Guide

Valid IDs accepted for the Civil Service Exam.

Last reviewed May 2026

Short answer

Bring an unexpired, government-issued ID with your photo, signature, and the same name you registered with: passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys (National ID), PRC, voter's, or postal ID. The ID on exam day must match registration exactly.

Presenting the wrong ID is one of the most common reasons applicants get turned away on exam day, and one of the easiest to avoid. The rule is simple: the ID must be government-issued, unexpired, bear your photo and signature, and carry the same name you used to register. This guide lists the IDs generally accepted and explains what to do if you don't have one.

Quick facts

Must be: Government-issued
Must show: Photo + signature
Validity: Unexpired
Name: Matches registration

Key takeaways

Your ID must be government-issued, unexpired, and show your photo and signature.
The name on your ID must match your registration exactly.
Bring the same ID you used at registration, not a different valid one.
Originals only. Photocopies and expired IDs are turned away.
No ID yet? A postal ID, PhilSys National ID, or COMELEC voter's certification works. Start early.

IDs generally accepted

The CSC accepts a range of valid, unexpired government-issued IDs that show your photograph and signature. Commonly accepted ones are listed below. Always confirm against the specific exam announcement, since the accepted list can be updated.

Philippine passport
Driver's license
UMID
PhilSys National ID
PRC license
Voter's ID or voter's certification
Postal ID
GSIS or SSS ID
PhilHealth ID with photo
Current company or school ID (if employed or enrolled)

Name must match. The name and details on your ID must match your registration exactly. A maiden-vs-married-name mismatch, a missing middle initial, or a nickname can cause problems at the gate.

Source: the CSC's official examination information

What counts as 'valid'

Valid means unexpired and intact. An expired license or a laminated photocopy is not accepted. Check the expiry date the day before, because renewing or replacing an ID takes time you won't have on exam morning.

Original ID, not a photocopy.
Unexpired.
Clearly shows your face and signature.
Not tampered with or altered.

Bring the same ID you registered with. If you registered with your passport, bring the passport. Don't swap in a different ID on exam day, even if both are individually valid.

If you don't have a valid ID

If you lack any accepted ID, a few options can be obtained without already holding another government ID:

Postal ID. Usually the fastest route.
PhilSys National ID, where available.
Voter's certification from your local COMELEC office.

Start early. ID issuance has its own queue and processing time. Begin well before your exam date and don't leave it to the week of the exam.

Frequently asked questions

Is the National ID (PhilSys) accepted for the CSE?

Yes, the PhilSys National ID is a valid government-issued ID. As always, confirm against the current exam announcement and make sure the name matches your registration.

Can I use a photocopy of my ID?

No. You must present the original, unexpired ID showing your photo and signature. Photocopies and expired IDs are not accepted.

What if my ID name doesn't match my registration?

A mismatch can get you turned away. Register and present an ID with consistent name details. If you've changed your name (e.g. marriage), use documentation consistently across registration and ID.

I have no government ID. What can I get quickly?

A postal ID or the PhilSys National ID can typically be obtained without already holding another ID. A COMELEC voter's certification is another common option. Start early, because issuance takes time.

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