FAQs

Application & Retrieval

1) How do I apply for a Digital PAC?

The PAC application process remains unchanged. You may apply for a Digital PAC on the PAC Online ↗ (opens in new tab) website.

2) How do I retrieve my Digital PAC once it has been approved?

You may retrieve your Digital PAC by clicking on “View my Digital PAC” on the PAC Online ↗ (opens in new tab) website which would redirect you to the FileSG website. Alternatively, you may go directly to the FileSG website ↗ (opens in new tab). You may login with Singpass to retrieve your Digital PAC. If you are issued a renewed PAC or new PAC from 31 July, you may also provide the unique Transaction ID indicated in the issuance email from FileSG. 

3) I have a valid PAC card that does not expire for a few more months. With the launch of Digital PAC, do I have to apply for a new Digital PAC?

With the launch of Digital PAC, existing PAC holders whose PACs have yet to expire will have both physical and Digital PACs that are valid. PAC holders may continue using either until their PAC expires.

4) As per usual practice, do I have to return my physical PAC card when it expires?

As physical PAC cards will no longer be in circulation in the near-term, we will not require this last batch of physical PAC cards to be returned.

5) How do endorsing officers keep track of PACs now that they are digital?

There is no change to the application and endorsement process of PACs. As such, endorsing officers will still have sight of the issued PACs.

Verification

6) Can I take a screenshot of my Digital PAC and present that image for verification when asked?

Journalists may present their Digital PAC as an image (screenshot) or a PDF file in person or via email for verification. Do note that tampered files will be flagged accordingly.  

7) The Digital PAC indicates that it must be presented alongside a government-issued identity card or passport. Do we have to present both documents for verification?

Government officers may request for a government-issued identity card or passport to verify your identity further if needed.

Accreditation

8) I have been attending Government events from the same agencies and have not needed to present my PAC card for entry. Do I still need to have it on hand since the agencies are familiar with me and my identity can be verified through my online publications?  

Agencies reserve the right to request for Digital PACs for verification prior to their events or on-site.

1) How long does it take to process a PAC application?

The average processing time of a PAC application is two to four weeks. However, processing may take longer under certain circumstances for e.g. when there is a high volume of applications especially during government events.

2) I have received my PAC. Why am I not receiving government press releases or media invitations?

As soon as you have been accredited, you are required to email a request to our MDDI Duty Officer at MDDI_Duty_Officer@mddi.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab), to be included in the mailing list.

3) I am an accredited media personnel in Singapore. I plan to undertake freelance news reporting for other media organisations. Do I need to apply for another PAC?

Each media personnel can only hold one PAC at any point. You cannot use your existing PAC to string for other media organisations.

4) I have been accredited some time back, but have not been renewing my PAC. Can I renew my PAC now?

You will receive a renewal notification email from MDDI 30 days before the expiry of your PAC to remind you to renew your accreditation. If your PAC has expired for more than 90 days, please submit a new application.

5) I am a journalist based outside of Singapore. Do I need to apply for press accreditation if I plan to travel to Singapore to conduct news reporting?

You do not require accreditation to report news in Singapore. However, you are required to apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWP) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Please refer MOM's Miscellaneous Work Pass page ↗ (opens in new tab) for more information.

6) I am a foreign media personnel to be based in Singapore. I need a PAC urgently but my Work Pass application has not been approved yet.

You are required to have a valid Work Pass before you can apply for a PAC. You are required to login using a Singpass when you apply for PAC, for stronger security and better protection on your personal data. For more information on Singpass, please refer to their website ↗ (opens in new tab).

7) Who should I contact if I need a PAC urgently?

Media personnel are reminded to buffer sufficient time for the PAC application process, and to renew their PACs in a timely manner. If you require urgent assistance, please email the MDDI Duty Officer at MDDI_Duty_Officer@mddi.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) .

8) Why do I need to submit a police report for a lost PAC?

As the PAC is an official pass to government events, to prevent any misuse of the card, we would require a police report for our record to prove that it has been reported lost.

9) Why do I need to login with a SingPass?

Login using SingPass (Singapore Personal Access) is required as it provides stronger security which can better protect your personal data. For more information, please refer to SingPass website ↗ (opens in new tab).

10) Why can’t an intern or contract staff apply for a PAC?

We encourage full-fledged journalists to cover the events as interns and contract staff may not be conversant with our guidelines.

11) What is a Business Registration Number or UEN?

UEN or Unique Entity Number is a standard identification number for entities to interact with government agencies. Depending on its nature, an entity may obtain a UEN by registering itself with Bizfile ↗ (opens in new tab).