PhilID, ePhilID and Digital National ID: what's the difference?
| What it is | How you get it | |
|---|---|---|
| PhilID | The physical National ID card | Delivered to the address you gave at registration |
| Printed ePhilID | Your PhilID printed on paper, with a QR code | Claimed at a PhilSys registration center |
| Downloadable ePhilID | A password-protected PDF of your ePhilID | Through the link in the PSA's SMS (earlier rollout) |
| Digital National ID | Your National ID inside the eGovPH app | Register and verify your face in eGovPH |
The PSA says the ePhilID has the same functionality and validity as the PhilID card, and the Digital National ID is a "valid and sufficient proof of identity in all transactions". Getting an ePhilID doesn't cancel your card: every registered person still gets a PhilID.
Don't pay anyone to "process" your National ID or ePhilID online. Registration, the PhilID, the ePhilID and the Digital National ID are free from the PSA. Only use .gov.ph websites and the official eGovPH app.
How to get your Digital National ID (eGovPH)
This is the fastest option if you're already registered in PhilSys. As of 1 June 2025, the PSA said 87.6 million Digital National IDs were already accessible in eGovPH.
Install the official eGovPH app
from Google Play or the App Store, or start from national-id.gov.ph, which points you to the app.
Create your account
with the same name and details you gave during PhilSys registration.
Complete the facial verification
This confirms you are the registered person.
Open your Digital National ID
in the app. Present it on your phone when you need an ID.
Use the exact details from your PhilSys registration. eGovPH checks your demographic details and your face against your National ID record, so enter your name spelling and birthdate exactly as they appear on your transaction slip.
How to get a printed ePhilID
Find your transaction slip
from your PhilSys Step 2 registration. It has your 29-digit Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Go to a PhilSys registration center
Printed ePhilIDs are issued at registration centers nationwide and during PSA field distributions (plaza-type or house-to-house).
Present your transaction slip
and claim your printed ePhilID. It's free.
Keep it flat and clean. A creased or glossy printout can make the QR code hard to scan, and the QR code is how offices check that it's genuine.
Not registered yet? How to register for the National ID
- Go to a PhilSys registration center. The PSA and many LGUs also run registration in malls, barangays and events, so watch the PSA PhilSys Facebook page or your LGU page for schedules.
- Bring your supporting documents. The usual primary set is a PSA birth certificate plus a government-issued ID with your photo, or a Philippine passport or UMID on its own. Check the full list at philsys.gov.ph before you go.
- Your photo, fingerprints and iris are captured on the spot. Keep your transaction slip, because you'll need the TRN later.
Registration is free. Once registered, you can get the Digital National ID in eGovPH without waiting for the card.
National ID tracker: where is my PhilID card?
The PhilID card is delivered by PHLPost. To track it:
- Go to tracking.phlpost.gov.ph.
- Enter the 29-digit Transaction Reference Number on your PhilSys transaction slip.
- Check the delivery status.
"Not found" usually means the card hasn't been handed to PHLPost yet. PHLPost suggests contacting PhilSys through the 1388 hotline, Facebook Messenger (m.me/PSAPhilSysOfficial) or info@philsys.gov.ph. You can use your ePhilID or Digital National ID in the meantime.
How to check if a National ID or ePhilID is genuine
- PhilID card and ePhilID: scan the QR code with PhilSys Check at verify.philsys.gov.ph. The QR code carries the owner's photo, so the checker can compare it with the person.
- Digital National ID (eGovPH): check it at everify.gov.ph/check. Businesses can also verify identity through eVerify at everify.gov.ph.
Offices must accept it
Under the Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055), the PhilID is sufficient proof of identity, and both government and private entities must accept it, subject to authentication. The PSA applies the same to the ePhilID and the Digital National ID. The Bangko Sentral also told banks and other supervised institutions to accept the printed ePhilID.
For clearances:
- NBI clearance: the PhilID or ePhilID counts as one of your two valid IDs. See NBI requirements.
- Police clearance: one valid ID is enough, and the PhilID works. See police requirements.
- TIN: the BIR lists the PhilID/ePhilID as an accepted ID for online TIN applications. See TIN ID.
If an office refuses your ePhilID, you can report it to the PSA through the PhilSys hotline or email.
Official links
- PhilSys: philsys.gov.ph
- Digital National ID: national-id.gov.ph (via the eGovPH app)
- PhilID/ePhilID QR check: verify.philsys.gov.ph
- Digital National ID check: everify.gov.ph/check
- PhilID delivery tracking: tracking.phlpost.gov.ph
- PhilSys hotline 1388 · info@philsys.gov.ph · m.me/PSAPhilSysOfficial
Frequently asked questions
Is the ePhilID a valid ID?
Yes. The PSA says the ePhilID has the same validity as the PhilID card and must be accepted as proof of identity, subject to authentication. It works as a valid ID for NBI and police clearance applications.
Is the ePhilID the same as the National ID?
It carries the same information as your PhilID card (photo, name, birthdate, PhilSys Card Number and QR code), just on paper or on your phone. You still get the physical card.
How much does the ePhilID cost?
Nothing. The PhilID, the printed ePhilID and the Digital National ID are free from the PSA.
Does the ePhilID expire?
The PSA doesn't put an expiry date on the ePhilID. Keep the printed copy in good condition so the QR code can still be scanned.
Can I print my Digital National ID myself?
The PSA's official digital options are the eGovPH app and the printed ePhilID from a registration center. Offices verify them through the QR code, so present the app or the PSA-issued printout.
My PhilID tracking says "not found". What should I do?
It usually means the card hasn't reached PHLPost yet. Contact PhilSys through hotline 1388 or info@philsys.gov.ph, and use your Digital National ID or ePhilID meanwhile.