How to Get a UMID Card: Requirements, Process, and More

The need for multiple IDs to complete government transactions is a thing of the past. The UMID card has been introduced as How to Get a UMID Card: Requirements, Process, and Moreone of the most remarkable innovations implemented by the government. It serves as a master key containing all the details of multiple government IDs, including SSS and PhilHealth.

Due to its practicality, many Filipinos are now visiting SSS and GSIS branches to apply for a UMID card. If you are an SSS member who wants to apply for a UMID card, you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with all the information you need on how to obtain a UMID card in the Philippines.

What is UMID?

UMID stands for Unified Multi-Purpose Identification, which is a versatile ID card that allows Filipinos to conduct transactions with various government agencies including the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Additionally, the UMID card is widely recognized as a valid form of identification, making it a highly influential ID in the Philippines. Unlike obtaining a passport, the process of applying for a UMID card is straightforward and uncomplicated, even for recent college graduates who are just beginning their careers.

Who Can Apply for a UMID Card?

Before beginning your UMID application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The following conditions permit you to apply for UMID:

1. You must be a member of SSS and should have at least one contribution posted.
2. If you have lost your UMID card.
3. If you need to update your card due to a change in name or personal details.

If you have applied for an SS number online from December 10, 2020 onwards, you need not fill out the UMID application form. Instead, you only need to schedule an appointment for biometric data capture through the My.SSS Appointment System. On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring the printed SS Number application and the transaction number slip. However, if you prefer a manual application at the branch, remember that the Branch Number Coding Scheme applies.

What are the Requirements for a UMID Card in 2023?

“One of the advantages of applying for a UMID card is the simplicity of the required documents. The following UMID requirements are all that is necessary to provide:”

• Duly accomplished UMID application form
• Any of the following primary valid IDs:
• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Social Security 2D Barcode ID Card
• PhilID Card
• Seaman’s Book
• Voter’s ID
• Alien Certificate of Registration
• Firearm Registration
• NBI Clearance
• Postal ID
• In case you don’t have any of the above-mentioned valid IDs for your UMID application: any two IDs/documents, both of which bear your signature, and one of which should bear your photo

Where Can I Apply for a UMID Card?

Are you looking to obtain a UMID card but unsure of the application process? There are two ways to file your UMID application:

1. Online application through your My.SSS account. You will be given an appointment date for biometric data capture at your chosen SSS branch.
2. Offline application at an SSS branch with a UMID enrollment facility.

How to Get a UMID Card in 2023

Here are the steps that you need to take for your UMID card application.

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

There are two methods available to obtain a UMID card. You may schedule an appointment either through online or offline channels. To schedule online, you can utilize the My.SSS portal. Alternatively, if you prefer to schedule offline, you can visit an SSS branch that has a UMID enrollment facility.

How to Apply for a UMID Appointment Online via My.SSS

1. Visit the official SSS official website.^[3]
2. On the right side of the page, click the Member tab.
3. You’ll be directed to the log-in page. Input your User ID and password.
4. Click the Member Info tab. Choose Appointment System from the drop-down menu.
5. For the Purpose section, select UMID Card Application.
6. Pick your region, preferred SSS branch, and appointment date. Remember that the dates in red are unavailable, while the ones in green are still available.
7. Input your desired time schedule and the counter number that will process your application.
8. Once you’re done with the application, print or take a screenshot of the appointment details for reference.

👉 How to Set a UMID Appointment via Branch Walk-In

To schedule your UMID appointment and you do not have a My.SSS account, you may visit an SSS branch, but ensure that the branch has a UMID enrollment facility. However, it is important to note that you cannot visit the branch at any time as SSS follows the Branch Number Coding system. Your SS or Employer (ER) ID number’s 10th digit corresponds to a specific day when you can transact at SSS branches. Refer to the following schedule based on your 10th digit.

Note: In case the transaction day falls on a public holiday, you can visit the branch the next day.

Step 2: Submit Your UMID Requirements at the SSS Branch

When your scheduled appointment comes, head to the SSS branch of your choice and submit the required documents. It’s possible that you will be required to present your primary or secondary ID’s original copies, so it’s important to bring them with you. The SSS representative will review your records and authenticate your documents.

Step 3: Pay for the UMID Fee (For Replacement Card Only)

To obtain a replacement card for a lost or damaged Social Security System (SSS) card, or to update your information, you will need to pay a fee of ₱200. Payment can be made at the nearest SSS-accredited collecting partner, such as Bayad Center. It is important to keep the receipt as it will need to be submitted to the SSS officer processing your application.

However, if you are applying for the first time, you will not need to pay anything. The Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card is free for new applicants.

Step 4: Have Your Biometrics Taken

Please proceed to the biometrics capture booth where your photo, digital signature, and fingerprints will be taken. After the process, please ensure to review your personal details to ensure any errors are corrected before leaving the booth.

Step 5: Wait for Your UMID Card to be Issued

The personnel might update you regarding the estimated schedule for delivery or collection of your UMID. Generally, it takes around 30 days after submitting your application for the UMID card to be ready for release. Nonetheless, the SSS advises its members that there could be possible delays in the card issuance process. Nevertheless, the agency guarantees its members that they will receive prompt notifications via their mobile number or email address as soon as the cards are available for pick-up.

Once you receive your UMID card, you can activate it instantly at a self-service kiosk located in your preferred SSS branch.

UMID Card Application FAQs

Still, got some questions? This section may provide answers to all your UMID-related questions.

1. Are the UMID and SSS ID the same?

The two ID cards issued by the SSS are not the same, despite both being from the same organization. The UMID card is the current ID card issued by the SSS to its members since 2011, whereas the blue SSS ID card was issued by the agency before the UMID was launched. As a result, the SSS no longer issues the blue SSS ID card.

2. Does the UMID card have an expiration date?

To rephrase: “Your UMID card does not have an expiration date and is considered valid indefinitely, so it’s important to keep it safe. If you happen to misplace or damage it, you will need to request a replacement card.”

3. If I don’t have any primary documents, what should I submit?

To rephrase the given statement: If you do not possess a primary identification document like a driver’s license, passport, or seaman’s card, you have the option to provide two secondary documents. The UMID application form contains a comprehensive list of acceptable secondary documents.

4. How much does it cost to get a UMID card?

If it’s your first time applying for a UMID card, there is no fee required. However, if you need a replacement card, you’ll be charged ₱200 at the SSS branch during your scheduled appointment.

5. I need to replace my card to update my data and fingerprint. What should I do?

Just visit your designated branch and submit the previously issued SSS or UMID card.

6. How will I know the status of my application?

If you want to know the status of your UMID application, you can do it via email or My.SSS.

Email the following details to sss_id2@sss.gov.ph:

• Your full name
• Your SS Number
• The details of your concern
• Photo or scanned copy of the following:
• Phil ID (national ID) or one primary ID
• Two valid ID cards, both bearing signatures or with one bearing your picture
• Photo or selfie of you holding the ID cards/documents that you’ve sent.

Note: The email attachment should not be larger than 30 MB.

Alternatively, you can view the status of your UMID application through your online SSS account. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your My.SSS account.
2. On the menu, hover your mouse over Member Info.
3. Click on UMID/SSS ID Details.
4. The system will show the information about your UMID application. Check its status under the Transaction Status column.

7. Someone offered to apply for my UMID for me. Is this legit?

The SSS advises the public to steer clear of individuals who act as intermediaries and offer to obtain UMID cards for a fee. Only the SSS is authorized to produce legitimate UMID cards.

Utilizing a UMID card created by such intermediaries is unlawful and will not be accepted for official transactions. If you employ this card, your claims for benefits or loan applications may be denied, and you may also be subject to legal charges.

Therefore, the SSS encourages the public to notify them of any Facebook or Instagram pages that provide this service. To contact the agency’s Special Investigation Department, please use the following information:

Telephone number: 8709-7198 locals 5313 to 5316 Email address: fid@sss.gov.ph

8. What is a UMID ATM Pay Card?

In 2022, the Social Security System (SSS) formed a partnership with local banks UnionBank and RCBC to introduce the UMID ATM Pay Card. This card functions as a regular UMID card as well as an ATM card. SSS members can use it to receive their benefits, claim loan proceeds and refunds, make payments at online and offline retail outlets, transfer funds, withdraw cash, and perform other transactions.

RCBC is currently in the process of implementing the upgrade. To upgrade to the UnionBank UMID ATM Pay Card, SSS members need to update their contact information through the My.SSS portal or at the nearest SSS branch. They also need to download the UnionBank mobile app, create a UMID ATM Pay Card account, and provide the necessary details.

After completing the necessary steps, SSS members will receive their UMID ATM Pay Card within 15 to 20 banking days.

4 Tips Every UMID Applicant Should Remember

To complete your online application form or when visiting the SSS branch, it is important to remember the following:

✔️ Complete the UMID Application Form Before Going to the SSS Branch

Completing this process prior to your UMID application can minimize the duration of your visit to the SSS branch. This task holds such significance that even the SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Ignacio has emphasized its importance to members.

✔️ Double-Check the Information You Provided

If you submit incorrect information to the SSS, it could lead to delays and issues. To avoid this, ensure that all the information and requirements on your application form are accurate and consistent before submitting them. Additionally, make sure to double-check the information presented to you at the biometrics capture booth.

✔️ Wear Appropriate Clothes

“Approach your UMID appointment as you would a passport appointment by dressing appropriately. Avoid wearing tank tops or sleeveless shirts as they are not permitted at the photo booth. Additionally, remove any items or accessories that may affect your appearance in the photo, such as colored contact lenses, large earrings, and eyeglasses.”

✔️ Observe Health and Safety Protocols at the Application Site

Although the mandate to wear face masks may have been lifted, it’s important to note that the pandemic is still ongoing. To err on the side of caution, it’s advisable to continue wearing a mask. Make sure to sanitize your hands regularly, especially after biometric capture, and remember to bring your own pen.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a UMID card has several advantages. Firstly, there is no need to carry multiple government IDs as one card can be used. Additionally, the card enables convenient access to government benefits from various agencies. To streamline the application process, ensure all documents are complete and double-check all details provided to avoid errors and misunderstandings. Schedule an appointment for a hassle-free experience.