My PhilSys ID Walk-In Registration Experience
This year, the Philippine Statistics Authority launched the PhilSys National ID Registration. Have you registered for yours yet?
What is a PhilSys ID?
A PhilSys ID (short for Philippine System Identification) is an official national identification card created for Filipino citizens worldwide and foreigners permanently residing in the Philippines.
Photo from the Facebook page of Philippine Statistics Authority
This ID system was created to establish a single identification process in the country; it aims to streamline government transactions, help prevent identity fraud, and provide easier personal verification in general (opening bank accounts, transacting with private businesses, applying for government benefits, etc.,).
What information are they going to collect from me?
Photo from the Facebook page of Philippine Statistics Authority
They’ll only collect two types of information from you; demographic and biometric.
For the demographic data, they’ll need your full name, birth details, blood type, marital status, addresses, and citizenship, among others. You can register on this website to key in these details in advance or go to the nearest PhilSys Registration Center to accomplish the physical forms (for walk-ins).
For the biometric data, they’ll capture the following: your frontal photo, full set of fingerprints, as well as your iris scan.
My Walk-In Registration Experience
Based on my experience, registering for a PhilSys ID is very easy. The whole process only took approximately ten minutes. I just walked into the registration area, filled out a form, had my biometric information recorded, then left with my claim slip.
If you're residing near Pasig, Mandaluyong, or Quezon City, I highly suggest that you visit the registration center at Robinsons Galleria because they have an accommodating staff, and there’s no line. It’s located at the first level (East Wing), near Globe and Dito.
The Process
Step 1: Go to the registration booth, show your valid ID (only 1 valid document is needed), and accomplish the information sheet given by the officer.
Step 2: Proceed to the biometric collection area to have your face, fingerprints, and iris scan recorded.
Step 3: Get your transaction slip and keep it. You’ll need to show this piece of paper when your ID gets delivered to you.
Reminder: Don’t post a photo of your transaction slip on social media.
Additional Information and Reminders:
Wear decent clothes when you visit the registration center (slippers and sleeveless tops are not allowed);
For women: kindly remove your makeup, false eyelashes, accessories, and lipstick (they have to take a bare photo of you);
PhilSys IDs of Filipino citizens have no expiration date, but the ones issued to foreigners are valid only for one (1) year;
These IDs must be honored in both public and private transactions that require identity verification.
According to the officer, it will take around 4-6 months for PhilPost to deliver the IDs. That’s it!
