The Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID), also known as the Philippine Identification Card (PhilID), is the official national identity card for Filipino citizens worldwide and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. It is a non-transferable card issued upon registration and contains a registrants demographic and biometric information such as full name, birth date, address, front-facing photograph, and the PhilSys Card Number or PCN. The PhilID serves as a valid proof of identity that can be used to transact with the government and private sector.
The PhilSys is a national identification system that aims to provide a valid proof of identity for Filipino citizens and resident aliens of the Philippines. The PhilSys Number (PSN) is a unique and randomly-generated 12-digit permanent identification number assigned to each registrant. The PSN contains highly sensitive data and is a significant part of the PhilSys.
The framework for a Philippine national identity card system was established in mid-2016, and the Philippine Identification System Act (PhilSys) was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in August 2018. All Filipino citizens are automatically eligible to get a National ID, including Overseas Filipino Workers and dual citizens residing in another country. The registrant is required to bring the original copy of any of the following primary documents: PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth, Philippine Passport or ePassport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), GSIS or SSS-issued Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card, Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID, Seaman’s Book, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID, Senior Citizen’s ID, SSS ID, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID, or License to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID, among others.
Once the National ID system is fully implemented in the Philippines, Filipinos can use their IDs as sole proof of identity when opening a bank account, and it will be easier and more efficient to transact with the government and private sector.
