As citizens in the Philippines, we are always asked for government-issued IDs. We can only transact provided we can show our valid IDs even in getting other IDs as well. One of the easiest ID we can apply and get is the Postal ID.

Postal carriers once used this type of ID to verify the identity of the recipient of a parcel. We can also use this type of ID to avail of government and banking services and transactions. We can even use it to apply for a job.

So, what is a Postal ID? Here’s everything you need to know.

WHAT IS A POSTAL ID (PID)?

A Postal ID (PID) is an identity card issued by Philippine Postal Corporation. It is a valid identification document for use by Filipino citizens. This is important in availing of various government services and transactions. This is also needed in banking and other financial institutions.

A Postal ID is a card accepted for identifying any postal transactions worldwide. In our country, mailmen or postal carriers verify one’s identity through it. It is to make sure the parcels or letters are well delivered to the correct receiver. You can even use it to transact in the government institutions. 

Who Can You Apply for a PID?

Anyone can get a Postal ID as long as:

• You are a Filipino living in the country.
• You are a Filipino who works and lives abroad but is in the Philippines during the time of application.
• A foreigner residing in the Philippines for at least six (6) months before the application.

What Can You Expect with the New and Improved Philippine Postal ID?

PhilPost issued paper documents before but now, they have upgraded into an ID card. The card has also upgraded features that is easy to verify with an app.

Here are the new features you can expect in the new Postal ID:

• Security hologram of a mailman viewable at different angles.
• All information and biometrics of the ID holder. Captured at the postal office only and you are sure all data are legit. 
• Automated Fingerprint Identification System. This is to verify an individual’s fingerprint and match it with the one kept in the database.
• There is only one central location of the printing of the Postal IDs to prevent duplication.
• The Postal ID Verification app can scan the embedded QR code on the Postal ID. This is to verify the cardholder’s identity.
• The Philippine Postal ID is valid for three (3) years for Filipino holders. The same goes for foreigners with Special Retiree Resident Visa. For foreigners in the Philippines with a different type of visa, their Postal ID is valid for one year only.

REQUIREMENTS IN APPLYING FOR A PHILIPPINE PID

For Filipinos

You need to have the original and photocopies of the following documents to apply for a new Postal ID: 

1. Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished Postal ID Application form. You can get at any post office or downloaded online.

2. Proof of Identity:

One (1) of the following:

a) NSO or Local Civil Registry-issued Birth Certificate

b) GSIS or SSS UMID card

c) Valid passport

d) Valid driver’s license

3. Two (2) of the following if they cannot provide any of the above identity requirements. At least of these documents should have the person’s signature and photo:

• Voter’s ID
• Tax ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• Seaman’s Book
• Police Clearance
• PRC ID
• Philhealth ID
• Pag-IBIG ID
• OWWA ID
• BIR ID
• NBI Clearance
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP ID)
• Company ID
• School ID
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Confirmation Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Transcription of Records (College or Post Graduate)
• Elementary or High School Form 137
• Proof of Address (any of the following):
• Utility Bill (Electricity, Landline, Internet, Credit Card, Cable, Water, etc.)
• Bank Statement
• Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
• Certified True Copy of Lease
• Barangay Certificate of Residency (issued at least three [3] months before the Postal ID application)
• School Billing

For Foreigners

The following documents are required for foreign residents who wish to apply for a Philippine Postal ID:

• Duly accomplished Postal ID Application form you can get at any post office or download online.
• Proof of identity:
• Passport (issued at least six (6) months before the application)
• Any of the following documents that show proof of stay in the Philippines (issued at least six (6) months before the Postal ID application)
• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
• Diplomatic Visa
• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
• Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
• Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card
• Proof of Address (any of the following):
• Utility Bill (Electricity, Landline, Internet, Credit Card, Cable, Water, etc.)
• Bank Statement
• Notarized Land, House, or Condo Lease Contract
• Certificate from a hotel, transient home, or temporary residence (issued within three [3] months before PID application)
• Statement of Account from a hotel, transient home, or temporary residence (issued within three [3] months before PID application)
• Barangay Certificate of Residency (issued within three [3] months before PID application)

What Are the Requirements to Renew or Replace a Philippine Postal ID?

If there are no changes in your biographic data, these are the required documents you need to provide to renew your PhilPost ID:

• Two (2) copies of the accomplished Postal ID application form
• Basic or Improved Postal ID card (original and photocopy)

If you lost your Postal ID, you could ask for a new replacement by submitting the following:

• Two (2) copies of the accomplished Postal ID application form
• Notarized Affidavit of Loss

If there are any changes in your biographical data, you need to present the following documents when replacing your Philippine Postal ID:

• Two (2) copies of the duly-accomplished Postal ID Application form you can get at any post office or downloaded online.
• Basic or Improved Postal ID card (original and photocopy.
• Additional requirements that support the change in biographic data.

PID BENEFITS

Having a Postal ID is beneficial to the bearer because of the following reasons:

• Proof of identity for government transactions.
• Valid ID when opening a bank account. This can also help in applying for a credit card, personal loan, and other banking products
• E-wallet account verification
• Availing of the Postal ID Privilege Program. This is a service like the Pag-IBIG Loyalty card. It provides discounts, freebies, and other privileges from various business establishments. 

How to Apply for a Philippine PID?

1. Getting a Postal ID is quick and easy. Here are the simple steps you need to take to apply for it:

2. Bring and submit all your required documents to the post office nearest you. The office personnel will verify and confirm all your submitted documents.

3. Proceed to the Postal ID capture station upon submission of your documents. That is where your photo, fingerprint data, and signature is taken. You can choose among the available 260 capture stations located nationwide. It is available in different malls and post offices.

4. Wait for the delivery of our Postal ID. If you live within Metro Manila, expect around 10 to 15 working days from the date of your application. If you live in other major cities and municipalities, it will take around 20 working days. If you live in a remote barangay or island province, your ID will arrive after about 30 working days

Is Rush Processing Available for a PID?

Of course, it is. When you apply for a rush processing of a Philippine Postal ID, you can get it on the same day or the following day. The process is the same as the regular application, but you have to pay extra. 

Here are the offices and places that offer rush Postal ID applications:

• Manila Central Post Office (Liwasang Bonifacio, Intramuros)
• Robinsons Otis Central Post Office (2/F Lingkod Pinoy, Philpost Robinsons Otis, Paz M. Guanzon St., Paco, Manila)
• Quezon City Central Post Office (NIA Rd., Brgy. Pinyahan, Diliman)
• Makati Central Post Office (Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Avenue Malugay)
• Parañaque Central Post Office (Ninoy Aquino Ave., Brgy. La Huerta)Las Piñas Central Post Office (Las Piñas City Hall, Real cor. Pamplona St.) 
• SM South Mall Post Office (Lower Ground Floor, Government Services Section, SM South Mall, Almanza, Las Piñas City)
  
• Valenzuela Central Post Office (Valenzuela City Hall Complex, Maysan St.)
• Taguig Central Post Office (Taguig City Hall, Gen. Luna St., Tuktukan, Taguig)
• SM Aura – Government Service Express (7/F, SM Aura, Taguig City)
• Q. Plaza Central Post Office (Q. Plaza Commercial Center, Felix Ave. cor. Marcos Highway, San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal)

*Note that these offices are open for rush Postal ID applications from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

 How Much Is the New Postal ID Application Fee?

Here is the cost for applying a PID:

Postal ID + Delivery – PhP 450

Vat (12%) – PhP 54

Total = PhP 504

For rush applications, the processing fee costs PhP 650.

For discount, present your old PID before it expires. You will have a discount based on the remaining months it is still valid.

• 36 months – 25% discount
• 24 to 35 months – 20% discount
• 12 to 23 months – 10% discount

FAQs

Is there an Improved PID?

Yes, there is and it has much good features compared to the previous one.

Why release the Improved PID?

The improved Postal ID has features that can identify the genuine from the fake one. It makes ID verification simple and reliable. It can guarantee an individual’s identity. 

Why should I avail the Improved PID? 

To assure safe and reliable transactions. There is a security feature in the ID that is very helpful. 

What will happen to my Basic but still valid PID?

Your Basic ID will remain valid until it expires. Post offices will stop issuing it when the Improved PID becomes available in their area. 

Conclusion

It is never difficult to get any government-issued card if you a Postal ID. By presenting your PID, it assures that you are a citizen of the Philippines. It will make your life a lot easier. – Avril | Helpline PH