How to Transfer Voter Registration
If you have moved to a new city or municipality and want to vote in your new area, you must transfer your voter registration to the COMELEC office of your new residence. Transfer of registration is filed personally at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the city/municipality where you now reside. You must have been a resident of your new address for at least 6 months before the next election to qualify.
Overview
Cost
FREE
Timeline
Processing: same day filing; must file during registration period, at least 6 months residency
Key Fact
Must have resided in new city/municipality for at least 6 months
⚠️ Important: Transfer of voter registration can ONLY be done during the registration period set by COMELEC. Registration is typically suspended before elections. Check COMELEC announcements for the schedule.
Who Needs to Transfer?
Moved to a Different City/Municipality
If you moved to a different city or municipality, it is mandatory to transfer your voter registration to your new area.
Mandatory to TransferMoved to a Different Barangay (Same City)
If you moved to a different barangay within the same city or municipality, you should transfer to update your precinct assignment.
Transfer Within Same JurisdictionMoved to a Different Province
If you relocated to a different province entirely, you must transfer your registration to the COMELEC office in your new province.
Mandatory to TransferWant to Vote in a New Location
If you want to vote in a new location, you must be a resident of that area for at least 6 months before the next election.
Must Be Resident for 6 MonthsRequirements for Transfer
| Requirement | Details | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Transfer of Registration | COMELEC form, available at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) | Required |
| Valid ID with Photo | Any government-issued ID (e.g., PhilHealth, UMID, Driver's License, Passport, Postal ID) | Required |
| Proof of Residence in New Area | Barangay certificate, utility bill, or lease contract showing your new address | Required |
| Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) | Cedula obtained from your new city/municipality of residence | Required |
| Biometrics | Photo, fingerprint, and signature — captured at the OEO | Captured On-Site |
| Fee | No fee charged by COMELEC for transfer of registration | FREE |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check if Registration Period is Open
COMELEC sets specific dates for the voter registration period. Transfer of registration can only be filed during this period. Registration is typically suspended 120 days before an election.
How to Check:
- Visit the COMELEC website: comelec.gov.ph
- Follow COMELEC on social media for announcements
- Call the COMELEC hotline: (02) 8525-9300
- Visit your local Office of the Election Officer (OEO)
Step 2: Go to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO)
Visit the OEO of your NEW city/municipality — the place where you currently reside and wish to be registered. Do not go to the COMELEC office of your old address.
Office Details:
- Usually located in the city/municipal hall compound
- Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Some offices open on Saturdays during registration period
- Bring all required documents (valid ID, proof of residence, cedula)
Step 3: Fill Out the Application for Transfer of Registration
COMELEC staff will provide you with the Application for Transfer of Registration form. Fill it out completely and accurately with your new address details.
Information Required
- Full name
- Date of birth
- New complete address
- Previous registration address
- Duration of residency in new area
- Reason for transfer
Tips for Filling Out
- Use your name as it appears on your ID
- Write legibly if filling out by hand
- Double-check your new barangay and ZIP code
- Include complete street address
- Ask COMELEC staff for help if you're unsure
Step 4: Submit Form and Have Biometrics Captured
Submit your completed form along with your valid ID and proof of residence. COMELEC staff will then capture your biometrics.
Photo
Digital photo capture of your face
Fingerprint
Digital scan of your fingerprints
Signature
Digital capture of your signature
Step 5: Receive Acknowledgment Receipt
After completing the process, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt. Your old registration is automatically deactivated and your new registration in your current city/municipality is activated.
✓ Transfer Complete!
- Keep your acknowledgment receipt in a safe place
- Your old registration is now deactivated
- Your new registration will be processed and included in the voter list
- Verify your registration online after 2-3 months
- You will be assigned a new precinct in your new area
Complete Example: Juan's Transfer from Cebu to Makati
Scenario: Juan moved from Cebu City to Makati for work. After living in Makati for 8 months, he decided to transfer his voter registration.
Documents prepared:
✓ Company ID (valid government-recognized ID)
✓ Barangay Certificate from his Makati barangay
✓ Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) from Makati
Process:
1. Juan checked that the COMELEC registration period was open
2. He went to the Makati COMELEC Office (OEO) at Makati City Hall
3. He filled out the Application for Transfer of Registration form
- Name: JUAN SANTOS DELA CRUZ
- Old Address: 456 Osmena St., Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City
- New Address: Unit 12, 789 Ayala Ave., Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City
- Residency in Makati: 8 months
- Reason: Work relocation
4. Submitted form with company ID and barangay certificate
5. Biometrics captured:
- Photo taken
- Fingerprints scanned
- Signature captured
6. Received acknowledgment receipt
7. His Cebu City registration was automatically deactivated
Costs:
• COMELEC Registration + Biometrics: FREE
• Barangay Certificate: ~₱50
• Community Tax Certificate (Cedula): ~₱35
──────────────────────
• Total: ~₱85Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my voter registration online?
No. Transfer of voter registration requires you to personally appear at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of your new city/municipality. This is to verify your identity and capture your biometrics. Online transfer is not yet available.
How long must I live in the new area before I can transfer?
You must have been a resident of your new city/municipality for at least 6 months before the next election. This is a legal requirement to ensure you are a legitimate resident of the area where you wish to vote.
What happens to my old registration?
Your old registration is automatically deactivated when your transfer is processed. You do not need to go to your previous COMELEC office to cancel your old registration. COMELEC handles the deactivation internally.
Can I transfer during election season?
No. Voter registration (including transfers) is suspended before elections, typically 120 days before election day. You must file your transfer during the open registration period well in advance of any election.
What if I moved within the same city but to a different barangay?
Even if you moved within the same city or municipality, you still need to update your registration to reflect your new barangay and precinct assignment. Visit your local OEO to file for a transfer within the same jurisdiction so your voting precinct is updated accordingly.
Important Reminders
- Transfer is FREE: COMELEC does not charge any fees for transferring voter registration
- Personal appearance required: You must go to the OEO in person; no representatives allowed
- Go to your NEW area's COMELEC: File the transfer at the OEO of your new city/municipality, not your old one
- 6-month residency rule: You must have lived in your new area for at least 6 months before the election
- File during registration period: Transfer can only be done when COMELEC registration is open
- Keep your receipt: Save your acknowledgment receipt as proof of transfer
- Verify after transfer: Check your name in the voter list using the COMELEC Precinct Finder after 2-3 months
Need Help?
Contact COMELEC
- Hotline: (02) 8525-9300
- Email: info@comelec.gov.ph
- Website: comelec.gov.ph
- Facebook: @COMELECph
Visit Your Local Office
Find the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) in your new city or municipality. They can assist you with the transfer process and answer any questions about your specific situation.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the COMELEC you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest COMELEC first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.