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How to Find Your CRN Number on a UMID Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Submitted by JhonVick » Wed 18-Jun-2025, 21:25 Subject Area: General Keywords: CRN number, UMID card, how to find CRN number, where is CRN number on UMID, difference between CRN and SSS number, UMID CRN step-by-step, CRN for SSS	0 member ratings

If you're holding a UMID card and wondering how to locate your CRN number, you're not alone. Many people are confused about where to find it and what it’s used for. The CRN number is a very important part of your identity when dealing with government agencies like the Social Security System (SSS), GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. In this guide, we will walk you through what a CRN number is, where to find it on your UMID card, and why it matters for your government transactions.

What is a CRN Number?
CRN stands for Common Reference Number. It is a 12-digit number issued when you apply for a UMID card. The UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID) card is a valid government-issued ID in the Philippines that combines your personal records from various agencies like:

SSS (Social Security System)

GSIS (Government Service Insurance System)

PhilHealth

Pag-IBIG Fund

The CRN number is used to link your personal information across these systems so that your identity can be verified quickly and easily. It also helps avoid creating duplicate records in different agencies.

Why is the CRN Number Important?
Your CRN number is like a master identification key. It helps make your transactions with different government institutions smoother and more secure. Here’s why the CRN is so important:

Centralized Identity Across Agencies
You don’t need to provide separate numbers for SSS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG when using the UMID. The CRN connects everything.

Faster Government Services
When you use your UMID card with your CRN, agencies can access your verified data faster, reducing wait time and paperwork.

Secure and Verified Identity
It helps in validating who you are during both physical and online transactions.

Useful for Loans, Benefits, and Pensions
Many government services, such as SSS loans or retirement pensions, require identity verification—your CRN number makes this easier.

What is a UMID Card?
The UMID card is the official card issued by the government of the Philippines. It contains your basic information, photo, signature, and most importantly, your CRN number. This card acts as a valid ID and is accepted in most banks, government offices, and even some private institutions.

If you already have a UMID card, that means you already have a CRN number—you just need to know how to find it.

Where is the CRN Number Located on a UMID Card?
Your CRN number is printed on the front side of your UMID card, usually in the upper left corner just above or beside your photo.

Here’s how you can identify it:

It looks like a 12-digit number (e.g., 1234-567890-1).

The letters "CRN" may appear before the number or above it.

It is not the same as your SSS number.

This number is printed clearly on all UMID cards issued by the SSS or GSIS.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your CRN Number on a UMID Card
Let’s walk through the exact steps to locate your CRN number:

Step 1: Take Out Your UMID Card
Start by getting your UMID card. Make sure you are looking at the front side where your photo and basic information are printed.

Step 2: Look at the Upper Left Section
On the top-left area of the card, just above your photo, you will see a series of numbers. This is your CRN number.

Example format:
CRN: 1234-567890-1

Step 3: Verify the Number
Make sure it is 12 digits long. You can write it down for future reference, especially if you're planning to register on online government portals or fill out forms that require it.

Step 4: Do Not Confuse it With Your SSS Number
It’s important to understand that the CRN number is different from your SSS number. The SSS number is used only for SSS-related transactions. The CRN number, on the other hand, is used across multiple government services.

Step 5: Keep it Safe
Once you’ve located your CRN number, store it in a safe place. Do not share it publicly, as it is linked to your personal records.

Sample UMID Card Layout (Text Explanation)
Although we cannot show a picture here, imagine the card layout like this:
----------------------------------------
| CRN: 1234-567890-1 |
| |
| [Your Photo] |
| |
| Name: Juan Dela Cruz |
| Birthdate: January 1, 1990 |
| Signature: ____________________ |
----------------------------------------
The CRN is always on the upper left, while your name, birthdate, and other details are shown below.

What If I Don’t Have a UMID Card Yet?
If you haven’t applied for a UMID card, then you don’t have a CRN number yet. Here’s how you can get one:

Step 1: Prepare Requirements
You’ll need:

A valid ID (e.g., birth certificate, passport)

Your SSS number

Completed UMID application form

Step 2: Visit Your Nearest SSS Branch
Go to an SSS branch that processes UMID card applications. Bring all required documents.

Step 3: Complete Biometric and Photo Capture
The SSS staff will take your:

Photo

Signature

Fingerprints

Step 4: Wait for Your UMID Card
It may take 30-60 days to receive your card. Once you get it, you’ll find your CRN number printed on it.

Common Questions About the CRN Number
Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the CRN number and the UMID card:

Q: Can I Use My CRN Number for SSS Transactions?
Yes and no. You still need your SSS number for most SSS services. However, your CRN can be used for identification when your UMID is requested.

Q: Is CRN and SSS Number the Same?
No. Your SSS number is specific to your membership with the Social Security System. Your CRN number is a general reference number used across multiple agencies.

Q: Can I Find My CRN Number Online?
Unfortunately, you cannot retrieve your CRN number online unless you already have access to online systems that display it. The safest way is to check your physical UMID card.

Q: What Should I Do if I Lost My UMID Card?
If your UMID card is lost or stolen, follow these steps:

Report the loss to the nearest SSS branch.

Bring a valid ID and request a replacement UMID card.

Pay the replacement fee (if required).

Your CRN number will remain the same even after getting a new card.

Q: Is the CRN number Permanent?
Yes. Once you are issued a CRN number, it becomes your permanent reference across government systems.

Benefits of Knowing Your CRN Number
Having access to your CRN number can help in many ways:

Easier online registration in portals like My.SSS

Faster loan processing in SSS or GSIS

Less paperwork in cross-agency government services

Proof of identity accepted in banks and other institutions

Better record management and fewer errors

Safety Tips for Handling Your CRN Number
Keep your UMID card safe – Store it like a passport or driver’s license.

Never post your CRN online – Treat it like private information.

Avoid lending your UMID card – It's connected to sensitive data.

Double-check forms – When entering your CRN, always verify the digits.

Why the CRN Number is the Future of Government Services
The government is slowly moving towards digital transformation, and having one unique reference number helps a lot. By using the CRN number, the government can:

Create better systems for social benefits

Reduce duplication and fraud

Improve service speed and efficiency

Help citizens access multiple services with one ID

So even if you don’t use your CRN number every day, it’s playing a big role behind the scenes in making government services more organized.

Final Thoughts
Finding your CRN number on your UMID card is easy once you know where to look. It’s located on the upper left corner of the card and is a 12-digit number that serves as your unified reference across multiple government serv

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