National ID Requirements: PhilSys Documents List
Quick answer
Bring one primary document, in the original, to register for the National ID. The most common is a PSA birth certificate plus one government photo ID. A passport, UMID or LTO license also works on its own. Without any of these, bring secondary documents instead. Registration is free; the steps are in our National ID registration guide.
What are the requirements?
Primary documents (bring one, original)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| PSA birth certificate + one government-issued ID | The ID must show your full name, photo and signature or thumbmark |
| Philippine passport or ePassport | Issued by DFA |
| UMID card | Issued by SSS or GSIS |
| LTO student permit or driver's license | Non-professional or professional |
If your PSA birth certificate and your ID do not match, the birth certificate entries are used.
Secondary documents (if you have no primary document)
- PSA or NSO birth certificate with Birth Reference Number, or an LCRO birth certificate
- PSA Report of Birth or Certificate of Foundling
- PRC ID, IBP ID, OWWA ID, seaman's book or seafarer's ID
- SSS ID, PhilHealth ID, TIN ID, postal ID or voter's ID
- Senior citizen ID, PWD ID, solo parent ID or 4Ps ID
- NBI clearance or police clearance
- Civil Service eligibility card, MARINA ID, or national or residence ID from another country
- Employee ID, school ID, city or municipal ID, barangay ID or barangay clearance. These must show your photo, signature or thumbmark, full name, permanent address and birth date
The complete list is on the PhilSys supporting documents page.
Children
- Children aged 1 to 4 can be registered. Only their details and photo are taken, and their record is linked to a parent or guardian.
- Fingerprints and iris scan are taken at age 5 and again at 15.
At the center: staff take your photo, all ten fingerprints and an iris scan. Keep your transaction slip, because its TRN lets you track your card and get your ePhilID.
What to bring
National ID Requirements: PhilSys Documents List
Documents
- PSA birth certificate + one government-issued ID
- Philippine passport or ePassport
- UMID card
- LTO student permit or driver's license
Fee
- Registration: PHP 0 (free)
- First National ID card: PHP 0 (free)
- ePhilID (paper format): PHP 0 (free)
Checklist from listopapeles.com. Confirm with the agency before you go. listopapeles.com/requirements/national-id-registration
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to register for the National ID?
One primary document: a PSA birth certificate plus a government photo ID, a passport, a UMID or an LTO license.
Can I register with only a PSA birth certificate?
A PSA birth certificate alone counts as a secondary document. It is accepted when you have no primary document.
Can I use a barangay ID or school ID?
Yes, as a secondary document, if it shows your photo, signature or thumbmark, full name, permanent address and birth date.
What do children need for the National ID?
Children aged 1 and above can be registered. Their details and photo are linked to a parent or guardian's record.
Do I need photocopies?
PhilSys asks for originals. Bring the documents themselves to the center.
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