TIN ID- How to Get a TIN ID? Requirements & Verification in the Philippines

A TIN ID is physical proof of BIR membership and is required for various purposes, like opening a bank account or completing other essential transactions. Below, we discuss the requirements for TIN issuance for different individuals, the steps to obtain a TIN ID, and how to verify it.

What Is a TIN ID?

TIN ID, sometimes known as a TIN card, is a valid card that is issued by the BIR, an official Philippine agency for tax collection, to taxpayers. It contains the holder’s TIN, full name, date of birth, address, signature, photo, and card issuance date.

A TIN card is a yellowish, paper-thin cardboard, and it is the physical proof of a taxpayer who has a TIN number. A TIN is a system-generated reference index number issued by the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue).

Is a TIN Card a Valid ID?

Despite TIN ID issuance from a government agency, it is not taken as a valid card everywhere. For example, in banks, only its digital version is accepted as a valid ID, but BIR has stopped this version, and up till now, it has not announced when it will resume. So, for other purposes like taking a loan or opening a savings account, you can use your Postal ID as a valid identification.

Similarly, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) does not honour a TIN card for passport application and renewal. However, you can use it as a valid identification for NBI clearance, Postal ID, and Police clearance, along with SSS transactions.

How Much Does a TIN ID Cost?

There is no fee for a TIN card application for the first time. However, if you are applying for reissuance because of a lost or damaged card, then you have to pay PHP 100.

Who Needs a TIN ID?

If you are planning to do anything remotely adulting in the Philippines, a TIN ID is something you’ll eventually need in your wallet. Here’s a quick breakdown of who should get one.

Employed Persons

Have you just been hired or already working your 9 to 5? The government needs a slice of your earnings in the form of tax collection. So you need to get a TIN number and ID to keep your taxes sorted and legitimize your job.

Self-Employed & Side Hustlers

Running a sari-sari store? Freelancing online? Offering your expert skills on the side? If you’re making income on your own, you need a TIN to make things official.

Currently Unemployed

No job right now? No problem. Having a TIN ID can still come in handy when you’re applying for work, opening a bank account, or handling other money matters later on.

Foreigners Working or Doing Business in the Philippines

Yes, even if you’re just here for work or business, a TIN is still a must.

Companies, Corporations & Partnerships

If you’re running a business legally, you need to register and get that TIN.

TIN ID Requirements

If you have already registered with BIR and have a TIN, then you only have to present your Taxpayer Identification Number to get a TIN card. For those who are applying the first time to become a taxpayer, the following documents they needed to be taken to the RDO office when they apply for a BIR TIN:

Duly accomplished BIR registration form (BIR Form 1902 or 1904)
PSA Birth Certificate
One valid government-issued ID, like a passport, driver’s license, etc.
1 x 1 picture
Marriage certificate/contract (if applicable)

Where to Get a BIR TIN ID?

To get a TIN ID card, you have to physically visit the Revenue District Office and apply for the TIN card, whether you are registering for the first time or are already registered and have a TIN number. You can also send another person in your place whom you have nominated as your power of attorney. If you apply before the cutoff time, which is 1 PM, then you can receive the card the same day.

How to Get a TIN ID?

The process of getting a TIN ID is different for different individuals, such as those who do not have a TIN number, or those who have a TIN but no ID, for the unemployed, students, and if your ID is lost, damaged, or is not updated. Let’s discuss each section one by one.

1- How To Get a TIN ID If You Don’t Have a TIN Number

So you’re ready to get a TIN ID, but don’t even have a TIN number yet? No worries! Here you will follow these steps.

Step 1: Get Your TIN First

Before anything else, you’ll need a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). No TIN = No TIN ID. It’s that simple.
You can get this at the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue).

Step 2: Apply for a TIN ID at the Same RDO

Once you’ve got your TIN number, don’t leave just yet. Head straight to the RDO (Revenue District Office) where your TIN was issued and ask for a TIN ID card.
If it’s a chill day at the office, you might get your card within minutes to an hour. But if they’ve run out of printing paper or the system is acting up, they’ll ask you to come back in 1–3 working days.

Step 3: Receive & Prep Your TIN Card

Once you get your card, it’s not fully ready yet. You’ll need to:

Sign your name on it
Stick your 1 x 1 ID photo
Laminate it to protect it from getting ruined in your wallet

2- How to Get a TIN ID if You Already Have a TIN Number?

If you already have a TIN but have not applied for its physical proof in the form of a card, then you’re halfway there! You just need the actual card now.

Step 1: Head to Your RDO

You’ll need to go to the RDO where your TIN is registered in person. Previously, it was the employer who requested for batch TIN ID for his employees, but now, according to Revenue Memorandum Order No. 37-2019, employees now need to personally show up at the BIR office.

If you have nominated someone as your power of attorney, that person can visit in your place.

3- How To Get a TIN ID for the Unemployed/ Students

You don’t need to have a job to get a TIN ID. Executive Order 98 says that even students and unemployed folks above 18 can get a TIN number. This helps when applying for NBI clearance, opening a bank account, or other adult stuff.

What You Need:

Valid government-issued ID like a passport, driver’s license, or Cedula.
PSA Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (if you’re married)
Other documents, depending on why you’re getting the TIN

If you are still unsure, you can ask your local RDO about the required documents.

Step-by-Step for the Unemployed:

Go to the RDO that covers your home address
Fill out two copies of BIR Form 1904
Submit all your documents
Wait for your TIN to be processed
Then, apply for your TIN ID card (same steps as above)
Get your ID, photo, signature, laminate, and you’re done.

4- How To Replace Damaged, Lost, or Unupdated TIN ID

So your TIN card went missing, got stolen, or you want to update it, like to change the last name after your marriage for a married woman? Then TIN ID replacement is very easy.

1. What You’ll Need to Replace Your TIN Card

Here are the documents you should bring to the BIR:

BIR Form 1905 – This is for updating or correcting your records.
BIR Form 0605 – This is the payment form.
If your card was lost, A notarized Affidavit of Loss. You can write one yourself and then get it notarized afterwards, or get it from a notary public for costs around ₱150 to ₱300+.
If your card is damaged, bring the original and a photocopy of your damaged TIN card.
If you’re updating your name after marriage, bring your marriage certificate and the original and photocopy of your old TIN card.

2. How Much Will It Cost?

Replacing your TIN card costs ₱100, which you’ll pay through the BIR’s partner bank.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Replace Your TIN Card

Step 1: Visit the RDO

Go to the Revenue District Office (RDO) where your TIN was originally issued.

Step 2: Fill Out BIR Form 1905

Fill in your personal details in Part I.
In Part II, tick the box for “Replacement of TIN Card”.
If your card was lost or damaged, tick “Lost/Damaged”.
If you’re updating your last name after marriage, tick “Change of Civil Status” and complete section 9.
Don’t forget to sign in section 12.

Step 3: Submit Documents to the COR Update Window

Hand over your completed BIR Form 1905 and any needed documents (like the Affidavit of Loss, marriage certificate, or old ID card).

Step 4: Fill Out BIR Form 0605

Next, complete BIR Form 0605 and head to the Payment Window to get it verified.

Step 5: Pay the ₱100 Fee at a Partner Bank

Go to your RDO’s authorized bank. Ask for a BIR payment slip, fill it out, and pay the ₱100 fee. You’ll receive a receipt and a machine-validated Form 0605.

Step 6: Go Back to the RDO

Return with your payment receipt and validated Form 0605. Submit these at the COR Update window. If you’re replacing a damaged or updated TIN card, surrender the original and a photocopy of it too.

Step 7: Claim Your New TIN Card

Sometimes, you’ll get your new card on the same day. Other times, they’ll ask you to come back in up to 5 working days. If so, you’ll be given a Claim Slip showing when you can pick it up.

To save time, download and fill out the BIR forms at home before your visit. The whole process, not counting the card pickup, usually takes about 2 hours, depending on the line and bank wait.

TIN ID Online Registration- How to Get a Digital TIN ID

If you want to avoid the long lines at the BIR and save time, getting a digital TIN ID is a great option. This is only available for people who already have a TIN number. If you’ve never had a TIN or TIN ID before, you’ll need to get that first.

The digital TIN ID is issued through the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS BIR). You can also use ORUS to update your personal details if anything changes later on.

Steps to Get Your Digital TIN ID

Update Your Email Address at Your RDO

Make sure BIR has your correct and active email address. To do this, fill out Form S1905 (Registration Update Sheet) and send it to the RDO where your TIN is registered.

Create an ORUS Account

Go to orus.bir.gov.ph
Click on ‘New Registration’
Read and accept the terms of service
Fill in the form with your personal details, including your TIN
Set a password and confirm it
Complete the captcha and click ‘Register’

Apply for a Digital TIN ID

Once your account is ready, fill out the TIN ID application form online
Upload a 1×1 ID photo, make sure it’s recent, with a white background, and your face is clearly visible, no hats, shades, or filters.
Wait for the BIR to process your request.

Receive Your Digital TIN ID by Email

Once approved, your digital TIN ID will be sent to your email. It’s a valid ID, and you can use it just like the physical one.

TIN ID Verification

You can verify your BIR TIN ID through the BIR TIN Verifier mobile application, in-person TIN verification at the RDO, via the BIR website, and through the BIR hotline. There is no other way than these four options to verify your TIN ID.

Option 1: Verify Through the BIR TIN Verifier App

This is the easiest and most convenient way without needing to visit the BIR office.

Download the mobile app for both Android and iPhone from the Google Play Store, or simply click on the given link of the BIR TIN Verifier app to start downloading without browsing through the Play Store.

Open the App

Go through the disclaimer and privacy policy, tick the box at the end of the page to agree, and then tap “Proceed.”

Choose Your Service

Tap on “TIN Verifier” and select either:

TIN Inquiry (if you forgot or don’t know your TIN)
TIN Validation (if you want to check if your TIN is valid)

Fill Out the Form Provide your:

Full name
Spouse’s name (if married)
Address
Birthdate
Civil status
A selfie holding a valid ID ( e.g., passport, driver’s license)

Wait for the Result

Your TIN will be verified during BIR working hours, which are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Option 2: In-Person TIN Verification at the RDO

If you prefer face-to-face verification or can’t access the app:

Steps:

Go to Your RDO (Revenue District Office)

Visit the RDO where your TIN was registered.

Bring a Valid Government ID

Passport, driver’s license, national ID, etc.

Ask for a TIN Verification Request Form

The BIR staff will guide you on how to fill it out.

Submit the Form & Get Verified

They’ll check your records and confirm your TIN.

Option 3: Online TIN Verification via the BIR Website

If you already know your TIN and just want to confirm it matches the BIR’s records:

Steps:

Go to the BIR Website

Visit: www.bir.gov.ph

Find the Online Services Section

Click on “Taxpayer Profile Inquiry” or similar options.

Enter Your TIN and Other Details

You may need to provide your full name and birthdate.

Verify

The website will confirm if your TIN is valid and registered.

Option 4: Call the BIR Hotline

If you don’t want to visit or use the app:

Steps:

Call the BIR Hotline

Dial (02) 8981-7000

Provide Personal Information
Be ready to share your:

Full name
Birthdate
TIN (if you know it)

Ask for TIN Verification Assistance

The agent will help verify your TIN over the phone.

How to Spot a Fake TIN ID

Be vigilant against counterfeit TIN IDs:

Check Card Quality: Authentic TIN IDs have clear printing and standardized formats.
Verify Information: Cross-check the TIN number and personal details with official documents.
Look for BIR Seals: Genuine TIN IDs have official BIR seals and markings.

Conclusion

Having a TIN and getting registered with the BIR is not enough. You have to have a physical proof of TIN ID in the form of a card, which you can show at different places as proof of your valid ID.

You can get a TIN ID from your nearest RDO, and the requirements for TIN ID are different for different types of individuals, like employed, unemployed, applying for the first time with BIR, or already having a TIN but applying for the card for the first time.

You can also apply for a digital TIN. Once it is issued, it is valid forever unless you lose it, damage it, or need to update the information and ask for its reissuance.

Police Clearance Certificate

FAQs

Although the TIN ID card is issued by a government agency, you can’t present it as a main ID. For example, when applying for a passport, you can show this as a supporting or secondary ID, but you need to show another ID, like your driving license, as the main ID.

No, you have to appear in person at the RDO office where you are registered.

If you are applying for the TIN for the first time, then it is issued for free. But if you apply to register a TIN for business purposes, then you have to pay ₱500 as an issuance fee and ₱30 as a documentary stamp tax. If you are applying for reissuance in case of a damaged, lost, or updated TIN ID, then you will pay ₱100.

No. To get a TIN ID, you must have a TIN and be registered with BIR.

It’s the same as the simple TIN ID. You get the first digital TIN ID for free, and for a replacement, you have to pay a certain fee.