You can start registering for the National ID today—here's how

Filipino citizens and resident aliens may now register online for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) starting Friday, April 30, says the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA).

Earlier today, PSA announced the pilot launch of nationwide registration for Step 1 which can be accessed here. Unfortunately, a number of registrants are currently having a hard time accessing the website.

PSA reported: "We are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Our technical team is currently figuring out the source of the problem. We will provide updates as soon as the website is up and running. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."

Despite this, it is reported that over 28 million Filipinos have completed the Step 1 registration for the PhilSys ID since its rollout in October 2020 to targeted low-income households.

Update: PSA published an advisory regarding the errors saying that over 40,000 registration requests were received during the first few minutes of the pilot launch which caused delays in sending of the one time passwords (OTPs). "We are urgently looking into the issue and updating the website to resolve this technical challenge."

In the meantime, here's what you need to know before you apply for your PhilSys ID:

Why do you need it?

Other than the fact that it will serve as a valid proof of identity to be used in public and private transactions, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Karl Chua on Tuesday, April 27, said that the national ID system would help in fast tracking vaccination program as well as distribution of financial aid during the lockdown. It will also allow Filipinos easier access to financial, social protection, health, education, and other government services.

"Sa pamamagitan ng PhilSys, maisasagawa ng mga Pilipino ang mga transaction nang hindi nangangailangan ng physical na presensya, physical na dokumento, at cash," PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa said.

“Ito ay dinisenyo upang mabigyan ang mga Pilipino ng mas maayos na access sa mga serbisyo mula sa pamahalaan at pribadong sektor, at gawin itong mas madali, mas mabilis, at mas abot-kaya," Mapa said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

How do we apply?

Step 1: Online registration

Applicants must register their demographic information in PSA’s online portal for national ID registration. This includes information such as full name, sex, date and place of birth, blood type, and address. You may also opt to include your marital status, mobile number, and email address.

After this, you will be asked to choose a schedule for your appointment in the nearest physical registration center for the second step. Keep in mind that you need to bring the required documents on the day of your schedule.

Step 2: Document validation and biometric information

Biometric information including fingerprint, iris scan, and photograph will be taken in the registration center during your appointment. The supporting documents will also be validated on-site.