How to get Philippine National ID in Valenzuela City

Valenzuela City, a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, has over 600,000 residents, including a significant number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

Obtaining the Philippine National ID (PhilSys ID) within Valenzuela City differs from OFW registration abroad because residents can access local registration centers, including malls, barangay halls, and the Valenzuela City Hall.

This guide provides a step-by-step process for Valenzuela City residents – whether you are an OFW on vacation, a dependent, or a non-OFW – focusing on the fastest local registration methods, required documents, and tips for avoiding long queues.

Local registration in Valenzuela City vs. OFW registration abroad

If you are physically present in Valenzuela City (e.g., on home leave, permanently residing, or a family member), you should register through the domestic PhilSys process, not the OFW channel.

Domestic registration is simpler: no need to prove overseas employment, no mailing of fingerprint kits, and faster delivery of the physical card (2-4 months versus 6-12 months for OFWs abroad).

The process is entirely free and can be completed in one 30-minute visit to a registration center.

Eligibility for Valenzuela City residents

All Filipino citizens residing in Valenzuela City are eligible, regardless of age. This includes: (1) OFWs on vacation, (2) Non-working spouses and children of OFWs, (3) Senior citizens, (4) Persons with disabilities, and (5) Informal workers.

You need a valid Philippine passport or any PSA-issued document (birth certificate, marriage certificate).

If you have no government ID, a barangay certificate of residency is accepted for initial registration.

Step-by-step registration in Valenzuela City

Step 1: Online pre-registration

Visit the official PhilSys website (register.philsys.gov.ph) or download the ePhilSys mobile app. Select “Domestic” as your category.

Enter your details exactly as they appear on your birth certificate or passport.

Use your complete residential address in Valenzuela City (house number, street, barangay, district).

After submission, you will receive a reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot.

You can also complete Step 1 at any of the 15+ PhilSys kiosks located in Valenzuela malls (see below).

Step 2: Locate the nearest registration center in Valenzuela City

Valenzuela City has multiple PhilSys registration centers. The most convenient are: (1) SM City Valenzuela (2nd floor, near the cinema) – open daily 10 AM-7 PM, (2) Valenzuela City Hall (Ground floor, Civil Registry Department) – Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, (3) Robinsons Place Valenzuela (Lower ground) – weekends only, (4) Barangay halls of Karuhatan, Malanday, Gen.

T. de Leon, and Marulas – specific schedules vary. Check the Valenzuela City government Facebook page for the monthly schedule of mobile registration events in each barangay.

Step 3: Walk in or secure a queue number

Unlike OFW appointments abroad, domestic registration centers in Valenzuela City generally accept walk-ins.

However, queues can be long – especially on Saturdays and during the first week of the month (when many residents receive remittances and have time off).

To minimize waiting: (1) Arrive by 7 AM for a center that opens at 9 AM, (2) Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (least busy), (3) Avoid the last week of the month (many residents rush to register before deadlines).

Some centers use a numbered ticket system – take a ticket immediately upon arrival.

Step 4: Biometrics capture

When your number is called, present your reference number and any valid ID (passport, driver's license, or barangay certificate).

The registration officer will: (1) Verify your demographic data, (2) Take a digital photograph (no white shirts, no hats, no earrings), (3) Capture your fingerprints (all ten fingers), (4) Scan your irises (both eyes).

For children under 5 years old, fingerprints are not captured; for infants under 1 year, only demographic data and a photo are taken.

For senior citizens with worn fingerprints, the officer uses an alternative method. The process takes 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Receive your ePhilID and physical card

Immediately after biometrics, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt. Within 1-2 weeks, your ePhilID (digital PDF) will be sent to your registered email address.

This ePhilID is legally valid. The physical PVC card will be delivered to your registered address in Valenzuela City via PhilPost or courier.

Delivery typically takes 2-4 months. If you are not home during delivery, a notice will be left, and you can pick up your card from the Valenzuela City Post Office (located near Fatima Church).

Alternatively, you may request to pick up your card from the same registration center – inform the officer during biometrics if you prefer pickup over delivery.

Special considerations for OFWs on vacation

If you are an OFW currently in Valenzuela City on home leave, you are eligible for domestic registration.

This is significantly faster than OFW registration abroad. However, note: (1) You must have at least 2 weeks remaining in the Philippines before returning abroad, because you need to receive your ePhilID (1-2 weeks) before leaving; the physical card can be sent to you later via courier. (2) Your valid Philippine passport and OWWA certificate are accepted as IDs, but you may also use your foreign residence ID (e.g., UAE Emirates ID, Saudi iqama) as proof of identity. (3) If your vacation is shorter than 1 week, you cannot complete domestic registration in time – use the OFW channel abroad instead or wait for your next vacation.

Registration for dependents (spouses and children) in Valenzuela City

Family members of OFWs who reside in Valenzuela City can register independently. Spouses need only a valid passport or PSA birth certificate.

For children under 18, a parent must accompany them and present the child's PSA birth certificate and any valid school ID (if available).

For infants, bring the Certificate of Live Birth from the Local Civil Registry.

The child's PhilSys ID will be linked to the parent's record. For OFW children studying in Valenzuela City schools, the PhilSys ID serves as a recognized ID for enrollment and scholarship applications.

Barangay-specific tips

Barangay Karuhatan: The barangay hall has a permanent PhilSys kiosk open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM-4 PM.

This is the least congested location. Take a tricycle to “Barangay Hall Karuhatan, near Puregold.”

Barangay Malanday: Registration is held only on Wednesdays at the health center. Expect long lines – arrive by 6 AM.

This barangay has many senior citizens; they are prioritized, so younger residents may wait 3-4 hours.

Barangay Gen. T. de Leon: The barangay hall offers registration every Tuesday and Thursday.

However, this location has the highest rate of fingerprint rejection due to many residents working in manual labor.

Moisturize hands beforehand.

Barangay Marulas: The center is inside the Marulas Community Center. Parking is very limited – take a jeepney or tricycle.

This location has the friendliest staff but also the longest lunch break (12 PM-2 PM closed).

Troubleshooting common issues in Valenzuela City

Issue: The online pre-registration website is slow or down. Use the ePhilSys mobile app instead (available on Google Play and App Store).

If both are inaccessible, go directly to any registration center – they have offline terminals that can create your record on the spot.

However, this takes longer (about 1 hour versus 15 minutes online).

Issue: Your name has a typo on the acknowledgment receipt. Do not proceed to biometrics.

Ask the officer to correct the demographic data immediately. If you proceed with an error, your ePhilID and physical card will have the wrong name, and correction takes 3-6 months through the PSA.

Issue: Physical card not delivered after 5 months. Visit the Valenzuela City Post Office (2nd floor, beside the City Hall).

Bring your acknowledgment receipt and a valid ID. Ask for the Postmaster – they can search for your card by your registered address.

If the card is not there, your delivery may have been returned to the PSA.

Contact the PhilSys hotline (+63-2-8461-0500) to request a reprint and change delivery to “pickup at SM City Valenzuela.”

Issue: Lost ePhilID email. Check your spam folder. If not there after 2 weeks, log back into the ePhilSys portal using your reference number.

You can download the ePhilID directly from the portal (under “My Account”). If you forgot your login, use the “Forgot Reference Number” feature.

Comparison of registration centers in Valenzuela City

Takeaway: Valenzuela City residents have convenient access to the Philippine National ID through multiple registration centers, including SM City Valenzuela, City Hall, and barangay halls.

The process involves online pre-registration followed by a single walk-in appointment for biometrics.

Total time: 30 minutes for biometrics, plus waiting time (15 minutes to 3 hours depending on location and day).

The ePhilID arrives by email in 1-2 weeks, and the physical card is delivered to your home or the post office in 2-4 months.

OFWs on vacation can register domestically if they have at least 2 weeks in the country.

Avoid peak days (Saturdays and month-ends), moisturize your hands for fingerprint capture, and verify your name before leaving the center.

With proper planning, you can secure your permanent national ID before your next deployment abroad.