The COMELEC recommends downloading the application forms from its website, printing them, and filling them out manually at home before your registration. However, don’t put your signature and thumb marks in advance. The COMELEC requires doing this only in front of the election officer during voter’s registration.

COMELEC Registration Form Guidelines

• Click the CEF-1 link to download the voter’s registration form. Print it on a long bond paper (8.5″ x 13″). A4 or legal size paper is not allowed. 
• Annex B (Supplementary Data Form) is for PWDs, senior citizens with disabilities, indigenous people, applicants who can’t read or write, or those who will assist such voters. Download this form only if it’s applicable to you.
• Completing the Coronavirus Self Declaration Form is also a requirement for COMELEC registration. It’s best to download and fill it out before you register.
• If you can’t access the voter’s registration forms when the COMELEC website is down, you can download them from the website of COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez.

As part of its efforts to contain the COVID-19 spread, the COMELEC is processing only a limited number of transactions per day. To make sure your trip to the COMELEC won’t turn to waste, contact your local COMELEC office to set an appointment for your voter’s registration.

If there’s no appointment system in the COMELEC office where you’re supposed to register, this means you can do a walk-in application. Come as early as possible so that you can be accommodated within the registration hours.

The COMELEC requires Filipinos to personally file their application for voter’s registration at the Office of the Election Officer or local COMELEC office in the city or municipality where they currently live. Typically, the office is located within or near your city or municipal hall.

If you don’t know where your local COMELEC office is, you may find it through the online directory on the COMELEC website.

At the COMELEC office, find the queue for submitting the requirements for voter’s registration. The election officer will check your ID to verify your identity, place of residence, and registration status on the government agency’s database.

 Also, submit your accomplished voter’s registration application forms to the designated officer who will check them for completeness of the information.

If your application form is good to go, you’ll be asked to proceed to the biometrics capture area. Line up at the first queue to have your photo taken. Just look straight at the webcam until the flash appears. You may ask the operator to show you your picture, so you can check if it’s captured correctly.

Next, go to the fingerprints capture. On the fingerprint scanner, place your right and left thumbs and index fingers one at a time. The operator will guide you on how to do it properly.

Lastly, go to the queue for the signature capture. Simply sign on the signature pad, similar to how you sign on paper. Check the computer monitor to see if you’ve signed correctly. You may repeat this step if your signature was not captured right the first time.

When you’re done with your biometrics capture, you’ll be requested to write down your name and sign on a logbook. You’ll then be issued an acknowledgment receipt.

At this point, you’re not a registered voter yet. Your application will undergo approval by the Election Registration Board (ERB) during its scheduled quarterly hearing. After the ERB hearing, your information will be recorded in the book of voters of your district, city, or municipality. Only then can you be considered a registered voter.

• Voter’s Registration
• Transfer of Registration Record
• Reactivation of Registration Record
• Change of Name due to Marriage or Court Order / Correction of Entries in the Voters’ Registration Record
• Inclusion of Records in the Book of Voters / Reinstatement of Name in the List of Voters

However, filling out and submitting these online forms don’t mean you’ve completed the registration process. A personal appearance is a requirement for COMELEC registration, and you’ll still need to go to the registration center for the biometrics capture.

• Voter’s Registration
• Voter’s Certification
• Transfer / Transfer with Reactivation
• Reinstatement of Name Inadvertently Omitted in the National Registry of Overseas Voters
• Change of Name due to Marriage or Court Order / Correction of Entries in the Voters’ Registration Record
• Request to Withdraw the Application for Registration / Certification Pending Approval
• Reactivation
• Change of Address (Within the Same Post and Country)
• Updating of Photograph and/or Signature

However, filling out and submitting these online forms don’t mean you’ve completed the registration process. A personal appearance is a requirement for COMELEC registration, and you’ll still need to go to the registration center for the biometrics capture.

• Using Google Chrome or Safari, go to www.irehistro.comelec.gov.ph.
• On the Disclaimer pop-up window, click Continue.
• Choose the type of application.
• Supply the required information, especially the ones with the red asterisks. Make sure all information is complete and accurate.
• Choose your birth year, month, and day.
• Enter your address. The address should be where you’re currently residing. Make sure that you’ll be voting in this city or municipality, and it’s the same address shown on your ID or proof of residency document that you’ll present when you register to vote.
• Choose the date and time when you want to go to the Office of the Election Officer in your area to submit your application form and biometrics.
• Tick the CAPTCHA code box.
• Click on “Show Provided Information Details” to review and edit the information you’ve entered. Or click on “Proceed” if all details are correct.

Note: The accomplished voter’s registration form will be automatically downloaded to your smartphone (if you’re using a smartphone). You can also download it from your computer. Just follow the printing instructions that can be found on the end screen.

Print it on a long bond paper and bring it with you on your appointment date.