TIN ID and Why Do You Need One?

The TIN ID is an identification card that is issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) specifically for individual taxpayers. The ID card features the taxpayer’s tax identification number as well as personal information such as name, address and date of birth. It also contains the cardholder’s front-facing photograph and signature.

The conventional TIN ID card is made of yellowish-brown cardboard paper imprinted with the BIR logo. The newer digitized ID, on the other hand, is a plastic card with additional security features like a QR code. The BIR, however, has halted the issuance of digitized ID cards and there is no word yet on when they will resume the production and distribution of these cards.

If you are in need of a government-issued ID that you can use as proof of identity and as a requirement for certain private and public transactions, you really can’t go wrong with the TIN ID. Aside from the fact that the TIN card is free of charge, it also doesn’t have an expiry date, which means that you can use it for as long as you want.

The TIN ID can be used to open bank accounts since most banks require a tax identification number (TIN) nowadays. It can also be used to apply for other government-issued IDs such as the postal ID and UMID card. However, not all private and government institutions consider it as a valid ID. Some establishments do accept the card but only deem it as a secondary ID, not a primary one.

Is the TIN ID a Valid ID?

As a government-issued identification card, the TIN ID is recognized as a valid ID in many government offices as well as private business establishments such as banks. The question is whether the ID is considered a primary ID or a secondary one.

If the TIN ID is considered a primary ID, you can submit it as an original copy and as a photocopy (if necessary), and you don’t need to provide another ID. However, if it’s deemed a secondary ID, you are usually required to present it along with another secondary ID such as postal ID.

Government institutions that recognize the TIN ID as a valid primary identification document are the National Bureau of Investigation (for NBI clearance applications) and the Philippine National Police (for PNP police clearance applications).

Other government bodies that accept the TIN card only as a secondary ID are the Social Security System (for SSS ID and UMID applications), Philippine Postal Corporation (for postal ID applications) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (for PhilSys National ID applications).

There are some institutions that don’t recognize its validity, such as the Pag-IBIG Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs (for passport applications). So before you transact with a certain government agency, make sure that the ID is considered as valid by the said institution.

What about banks and virtual wallets like GCash? Some banks (such as BPI and Metrobank) will not accept a TIN ID for account opening, but several others do (such as BDO and Landbank). Be sure to contact the bank or visit their website to know the valid IDs that they accept.

GCash recognizes the TIN ID as a valid ID but only for offline account verification at Villarica Pawnshop branches. Don’t submit it for online verification on the GCash app as it might lead to the rejection of your application. You can use another valid ID instead (such as UMID, postal ID or passport) for online verification of your GCash account.

What are the TIN ID Requirements?

If you are already a registered taxpayer with a tax identification number, you only need to submit any government-issued ID to the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) where you are registered as an individual taxpayer. But if you don’t have a TIN yet and would like to apply for one in order to get an ID, bring the following requirements to the BIR RDO to be registered as a taxpayer:

• Duly accomplished BIR Form 1901, Form 1902 or Form 1904
• Valid government-issued ID (e.g. birth certificate, passport, driver’s license)
• 1×1 ID picture (if applicable)
• Marriage contract (if applicable)

The BIR form you need to accomplish depends on whether you are an employee, a self-employed individual (single proprietor or professional), or an unemployed person. Read on to learn which BIR form you have to fill out and submit to the BIR.

How to Get a TIN ID If You Already Have a TIN

Getting a TIN ID as a registered taxpayer is pretty straightforward. If you already have a tax identification number, simply visit the BIR RDO to apply for the card.

Step 1: Visit the BIR RDO where your TIN was issued

Go to the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) where you are registered as a taxpayer. A full list of BIR RDOs can be found here. If you don’t know the RDO where you’re registered because you were issued a TIN through your employer, you may ask your employer or the company HR.

In the past, employers can request for their employees’ TIN cards from the BIR. That all changed when the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Order No. 37-2019 on May 20, 2019 which directed employees to request for their TIN ID cards personally at the RDO where they are registered as taxpayers. Only the employee himself or herself may request for a card by presenting at least one government-issued ID.

Step 2: Present your valid ID

Since you are already registered with the BIR by virtue of having a TIN, you don’t have to fill out any forms or submit any documents. You only have to present any government-issued valid ID or document such as UMID, national ID, birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license.

Issuance of TIN ID cards is free of charge for first-time applicants.

Step 3: Claim your TIN ID card

The BIR RDO will process and issue your TIN card in an hour or two, depending on how busy their office is. BIR Revenue Regulations No. 7-2012 requires BIR offices to release TIN ID cards to applicants within the same day, provided that the documentary requirements are submitted before the cut-off time of 1:00 PM. If you failed to make it before the cut-off period, you might be asked to return the next working day.

To claim your card, just present your government-issued ID. You can also have an authorized representative claim your TIN card on your behalf by submitting a Special Power of Attorney signed by you and your representative.

How to Get a TIN ID If You Don’t Have a TIN Yet

If you don’t have a tax identification number yet, you can get a TIN ID card by registering as an individual taxpayer with the BIR.

The BIR used to have an online registration system where prospective taxpayers can apply for a TIN through the Internet. Unfortunately, the system is down or offline until further notice, so the BIR encourages applicants to get their TIN at the nearest BIR office.

Make sure that you have never been issued a TIN in the past. Possession of more than one tax identification number (TIN) is punishable by law. If you don’t know or if you forgot your TIN, read this article to learn how to recover it.

Step 1: Download and print the appropriate BIR application form

The first thing you have to do is to download and print the appropriate BIR application form that corresponds to your employment classification as follows:

• BIR Form 1901 – For self-employed persons (single proprietor/professional), mixed income individuals, non-resident aliens engaged in trade/business, estates, and trusts.
• BIR Form 1902 – For individuals earning purely compensation income (old or new employees whether resident citizen or non-resident alien).
• BIR Form 1904 – For one-time taxpayer and person registering under Executive Order 98 (securing a TIN to be able to transact with any government office).

If you are a private employee, for instance, you must use BIR Form 1902. However, if you are a single proprietor running your own business or an independent professional (e.g. doctor, lawyer), you must use BIR Form 1901.

If your purpose to get a TIN is to make a one-time tax payment or to be able to transact with the government under E.O. 98, you should use BIR Form 1904. You can also use this form if you are presently unemployed or if you’re getting a TIN for the purpose of opening a bank account.

For best results, print the form on long bond paper (8.5″ x 13″).

Step 2: Accomplish the BIR application form

After downloading and printing the appropriate BIR application form, fill out the form in CAPITAL LETTERS using black ink. Mark all appropriate boxes with an “X” and write “NA” if data is not applicable.

For BIR Form 1904, you will have to indicate the purpose of your TIN application, whether it’s for your dealings with banks, dealings with government agencies, or for tax treaty relief.

Don’t forget to affix your signature on the form under the Declaration section.

Step 3: Submit the application form and requirements to the BIR RDO

Go to the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) that has jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s residence or place of employment. Check out this page for a list of BIR RDOs nationwide.

Submit your duly accomplished application form (Form 1901, 1902 or 1904) and the following requirements to the BIR RDO:

• Any government-issued ID (e.g. birth certificate, passport, driver’s license) that shows your name, address and birthdate
• Marriage contract (if applicable)
• 1×1 ID picture (if applicable)
• Passport (for non-resident alien only)
• Working permit or photocopy of Application for Alien Employment (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) (for non-resident alien employees only)

Those who accomplished Form 1901 will have to submit additional documents such as a business permit. A full list of requirements for self-employed individuals (single proprietor/professional) is included in the last page of the form.

Step 4: Claim your ID card

Wait for the BIR RDO to process your application and issue your TIN. It should take no more than an hour unless the office is extremely busy.

As mandated by BIR Revenue Regulations No. 7-2012, RDOs are required to process and issue TIN cards within the same day, provided that the submission of complete documentary requirements was made before the 1:00 PM cut-off period. You might be asked to return the next business day if you failed to make it before the cut-off time.

BIR regulations also require RDOs to automatically issue TIN ID cards to newly registered taxpayers, except for TINs issued under E.O. 98, wherein the issuance of TIN cards is optional and only upon the personal request of the taxpayer. This means that your ID card should be released to you immediately after successful registration and issuance of your TIN.

If you are not available to personally claim your TIN card, you may have your authorized representative claim it on your behalf by submitting a Special Power of Attorney to the BIR RDO.

How to Get a Replacement TIN ID For Lost or Damaged Card

If you lost your TIN card, don’t worry because you can easily request for a replacement. You can also apply for a new ID if you recently had a change of name due to marriage, for example. Keep in mind that a replacement card is not free of charge and you’ll have to pay a ₱100 fee.

Step 1: Download and print BIR Forms 1905 and 0605

For your convenience and to save time, you may download and print these two forms:

• BIR Form 1905 – To be accomplished by taxpayers who want to correct, change or update any data or information, such as change of civil status, closure of business, and replacement of lost TIN card.
• BIR Form 0605 – Use this payment form to pay taxes and fees that don’t require the use of a tax return, such as registration fees.

You can also get these forms at the nearest BIR RDO.

Step 2: Accomplish both forms

Next is to fill out Form 1905 (Application for Registration Information Update/Correction/Cancellation) in CAPITAL LETTERS using black ink. Mark all appropriate boxes with an “X” and write “NA” if data is not applicable.

Take note of the following details in Form 1905 that you need to input:

• Under Part I – Taxpayer Information, write the RDO code of the BIR Revenue District Office where you are registered as a taxpayer. A list of BIR RDO codes can be found here.
• Under Part II – Reason/Details of Registration/Information Update/Correction, and below the “Form/s” section, mark the box for “Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)” with an “X.”
• For lost or damaged TIN card, mark the “Lost/Damaged” box under the “Reason/Details” section.
• Affix your signature over your printed name under the “Declaration” section.

For Form 0605 (Payment Form), provide the following information:

• ATC – The Alphanumeric Tax Code (ATC) should be “MC 090” which corresponds to TIN card fees.
• Tax Type Code – Write “RF” which means registration fee.
• RDO Code – Check out this page for a list of BIR codes.
• Tax Classification – Mark the “I” box if you’re an individual taxpayer.
• Manner of Payment – Mark the “Others (Specify)” box and write “TIN CARD FEE” (in capital letters) on the provided field.
• Type of Payment – Mark “Full Payment.”
• Affix your signature over your printed name under the “Full Voluntary Payment” section.

Step 3: Go to the BIR RDO and submit both forms and requirements

Bring your duly accomplished BIR Form 1905 to the BIR RDO where you are registered as a taxpayer. Also bring the following requirements for TIN card replacement:

• Notarized Affidavit of Loss (for lost card)
• Old TIN ID card (if replacement is due to damaged card)
• Marriage certificate (for change of family name)

Proceed to the payment section of the BIR RDO and submit the duly accomplished Form 0605 for verification.

Step 4: Pay the TIN card replacement fee at the authorized agent bank

Go to the authorized agent bank (AAB) under the jurisdiction of the RDO and request for a BIR payment slip. Fill out the payment slip and give it to the cashier along with the duly accomplished Form 0605 and the ₱100 card replacement fee.

After payment, get the receipt and the machine-validated Form 0605. The form should be stamped by the AAB and reflect the amount paid, date of payment and transaction code.

Step 5: Return to the RDO and submit the payment receipt and Form 0605

Go back to the RDO and submit the payment receipt and machine-validated Form 0605 to the Certificate of Registration (COR) window. If replacement is due to damaged card or change of family name, surrender your old ID card as well.

Step 6: Claim your ID card

You should be able to claim your replacement TIN card within the same day, depending on how busy the office is. Sometimes, issuance of the replacement card will take up to 5 working days. In that case, the RDO will give you a claim slip with the expected release date of your new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to get a TIN ID?

Issuance of ID cards to first-time applicants is free of charge. However, issuance of replacement IDs due to loss or damage will be charged ₱100.

Does the TIN ID expire?

No, the ID doesn’t expire and you can use it for life.

How long does it take to get a TIN ID?

You will get your ID within the same day, as long as you submitted your application and requirements before the 1:00 PM cut-off period. Beyond that, you might be asked to return on the next working day.

Can I apply for a TIN ID online?

No, you can’t apply for a TIN card through the Internet. All ID applications should be done personally at the BIR RDO where the applicant is registered or will be registered.

Is TIN ID online assistance legit?

Any offers of online assistance, especially on Facebook, are not sanctioned or authorized by the BIR. The BIR has warned that TIN cards issued by these online assistance services are considered illegal and fraudulent. Avoid dealing with these “fixers” and only apply for your TIN card personally at the BIR office.

Wrapping Up

Getting your TIN ID card is often as easy as dropping by the BIR office and showing your valid ID. But if you don’t have a TIN yet, you can register as a taxpayer to be issued a tax identification number and at the same time, get your own ID card. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.

If you have any questions and concerns, don’t hesitate to call the BIR Customer Assistance Division hotline (02) 8538-3200 or email [email protected].