Postal ID Guide: Requirements and Application Process

The PHLPost reactivated their application and processing of Postal IDs in October 2024 after a short pause during the previous year. This reactivation is welcome news for many Filipinos, as the PHLPost ID serves as a recognized government-issued identification for diverse transactions. Notably, PHLPost has streamlined the application process over the years, often requiring just a proof of identity, such as your birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and a proof of address to secure a Postal ID. This accessibility makes obtaining a valid ID more convenient for citizens.

Originally designed to verify the identity of letter and parcel recipients, the Postal ID has evolved to become a primary form of identification accepted by numerous government agencies and private institutions. Its convenience and accessibility have made it a popular choice for Filipinos, including foreign residents.

As mentioned above, applying for a Postal ID follows an easy and simple process – you do not even need to make an appointment! Simply visit a participating Post Office in your area, submit your application along with your proof of identity and address, have your photo and biometrics taken, and wait for your ID to be delivered.

In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the step-by-step process of obtaining a Postal ID, including the necessary documents and procedures. We will also address some common questions and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the application process with ease.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Postal ID?
2. How do I get a Postal ID?
3. What are the requirements to get a Postal ID?
4. How much is the Postal ID fee?
5. What should I do if I lose my Postal ID?
6. How can I renew my Postal ID?

What is a Postal ID?

A Postal ID is a valid government-issued identification from the PHLPost, used as reference for the owner’s identity and address. It is non-transferable and valid for three years from the date it was issued by the PHLPost to the applicant. Every Postal ID cardholder is assigned a unique Postal Reference Number (PRN).

How do I get a Postal ID?

The application process is simple and easy to follow. The applicant need not make an appointment or make prior arrangements. Simply submit a duly accomplished copy of the Postal ID application form along with the required IDs and proof of address to a Post Office near you. After your application is processed, your Postal ID will be delivered to you in a few days.

What are the requirements to get a Postal ID?

1. Fill out and submit an application form, along with the complete supporting IDs, documents, and proof of address to any post office. You may download the form from the PHLPost website or get one at the post office.

   Here are the IDs and Proofs of Address accepted by the PHLPost, as published on their Facebook page:

   1. Proof of Identity – Bring the original copy and one photocopy of ANY ONE of the following:

      1. National ID
      2. National ID (digitized or paper)
      3. PSA Birth Certificate with QR code or Local Civil Registry with receipt

      Need to get a copy of your PSA birth certificate but don't have time to visit a PSA outlet? Thanks to PSA online services through PSAHelpline.ph, you can now request your PSA birth certificate anytime, anywhere—no PSA online appointment needed. It’s a flexible option whether you prefer to have it delivered to your address or pick it up from a nearby Robinsons or National Book Store branch.

      4. GSIS UMID Card
      5. SSS UMID Card
      6. Driver’s License
      7. Passport
      8. PSA Marriage Certificate with QR code for married women (only if documents and IDs submitted do not bear married name)

   For comprehensive instructions or guide on how to apply for and get a government-issued ID, read this blog: Your Essential Guide to Government-issued Valid IDs in the Philippines.

   2. Proof of Address – Bring the original copy and one photocopy of ANY ONE of the following:

      1. Barangay Certificate of Residency issued within three months prior to Postal ID application
      2. Barangay Residence ID
      3. Certified True Copy of Lease
      4. Certified True Copy of Titles issued by the Land Registration Authority (LRA)
      5. Certified True Copy of Real Estate Tax Receipt
      6. Bank Statement
      7. Credit Card Statement
      8. School Billing Statement
      9. Utility Bill (cable, electric, internet, landline, water, etc.)

   You may request for a copy of your PSA birth certificate and PSA marriage certificate online through PSAHelpline.ph. Through this channel, you can conveniently order and pay online and simply wait for your PSA delivery in a few days. Your PSA birth certificate is an incontrovertible proof of identification, more so now that PSA certificates are already equipped with a QR code that is verifiable through the PSA e-verification app. To know more about QR-coded PSA certificates, read this previous blog: PSAHelpline Delivers Secure QR-Coded PSA Certificates.

   When you order your PSA birth certificate online, you no longer need to visit a PSA office nor make a PSA online appointment.

2. Application Review and ID Capture: The Post Office staff will examine your application and supporting documents. If everything is in order, your application will be accepted, and you will be given payment instructions. After paying, proceed to the nearest ID capture station. Please note that the ID capture station might be located outside the Post Office. At the station, your photo and fingerprints will be taken.
3. Postal ID Delivery: Your Postal ID will be delivered in approximately 10 to 15 working days if the application was received within Metro Manila. Provincial applications take approximately 4 to 5 weeks.

How much is the Postal ID fee?

The fee for a Postal ID is Php 550 but if you with to have yours rushed or expedited, the fee is Php 650.

What should I do if I lose my Postal ID?

To replace a lost Postal ID, prepare the following and bring it to the nearest Post Office:

1. Duly accomplished Postal ID application form
2. Duly notarized Affidavit of Loss
3. Proof of Identity (any one of the IDs mentioned above)
4. Proof of Address (any one of the IDs mentioned above)

The Post Office will inform you of the next steps and fees for replacing your lost ID.

How can I renew my Postal ID?

The Postal ID is valid for three years and can be renewed by the owner after. To renew your Postal ID, follow these steps:

1. If you are only renewing your expired Postal ID without changing any of your personal information on file or on the ID:

   1. Bring two duly accomplished copies of the Postal ID application form
   2. Original and photocopy of the expired Postal ID

2. If you are renewing your expired Postal ID and would like to apply some changes on your personal information:

   1. Bring two duly accomplished copies of the Postal ID application form
   2. Original and photocopy of the expired Postal ID
   3. Additional documents to support the change in personal information (PSA marriage certificate if changing from maiden last name to married last name, Annotated PSA birth certificate for change in name or spelling of name, etc.)

Submit the above documents to the nearest Post Office and follow the instructions of the Post Office staff to get your Postal ID renewed.

The Postal ID is a valuable government-issued identification card. Safeguard it diligently by storing it in a secure location and avoiding sharing it with others. Promptly report any loss or theft to the nearest Post Office and initiate the replacement process.

Just like any other form of identification, the Postal ID contains personal information that needs careful handling. It is important to keep your Postal ID secure and to avoid letting others handle or keep it for you. Should your ID be lost or stolen, promptly visit a Post Office to report the incident and initiate the process for a replacement.

Always prioritize security and avoid dealing with intermediaries or fixers when applying for or renewing your Postal ID.

When applying for a Postal ID, consider ordering copies of your PSA birth certificate and PSA marriage certificate (if applicable) in advance. You may order online and have your documents delivered to you – just visit www.PSAHelpline.ph. Note that the PHLPost requires that the PSA certificates to be submitted for Postal ID application and renewal must not be more than six months old, that is why it is best to secure copies in advance and only from legitimate sources like PSAHelpline.ph.

Did you know that you can order your PSA certificates online and have these delivered to you? Just visit www.PSAHelpline.ph, an online channel recognized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to handle online ordering and delivery of PSA certificates nationwide.

This guide helps you navigate your Postal ID application. For another essential document, your PSA certificates, find out why Filipinos trust PSAHelpline.ph. The Business Mirror recently featured PSAHelpline's reliable PSA certificate online ordering and delivery service in this article: Obtain your PSA Certificates fast and securely via PSAHelpline.ph