Getting The New Philippine Postal ID

Friday, April 10, 2015 Alexis Mendoza 65 Comments


Identification cards are essential when it comes to doing official transactions in the Philippines, from banks to services - you need to have a valid identification card. Unfortunately, the Philippines still doesn't have a national ID like our neighboring countries and we have to rely on getting individual identification cards from different government offices with different requirements.


One of the most easy way to get an identification card is by getting a postal ID where you only need to present a barangay certificate to obtain one. Unfortunately, this can be faked easily because it is made only in cardboard paper and you also need to have it laminated. This is why PHLPOST recently relaunched their modernized Postal ID with added security features. Of course with this upgrade, expect higher fees as well because that's how the Philippine Government rolls.

Getting the new Postal ID can be a little tricky now as they also updated the requirements needed to obtain one. Aside from Proof of Address (which can be a barangay certificate or proof of billing), you also need to bring an NSO or Local Civil Registrar certificated Birth Certificate, and shell out P414.44.- they actually advertise it as P370 but on the fine print, it says that the 12% VAT is not yet included.

One last thing you need is a fully accomplished Postal ID application form which can be downloaded through the PHLPOST website. You can click here to download the form, print & fill up double copies. Reminder to have every requirement photocopied!

How to Apply for a the New Postal ID?


Now that you have the requirements, how to apply for one?

Head to your nearest Postal Office in your area during office hours - in my case it's the Quezon City Central Post Office in NIA Road. If you want to check out the complete list of PHLPOST offices that offers the ID capturing service, click here. I heard that they will be having ID capturing service as well on select malls soon.


Head to the Postal ID window and present the requirements mentioned above. In their website, it is indicated that they need your photocopies for their file, but unfortunately in the Quezon City Central Post Office, they got my ORIGINAL NSO birth certificate (even though I said I have photocopies for them!) which is a total bummer because that means I need pay and get a new one from NSO soon. I already got in touch with PHLPOST about this on their website and social media, but still no response from their end.

After the staff checks your requirements, you'll proceed with the data capture where they digitally get your fingerprints and signature. Once you're done with the data capture, they'll take your photo, so it's best to dress appropriately since you'll be using your ID for 3 years.

The last step is checking the encoded details. The PHLPOST staff will ask you to check your details on the ID one last time and if it looks good already, you'll have to approve it by scanning your thumb once again in their data capture device.

Getting Your New Postal ID


Luckily, getting your new Postal ID is a breeze compare before because they will have it delivered straight to the address registered in your application. PHLPost promises that they'll deliver your card within 10-15 working days. I applied March 12th and got my ID March 31st, that's exactly 13 working days, still within their promised delivery period. First time I transacted with a government office who kept their promise(!!!)

Once it arrives to your place, it should be sealed and placed in a white envelope. Inside are some details about your card including how long is the validity of your card and contact details in case you have comments or suggestions.


If you're still confused om how to get the New Postal ID, you can check out the Frequently Asked Questions that our friends from the Philippine Postal Corporation has prepared. This should cover most of the general questions about the New Postal ID.

click to enlarge

They also opened new hotline numbers for Postal ID and delivery concerns which is really helpful if you want further information about the New Postal ID. Aside from the new hotline numbers, they are also on social and also opened an official website where you can find details like where to apply, requirements, more information, & so much more.

Philippine Postal ID Hotline
Landline: (02) 7427349 / (02) 2309875
Globe: 09175215373
Smart: 09988447629
Sun: 09253212291


Overall, getting the new Postal ID is still a breeze but the higher fee and them getting my original copy of my NSO birth certificate instead of a photocopy is definitely a thumbs down for me. Lastly, I wish they increased the validity of the card to 4 or 5 years because 3 years is really too short.

Let me know your experience getting the new Postal ID, or if you are planning to get one and have questions, please do not hesitate to comment below. I'll gladly answer your question the best that I can. :)

65 comments:

  1. This post is really helpful! Planning to get one soon. Thanks! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there!

      Thanks for dropping by and I'm glad this post helped you. Cheers! :)

      Delete
  2. This post is very much helpful! :) Do they(phlpost), operate on saturdays?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw an article before that PHL Post is also open on Saturdays, but that was a few years ago, I'm not sure if they still do that. It differs from post office to post office, so best way is to check with your nearest PHL Post office. :)

      Delete
  3. *that's how the Philippine Government rolls.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Applied last June 8 and it's July 6 now but still my ID hasnt been delivered yet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there!

      Sad to hear you haven't received your card. Have you tried contacting PHL Post about it? I'm pretty sure it's on its way to you, maybe just delayed. :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Alexis,

    I'm very happy I stumbled upon your post. You've written it very clearly! My friend is trying to get a passport, but needs to request all the requirements for it (birth certificate etc). Now waiting for the Postal ID. Your 13 days wait is promising, though requesting all the papers takes a LOT of time! We're trying to fix everything for the past 8 months (!) now, and I'm trying to understand the procedure for requesting a passport (starting from scratch). Is it customary that requesting all these papers for 'just' a passport takes so many time?

    Greetings,
    Maikel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there Maikel!

      Glad to see you love this post!

      About your question. For passport applications, I think DFA only needs a primary ID's and a couple of supporting documents. You can refer here for the list: http://www.passport.com.ph/requirements just scroll to the bottom part of the page.

      I have to agree with you that it takes a LOT of time! But recently, DFA has been efficient. I got my new passport recently and the process was quicker than a few years back when we're still using the old passports. The new E-passports are produced quicker so waiting time is just 10 - 20 days. Let me know how you application goes! :)

      Delete
  6. Is it really 414.00 pesos only? No hidden charges or whatsoever?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there!

      Yes, that is correct, it's the standard payment nationwide. No hidden charges. :)

      Delete
  7. Hi! Like you, the nearest post office admin wanted to take my original nso birth cert but i refused. I was wondering if I can apply at a different post office. Hope you can help. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Gladys,

      Yes, I think that is possible. :)

      - Alex

      Delete
  8. I'm from cebu but currently in manila. can I apply my postal ID here in manila?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Janine!

      I think that's possible since it's a centralized system. Just make sure to present proof of residency like old utility bills with your Cebu Address under your name. :)

      Delete
  9. For inquiries, complaints, questions and other concerns regarding the New Postal ID, listed below are the following contact numbers and sites that you can visit.

    Postal ID Hotline
    (02) 7427349 / (02) 2309875
    Globe 09175215373
    Smart 09988447629
    Sun 09253212291

    http://www.postalidph.com
    http://www.facebook.com/newpostalid
    twitter.com/PostaLiD
    instagram.com/newpostalid

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi, I live in Pasig but is quite far from the Philpost Pasig. Can I apply in Taguig instead?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello KT!

      I think that's possible since it's a centralized system. Just make sure to present proof of residency like old utility bills with your Pasig Address under your name. For more information, I recommend calling their postal ID hotlines:

      Postal ID Hotline
      (02) 7427349 / (02) 2309875
      Globe 09175215373
      Smart 09988447629
      Sun 09253212291

      Hope this helps. :)

      Delete
  11. Thanks for the post! It really helped. It was really easy. The only problem I encountered was the personnel tasked to handle the application. She was busy sorting receipts, so I had to wait 30mins before she processed my application. I am glad the post office in Davao didn't take my original copy of NSO birth certificate. They say I'll get the ID within a month. Praying it'll be less than that because I really need my ID before November ends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Pat!

      Glad this blog post helped you!

      Normally, they deliver it within 20 working days. Hope it arrives before end of November or early December. :)

      Delete
  12. Do they have(philpost) a dresscode for pic taking?coz in the brgy hall where I got my brgy certificate they said I should wear a white collar dress

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ace!

      There's actually no dress code but I recommend wearing something with collar to make your photo look formal (since you'll be using the ID for 3 years). Note that the background they use is white, so wear something a little darker.

      Alex

      Delete
  13. It's 7th day already waiting for the new postal id to be delivered. I really hope that what Ive read online is fact(provincial:5-7days). I really need this id urgent, so I can start freelancing in the net partnered with payoneer. Money's a necessity nowadays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      Please note that the standard days before delivery for the New Postal ID Nationwide is 20 Working Days, not 5-7 days. :)

      Delete
  14. Hi alex! I applied last November 12 but today is November 25 and i haven't received it yet. I wonder if it will take a month that i have to contact phl post abt my postal id?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Aira!

      Based on the details you gave, it's only 6 working days after you applied (November 17-19 was a holiday). Please note that it will take 20 business days before your postal ID gets delivered. So most likely, you'll get it around around December 15th. :)

      Delete
  15. Hi, Merry Christmas , i apply for a Postal ID last December 23, 2015 in Calamba City Laguna Brgy, 7 11:49 onwards, Ang pagkaka alam ko po 3-5 working days daw ang hihintayin bago maideliver sa bahay, Pero nung pagpunta ko sa post office nakita ko nakasulat sa papel na 1-2 months pa bago makuha dahil manila pa daw ang pagpiprintan nagulat ako kasi kailangan ko pa naman ng Valid ID kasi hindi na pwede yung Student ID ko dahil 2014 pa naexpire yun, icclaim ko pa sana yung cash sa cebuana dahil need talaga ng NEW RECENT ID kaso wala ako nun kaya nag apply ako sa post office for postal ID dahil madali lang magpagawa nun , Walang nag bago sa presyo ganun din 370+12% VAT = 414.00 php , Sayang naman at sa susunod na taon ko pa matatanggap .. Hindi daw kasi pwedeng i Rush ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas!

      For Metro Manila, it's 20 working days to process the new Postal ID. I'm really not sure for provinces, baka nga 1-2 months if they are sending the data and print it here in Manila.

      If you're looking for a quick ID, get a Police Clearance since they include an ID valid for 6 or 12 months. :)

      Delete
  16. buti nalang binalik pa sakin yung Original na NSO kung hindi magpapagawa na naman

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi can i use it as a gov id in passport application?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      For now, it is considered as a secondary supporting ID but PhilPost is now on the process of negotiation with DFA to make the new improved Postal ID considered as a main ID. More about the new and improved Postal ID soon here on my blog! :)

      Delete
  18. Hi there!

    Will it be possible to change the address encoded in my postal id to my PROVINCIAL ADDRESS once I do for renewal after it expires? Since I had been studying here for about five years in Cebu City and needed a government id for the board exam... I was only able to procure barangay clearance here(cebu city), since I do not have any utility bills or etc from my provincial address. The lady attendant there in philpost that it would be possible to change it when it is RENEWAL TIME. Is it true? Any answer would be of great help to have my mind at peace....

    God bless:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      Yup, you can do that when you renew your Postal ID, just make sure to bring the necessary requirements to prove your new residency address. Refer to the requirements on their website for that. :)

      Delete
  19. may open po ba na kuhaan ng postal id sa mall ng weekend ? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      Some malls process Postal ID's on weekends. Check your nearest mall if they have postal ID processing - it's normally in their Government Processing Centers together with other government offices.

      Delete
  20. 6 months na lang po yun natitira sa Postal I.D ko. Pwede po kaya na makapag renew na ako. Old Postal I.D po kasi yung gamit ko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Eliza!

      Yes you can, just refer to the requirements given by PHLPost. :)

      Delete
  21. Ask ko lang.. bakit ilang days pa bago makuha yung i.d?? Diba sinabi na ng governmemt na dapat within 72hrs. Na release na?? Ang mahal na di pa din mabilis.. tsk tsk

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello ! I just want to ask if mgkano po kaya ang bayad kung gusto ko ng rush processing ? diba po kasi normally 10-15 working days bago I deliver ung postal ID .. pag pinarush ko po, gaano po kaya kabilis yun ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ivy,

      I don't think they have rush processing. But best way to confirm is to visit your nearest post office and inquire if they have rush processing. :)

      Delete
  23. Hi po. Binasa ko po mga conversation dito, sabi nyo po 404 pesos lang no hidden charges, kumuha po ako last Aug.22 504 pesos po binayaran ko. And till now wala pa din gun I'd ko. Pwede ko po ba gun ireklamo?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      The new premium Postal ID that was release a couple of months ago now cost 504php. :)

      Delete
  24. Pwede po bang ipa rush yung papagawa kong postal i.d? Kung meron ilang days po ang itatagal bago ideliver at magkano?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I remember, there's no rush option for the New Postal ID - it takes approximately 20 business days before it gets delivered to your address.

      Delete
  25. Nakalagay pa po.ba sa bagong postal id ngyon ang ocupation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      Occupation is not included in the new Postal ID :)

      Delete
  26. Knina lang po kasi ako nag apply ng postal id..4 weeks after daw po bgo mkuha.i just wonder.kung sa bgo nkalgay p kya ng ocupation kagaya ng sa lumng posta id?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Knina lang po kasi ako nag apply ng postal id..4 weeks after daw po bgo mkuha.i just wonder.kung sa bgo nkalgay p kya ng ocupation kagaya ng sa lumng posta id?

    ReplyDelete
  28. hello.. im from ilocos sur and dun din po ang home address ko but i'm living and working less than a year here in bulacan.. tanong ko lang po ano po dapat kong ilagay na present address?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's best if you put where you are currently residing since the main purpose of the Postal ID is to let people know where you currently live. But just to make sure, you can ask PHLpost regarding this when you visit their office. :)

      - Alex

      Delete
  29. Do we need to provide our own photo for the ID?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope, NSO has their own camera that will take your photo upon application.

      Delete
  30. Hi ask ko lang kung alin sa postal id ung id number? Ung nasa bar code ba o ung may pan sa taas ng picture?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Cindy!

      The postal ID number is the one above your photo :)

      Delete
  31. san po ba manggagaling yung postal ID sa post office lang po ba or may main branch pa. pwede po ba puntahan ko na lang sa post office kesa intayin ko ideliver samin?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Madel!

      You cannot pick it up, it will be delivered to you. It is printed in the nearest post office that has a printing facility (for Metro Manila, they print it at the Main Post Office in Manila).

      Delete
  32. Ask ko lang po sana kung saan ang pinakamalapit na PostOffice na pwedeng mag apply ng Postal ID sa Brgy Matandang Balara Quezon City

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Omar!

      Nearest will be Quezon City Post Office, It's along NIA Road, behind Eton Centris complex.

      Delete
    2. Alternatively, you can now apply at SM City North EDSA Government Business Center, SM Annex Lower Ground Floor near SM Bowling Center :)

      Delete
  33. Will they really take the original NSO?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Will they really take the original NSO?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my case they did but based on their published instructions, they won't.

      Delete
  35. is it okay to apply in postal office ng ibang provine kahit hindj ka taga duon?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Birth certificate already registered and child is under the surname of the mother and the father executed an affidavit of acknowledgment? What can i do ?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi alex! Okay lang ba UMID id i-present ko instead of nso birth cert? Ubos na kasi orginal copy ko ng nso puro photocopy lang natira..

    ReplyDelete

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