HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS

Left confused about voter registration? We compiled a step by step guide to help you navigation the registration process. Read on to find out how local voter registration works or click here to see how to register as an overseas voter.

  1. Accomplish forms through any of the following:
    • Download the forms and fill them out offline. Go to: https://comelec.gov.ph/?r=VoterRegistration/ApplicationsForms and download the CEF-1 form (and other forms if necessary).
      1. Print the downloaded CEF-1 to an 8″ x 13″ (Folio) paper. The form must be printed back to back.
      2. Fill out the forms
        • Do not sign or affix your thumbmark on the application form yet. You must do this in the presence of the Election Officer or an Authorized COMELEC Representative.
        • You can also opt to fill out the forms using a PDF reader before printing them out. 
    • You can also get copies of the registration forms from the local COMELEC Office of your city or municipality.
  2. Go to your local COMELEC Office. Bring your filled-out forms, at least one valid ID, and your ballpen. 
    •  COMELEC Offices are open from 8 AM-5 PM from Mondays to Fridays. Click here to check the location of a COMELEC Office near you.
    • For a list of accepted IDs and other registration requirements, click here.
    • Satellite Registration Sites are also open on Saturdays in select areas. You may check COMELEC’s Facebook page for more information on locations and schedules. 
    • Mall Registration Sites are also available for your convenience. Only applications from residents of the locality where the mall is located, or from those intending to transfer their registration record to the locality, will be accommodated.  
    • Check the schedule of COMELEC’s Register Anywhere Program so you can register to vote in your hometown even if you are based in another city for work or study.
  3. Follow the Registration Process
    • Submit your forms to your Election Officer.
    • Have your application checked and affix your signature and thumbprints on your application.
    • Have your application entered into the system.
    • Get your biometric data captured.
    • Receive your acknowledgment receipt and keep it safe.

Filing an accomplished Application Form for Registration does not automatically mean you are a registered voter. Approval of your registration may take months. Keep your receipt safe and bring it when you are asked to come back.

Registration Process for Overseas Voters

If you will be abroad/outside the Philippines from 10 April to 09 May 2025, you may register as an overseas voter. Filipinos who are already overseas can also register at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their area. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate before your visit in case you will need to schedule an appointment ahead of time. You can:

  1. Accomplish forms through:
    • Downloading the forms and filling them out offline
      1. Go to: https://comelec.gov.ph/?r=OverseasVoting/2022NLERegistrationForms and print the OVF-1 Form (and other forms if necessary).
      2. Print the downloaded OVF-1 to an 8″ x 13″ (Folio) paper. The form must be printed back to back.
      3. Fill out the forms
        1. Do not sign or affix your thumbmark on the application form yet. You must do this in the presence of the Election Officer or an Authorized COMELEC Representative.
        2. You can also opt to fill out the forms using a PDF reader before printing them out. 
  2. Go to your local registration centers for overseas voting or if abroad, embassies, consulates, and designated registration centers. Bring your filled-out forms, your passport or Seaman’s book, and your own ballpen. Observe proper health protocols.
    • Here are the locations of the local registration centers for overseas voting:
      • Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) Comelec Main – Intramuros: (02) 8521-2952 or 8522-2251
      • Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Processing Office – SM Manila: 0939-303-2884 or 0916-315-4182
      • DFA Aseana – Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City
      • Philippine Overseas Employment Administration – Ortigas Avenue cor. Edsa: 722-1144 or 722-1155
  3. Follow the Registration Process
    • Secure and submit accomplished OVF No. 1 and other identification documents.
    • The Comelec representative will determine your identity, and will verify your inclusion in the National List of Registered Voters.
    • Have your biometrics captured.
    • The administering officer will administer the oath and issue the acknowledgment receipt of OVF No. 1.

You can also avail of the Office for Overseas Voting’s Virtual Frontline Services without having to leave the safety of your own home. If you already have existing biometric data in the system, you can transact the following online: 

  • Registration (certification) as an overseas voter provided you already have existing voting records
  • Reactivation of Overseas Voting Registration Records (OVRRs)
  • Updating of address and contact information
  • Transfer of voting records between different international locations and from overseas to the Philippines 

For more information, visit: fb.com/overseasvotingph

Steps to avail of OFOV Virtual Frontline Services:

  1. Schedule an appointment through:
  2. Submit filled out forms and a copy of your Passport or Seafarer’s Book through email before your video call schedule.
    • For applications as overseas voters, transfers between countries, reactivation of OV record and all overseas-only requests, you just need to submit the OVF-1 form.
    • For applications for transfers from overseas to the Philippines, you need to submit the OVF-1 and the Revised CEF-1 form.
  3. The OFOV will call you and interview you about your application. Afterwards, they will administer the required oath.