How to Get a PWD ID

A practical guide to preparing your requirements and applying for a Persons with Disability (PWD) ID in the Philippines.

Issuing office: Your local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Before you begin

Who is this for? Filipinos with qualifying permanent disabilities who need a PWD ID as proof of eligibility for benefits and privileges provided by law.
Where do you apply? Through your city or municipal PDAO or Social Welfare and Development Office.
Can you apply online? Application procedures may vary by LGU. Check with your local issuing office before applying.
What should you prepare? You will generally need proof of identity and residence, ID photos, and documentation confirming the disability when required.

What you may need to prepare

Requirements differ depending on whether the disability is apparent or non-apparent and on the applicant’s circumstances. Confirm the current requirements with your local issuing office.

PWD ID Application Form

Complete the official PWD ID application form provided by the PDAO or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Proof of Residence

Examples recognized by the NCDA guidelines include a Barangay Certificate or utility bill showing the applicant’s name and address.

Proof of Disability

For non-apparent disabilities, appropriate certification from a qualified physician or specialist is required. Apparent disabilities are handled differently under NCDA rules.

Recent ID Photos

Prepare recent ID photographs according to the specifications required by the issuing office.

Personal Information

Prepare a valid government-issued ID. Different documentation provisions apply to children and applicants without a valid ID.

Check the official PWD ID guidelines →

How to apply

Step 1 — Check your eligibility and requirements

Contact your local PDAO or Social Welfare and Development Office and confirm which documents apply to your circumstances.

Step 2 — Complete the application form

Obtain and accomplish the PWD ID application form.

Step 3 — Prepare your supporting documents

Gather your identification, proof of residence, photos, and applicable disability documentation.

Step 4 — Submit your application

Submit the completed form and supporting documents to your local issuing office.

Step 5 — Complete verification

The issuing office will evaluate the submitted documents and verify the application. Additional information may be requested if requirements are incomplete or inconsistent.

Step 6 — Receive your PWD ID

Once approved and processed, follow the issuing office’s instructions for receiving your PWD ID.

Before going to your PDAO

Confirm the current requirements with your local PDAO before visiting.
Bring your original identification and supporting documents.
Prepare the required ID photos.
If your disability is non-apparent, confirm which medical certification applies to you.
Make sure your name, address, and other personal information are consistent across your documents.
Ask your local office about its processing and claiming procedur

WHERE TO APPLY

Ready to apply?

PWD IDs are issued locally. Contact or visit the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office serving your place of residence to confirm its current application procedure.

APPLY AT: Your local PDAO or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office

Local procedures may vary. Verify the requirements with your issuing office before applying.

Important to know

Your PWD ID has a validity period

The National Commission of Senior Citizens now provides a Digital National Senior Citizens ID (NSCID) through the eGovPH app. For eligible seniors with verified records, the digital ID can appear automatically in the app. If the information is missing or incorrect, NCSC advises contacting the local OSCA for verification or correction. The physical OSCA ID remains valid.

Official sources

JUANGUIDE summarizes the process to make it easier to understand. PWD ID procedures may vary locally, so verify current requirements with your PDAO or City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office before applying.

Official government body: National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)

National Council on Disability Affairs

NCDA’s current framework assigns PWD-ID issuance to LGUs through PDAO or local social welfare offices.

You may also need

Barangay Clearance

Proof of residency or good standing may be useful for certain local transactions.

View guide →

National ID

Learn about obtaining or using your Philippine National ID.

View guide →

PSA Birth Certificate

Learn how to request a PSA copy of your birth certificate.

View guide →