Philippines ID Photo

How does it work?

Perfect biometric photo within 3 minutes.

Check how simple and smart is it!

Take or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Take or upload a photo - we will take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or printed photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-3 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We give you a guarantee of acceptance by authorities or otherwise we will refund you double the price!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow simple instruction to take a perfect ID photo.

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Philippines ID Card Photo Guide

Size

Width: 35 mm

Height: 45 mm

Resolution

600 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Yes

Image definition parameters

Head height: 73 %

Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 7 %

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More about Philippines ID Photo - Requirements

Philippines ID Card Photo Requirements

Applying for a Philippines ID card often requires a physical appearance to obtain your biometrics. This is why submitting the right photo in your document is so important!

The government keeps improving the Philippines ID cards hoping to promote electronic payments systems and make it easier for low-key earners. In this guide, you meet all the types of Filipinos’ popular ID cards, Philippines ID card dimensions, costs and how to get your own Philippines ID card.

Philippines ID photo specifications

A Philippines ID is a government-issued identification card that has additional security features to ensure safe transactions and to prevent identity theft. It is essential even in everyday living, e.g. for applying to any government or private-owned institution or doing bank transactions.

If you need to get one, you have to meet the official requirements and types of Philippine ID.

Philippines ID photo size

It is recommendable to submit three identical photographs in size 35mm x 45mm in width and height. Pictures should show a close up of your face and the top of your shoulders so that your face takes up between 70% - 80% of the face or 32mm - 36mm from the chin to the top of your head.

Other dimensions regarding Philippines ID photo:

The photo must clearly show the person's facial features
The face must be centred in the photo
The top of this person’s head should be in a straight forward position to the tip of the chin as well as the left and right sides of the face should appear in the photo
The photo cannot be older than six months

Background

The background should be white or royal blue/dark blue without any shadows or patterns. The photo should show only the person which is photographed. No other people or objects can appear in the background.

Head Position

The head of the photographed person should be neither at an angle (en face) nor turned (portrait style). The head can not be slightly rotated and or tilted, must be square to the camera. Your face and eyes must be straight towards the camera so that it is possible to see an equal amount of each ear and cheek.

Facial expression

The facial expression has to be neutral. The mouth should be closed, the person should not laugh, smile, frown and not show their teeth. Any contrived expressions such as raised eyebrows or squinting are not acceptable.

Eyes and glasses

The person in the photo must look directly into the camera with eyes clearly open and visible. The eyes cannot be covered by hair or thick frames from glasses. We recommend taking them off but if you have to wear glasses, do not wear sunglasses or those which reflect light because your eyes have to distinctly appear in the photo. The camera lens must be at the eye level of the person being photographed, not from above or below

Headwear

Headwear for religious or medical reasons is allowed, for other reasons is not permitted. However, remember if you wear it, the face must be visible from the lower tip of the chin to the forehead. No shadows should be visible on the face. Hats, caps and any other headwears are not forbidden.

Light and contrast

The face must be sharply focused and rich in contrast, especially clear. Reflections or shadows on the face as well as red eyes must be avoided. So try not to use a flash as it can make such an effect and change your skin colour even. Use daylight.

Photo Quality

The photo should be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600 dpi (if taken by a digital camera especially). The photo must be neutral in colour so not edit it anyhow (changing colour, removing spots is forbidden), use a photo tool app or site instead. Skin tones should appear natural and natural. The photo should have no creases or any damages. Photos must be in color. The back of the photo must be pure.

Philippines ID Card Photo Maker

Do you wonder how to make a perfect photo at home for your PhilSys or any ID documents? You should read our guide below and use help from Passport Photo Online site and let our photo editor work for you while you rest in your house!

If you need a photo with your Filipinos ID, follow the above rules, just take a picture with your phone or camera and upload it to our website or app. The photo booth will resize it to the official requirements and remove the background in the way you need! Then after submitting, you can receive it via email or ask to be sent by post. Either way is good for us!

You have a guarantee that the picture for your Philippines ID card will have the acceptance of your government.

How to take a Philippines ID Card Photo at home?

While you had read about our photo maker, now it is time to start taking the photos at home. In a 5 steps guide we briefly described the most important things you have to know.

Taking photos to documents at home is a perfect idea! You can use your phone with iOS or Android and download the app or use an online photo tool. Taking photos to document at home is possible with a 100% warranty of acceptance! If you decide to try taking photos to the passport by yourself, read on to find out more.

How to start? If you wear suiting the occasion clothes and you have already all the equipment, you need just follow these 5 simple steps about how to take a Philippines ID photo at home:

Take photos in daylight - choose a nice day where there’s light outside, find a room with a white background or put a sheet on the wall to make a simple studio, stand close to the wall to avoid shadows in the background’ don’t take photos after dark and we recommend to not use a flash because it causes red-eyes and changes natural skin colour.
Do not take a selfie - ask someone to take a picture of you or place the camera on a tripod approximately 3 feet away. Selfies don't fit the document and even when you think that someone might not notice, it is easy to tell that it was a selfie. Bear in mind, that it is not a photo you want to post on social media but an official identity document.
Follow the rules - pose following the official Philippines ID card requirements regarding size of the photo, head position, facial expression, where to look, what to not do, etc.
Upload the right picture - use the app or online editor to submit your picture. If you are not sure about the photo, take another one!
Receive your ready photo - after submitting you should receive your photo via email. Then, just print the file or choose to have sent to your address the digital version.

Types of Philippines ID cards

Besides passports and driving licenses which are popular worldwide identity and travel documents, Filipinos have a PhilID (Philippine Identification Card) card which is their national ID document.

However, depending on the kind, they have some different ID cards which are described below. These cards perform more or less important functions. While applying for a national Philippine ID card, some are required, like UMID or Alien Certificate of Registration Identity card if you are a foreign citizen. This means it is important to know them.

The Philippines ID cards are listed below:

UMID - The Unified Multi-Purpose Card (UMID) is the Unified ID Card of SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG. Issued by the Social Security System. UMID has no expiration and is valid for life.

Postal ID - The Improved Postal ID is the newest government identity card issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). Since it was launched in April 2016, some additional physical security features have been added to it. It is issued by Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).The Postal ID is valid for three years for Filipinos and for foreign residents with Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV) or one year for the rest of the foreign residents.

ACR ID or ACR I-Card - Alien Certificate of Registration Identity is a microchip-based, credit card-sized, identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines for exceeding fifty-nine days. All foreigners with an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, who are residing in the Philippines for more than 59 days must apply for an ACR I-Card. This includes holders of a temporary resident visa. The card is a credit card sized identity card with a microchip which includes biometric security features.This card serves as a re-entry permit, emigration clearance certificate, and special return certificate. It is issued by the Bureau of Immigration.The ACR I-card is valid for one year.

PRC ID - PRC ID or PIC is a professional identification card that certifies that the holder is a registered professional with legal authority to practice their profession. Issue by Professional Regulation Commission. Professional identification cards are valid for three years for all professions.

Digitized Voter ID - The voter ID is a valid ID that is recognized by all government offices and banks and is being issued to the registered voter according to Section 25 of Resolution No. 8189. All registered voters in the country are qualified to get one. Issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). There’s no requirements needed for a voter’s ID as long as you’re already a registered voter. If for some reason you are not, as a Filippino, you have to register before May 2023. The voter’s ID has no expiration and is valid for life.

Last update: July, 2021

Last update: 07/06/2023

About the document

Philippines Identification Card

Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) is the official national identity card for Filipinos and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. The document is a significant part of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), the national identification system to be implemented by the Philippine government.

Who can apply for a Philippines ID card?

To get a PhilSys card, you have to be a Filipino citizen living in the Philippines, dual and multiple citizenship holders including overseas Filipinos living abroad or foreign nationals living in the Philippines for over six months.

Philippines ID card application requirements

Here is, briefly, described the application process for PhilSys:

Accomplished PhilSys application form
PSA-issued birth certificate
One government-issued ID with full name, photo, signature or thumb mark
Philippine passport
UMID card issued by the SSS or GSIS
For foreign residents: Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR or ACR ID)
For married women applying for their husband’s surname: PSA-issued marriage certificate
Other equivalent proof of identity

How to apply for a Philippines ID card?

To apply for the PhilSys, you have to go to the nearest PhilSys registration centre (i.e. PSA regional and provincial offices, Local civil registry offices, GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, COMELEC and Philippine Postal Corporation, etc.). Then, fill out the PhilSys ID application form, submit the PhilSys ID requirements and have your personal and biometric information saved.

Philippines ID card fees

Philippines IDs differ depending on validity and cost. Here are the types and costs:

The Philippine Passport - regular processing costs Php 950 and expedite processing costs Php 1,200
UMID is free of charge
Postal ID costs Php 504
ACR/ICR - estimate less than Php 3,000 ($50.00 + Php 500)
PRC ID - for professions requiring baccalaureate degrees costs Php 1,050, for professions requiring non-baccalaureate degrees costs Php 870, for medical representatives and real estate salespersons costs Php 450, for ocular pharmacologists costs Php 1,200
Driver’s License costs are between Php 318 to Php 953

Digitized Voters ID are free of charge

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is PhilSys ID number?

It is the number from the Philippine Identification Card (PhilID) is the official national identity card for Filipinos and foreign permanent residents in the Philippines. It is called the PhilSys number (PSN).

Is NBI clearance a valid ID?

NBI Clearance, Postal ID, UMID and Passport are four of the easiest valid IDs to achieve, however, there is not that many requirements comparing to other government IDs in the Philippines.

How long the PhilID is valid?

The PhilID of Filipinos has no expiration date while the PhilID issued to resident aliens is only valid for one year.

What is the use of national ID?

The national ID or PhilSys is not just another valid ID to add to documents, but aside from providing a proof of identity, the PhilSys is a platform to transform and streamline how services are delivered. The purpose is to establish a single Philippine Identification System for all citizens and resident aliens of the Republic of the Philippines for easier accessibility and application for eligibility to social welfare programs and benefits from the government.

What are valid IDs in Philippines?

There is several valid IDs card in Philippines, like valid passport, Postal ID, UMID Card, Driver license, Voter’s ID or Certificate of Registration and more.

Is PhilHealth a valid ID?

PhilHealth Insurance card – a fully laminated photo ID card that is acknowledged by all government agencies and all other establishments as a valid ID

Is Umid ID same as SSS ID?

They are different. The SSS ID is the older card issued only to SSS members from 1998 to 2010. It’s a blue plastic card that looks like a driver’s license. Its production stopped in 2011 to give way to the UMID that would unify the ID systems of the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.

How can I apply for ACR I-Card?

By meeting all requirements regarding fees, photos, feeling the application you can apply for it in specicif establishments.

Will the PhilID replace other government IDs?

The PhilID is not a replacement for the other existing functional IDs. The PhilID is a foundational ID which serves as a valid proof of identity which would help ease transactions with both government and private sector through easier validation and authentication of identity.

Who are required to apply for an ACR I-Card?

All foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas including holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa, who have stayed for more than fifty nine days in the Philippines can apply for a ACR ID.

What is an ACR I-Card?

An ACR I-Card is a microchip based, credit card-sized, identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines in the period of 59 days. It also has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically.

What are the cost of ACR I-Card?

Estimate less than Php 3,000 ($50.00 + Php 500).

Does national ID card expire?

Like any other identity documents, ID same like passport, have to be renew after a few years. Sometimes is 5, sometimes 10 or 15. You have to ensure the expiry date on your card (till what year).

What should I wear for Philippines ID photo?

To ensure entry to countries with strict dress codes, all applicants are required to wear decent clothing for passport photo capture. Plunging necklines, sleeveless clothings, spaghetti strapped tops, see-through tops, neckleses, sando are prohibited.

How can I get PhilSys ID?

You have to go to the nearest PhilSys registration centre (like PSA regional and provincial offices, Local civil registry offices, GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, etc.). Then, fill out the PhilSys ID application form.

What is Philippine ID?

According to the bill that established a centralized identification system for Filipino citizens and residents, the country's national ID system will be known as the "Philippine Identification System" or "Philsys." It is a single ID card that can be used as proof of identification for all transactions in the country, whether they are conducted by a government agency or a private institution.

Is there any dress-code for Philippine ID photo?

Generally speaking, no. You may wear what you like as long as this is not a uniform nor any kind of shirt looking like a uniform.

Where can I take a visa photo near me?

You can try with photo points or photo booths in your neighbourhood but a better idea is to create the photo by yourself at home. All you need is your smartphone and some technology. This technology is also known as the Visa Photo Maker and you can download it in an instant from Google Play Store or AppStore.

How do I crop a photo to Philippine ID size?

The best way to do it is use the resizing and cropping photo tool available online. You don’t even have to know requirements about size, all the process is automatized.

How to pose for the Philippine ID photo?

Have you ever seen a mugshot? It is similar :) You must look straight at the camera, relax your face muscles and close your mouths.

How is the validity of the photo for the US visa?

Take a picture according to specification for the Philippine ID photo and upload it to the online photo generator which will do the rest.

Can I take Philippine ID photo with my iphone?

Absolutely! And not only with an iPhone - all smartphones can do it!

What size is a Philippine ID photo?

35mm x 45mm in size. A royal blue or dark blue background should be used for the photograph.

What is the easiest government ID to get in the Philippines?

The Postal ID is the simplest valid ID to obtain because it is available to anyone. Furthermore, the process is quick, and you are likely already familiar with the requirements. The ID is valid for three years.

Philippine ID for foreigners

All Filipino citizens, including Overseas Filipino Workers, dual citizens residing in another country, and resident aliens, are automatically eligible for a National ID (foreigners).

Who can apply for Philippine ID?

All Filipino citizens are automatically eligible to get a National Philippine ID, including overseas Filipino Workers, dual citizens residing in another country, and even foreigners.

How much Philippine ID?

For both locals and resident aliens, the initial application and renewal will be free of charge. Replacements for entries lost, damaged, or changed will be subject to a fee that PSA has not yet disclosed. Indigent citizens who can provide a Certificate of Indigency, on the other hand, will be exempt from the applicable fees.

How to get Philippine ID online?

The online registration process is not yet available at the moment. The PSA aims to open online registration in the 2nd quarter of this year.

What are the requirements in applying for a PhillD?

The applicants are advised to present an original copy of at least one (1) of the following:

Primary Documents:

PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth AND one (1) government-issued identification document which bears full name, front-facing photograph, and signature or thumb mark.
DFA-issued Philippine Passport or ePassport;
GSIS or SSS-issued Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID);
Land Transportation Office (LTO)-issued Student’s License Permit or Non-Professional/Professional Driver’s License

Secondary Documents:

PSA-issued Certificate of Live Birth/NSO-issued Certificate of Live Birth with Birth Reference Number (BreN)
LCRO-issued Certificate of Live Birth
PSA-issued Report of Birth
PSA-issued Certificate of Foundling
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Identification Card
Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
Seaman’s Book
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
Senior Citizen’s ID
SSS ID
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ID
Licence to Own or Possess Firearms (LTOPF) ID
NBI Clearance
Police Clearance/ID
Solo Parent’s ID
PWD ID
Voter’s ID
Postal ID
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID
Philhealth ID
Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-issued Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
National ID from other countries
Residence ID from other countries

The following identification documents shall be accepted as secondary supporting documents provided that they have a front-facing photograph, signature/Thumbmark, Full Name, Permanent Address, Date of Birth.