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Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is one of the most useful valid IDs you’ll have throughout your adult life. You’ll need it for work, registering a business, paying taxes, and completing crucial financial transactions.
Since you’ll use your TIN often in many situations, it’s helpful to have it readily available. Thankfully, you can now easily get a digital version of your TIN ID, making it more convenient to access whenever you need it.
Discover the importance of the Digital TIN ID and the steps to get your own.
Why Get a Digital TIN ID?
A digital TIN ID is a government-issued primary ID you can get entirely online, with a QR code that lets anyone verify its authenticity in seconds. If you’ve ever been asked for a valid ID and come up short, this is the easiest one to add to your wallet, or in this case, your phone.
Hassle-Free Access to Digital Identification
Before the digital option became available, you had to visit your assigned BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) to request a physical TIN ID.
Now, if your taxpayer information is already registered and updated in BIR’s Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), you can easily generate your digital TIN ID online. This means skipping the wait in long lines or returning another day for processing and pickup.
While some transactions may still need an RDO visit, you’ll make fewer trips in person since your digital TIN ID is accessible from anywhere.
Better Protection Against Fake IDs
The Digital TIN ID provides a more secure way to verify your identity during transactions. It also supports the BIR's efforts to combat fake and unauthorized TIN IDs, giving taxpayers greater confidence when using their credentials.
To make verification more secure, each Digital TIN ID comes with a unique QR code that helps protect your information from misuse or falsification.
Valid Primary ID Recognized by Institutions
Physical TIN cards were treated as secondary IDs, with limited acceptance for certain transactions. The digital version changes that: the BIR now recognizes it as a valid primary ID, officially accepted by Local Government Units (LGUs), employers, and banks, including for opening accounts or applying for loans.
And because your details are authenticated through the official BIR system, institutions can quickly confirm they’re legitimate, something physical cards couldn’t always guarantee.
Long-lasting and Reliable ID Option
The paper-based TIN IDs issued previously were prone to damage over time. In fact, many would take the extra effort to laminate their IDs to preserve their condition. Though it fixes the issue, physical cards would often be misplaced or lost.
Thankfully, with a digital TIN ID, your identification details can be accessed electronically, providing an easier way to keep your TIN information readily available.
What You Need Before You Apply
A Digital TIN ID is quick to generate, but only if you have these ready before you register.
- An ORUS Account
You’ll need this to start your application. If you've only used ORUS to check your TIN, create an account first to get full access to its features.
- An Eligible TIN
You must have an existing TIN registered with the BIR to generate a digital ID. If you’re unsure about your TIN status, check your details through ORUS or your taxpayer records.
- An Updated RDO Information
Ensure that your RDO details are current and match your taxpayer records before applying for a Digital TIN ID. Check your registered RDO code through the BIR RDO finder, Customer Assistance Division, or chatbot Revie. Request changes through the proper process if needed.
- A Working Email Address
This is where the BIR sends confirmation receipts and verification notices, so make sure it’s active. Use the same email address throughout the process.
- A Compliant ID Photo
Prepare a 1x1 photo that follows BIR guidelines, with a plain white background, no border, and taken within the last six months. Your face must be fully visible, facing the camera with a closed-mouth smile, and free from accessories like eyeglasses or piercings.
How to Get Your Digital TIN ID
You’re ready to get a digital copy of your TIN ID with these steps, as long as you’ve prepared everything and completed your ORUS account setup.
1. Sign in to your ORUS account.
Go to the BIR ORUS Portal and tap Log in as “Taxpayer.” Enter your registered email address and password. Tick the “I’m not a robot” checkbox, then click “Log In” to continue.
Important note: If your registered email address needs to be changed, the BIR requires that you use the Taxpayer Registration Related Application (TRRA) and select “Updating Email Address using Application Sheet Form S1905.” The system will provide the correct RDO email address and the required subject line, which must be used when sending your request.
To process the update, you’re generally required to submit the documents as PDF attachments. Each file should be 4 MB or smaller.
- Completed S1905 or Registration Update Sheet (RUS)
- Valid government-issued ID or birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if the name change is due to marriage
2. Open the ID section from your dashboard
After signing in, select “Get Your Digital TIN ID” under “Register Brand/Facility.” You’ll see a brief rundown of what the ID is and how to use it. Scroll down and click “View Your Digital TIN ID.”
3. Verify the preview of your Digital TIN ID.
You’ll see the front and back of your ID. Double-check if your name, TIN, and RDO number are correct and up to date. It’ll also display a QR code, the issue date, and a placeholder for your photo.
4. Upload your photo.
Choose a photo that follows the requirements as mentioned to avoid delays or rejection of your TIN ID online registration. The BIR may also penalize you if you upload photos of animals, cartoons, and other inappropriate images.
5. Generate your TIN ID.
After uploading your picture, a confirmation message with terms and conditions will appear. Read through them, then click “Confirm” to generate. You’ll also be asked to complete a survey.
When everything looks accurate, you can download a copy of your digital TIN ID to your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.
Important Note: You’ll need to wait 30 days from the last generation before you can create a new/updated digital TIN ID.
How to Access Your Digital TIN ID Through the eGovPH App
Once your taxpayer details are in order, you can also keep your Digital TIN ID within easy reach through the eGovPH app. The BIR made the ID available through the app’s Mobile ID Wallet, giving you another convenient way to present it using your phone. Here’s how you can access it.
- Download the eGovPH app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account or sign in using your existing eGovPH credentials.
- Complete the identity verification process in the app.
- Make sure your eGovPH profile details match your BIR records.
- Once your account is verified, tap “Digital ID.”
- Open your Mobile ID Wallet and select your Digital TIN ID to view it.
When presenting the eGovPH version for a transaction, open the ID directly within the active app so it can be properly verified.
Digital TIN ID FAQs
Need help with your Digital TIN ID? Explore these frequently asked questions for concerns on accessing, using, and managing your digital ID.
How many digits are there in a TIN number?
A valid taxpayer TIN in the Philippines consists of nine digits.
Can I still use my physical TIN ID?
Yes. Your physical TIN ID remains valid if it’s legitimately issued by the BIR. Switching to digital simply provides better security and convenience in verifying your identity.
How long does it take to get a digital TIN ID?
It takes just a few minutes to generate your digital TIN ID once your ORUS registration and details are activated.
Can I print my own digital TIN ID?
Yes, you can print your digital TIN ID for personal reference or use. However, printing it on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)or selling printed copies through unauthorized individuals isn’t allowed.
Can I update my digital TIN ID?
Yes, but you can only update your digital TIN ID once every 30 days after it’s last generated.
Can I generate a Digital TIN ID without an ORUS account?
No. You must first create and activate an ORUS account before you can generate your digital TIN ID.
What should I do if I can’t generate my Digital TIN ID?
Make sure your taxpayer information is updated and your ORUS account has been activated. If you’re still unable to generate your Digital TIN ID, contact your assigned RDO or the BIR for assistance.
Do I need to pay to get a Digital TIN ID?
No. The BIR issues the Digital TIN ID free of charge through the ORUS portal. Be cautious of individuals or websites that ask for payment.
Simplifying Digital Government Transactions with a Digital TIN ID
Now that you know the process, generate your Digital TIN ID through ORUS and save a copy on your device. You’ll have it ready whenever an employer, bank, or government office asks for a valid ID.
The application itself is smoother on a strong and stable postpaid WiFi connection, especially during photo uploads. Prepaid home internet works just as well if you’d rather pay only for the period you need.
Presenting the ID, though, happens wherever you are, so keep mobile data within reach: always on with a postpaid mobile plan, or loaded as needed on a prepaid plan through the GlobeOne app, where reloads and promo registrations take seconds.
The future is digital, so make sure you’re equipped for it.
