No Need for 2 Valid IDs: One Is Enough to Prove Your Identity, ARTA Says

(SPOT.ph) It's a tale as old as time. You're trying to get something done at a government office, only to be told you need two valid IDs. The struggle is so familiar to us Filipinos that it even inspired a Cinemalaya film, but here's the thing: That requirement shouldn't even exist in the first place.

During an interview with Unang Hirit on November 6, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez reminded government agencies that one valid ID is enough to verify someone's identity.

"Bawal na po 'yun. One valid ID is already sufficient. Lalo na po 'yung ating National ID,” Perez said. "Kung meron pa rin po kayong ganiyan na experience na any government agency, even banks, requiring two valid IDs, i-reklamo po ninyo at makakaasa po kayo na mareresolba natin.”

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Yup. According to ARTA, one government-issued ID should be enough, especially if you're presenting your National ID.

In fact, under the Philippine Identification System Act, government offices, private establishments, and banks have been required to accept the National ID as sufficient proof of identity since 2018, as long as it can be properly verified. In 2023, ARTA reinforced this through Advisory No. 006, clarifying that both physical and digital versions of the National IDs are valid.

There’s also Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which prohibits government agencies from imposing unnecessary requirements that make public services more difficult to access.

What if you don't have a National ID? Other government-issued IDs, such as passports, driver's licenses, PRC IDs, UMIDs, GSIS e-Cards, senior citizen IDs, and PWD IDs, can also be used to prove your identity.

And while one ID may be enough to prove who you are, government agencies can still ask for supporting documents, such as proof of residency or income, depending on the service you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a passport, you'll still need to present your birth certificate along with your valid ID, as it's a separate requirement for your application.

The issue received renewed attention following the release of 2 Valid IDs, a film starring Marietta "Pokwang" Subong. The movie follows Sylvia, a farmer who needs to claim money for her husband's medical expenses. But to get it, she's told to present two valid IDs, sending her on a frustrating trip from one government office to another.

The movie's portrayal of red tape has also prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to remind the public that voter registration and voter certification are free, after a scene showed Sylvia paying a fixer to get a voter's certificate.

Perez encouraged Filipinos to file a complaint with ARTA if a government office or bank continues to demand two IDs to verify their identity.

You can email complaints@arta.gov.ph or submit a complaint through ARTA's online complaint management system. Under the Philippine Identification System Act, refusing to accept a National ID without a valid reason can carry a fine of P500,000.

Also read: Your Guide to eGovPH: How to Access Government IDs and Services in One App