How to Apply for a Philippine Postal ID Card

I've said it once and I'll say it again, woe to the newly married woman who has, for years, have gotten so used to her surname only to find that a single (wedding) day, will change this familiarity forever.

I have to admit, it was not easy for me to adapt to a new surname, due mainly for professional reasons.  Throughout my profession career, I have been known by my maiden name and to have to inform all my contacts of the change was, well, too tiresome.  And so I decided to go the hypenated route and I eventually ended up with 2 surnames.  Such was the compromise!  =)

Government agencies, however, were not so accepting.  Apparently having a hypenated surname is a nuisance to them and wreaks havoc on their record-keeping efforts, as I have been told by more than one irrate "public servant."  And hence, I was forced to obtain 2 identities of sorts -- the hypenated one which I use for professional and office-related matters; and my hubby's surname for government forms and the like.

And when I thought all the headaches were done and over with, I was quite surprised to find that the Social Security System (SSS) would would pose another threat to my new found securiry.

Since returning to the country, I have decided to continue my SSS contributions in order to obtain my well-deserved maternity benefits.  And one of the requirements in obtaining such was to have my SSS ID card updated with my married name indicated on it.

This was easier said than done, as almost all SSS branches I inquired didn't have a working ID machine (suprise!!!) nor was I willing to go to their QC main office in my condition.  But there was alternative given, of which 2 valid IDs with my married name would suffice just as well.

And so it was that I found myself at the Manila Post Office one morning queueing for my Philippine postal ID card application.  And I couldn't believe how easy and fast it was to obtain!

Processing of a Philippine postal ID card follows these 4 simple steps:

1. Proceed to Windows 260 to 261 to obtain a form.  Present your credentials (any one of the following) for evaluation.  This could be photocopies of your

• NSO-issued birth and marriage certificate; SSS ID card; LTO driver's license and receipt;
• Passport; Comelec ID card; Barangay certificate with Brgy. ID; student and office ID cards;
• Transcript of records and form 148 certificates issued by a known institution or company;
• NBI or police clearance accompanied by any other valid IDs; Senior Citizen's ID cards; and the like

Always remember to bring the original documents and IDs, just in case.

2. Next follows a brief interview to be conducted by the person-in-charge (PIC) to verify your identity and some information indicated on the application form.  The PIC will either recommend or decline your request depending on the results of the interview (if you ask me, it isn't really much of an interview to begin with.  Just smile a lot and remember that flattery goes a long way.)

3. Once approved, you will be asked to have your picture taken in a small makeshift booth across Windows 260 to 261.  This will cost you Php80.

4. Pay the total amount of Php290 and return the next day for claiming of your postal ID.  Claiming of IDs are done through the same windows and are issued from 1 to 5 p.m. only.

Here's a breakdown of the total expenses (as of September 2011):

You'll have to spend a total of Php370.  Not bad eh? 

The Philippine postal ID is effective for a year only.  As such, you'll need to apply for a renewal annually.  =)

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UPDATE (as of 01/16/12)

Good news!  Postal IDs can now be claimed within a few hours from your application. 

My parents went to the Manila Postal Office last week and were informed that they may now wait for their IDs to be processed instead of going back the following day for claiming.  Their cards were issued within an hour of their application.

My tip, though, is to go there really early (when there are probably less people and applicants.)  Knowing the governement, this process may not be followed religously when they are bombarded with tons of people.  Better safe than sorry, right?

Oh!  And effectivity of the cards are now for 2 years from the date of issue.  =)