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| PhilSys Check is a portal that enables easy authentication of a PhilID cardholder's identity using the QR Code on the ID. Learn here how to verify your PhilID. Screengrab: PSA |
(UPDATED) The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) launched the PhilSys Check on April 8, 2022. It is an authentication system for the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card via its QR code feature, as part of implementing the National ID System or Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project.
PhilSys Check, also known as PhilSys QR Code Verification System, employs public-private key cryptography. This allows relying parties to validate the authenticity of a PhilID card and the information contained in its quick response (QR) code.
Since the PSA strives for innovation, it has developed a system to make the PhilID basic authentication more accessible to stakeholders and the general public. PhilSys Check is critical in promoting greater financial inclusion and unlocking access to basic government social services for many Filipinos, according to a PSA official.
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What is PhilSys Check?
PhilSys Check, or PhilSys QR Code Verification System (PQRCVS), is a portal that allows for the simple authentication of a PhilID cardholder's identity via the QR Code on the ID. It is part of the PhilSys project's goal of enabling the government and commercial sector to make a more significant transition to digital, online citizen-centric service delivery.
It is designed to make it easier and faster for PhilSys Relying Parties or the general public to authenticate a PhilID cardholder's identification. Visitors can use the portal to validate the information contained in the QR code found on the back of a PhilID card.
What is PhilSys QR Code?
The PhilSys QR code is the digitally signed information on the back of the PhilID that employs the Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA). It contains the cardholder's demographic information, which includes their name, gender, date of birth, and place of birth.
According to PSA, the QR code complies with ISO/IEC 18004:2015 and is readable by consumer QR code-capable equipment such as mobile phones, tablets, and barcode scanners through accessing the PhilSys Check portal.
How can I verify my Philippine National ID (PhilID) or PhilSys ID?
To verify your National ID, open your browser and proceed to https://verify.philsys.gov.ph/. Allow the website to use your device's camera since it will be needed to scan the quick response (QR) code in your national ID. Then scan the QR Code using your device camera to verify information in your National ID or PhilID.
You may also follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Open your browser and go to https://verify.philsys.gov.ph/.
The PhilSys Check can be accessed from any computer or smart device equipped with a camera, an internet browser, and an internet connection. To start, open your web browser and navigate to https://verify.philsys.gov.ph/ when using a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Step 2 - Click the Scan QR Code button.
Following your successful access to the PhilSys Check web portal, click the "Scan QR Code" button to begin scanning your QR code.
Step 3- Allow camera access to scan the Phil ID QR Code.
Allow access to the camera in order to scan the PhilID QR Code. After you have granted permission for the use of the camera, position the camera so that the QR Code on the back of the PhilID is visible in the frame of the picture as seen in the image below:
Step 4 - Check the verification status of your PhilID.
If the verification is successful, the screen will display the successful verification of the PhilSys QR Code, as well as the cardholder's name, gender, date and place of birth, PhilSys Card number or PCN, and date of issuance, as shown below:
If the verification fails, the screen will indicate that the PhilID has been "revoked or inactive," or that the PhilSys QR Code is "not recognized."
What to do if verification is unsuccessful?
If the verification fails, it could be for one of the following reasons:
- REVOKED or INACTIVE – This could be because a new PhilID was issued to the same person, the PhilID was misused (e.g., used by others), or it was reported as lost or stolen. If the cardholder believes this is an error, they should bring their PhilID to the nearest PhilSys Registration Center or send an email to info@philsys.gov.ph.
- NOT RECOGNIZED – Either the QR Code is damaged, or the information has been tampered with. The holder of a PhilID Card should bring it to the nearest PhilSys Registration Center or email info@philsys.gov.ph.
Is it free to use PhilSys Check?
The use of PhilSys Check portal is completely free of charge. The general public and all PhilSys relying parties can gain access to it through the website https://verify.philsys.gov.ph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PhilSys check:
You can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the PhilsSys check here:
Is the website open to the public?
Yes. The PhilSys Check is freely available to the public.
Is a webcam or camera required to use the website?
Yes. To scan the QR code of a PhilID, a laptop with an integrated camera or a mobile phone with a (back) camera is required.
What is the difference between a PhilSys Check and a standard QR-Code scanner?
The data in the National ID can be easily read using the PhilSys Check. Meanwhile, a standard QR Code scanner will only display hard-to-read coded information.
Is it accessible via smartphone?
Yes. It is currently only available for Android mobile devices with a camera and an internet connection.
Is there a suggested specification?
To ensure smooth and successful verification, the following specifications are recommended for devices that will be used to scan the PhilID QR code, according to PSA. Keep in mind that using lower-specified devices may result in unsuccessful QR code scanning and verification.
General rule
- 720p or higher photo quality is required with no visual effects or enhancements.
- A well-lit working environment.
- Make sure all four (4) edges of the QR code are captured.
- A scanning distance of 3-5 inches is ideal
Smartphone
- Rear camera: 13MP, 48MP, and 64MP with 1080p resolution
- Android Version: 9 (Pie), 10 (Q), and 11 (R)
- Browser: Google Chrome (version 98)
- The back camera should have autofocus.
- The camera exposure adjustment feature should be turned off to avoid detection lag.
- The camera must be in a stable position because any movement can degrade performance.
Laptop
- Camera: Integrated camera, HD (2.1MP), 720p resolution.
- OS: PC: Windows 11, Macbook: MacOS High Sierra.
- Browser: Google Chrome (version 98) / Mozilla Firefox (version 97)
When the card is successfully verified, do we see the card holder's photo?
No, the system would provide the individual's demographic information embedded in the PhilID's QR code.
What information do we obtain when a PhilID is successfully verified?
A successful PhilID QR Code scan will result in the following message: "PhilID QR Code SUCCESSFULLY VERIFIED" The cardholder's demographic information must also be displayed:
- First Name;
- Last Name;
- Middle Name;
- Suffix;
- Gender;
- Philsys Card Number (PCN);
- Date of Birth;
- Place of Birth; and
- Issuance Date.
Conclusion
While the majority of government and private sector services are now automated or digital, the National ID (PhillID) represents a significant step forward for the Philippines in terms of innovation, as it contains all the required information for service acquisition digitally, and PhilSys relying parties only need to verify it via the PhilSys portal.
This means that no one can deceive or forge it because the ID details are only available after being scanned. As a result, PhilSys' relying parties must use scanners to confirm that the national ID holder is the true owner.
Individuals can also check on the portal to see if there is an error or omission of information and whether the QR Code works when inserted into the bend of their National ID.
For additional information and inquiries about the PhilSys Check portal and National Identification Card (PhilID), you can message them via m.me/PSAPhilSysOfficial, send an email to info@philsys.gov.ph, or call the PhilSys hotline at 1388. —iTacloban