National ID Digital Philippines

Your Complete 2026 Guide to Download and Use Your PhilSys Digital ID

What Is the Digital National ID Philippines?

The National ID Digital is your official electronic ID card issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It works exactly like your physical PhilID card but lives on your phone or computer.

You can access it anytime through the eGovPH app or the official website. This digital version has the same legal power as your plastic card for all government and private transactions.

Over 90 million Filipinos now have their National ID registered. The digital format makes it easier to prove who you are without waiting months for your physical card to arrive.

Why You Need a Digital National ID

Instant Access

No more waiting for your physical card to arrive by mail. Download your digital copy right after registration.

Always Available

Keep your ID on your phone. You never have to worry about leaving it at home or losing your wallet.

Accepted Everywhere

Banks, government offices, schools, hospitals, and private companies must accept your digital ID by law.

Backup Protection

If you lose your physical card, your digital version keeps working as your valid proof of identity.

Faster Transactions

Opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and accessing government services becomes quicker with digital verification.

Legal Protection

Any business that refuses your Digital National ID without a good reason can face fines up to ₱500,000.

How to Download Your Digital National ID

Important Note

You must register for PhilSys first before getting the digital version. Once registered, follow these simple steps.

Method 1: Using the Official Website

1

Visit the Website

Go to national-id.gov.ph on your computer or phone

2

Enter Your Details

Type your first name, middle name, last name, and birth date, then click Continue

3

Read Instructions

Read the photosensitivity warning and selfie instructions carefully

4

Complete Face Verification

Follow prompts to move your head left, right, up, and down for biometric matching

5

Download Your ID

Click "Download Digital ID" when verification succeeds and save to your device

⚠️ Face Verification Tips

Make sure you have good lighting and remove glasses or hats during face scanning. Keep your face clearly visible throughout the process.

Method 2: Using the eGovPH App

1

Download the App

Get eGovPH from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2

Create Account

Sign up using your mobile number or email address

3

Link PhilSys Details

Enter your PhilSys information to connect your account

4

Verify Identity

Complete the biometric verification process in the app

5

Access Your ID

Your Digital National ID appears automatically and can be saved for offline use

💡 Pro Tip: The eGovPH app method works better if you want to store your ID permanently on your phone with offline access.

What You Need to Register for PhilSys

You cannot skip the registration process. Everyone must visit a PhilSys Registration Center in person to provide biometric data.

Primary Documents (Bring ONE of These)

Secondary Documents (If You Have No Primary ID)

For Children: Kids ages 1-4 only need demographic data and a photo. Full biometric capture happens when they turn 5 years old.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1

Visit a Registration Center

Find the nearest PhilSys Registration Center at post offices, malls, or government service centers. Walk in or book an appointment online.

2

Submit Your Documents

Show your primary or secondary documents to the Registration Kit Operator for identity verification.

3

Provide Biometric Data

Staff will capture your fingerprints from all ten fingers, iris scans from both eyes, and a front-facing photograph. This takes 10-15 minutes.

4

Review Your Information

Check all details on screen. Make sure your name, address, and birth date are correct. Sign or thumbmark to confirm.

5

Get Your Transaction Reference Number

Receive a transaction slip with your TRN. Save this slip to track your physical card delivery and access your digital ID.

💯 Completely Free

The entire registration is free. The government does not charge any fees for your National ID.

Where to Use Your Digital National ID

Your Digital National ID works for hundreds of transactions:

Government Services

Banking and Finance

Daily Transactions

Healthcare

Private companies can verify your digital ID instantly using the QR code verification system.

How to Verify Your Digital National ID

Every Digital National ID has a unique QR code. This code proves your ID is real and issued by the PSA.

For Users Showing Their ID

Just display your digital ID on your phone screen. The person checking your ID can scan the QR code directly.

For Businesses Verifying IDs

1

Visit Verification Site

Go to everify.gov.ph or verify.philsys.gov.ph

2

Scan QR Code

Click "Scan QR Code" and use your camera to scan

3

Check Information

Verify that displayed information matches the ID presented

4

Confirm Identity

The system shows if the ID is authentic in real-time

Common Problems and Solutions

Verification Failed Message

If you see "Verification Failure" when downloading: Check your internet connection strength, wait a few minutes and try again, avoid peak hours (mornings and lunch breaks), or contact info@philsys.gov.ph if problems continue.

Cannot Download Digital ID

Some people cannot access their digital ID immediately after registration. Wait at least 2-3 weeks after your PhilSys registration before trying to download. The PSA needs time to process your biometric data and create your PhilSys Number.

Face Verification Not Working

Make sure your face is clearly visible, you have enough lighting, you removed glasses, hats, or masks, your front camera works properly, and you follow the head movement instructions exactly.

Physical Card Delayed

Track your physical card delivery using your TRN at tracking.phlpost.gov.ph. Delivery can take 2-4 weeks depending on your location. Your digital ID works while you wait for the physical card.

Important Rules About Your Digital ID

🚫 Never Print on Plastic Cards

Printing your Digital National ID on PVC or plastic cards is illegal. Only the PSA can print official National IDs. You can print on regular paper for temporary use, but plastic printing violates Republic Act No. 11055. Breaking this law results in criminal penalties.

Screenshots Are Not Recommended

While you can screenshot your digital ID, it is better to download the official file. The original file has security features that screenshots cannot capture. Banks and government offices prefer seeing the original digital file with the working QR code.

Keep Your Information Private

Your PhilSys Number (PSN) is highly confidential. Only share it when required by law. Most transactions use your PhilSys Card Number (PCN) instead. The PCN is the 12-digit number printed on your ID card. This number is safe to share for everyday transactions.

Update Changed Information

Visit a PhilSys Registration Center if you need to update your name after marriage, your address after moving, your civil status, or your contact details. Bring your National ID and supporting documents showing the changes. Updates are free but you keep your original PSN forever.

Digital ID vs Physical ID vs ePhilID

The Philippines offers three formats of the National ID. All three have equal legal validity.

💳

Physical National ID

The hard plastic card delivered to your home by PHLPost. This is the most durable format.

📱

Digital National ID

The electronic version accessed through national-id.gov.ph or eGovPH app. Always available on your device.

📄

ePhilID (Paper Format)

A printed paper version you can claim at PhilSys Registration Centers. Free to get while waiting for your plastic card.

You receive all three formats automatically when you register. Choose whichever format works best for each situation.

Security Features of Your Digital ID

Your Digital National ID uses advanced security technology:

These features make the Digital National ID one of the most secure digital identification systems in Southeast Asia.

Is the Digital National ID Legal and Accepted?

Yes. Absolutely.

The Digital National ID has full legal validity under Republic Act No. 11055 (Philippine Identification System Act).

📜 What the Law Says

All government agencies and private entities are required to accept the National ID in any of its formats — physical, digital, or ePhilID — unless a higher level of verification is legally required.

This means refusing a valid Digital National ID without lawful reason is a violation and may result in penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my Digital National ID without internet?

Yes. If you download and save your Digital ID through the eGovPH app, it can be accessed offline. However, QR verification requires internet.

Is the Digital National ID free?

Yes. Downloading and using your Digital National ID is completely free. No hidden fees.

Can foreigners get a Digital National ID?

Only Filipino citizens and resident aliens registered under PhilSys are eligible.

What if my phone is lost?

Your Digital ID is protected by biometric verification. Simply reinstall the eGovPH app on a new device and verify your identity.

Get Your Digital National ID Today

No waiting. No stress. Your official government ID — right on your phone.

Download Digital National ID