Valid IDs for SIM Registration in the Philippines (2026)
Carriers accept specific government-issued photo IDs. Use the checker below, then confirm against the list on your network’s portal at registration time.
Philippine SIM registration accepts unexpired government-issued photo IDs under RA 11934. Carrier lists commonly include PhilSys (PhilID/ePhilID), UMID, driver’s license, passport, PRC ID, postal ID, voter’s ID, senior citizen ID, PWD ID, and additional government IDs as published by each telco — DITO’s FAQ lists many more. Not every carrier accepts every ID on every day; the portal live list wins. Use our ID checker, then confirm on your network’s portal before you submit.
On this page
Valid ID checker
Who is registering? We list usual accepted IDs. The live portal list always wins.
Please select an option.
Valid ID checker
Select your ID type below to see whether it is typically accepted and any special notes. This tool runs entirely in your browser — we never see your ID.
Primary accepted IDs (Filipino citizens)
Carrier portals commonly list these primary IDs (names vary slightly by brand). The portal live list wins — do not assume every network accepts every ID on this page.
- PhilSys / PhilID / ePhilID — national ID
- UMID — SSS/GSIS unified ID
- Driver’s License (LTO) — unexpired; digital DL may work in some app flows
- Philippine Passport — unexpired
- PRC ID — for licensed professionals, unexpired
- Postal ID — PhilPost-issued, unexpired
- Voter’s ID / Voter’s Certification — COMELEC-issued
- Senior Citizen ID — OSCA-issued, for 60+
- PWD ID — valid persons-with-disability ID
- Additional government photo IDs — as published by carriers (DITO lists many, including SSS, GSIS e-Card, NBI, PhilHealth, government employee IDs, and others). Always match the live list in your portal or app at registration time.
Secondary and supporting IDs
These may support registration but are often not enough alone for adult self-registration online:
- Foreign passport — primary ID for non-Filipino nationals
- ACR I-Card — resident foreigners
- School ID — usually with guardian for minors
- Company ID — supporting document in some store flows
- NBI Clearance — carrier-dependent
- Barangay certification / ID — supporting only in many cases
Usually not accepted
- Expired IDs (renew first or register in-store with staff guidance)
- Photocopy alone without presenting the original (online flows need live photos)
- Social media profile screenshots
- Non-government membership cards
- Handwritten barangay notes without proper ID format
No valid ID? Read real options without a valid ID — do not buy pre-registered SIMs.
Foreigners, minors, and seniors
Foreign nationals
Passport is the standard primary ID. Some carriers request arrival or visa proof. Tourists staying briefly may prefer a travel eSIM — foreigners guide.
Minors
Guardian’s valid ID plus relationship proof. See minors registration.
Seniors and PWD
Self-register with senior or PWD ID. Assisted in-store registration is available — bring the senior’s ID and your own if you are helping.
Frequently asked questions
Is PhilID enough for SIM registration?
Yes. PhilID and ePhilID are primary IDs accepted by Globe, Smart, and DITO in online and store flows as of July 2026.
Can I use an expired driver’s license?
Usually no for online registration. Renew at LTO or visit a carrier store — staff may guide alternate paths but cannot override the law’s ID rules.
Does a TIN ID work?
TIN cards without photo are generally not accepted. Use a primary photo ID from the list above.
Can I register with a company ID only?
Not for personal prepaid lines. Company IDs may support business or bulk registration with additional corporate documents.
What ID do tourists use?
Foreign passport. Registration still applies to locally bought physical SIMs. Travel eSIMs from providers like Airalo often skip local registration — disclosed on our foreigners page.
Are digital IDs accepted?
Digital PhilID and some digital driver’s license formats work when the portal can scan or clearly read them. When in doubt, use the physical card in-store.
Sources
- RA 11934 IRR — ID categories
- ids.json fact layer — verified July 2026
Facts last verified: July 2026.