If you don’t have a government ID yet and you’re thinking of which one to get first, you might want to apply for the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card. It’s one of the easiest government cards to apply for, convenient even for fresh graduates. To find out how you can get one, check out our guide below.

Note: UMID card applications are suspended nationwide until further notice due to a system problem, according to SSS.

Benefits of having a UMID card

Why should you bother applying for this ID? Having a UMID card gives you access to enjoy its many benefits. You can use your UMID card as:

• A card for all your GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund proceeds
• Your personal ID with a smart chip that stores your biometrics
• An ATM card for savings and withdrawals via allowed banks
• A debit card for purchases both local and abroad

With all its functions and benefits, it’s one of the most powerful Philippine government IDs you can have. You can go ahead and skip collecting all the IDs from GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG as long as you have your UMID card.

Who can apply for a UMID card?

You can apply for an ID if you:

• Are an SSS member with at least 1 posted contribution
• Are an active GSIS member
• Lost your UMID card or you need to update it

Requirements for a UMID card

Both GSIS and SSS members are required to present the following:

• An accomplished UMID application form: Download either the GSIS or SSS forms.
• Valid government-issued IDs:
  • Employee’s ID/Office ID
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Passport
  • Senior Citizens ID
  • SSS ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • NBl Clearance
  • BIR (TIN)
  • Pag-IBIG ID
  • Persons With Disability (PWD) ID
  • Philippine Postal ID
  • PhilHealth ID
  • School ID

Steps on how to apply for a UMID card

Step 1: Schedule your appointment

You can either schedule your appointment online via the My.SSS portal or in person at an SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility.

Here are a few steps for the online application:

1. Visit the official SSS website
2. Click on the “MEMBER” portal and input your User ID and password.
3. Tap the “Member Info” tab and choose “Appointment System”
4. Select “UMID Card Application” for your Purpose
5. Select your region, preferred SSS branch, and date of appointment (green dates are available)
6. Pick your preferred schedule and counter number
7. Print or screenshot the appointment details for your reference

If you prefer walk-ins, you can visit your chosen SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility. But before you visit any branch, keep in mind that SSS is implementing a Branch Number Coding system. There are designated days of the week based on the 10th digit of your SS or Employer (ER) ID number:

• Monday: 1-2
• Tuesday: 3-4
• Wednesday: 5-6
• Thursday: 7-8
• Friday: 9-10

Step 2: Submit your requirements

On the day of your appointment, make sure you’ve got your UMID application form and valid IDs ready. Proceed to your chosen SSS branch and have an officer validate and record your documents.

Step 3: Have your biometrics taken

Next, you will be ushered to the ID and Biometric Capture booth where personnel will take your photo, fingerprints, and digital signature. Afterward, you will be shown what your actual UMID will look like. Make sure to double-check your details to avoid printed errors.

Step 4: Wait for the pick-up notification

The delivery or pick-up schedule of UMID cards varies although personnel will say it’s normally ready within 30 days after application. However, SSS has previously dealt with delays in the production and issuance of UMID, so prepare for a long wait just in case. SSS will send its members a notification via mobile number or email address once the cards are ready for pick-up.

Step 5: Activate your card

Once you have your card, you can activate it at an SSS self-service kiosk or at any GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) kiosk.

Upgrade to a UMID ATM Pay Card

If you’re about to apply for your UMID card or you’re still processing yours, consider upgrading to a UMID ATM Pay Card until April 30, 2023 for a chance to win a Mitsubishi Xpander. Other prizes include Php 200 Jollibee e-gift certificates and three units of iPhone 14, According to SSS, members with pending UMID cards can upgrade for free.

Will your card expire?

No, it won’t. Once you’re issued a UMID card, it’s valid for a lifetime. Unlike PRC IDs and driver’s licenses, with a UMID card, you won’t have to stand in long lines at government offices every few years.

How much is the UMID card fee?

UMID cards are free for first-time applications. But if you lose it and you’re applying to get another one, you’ll have to pay a Php 200 replacement fee.

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