The UMID Card Guide: Application, Requirements, and More

In the Philippines, the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card holds great significance as a versatile identification document. Various government agencies and institutions can use it to verify a person's identity and grant access to essential services.

If you're wondering how to get such a vital government ID, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step overview of the application process and the essential documents and information you'll need, so that everything goes smoothly!

The Unified Multi-purpose ID card is a government-issued identification document in the Philippines. It's a single ID card consolidating a person's information from four government services, which contains a unique ID number, biometric data, and personal details.

The UMID card can function for members of the following government agencies or services.
 

1. Social Security System (SSS) transactions
   The UMID can help you manage your SSS membership and conduct various transactions. You can conveniently access your benefits, contributions, and loans if you have your card. It also serves as a valid identification document when dealing with SSS-related matters.
   
   
2. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) transactions
   The UMID serves the same function for GSIS transactions of government employees. It enables you to access employee benefits, loans, and other GSIS services.
   
   
3. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) transactions
   PhilHealth recognizes the UMID card as a valid identification for availing healthcare claims. It streamlines the process of accessing your medical benefits and ensures accurate records of your contributions.
   
   
4. Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya, at Gobyerno (Pag-IBIG) Fund transactions
   If you're a member of the Pag-IBIG Fund, the UMID card helps you access its various housing loans and savings plans. It simplifies the verification of your membership and eligibility.

If you’re an SSS member with at least one posted contribution, an SSS ID holder, or someone replacing or updating an old UMID card, you can apply for a UMID card. Here's a list of the UMID requirements.

1. Fully accomplished UMID Card Application form
   
   
2. Original and photocopy of one of the following primary valid IDs (non-exhaustive list):
   
   
   • Driver's license
   • Passport
   • SSS Card
   • Postal Identity Card
   • Voter's ID
   • NBI Clearance
   • Seaman's Book
3. If you don't have any of the primary IDs mentioned, an original and photocopy of two secondary IDs; both must have your signature and one must have a photo of you (non-exhaustive list).
   
   
   • School or company ID
   • Senior citizen card
   • Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) ID
   • Pag-IBIG Member’s Data Form
   • PhilHealth Member’s Data Record
   • Birth certificate
   • Marriage contract
   • Police clearance
   • School Transcript of Records (TOR)

Here's a step-by-step of the entire UMID application process.

Step 1: Prepare the required documents and forms.

Have your primary or secondary IDs and their photocopies on hand. Then fill out the UMID Card Application Form and make a photocopy as well.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment or walk in at any SSS branch.

You can set an appointment via the SSS website at a desired date and branch. Alternatively, you can visit an SSS branch that allows walk-ins. For unscheduled visits, SSS branches follow the Branch Number Coding System:

You can check the SSS branches to find the nearest SSS branch with UMID enrollment facilities.

Step 3: Complete the requirements and enroll your biometrics.

Submit your requirements to the designated personnel. They'll verify your documents and take your photo and biometric data at the enrollment station. This step includes taking your signature and fingerprints. You'll receive an acknowledgment stub once the biometrics are complete.

We recommend you wear a collared shirt or blouse. The UMID enrollment staff may require you to remove glasses, piercings, and jewelry.

Step 4: Claim your card once it's ready.

All that's left is to wait. If you don't get a text in 30 days, you may check your status in the UMID online portal under UMID/SSS ID Details. Otherwise, the text from SSS will inform that your UMID card is ready. You can claim it at the SSS branch you applied to within 60 days of receiving the message.

It's easy to get confused with the many IDs available, especially if it's your first time applying. Here are some frequently asked questions about the UMID process:

1. What's the difference between the UMID, SSS ID, and National ID?
   The SSS used to issue SSS IDs before the UMID's introduction in 2011. Since then, the agency has solely used UMIDs. The National ID is a more recent identification card that seeks to cover the entire country instead of just the subset of people eligible for the UMID.
   
   
2. How long is the UMID card valid?
   UMID has no expiration date. It's valid for your entire lifetime. If you lose or break it, you must apply for a replacement that costs ₱200.
   
   
3. Is there a fee for the UMID application?
   The UMID card is free of charge. However, the SSS requires you to make at least one contribution before applying.

A UMID card is an all-in-one identification document of utmost importance for Filipino citizens. It grants you access to essential services and streamlines the usually tedious process of government transactions. Don't miss out on your key to convenience and safety—apply for yours today!

Take control of your UMID card application process and stay connected every step of the way with the GlobeOne App! And when it comes to payments, you can trust the convenience and security of the GCash App.