You probably already know this but it merits repeating: your birth certificate is one of the most important documents you must have in your life.
There will be many instances throughout your life when you will need to present your authenticated birth certificate as part of the requirements. Here are just some of them:
Learning How to Drive
These days, learning how to drive has become an essential skill in order to avoid the risks of public transportation. It’s also convenient now to apply for a driver’s license as they’re now valid for five years (10 years if you’re renewing!)
Obtaining a license requires a Student Permit first, which in turn requires an original and photocopy of your PSA-authenticated birth certificate. A student permit will authorize you to drive a motor vehicle under the supervision of someone with a valid professional or non-professional license.
Applying for a New Passport
A PSA-authenticated birth certificate is among the many requirements you’ll need to present and submit when applying for a Philippine Passport. Though it is no longer needed for renewal appointments, those who are applying for the first time or are obtaining a new passport due to a name change will have to give an original and photocopy of the document.
Getting Hired for a New Job
Getting hired for a new job is one of the most fulfilling experiences, knowing that you’re about to embark on a new chapter in your career. However, it also prompts a sequence of pre-employment responsibilities such as applying for the SSS, PAG-IBIG, PhilHealth, and more. And yup, you guessed it, you’re going to need to submit your PSA-authenticated birth certificate for most of them! It’s best to have multiple copies of this document on-hand once you’ve begun your employment journey.
Registering to Vote for the First Time
It is a Filipino citizen’s responsibility to exercise their right to vote during Elections Day. Doing so requires them to be a registered voter in the COMELEC. If you’re going to turn 18-years-old on or before the coming elections, one of the requirements you’ll need to present is your birth certificate to prove you will be of age to vote!
Getting Married
Preparing for the best day of your life demands a lot of prep work not only for the wedding itself but for all the legalities too—aka the dreaded paperwork. A PSA-authenticated birth certificate is one of the first few things you should apply for as soon as you start wedding planning as it is required for getting a marriage license, which is in turn needed to verify that you and your partner are eligible to marry, be it at a church or a civil wedding.
Enrolling your Child to School
Enrolling your child to school is a milestone for parents! Choosing the right school for your child takes careful consideration of so many factors—the environment, the curriculum, the location, and so much more. Each school may require different things but most may ask from you a copy of your child’s authenticated birth certificate. So it’s better to have one on-hand when you’re school hunting!
Buying a Property
Buying a new house is a pretty big deal and is one of the life events that truly make you feel that you’ve become a “legit” adult! A lot of documents will be needed from you when you’ve made that investment, one of which is an authenticated birth certificate as all transactions must be made under the name indicated in that paper. It’s also one way to prove that you are a Filipino citizen as only those who are can own and acquire land in the Philippines.
Obtaining a National ID or UMID
Though not a requirement, a National ID as well as a Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) Card are both nifty IDs to have as an alternative to presenting other valid government-issued IDs, such as your passport or driver’s license, when applying for important documents or whenever you need to show them to authorities.
Applying for one may require a PSA-authenticated birth certificate in the event that you don’t have a primary valid ID to show.
Enrolling to Take a Licensure Exam
Aspiring to be a teacher, a doctor, or other similar professions? These careers will require you to take and pass a board exam by the Professional Regulation Commission before you could pursue your dreams! No matter what your chosen field may be, you’re going to need a PSA-authenticated birth certificate, among many other requirements, when applying for your respective exam.
How to get a birth certificate?
As we’ve proven above, it’s inevitable that you will need to apply for a birth certificate many times throughout the years. Fortunately, it’s easy and convenient to get one online through PSAHelpline.ph!
PSAHelpline.ph is an online channel where you can get your civil registry documents in the comfort and safety of your home. There’s no need to actually go to the Philippine Statistics Authority because everything can be done online. That means no need to go out, no need to travel, and no exposure to potential health risks outdoors!
It only takes three easy steps: 1) Request for a certificate; 2) Pay online or over-the-counter; and 3) Wait for delivery.
Go to PSAHelpline.ph to learn more or read our previous article here: PSAHelpline.ph: Your One-Stop Shop for All Your PSA Certificate Needs.
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