Are you a fresh grad wanting to have a valid ID for your job application requirements?

Are you a newly married woman, who want to have a valid ID with your married name on it?

Or are you trying to claim something and you need another valid ID in order to do that?

Whatever your reason may be, applying for a Postal ID can be the easiest and fastest solution for you to have a new valid ID.

What is Postal ID

A Postal ID is a government-issued ID that verifies the identity and address of a person. It can also be used to apply for other government IDs and gives access to a range of public services. The postal ID card is a primary form of identification for many Filipinos.

My Experience

I got my first Postal ID on December 4, 2013 (a few months after I got married) and this is how it looks like:

I remember I went back to the Post Office 3 weeks later to pick up my Postal ID.

It’s still active until December of this year, but I needed to apply for a new Postal ID under my maiden name to claim a very important document.

So I went to the PHLPost Office in Alimall on June 28, 2016 at around 2PM. I filled out the application form and submitted the requirements, which include my NSO birth certificate and my credit card statement with my home address.

I waited for almost an hour before my name was called. Then I went inside for the encoding of my information, capturing of biometrics, and picture taking.  

Lastly, I paid Php 504 and was told that my Postal ID will be delivered to my home address after 3 weeks.

Surprisingly, it was delivered only after 13 days, which was on July 11, 2016, and this is how it looks like:

I’m sure you’d agree that it looks much better than the old one.

What’s new with this Improved Postal ID is its black background on top or header portion and it says PREMIUM on the lower right portion of the card.

Prior to this Premium Postal ID, the PHLPost released the Basic one last year, with white background on top and it says BASIC. Here’s how it looks like:

Credit: PHLPost

UPDATE: September 21, 2016

Today, I received my new Postal ID in the mail.

As you can see in the Postal ID that I got in July 2016, it was only valid until September 28, 2016. I didn’t know why, but I was surprised when I got my new Postal ID and it shows that it is valid until June 28, 2019. It means I can use it for 3 years. 

Everything is the same except:

• it looks like a grayish plastic layer was added on the the front side of the card
• with 14 transparent cartoon figure of a postmaster or messenger (sorry, not sure what it’s called), which I believe is a new security feature of the card
• my photo is a bit darker 

With the new improved Postal ID, we can now enjoy discounts, freebies and exclusive deals from MORE PHLPost partner-merchants. For more info, visit www.postalidph.com

Additional Security Features of the Improved Postal ID

According to PHLPost, they released the new Improved Postal ID to guarantee an individual’s identity with its biometrics-based uniqueness and to make ID verification simpler and reliable with its additional security features.

Who can apply for the NEW Postal ID?

• Filipinos living in the Philippines
• Filipinos living abroad, but were in the Philippines during the time of application
• Foreign residents living in the Philippines for at least 6 months

What are the New Postal ID Application Requirements?

Aside from the two (2) copies of duly-accomplished Postal ID application form, only 2 documents are required to apply for Postal ID.

1. Proof of Identity

• Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate from NSO/Civil Registrar (LCR)
• Or any government-issued ID (SSS/GSIS or UMID card, LTO driver’s license, or passport)

2. Proof of Address

• Original and photocopy of Barangay Clearance or Utility Bill or Credit Card Bill

*For married women, Marriage Certificate is also required

*For minors and foreign residents, click here for the requirements.

Check out the image below for more details.

How much is the new Improved Postal ID?

It’s Php 504.

Breakdown:

Postal ID Card + Delivery Fee: Php 450

12% VAT: Php 54

Total Postal ID Payment: Php 504

Postal ID Validity

• 3 years for Filipinos and and Foreign Residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV)
• 1 year for the rest of the foreign residents

Take note: With my new PREMIUM Postal ID, the expiration date is September 28, 2016, which means that it’s only valid for 3 months. The officer suggested me to wait until we have the new administration so I won’t have to renew my Postal ID anymore. I thought she was only referring to the possible change in the physical features of the card and the signatories. I’ll have to ask the Post Office about this and I’ll give you updates very soon.

Where to Apply for the NEW Postal ID?

You may apply and submit your requirements at any post office. Click here for the list of LOCATIONS.

How long does it take to deliver the New Postal ID to my address?

• Metro Manila – approximately 15 working days from application
• Other Major Cities and Municipalities – approximately 20 working days
• Island Provinces and remote barangays – approximately 30 days

*Make sure to leave an authorization letter and one of your valid IDs to your family member or housemate in case you’re not around when your ID is delivered.

What will happen to my Basic but still VALID Postal ID?

You can still use it until it expires.

However, should you wish to apply for the new one even if your old Postal ID is still valid, it can be converted to the new one at a price discount:

• 25% discount – for PID cards valid for the next 36 months
• 20% discount – for PID cards valid for the next 24 to 35 months
• 10% discount – for PID cards valid for the next 12 to 23 months

To summarize, here are the 4 steps on how to Apply for the New Postal ID

1. Go to the nearest Post Office capture site.
2. Submit 2 application forms with the 2 required documents.

You can get the forms at the Post Office or you may DOWNLOAD it here.

3. Pay Php 504 for the Postal ID application fee (inclusive of delivery charge)
4. Wait for the delivery of your Postal ID

Click here to read the complete FAQs for the New Postal ID

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I’d love to hear your experience too. Talk to you in the comment section below.

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