In Short
- The National ID was set up by the Philippine Identification System Act, Republic Act No. 11055 (RA 11055).
- For Filipino citizens, the first PhilID and its renewal are free under RA 11055.
- Filipinos aged 1 and above can register at PSA registration centers.
- The ePhilID and the digital National ID are official versions of the same ID.
- Under RA 11055, the PhilID is proof of who you are, though an office may first check that it is genuine.
What the National ID Is
RA 11055, the Philippine Identification System Act, set up one National ID for Filipinos and for foreigners who live here (resident aliens). Each registered person gets a permanent PhilSys Number (PSN), and the ID card itself is called the PhilID.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) runs PhilSys. The law says the first PhilID and its renewal are free for Filipino citizens. Resident aliens pay a fee, and replacing a lost or damaged card may cost a fee.
How to Register
PhilSys says registration is open to all Filipinos aged 1 and above. For children aged 1 to 4, only basic details and a photo are taken, linked to a parent or guardian. Full biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan and photo) are taken at 5 and again at 15.
- Go to a PhilSys registration center (PSA offices, malls, local government sites, and mobile registration) with your supporting documents.
- The registration staff check your details and capture your fingerprints, iris scan and photo.
- Review your information and confirm it.
- Get your transaction slip with your transaction reference number (TRN). Keep it safe: you use it to track your ID and to get your ePhilID.
Documents to Bring
PhilSys accepts one primary document, for example:
- a PSA Birth Certificate together with one government-issued ID with your full name, photo and signature or thumbmark;
- a Philippine passport;
- a UMID card;
- a Driver's License or Student Permit from the LTO.
If you have no primary document, PhilSys lists many secondary documents, such as a local civil registry Birth Certificate, a PRC ID, an OWWA ID, a Senior Citizen ID, a Voter's ID, a Postal ID, an NBI or Police Clearance, or a Barangay Clearance with a photo. See the full list on the PhilSys site.
The ePhilID and the Digital National ID
ePhilID. A printed or downloadable version of your National ID. PhilSys says it has the same function and validity as the physical card. Some registrants get it right after registering. Others can get a printed one at a registration center by bringing their transaction slip.
Digital National ID. Launched by the PSA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology on 12 August 2024. You can view and download it at national-id.gov.ph or through the eGovPH app, after a face check. Only people already registered in PhilSys can get it.
Tracking Your Card
The physical PhilID is delivered to your address. PhilSys says you can track its delivery, and the availability of your ePhilID, using the TRN on your transaction slip. Use the tracking link on the PhilSys website.
If your card is lost, damaged or wrong, contact PhilSys through its official channels. PhilSys says a card whose photo has peeled off is replaced free at a PSA office.
Using It as Proof of Identity
Under RA 11055, presenting the PhilID or PSN is enough proof of identity, subject to proper authentication (checking that the ID is real and belongs to you) (Section 12), and the PhilID must be honored and accepted in transactions, subject to authentication (Section 13). The PSA says the digital National ID is also valid and sufficient proof of identity, subject to authentication, with government, financial and private institutions.
A notary may accept your National ID as the government ID you show when you sign. See getting a document notarized.
What to Bring to Register
One primary document is enough. Without one, bring secondary documents from the PhilSys list.
Your ticks stay on this device only.
Common Questions
Is the National ID Free?
Yes, for Filipino citizens. RA 11055 says the first PhilID and its renewal are free. Resident aliens pay a fee, and replacements may cost a fee.
Is the ePhilID a Valid ID?
Yes. PhilSys says the ePhilID has the same function and validity as the physical card. The PSA says the same of the digital National ID, subject to authentication.
How Do I Track My National ID?
Use the transaction reference number (TRN) on your transaction slip with the tracking tool linked from the PhilSys website.
Does the National ID Expire?
PhilSys says a Filipino citizen's National ID does not expire. It is renewed when your details or biometrics are updated.
Can a Bank Refuse My National ID?
RA 11055 says the PhilID must be honored and accepted, subject to authentication, and the PSA says a refusal without a valid reason can be penalized under the law's implementing rules (the detailed rules issued under it). If you are refused, you can report it to PhilSys.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.