Commonly accepted government-issued IDs
| ID | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PhilSys National ID (PhilID) | PSA | Must be accepted as proof of identity (RA 11055) |
| ePhilID / digital National ID | PSA | Printed or in the eGovPH app; widely accepted. See ePhilID guide |
| Philippine passport | DFA | Best ID for anything related to travel abroad |
| Driver's license | LTO | Plastic card or the official digital version |
| UMID | SSS / GSIS | Unified Multi-Purpose ID |
| PRC ID | PRC | For licensed professionals |
| Postal ID | PHLPost | Check the expiry date |
| Voter's ID / voter's certification | COMELEC | |
| SSS ID / GSIS eCard | SSS / GSIS | |
| TIN ID / Digital TIN ID | BIR | Valid ID per RMC 120-2023, but some offices treat it as secondary. See TIN ID guide |
| PhilHealth ID | PhilHealth | Often accepted as a secondary ID |
| Senior citizen ID / PWD ID | LGU / NCDA | |
| OWWA / OFW ID | OWWA / DMW | For overseas Filipino workers |
"Primary" and "secondary" IDs aren't one national list. Each office decides which IDs it accepts. A government photo ID that isn't expired is the safest choice everywhere.
The PhilID must be accepted
The Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055) says presenting the PhilID is sufficient proof of identity, subject to proper authentication, and that private entities are mandated to accept it as valid proof of identity. If an office refuses your PhilID, you can politely point to Section 12 of RA 11055.
Which IDs to bring for a clearance
- NBI clearance: two valid government-issued IDs, originals and not expired. You choose one ID type when you apply online. See NBI requirements.
- National Police Clearance: one valid government-issued ID, per the PNP's official guide. Bring a second as a backup. See police requirements.
- Barangay clearance: a valid ID plus proof of residence. See barangay clearance.
Don't have a valid ID yet?
- Register for the PhilSys National ID, which is free, then get your ePhilID or Digital National ID right away.
- Get a TIN online and generate a free Digital TIN ID. First-time job seekers can also get the UMID free once under RA 11261.
- A postal ID or voter's certification can be quicker to get while you wait for other IDs.
Frequently asked questions
Is an NBI clearance a valid ID?
It's a clearance certificate, not an ID card. Some offices accept it as a supporting document, but don't rely on it as a primary ID.
Is a school ID a valid ID?
School IDs aren't government-issued, so many offices won't accept them for official transactions. Some accept them for students together with another document.
Are expired IDs accepted?
Usually not. The NBI specifically asks for non-expired IDs.