We all know how meme-worthy the entire valid-ID conundrum in the Philippines is. A valid ID is required in transactions with most public and private entities. And if you don’t have one, you must have a valid ID to obtain it. But to be fair, if you don’t already have a valid ID to secure another valid ID, you can submit other documents in lieu of it. To avoid hassles, though, it’s best to get a standard ID that will remove any doubt about your identity, like the UMID card.
The Unified Multipurpose ID, or UMID, is an identification card used across four government insurance and savings agencies, namely the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). All members of these agencies can apply for these IDs for their transactions and identification.
The UMID card was introduced in 2011 as a replacement for the SSS ID. An improvement on the old ID, it incorporates technological enhancements, including a contactless smart chip, which stores its holder’s biometric data such as fingerprints, facial image, and signature. The UMID also includes a magnetic strip for security, preventing duplication and fraud at the holder’s expense.
The UMID card is assigned a unique common reference number, which is also the ID number.
What are the purposes of the UMID card?
The UMID is meant for use by all members of the SSS, GSIS, HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philhealth in their transactions with these agencies, apart from serving as an identification card for dealings with other offices or businesses.
Aside from these, the UMID card can also act as an ATM card for SSS and GSIS members. The UMID-ATM card is different from the regular UMID card, so SSS and GSIS members should pick the right type when applying for their card. They can use their UMID-ATM card for withdrawing their SSS and GSIS benefits and loans.
Holders can also use their UMID-ATM cards like normal savings accounts and withdraw using machines of local banks. They can even be used as debit cards for local and international purchases.
Who can apply for a UMID card?
The following are the conditions for obtaining a UMID card:
- SSS membership with at least one posted contribution
- Lost or damaged SSS or UMID card
- Change or correction to your personal information appearing on your UMID card
- Upgrade to a UMID-ATM card from the regular card
- Replacement of an old SSS card with a UMID card
What are the requirements for obtaining a UMID card?
If you meet any of the conditions stated above, you need only one valid primary ID in applying for a UMID card, in addition to your application form. If you don’t have a valid primary ID, you need to present two valid secondary IDs or supporting documents. Make sure that both IDs or documents bear your signature and that one of them has a photo of you.
Listed below are the primary and secondary IDs and supporting documents you can present.
Primary IDs for UMID application
- Unified Multipurpose ID (UMID) Card (for replacement or upgrading)
- Social security Card
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Postal identity card
- Voter’s ID card
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance
- Seafarer’s identification and record book (seaman’s book)
- Alien certificate of registration
- Firearm registration
- License to own and possess firearms
- Permit to carry firearms outside of residence
Secondary IDs and supporting documents for UMID application
- School or company ID
- Senior citizen Card
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) ID
- Pag-IBIG Member’s Data Form (MDF)
- PhilHealth Member’s Data Record (MDR)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage contract
- Police clearance
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) card
- Baptismal certificate
- Transcript of school records
- Permanent residency ID
- Health or medical card
- Bank account passbook
- Credit card
- ATM card with cardholder’s name
- Life insurance policy
- ID card issued by the LGU (barangay/municipal/city)
- ID card issued by a professional association recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
- Fisherman’s card issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
- Temporary license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- Seafarer’s registration certificate issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- A certificate of naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration
- Certificate from the Office of Muslim Affairs
- Certificate from the Office of Northern/Southern Cultural Communities
How to Apply for a UMID card
Since the UMID card is essentially a replacement for the SSS and GSIS cards, the SSS and the GSIS are the agencies that process and release it.
The one difference between applying for an SSS UMID card and a GSIS UMID card is you can set an appointment online for the former while it’s physical presence all the way for the latter. Below are the processes for applying for each card.
How to schedule an appointment online for your SSS UMID card application
- Log into your My.SSS account
If you have a My.SSS account, log into it on the SSS website. If you don’t have one yet, register and activate your account.
- Go to the SSS Appointment System on the Member Info bar
On the dropdown menu of the Member Info bar, click on SSS Appointment System.
- Provide the required information
Choose the appropriate information on the menu, including:
- Purpose: Go to Membership and pick Application for Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card.
- Region: This is the region where you will be processing your UMID card.
- Branch: Select the branch for your appointment. Options will be given after you select your region.
- Appointment date: Set the date for your appointment.
- Set the time for your appointment
Select the time for your appointment and state the purpose of your visit (UMID card application) in the box on the page.
- Submit the information and schedule
Click Submit Schedule after providing all the necessary details for your appointment. A prompt will ask you to confirm your submission; just click Submit to confirm.
You will receive an e-mail from SSS confirming your appointment as well as its details. Take note of your schedule and transaction number. The email from SSS also contains instructions for the cancelation of your appointment in case you cannot go.
How to Apply for an SSS UMID card
- Download the UMID application form
Download the UMID application from here and print it.
- Fill out the UMID application form
Using a black or blue ballpen, fill out the form with the appropriate pieces of information. Write in capital letters and put N/A when the detail being asked for is not applicable to you. You can make only two corrections, with each instance requiring your signature affixed to the correction, so make sure to carefully read each line first before writing down the information being asked for.
- Set an appointment online with SSS
This is the procedure explained above. Alternatively, you can opt to walk in to your SSS branch, following the agency’s coding scheme, but it takes less effort and time to set your appointment online.
- Go to your SSS branch for your scheduled appointment
Bringing your UMID application form and valid ID or two supporting documents, go to your SSS branch for your scheduled appointment. Make sure to arrive at the office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
As this is a government ID and your picture will be taken, wear appropriate attire. Blouses and collared shirts are ideal. Also, remove any facial accessories and bandages for your picture taking. You will also have your biometrics captured as part of the UMID card application.
Once done, the acknowledgment stub at the bottom of your application form will be returned to you. This is for your reference, so keep it until you claim your ID.
- Wait for the release of your SSS UMID card
UMID cards are not instantaneously released. If you do not hear from SSS about your card within 30 days, you can check the status of your application by calling SSS via its hotline, 8920-6401 local 5714.
You can also see updates via My.SSS. Just log into your account, select Member Info, then click UMID/SSS ID Details from the dropdown menu. The application status should be visible there, along with details of your UMID card.
Alternatively, you can send an email to sss_id@sss.gov.ph.
- Collect your SSS UMID card
SSS will notify you via a text message when your UMID card is ready for claiming. Collect it from the branch where you applied for it within 60 days of being notified. If you aren’t able to collect the UMID card within this period, call the branch to confirm if you can still pick it up as unclaimed cards are destroyed after some time.
If you applied form a UMID-ATM card, claim it at your chosen bank branch within 30 days of receiving a notification.
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