There are numerous government-issued IDs in the Philippines, including driver’s licenses, passports, UMIDs, PRC IDs, and more. Let’s be real, though: not all of them are easily within reach. Some require specific professions, others need existing IDs before you can apply, and many involve long waits or strict qualifications.
That’s why the Postal ID stands out. It’s one of the few valid IDs that are accessible to almost every Filipino, and as I recently found out, it’s also one of the easiest to obtain.
Photo: PHLPost/WhenInManila
When I went to the main post office in Lawton, Manila, I was bracing myself for long lines and hours of waiting. I was surprised to see that it wasn’t that crowded at all, with maybe around 10 people ahead of me—and I was able to finish the process and claim my ID on the same day.
Here’s how it went:
- Filled out the application form right at the post office
- Showed them my IDs on hand (TIN ID, PSA copy of my birth certificate, and my marriage certificate)
- Paid the fee and waited to have my photo taken
- Came back just a few hours later to claim my ID
That was it. No queues, no paperwork, and no weeks of waiting.
When I spoke to one of the staff members handling applications, they immediately recommended going for rush processing. It costs ₱650, and while regular processing is ₱100 cheaper, it may take longer to be released.
Why Is It So Easy to Apply for the Postal ID?
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently issued a circular to standardize and simplify the Postal ID application process. Acting Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III said the move ensures all post offices follow the same rules so applicants won’t be asked for random extra requirements.
Postal ID Requirements
PHLPost Circular No. 25-48 (March 20, 2025) lays out the requirements clearly:
- Application form – Filled out in bold letters using black or blue ink
- Proof of identity – Just one valid ID (PSA birth certificate, National ID, UMID, driver’s license, passport, PRC ID, Voter’s ID, or any other government-issued ID with photo and signature)
- Proof of address – Options include a barangay certificate of residency, utility bill, lease contract, land title, or school billing statement
Extra documents are required only in specific cases, such as a marriage certificate for married women using their spouse’s surname or a naturalization certificate for applicable Filipinos.
“PHLPost would like to remind the public that these requirements are standardized and that no additional documents should be imposed outside of those enumerated in the official guidelines,” Sta. Maria emphasized.
Why the Postal ID Still Matters
Even with newer IDs, such as the National ID, the Postal ID remains one of the most widely accepted government IDs in the country. Banks, government offices, and private institutions all recognize it, making it a reliable option for financial transactions, government services, or simply as a valid ID if you don’t have one yet.
TL;DR
- Lots of valid IDs exist in the Philippines, but few are truly accessible to most people
- Postal ID is one of the easiest to get, with simple requirements
- Just bring an application form, one valid ID, and proof of address
- Additional documents are only needed for special cases
- Staff recommend going for rush processing (₱650) since it can get you your ID within the same day
- Still widely accepted across banks, government offices, and private institutions
ALSO READ: Travelers Who Get a U.S. Visa Will Soon Be Required to Pay Around P14,000 for a “Visa Integrity Fee”
Thinking of applying? Drop by your nearest post office or check the official PHLPost website and social media pages for updates.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad and join our Viber group to keep updated with the latest news.
