GUIDE: How to Get a National ID for Children Aged 0 to 4

(SPOT.ph) The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has expanded the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration to include children aged zero to four for the national ID upon parental registration, allowing them to have a valid identification before they can even walk or talk.

This initiative was first announced in 2021, but it’s only recently that more and more PSA regional offices like Central Visayas are opening up PhilSys ID registrations for children in recent months.

“Yes, even babies can register for the national ID. Mothers, you can register your babies so they will not have a hard time getting an ID when they grow up,” the PSA said in a statement in 2021.

Unlike other IDs, the national ID is supposed to be valid for life. No renewals, no re-registrations, and no fees. Hopefully, this lessens the next generation's future struggles that we have of needing a valid ID to get a valid ID.

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National ID requirements for minors in the Philippines

Parents or guardians of the child are required to have PhilSys registration, including a PhilSys Card Number, since the child’s PhilSys Number will be linked to theirs.

The actual registration process is simple. Based on the PSA guidelines, the accompanying parent or guardian must present specific identification and supporting documents to facilitate the registration process in any active registration center.

Parents or guardians don't need to bring their children to registration centers. Instead, the primary requirement is the child’s birth certificate, which is also acceptable for adults who lack other valid IDs.

The demographic information that will be collected during registration includes sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, nationality, mobile number, and a front-facing photo of the child. For children under five, biometrics such as iris scans and fingerprints are deferred until they become older.

In cases where the parent is absent or underage, a guardian may accompany the child, provided they present additional documentation such as an authorization letter from the parent, valid identification of the parent, and the child's identification papers.

Registration for the PhilSys ID is free of charge for all Filipino citizens, including the delivery of the ID card. 

What is the Philsys ID for?

The PhilSys ID serves as a proof of identity, facilitating smoother transactions both in public and private sectors. From enrollment in schools, opening of bank accounts, to accessing government services, the national ID promises to streamline processes that previously required multiple forms of identification.

This early registration for minors ensures they are integrated into the national database from a young age, simplifying future transactions as they grow.

Before the recent expansion of PhilSys ID registration to include infants and children aged zero to four, the PSA had set the minimum age for registration at five years of age.

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