#validid

Hi! If you’re wondering how to get and apply for your SSS UMID card, then you’ve come to the right place (or blog). I just want to share with you all my first hand experience when I applied for my SSS UMID card on January 19, 2016. I’m just indicating the date because the process and/or requirements might change over the years.

I consider the SSS UMID card as one of the easiest government issued valid ID’s that you can apply for, along with the TIN ID (Tax Identification Number ID). Compared with the Voter’s ID which takes years to get issued, the SSS UMID only takes 3 to 5 weeks. Plus, they deliver it to the address you filled up on the application form.

Let me give you 3 reasons why you need to own at least 2 valid ID’s:

1.        You need it for identification purposes.

It’s to validate who you are. The ID’s will come in handy especially when you and your friends enter a casino or bar and the guard mistakes you for being underaged. This happened to me quite a few times and I only had my TIN ID with me. They asked me for another ID and I think I showed them my ID when I was in college. That did it! I bet they were horrified with my picture. Lol

2.       You need it if you want to open a bank account.

Recently, we went to BPI and inquired about their requirements on opening a bank account. We only need one primary ID which I don’t have. Yup! The TIN ID is not considered as a primary ID, it’s only secondary. We could also present 2 secondary ID’s but I think with my 2 years and a half of work experience, it’s about time I own a primary ID. #signsofaging #suchadult #wowmature #muchserious

3.       You need it when claiming money remittance abroad.

This is another experience I encountered when a friend of mine from Dubai sent me money to buy concert tickets we would both be attending when she comes here for vacation. Apparently, Western Union only accepts TIN ID for domestic money transfers. So, I had to tell my friend to send the money to my mom’s name instead.

Here’s a picture of the ID’s they accept:

Okay, so now that I’ve convinced you to apply for a valid ID. Here’s how I got mine:

http://philpad.com/how-to-get-umid-card-online-sss-gsis-pagibig-philhealth-requirements/

I salute Ms. Fehl Dungo for creating a truly helpful blog! :D

I’ll just be adding some teeny weeny bit of information that’s not found there.

First of all, download the application form and fill it up ahead of time. 

This is so that you wouldn’t miss any details like your SS number.

The downloadable application form can be found here:

https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/DownloadContent?fileName=SSSForms_UMID_Application.pdf

Second, photocopy the ID’s you are going to be presenting. 

They didn’t took the photocopies I made but it’s better to be sure to have one just in case.

Here’s a screenshot of the ID’s they accept:

In my case, I presented my TIN ID and ATM card. Don’t forget to bring both the original and photocopy of our ID’s.

Third, follow the dress code for your ID picture to be taken. 

I learned this the hard way. I gave my verified application form to the woman assigned to take my picture, signature, and fingerprints but she just stared at me for a solid 5 seconds until she placed this tiny piece of paper in front of me. I was wearing a sleeveless top but what frustrated me was the fact that I already talked to 3 people before her and they never said anything about what I was wearing. Not to mention the fact that in the SSS branch I was in, they took noon breaks without anyone replacing their post. Take note: there was a huge “No Noon Breaks” picture on their walls.

Apparently, if you fill up your application form in the branch itself, they give you this paper. I downloaded mine so I was totally clueless that there was a dress code. Thankfully, I was only a jeep away from my house and I was able to get my picture, signature, and fingerprints taken before they close for the day.

Lastly, be there early!

I was at the SSS branch at 11 AM and I was finished past 2 PM. You will be spending a lot more time waiting for your number to be called versus the time they validate your details,  take your picture, signature, and fingerprints.

The woman and the guard told me that it would take 3 to 5 weeks before I get my hands on my SSS UMID card outside my doorstep. I would just have to present the acknowledge stub and authorization letter if someone else is going to claim the ID for me when I’m not at home. If the ID still does not arrive within 3 to 5 weeks, the guard said that I could come back and verify the status of my ID there. But I think I’d just give them a call if that happens. #tamad