NBI Clearance Requirements: The Complete 2026 Checklist for Filipinos

If you are about to apply for an NBI Clearance, the first question on your mind is probably the simplest one: what do I actually need to bring? The honest answer is that most applicants get turned away not because they did something wrong online, but because they showed up with the wrong ID, an expired ID, or a photocopy when the branch wanted the original.

This page lays out every requirement in plain terms. The IDs that work, the IDs that get rejected, the photo and dress rules at the branch, and the extra documents you need depending on why you are applying. Whether you are a first-time applicant, a renewing applicant, an OFW, a foreigner, or a parent applying for a minor, the exact checklist for your situation is here.

For the booking process itself, see appointment booking guide. For the renewal flow, see the NBI Clearance renewal guide. For a full fee breakdown, see fees and payment breakdown. For the complete new application walkthrough, see complete application guide.

The Core Requirements Every Applicant Needs

No matter why you are applying, four things are non-negotiable. Bring these and you have cleared the baseline:

Two valid government-issued IDs (original copies, not photocopies, not expired)
A confirmed online appointment booked through clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Proof of payment for the PHP 155 fee (receipt or reference number)
Yourself, physically present for biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature)

Everything else on this page is built on top of these four. The applicant-specific documents (employment contracts, visas, court orders) come into play only after these basics are covered.

One important note. The NBI portal asks you to declare which two IDs you will present when you book. Whatever you type during booking should match exactly what you bring on the day. If you said “Passport and UMID” online, do not show up with a driver’s license and a PhilHealth ID instead.

The Complete List of NBI-Accepted Valid IDs

This is the part most other guides skip. They tell you to bring a “valid ID” without telling you which ones count. Here is the real list, organized by how reliable each one is in the eyes of NBI staff.

Primary IDs (Strongest, Accepted Everywhere)

These are the gold standard. A single one of these plus one more valid ID will almost always clear you:

Philippine Passport (the most trusted ID, accepted at every branch)
PhilSys National ID (the new Philippine Identification System card, fully accepted as of 2026)
Driver’s License (LTO-issued, must be unexpired)
UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID, covers SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG)
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID (for licensed professionals)

Secondary IDs (Accepted, Best Paired With a Primary)

Solid and widely accepted, especially when one of your two IDs is already a primary:

Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate (from COMELEC)
Postal ID (the newer plasticized version)
SSS ID (the standalone card, if you still have the old type)
PhilHealth ID (the printed card version)
TIN ID (Bureau of Internal Revenue)
Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus
Senior Citizen ID (OSCA-issued)
PWD ID (for persons with disability)
Solo Parent ID

Conditional IDs (Accepted in Specific Situations Only)

These work under certain conditions, usually for students, OFWs, or when paired with a strong primary ID:

School ID (for students, must be current school year, signed and with the school seal, usually accepted only alongside a birth certificate)
Company ID (accepted only at some branches, and only paired with a primary government ID)
OWWA ID or iDOLE card (for overseas Filipino workers)
Seaman’s Book (for seafarers)
NBI Clearance (old copy) (works as a supporting document for renewals)
PSA Birth Certificate (not an ID by itself, but required to support school IDs and for minors)

IDs That NBI Does NOT Accept

This is the question that fills Facebook groups every single day. Here are the documents people often bring that get them turned away at the counter:

Barangay Clearance or Barangay Certificate alone (not accepted as a valid ID, though it is required separately for first-time jobseekers claiming free service)
Company ID alone (without a government ID to back it up)
Photocopies of any ID (NBI wants originals, every time)
Expired IDs of any kind (an expired passport or license is treated as no ID at all)
Digital or screenshot IDs on your phone (most branches require the physical card)
NBI Clearance alone (your old clearance supports a renewal but does not replace a government ID)
Police Clearance (different agency, not a substitute)
Birth Certificate alone (supports other documents but is not a standalone ID)
Cedula or Community Tax Certificate (not recognized as a valid ID)
Voter’s registration stub (the temporary paper receipt, not the actual ID or certificate)
Library cards, gym cards, or any private membership IDs

The single most common reason for rejection is an expired ID. People assume an ID that “still has their photo and details” is fine. It is not. If the expiry date has passed, the branch will not accept it. Check every ID’s expiry before you travel.

Rules Every ID Must Follow

An accepted ID type is only half the battle. The ID also has to meet these conditions:

Unexpired. The validity date must be in the future. No exceptions.
Original. Bring the physical card, not a photocopy or a digital image.
Name match. The name on your IDs must match the name you entered when booking. A nickname on one and a full legal name on another can cause a mismatch flag.
Photo clearly visible. The ID photo must actually look like you. A heavily faded or damaged photo can be questioned.
Readable details. Cracked, laminated-over, or water-damaged IDs may be rejected if the staff cannot read them.
Consistent signature. Your signature on the IDs should reasonably match the one you provide on the digital pad.

If your name has changed (marriage, legal name change), bring supporting documents such as a marriage certificate so the staff can connect your old name to your new one.

Photo and Biometric Requirements at the Branch

When you arrive, the branch captures your photo, all ten fingerprints, and your signature. The photo becomes the face printed on your clearance, so the branch has rules about how you present yourself:

Dress decently. No sleeveless tops, no shorts, no slippers or rubber slides. Some branches turn applicants away at the door for this.
Face the camera directly. No tilting, no posing.
No smiling for the standard clearance photo (keep a neutral expression).
Remove eyeglasses if asked, to avoid glare on the lens.
No hats, caps, or sunglasses.
Keep hair off your face, both eyes and eyebrows should be visible.
No face coverings beyond what is medically or religiously required.
Clean, dry hands for fingerprinting (lotion or sweat can blur the scan).

The biometrics step takes 15 to 30 minutes. If a fingerprint does not scan cleanly, the staff will retake it, so be patient.

Requirements by Applicant Purpose

The base requirements are the same for everyone, but your reason for applying adds specific documents. Find your category below.

First-Time Application

You have never held an NBI Clearance before. This is the most straightforward case.

Two valid government-issued IDs
Confirmed online appointment
Proof of payment (PHP 155)
Nothing extra beyond the basics

NBI Clearance Renewal

Your old clearance is expired or about to expire. The renewal process is faster because the system already has your record.

Your old NBI Clearance (the physical copy)
Or your old NBI reference number if you lost the copy
One or two valid government IDs
Confirmed appointment and payment

For the full renewal walkthrough, see [LINK: renewal-page].

Local Employment

An employer in the Philippines asked for a fresh clearance.

Two valid government IDs
Confirmed appointment and payment
Job offer letter or employment contract (helpful, sometimes requested by the employer rather than NBI)

Overseas Employment (OFW)

You are preparing documents for deployment or a contract renewal abroad.

Two valid government IDs (passport strongly recommended as one)
Confirmed appointment and payment
Employment contract or job order (if requested)
OWWA ID or iDOLE card if you have one

OFWs applying from abroad cannot use the regular portal because biometrics must be done in person. Coordinate with the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate, or apply during a visit home.

Travel Abroad (Tourist or Business)

You are applying for a visa that requires a police record check.

Valid Passport (must have at least six months validity)
Second valid government ID
Confirmed appointment and payment
Flight tickets, hotel bookings, or travel itinerary (sometimes requested by the embassy, not NBI)

Note that not every country requires an NBI Clearance for a visa. Check with the specific embassy before assuming you need one.

Visa, Residency, or Immigration

You are filing for a foreign visa, permanent residency, or citizenship.

Valid Passport with more than six months validity
Proof of residency or visa (for dependent, family, or spouse visa applications)
Confirmed appointment and payment
For foreigners staying long-term in the Philippines, an ACR I-Card

Foreign Nationals Residing in the Philippines

You are a foreigner living in the country and need clearance for a work permit, visa renewal, or legal proof of residence.

Valid Passport (with Philippine entry stamp and visa)
ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card, required for stays of 60 days or more)
Confirmed appointment and payment
Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality and purpose

A caution for foreigners: do not let your visa expire. An overstay can complicate or cancel your clearance. Always check your visa dates before applying.

Child Adoption

You are completing the legal process to adopt a child.

Two valid government-issued IDs
Confirmed appointment and payment
Court documents (custody order, petition, or adoption-related papers)
DSWD endorsements if applicable

Adoption cases can face delays if the legal paperwork is incomplete, so coordinate with your lawyer or social worker before booking.

Business Permit or Licensing

You need clearance for a business registration, license, or financial transaction.

Two valid government IDs
Confirmed appointment and payment
DTI or SEC registration documents (if requested)
Proof of business address (sometimes)

First-Time Jobseekers (Free Service Under RA 11261)

You are looking for work for the very first time and have never held an NBI Clearance before. You qualify for a free clearance under Republic Act 11261.

A Barangay Certificate stating you are a first-time jobseeker
One or two valid government IDs
Registration through the dedicated portal at firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph
No payment, the PHP 155 fee is waived

The free service is valid once only. Use it when you genuinely need the clearance.

Minors (Applicants Under 18)

A child under 18 needs clearance, usually for travel, adoption, or a scholarship.

PSA Birth Certificate of the minor
Valid ID of the minor if available (school ID accepted with the birth certificate)
A parent or guardian must accompany the minor
The accompanying parent’s own valid government ID
Confirmed appointment and payment

There is no remote option for minors. The child must physically attend for biometrics.

What to Bring on Your Appointment Day

Regardless of category, pack this universal kit before you leave home:

Two valid government IDs (originals)
Printed appointment slip with the reference number
Proof of payment (receipt or screenshot)
A pen (some branches still use paper forms)
Any purpose-specific documents from the section above
Decent attire (no sleeveless, shorts, or slippers)

Online Portal and System Requirements

Before you can even book, you need a few things ready for the registration step at clearance.nbi.gov.ph:

Active email address (the system sends a verification code, so use one you can open right away)
Working mobile number registered in your name
A device, ideally a laptop or desktop (the portal is more stable on desktop than mobile)
A stable internet connection (the site struggles on weak signals)
A supported browser, the latest Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
A digital photo of yourself in some cases, for the online profile
Your payment method ready, GCash, Maya, a card, or cash for over-the-counter

If the site keeps crashing, it is usually high traffic on Monday mornings or lunch hours. Clear your cache, switch browsers, or try early morning or late evening.

Payment Requirements

The standard appointment fee is PHP 155, broken down as PHP 130 base fee plus PHP 25 system service fee. You pay this after booking your slot and before your appointment is confirmed.

Accepted payment methods include:

GCash
Maya (PayMaya)
7-Eleven (via the CliQQ app)
Bayad Center
SM Bills Payment
Online Banking (BDO, BPI, Landbank, Metrobank, UnionBank, and others)
Visa or Mastercard
Bank Over the Counter

Always save your reference number and screenshot the receipt. You will need proof of payment on appointment day. For a complete fee breakdown across all NBI services, see [LINK: fees-page].

Requirements for Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Pregnant Women

These groups have walk-in privileges at select branches and may skip the online appointment, but they still need to bring proof:

Senior citizens: OSCA-issued Senior Citizen ID plus one more valid ID
Persons with disability: valid PWD ID plus one more valid ID
Pregnant women: proof of pregnancy (a doctor’s note or visible pregnancy) plus two valid IDs
Solo parents: Solo Parent ID at branches that honor the privilege

All of them still pay the PHP 155 fee and still undergo biometrics. The privilege is about skipping the appointment queue, not the requirements themselves. Mall branches sometimes refuse walk-ins due to space, so call ahead.

Lost or Stolen ID? Here Are Your Options

Losing an ID right before your appointment is stressful but not the end of the road. Here is what helps:

File an Affidavit of Loss. A notarized affidavit of loss is widely accepted as supporting evidence, especially when paired with one remaining valid ID.
Use a secondary ID combination. If you lost your primary ID, two strong secondary IDs (for example, a Postal ID plus a Voter’s Certificate) can often work.
Get a replacement early. If time allows, request a replacement for your lost ID before your appointment.
Bring your PSA Birth Certificate. While not an ID on its own, it strengthens a thin set of documents.

When in doubt, call the branch ahead of time and ask what combination they will accept. Policies vary slightly between branches.

What If You Only Have One Valid ID?

Many first-time applicants, especially young people, only have one government ID. You have a few paths:

Pair it with a PSA Birth Certificate. One valid government ID plus a PSA Birth Certificate is accepted at many branches.
Pair it with a school ID. For students, a current school ID (with seal and signature) plus a birth certificate often works.
Apply for a quick second ID first. A Postal ID or a TIN ID is relatively fast and cheap to obtain.
Bring a company ID as backup. While not valid alone, it can support your single government ID at some branches.

The safest route is always two government-issued IDs. If you cannot manage that, call the branch and confirm your specific combination before you travel.

Common Reasons Applicants Get Turned Away

Avoid these and your trip will be smooth:

Expired ID (the number one cause of rejection)
Photocopy instead of original
ID name does not match the booking details
Only one valid ID with no supporting document
Bringing a barangay clearance or company ID as the only proof
No printed appointment slip (at branches that still require paper)
Payment not yet reflected in the system
Improper attire (shorts, sleeveless, slippers)
Arriving past the 30-minute grace period

A few minutes of checking before you leave home saves you a wasted trip and a second appointment booking.

Updated 2026 Requirements You Should Know

A few things have changed or become more standardized recently:

The PhilSys National ID is now fully accepted as a primary ID at all branches. If you have one, it is one of the strongest IDs you can bring.
Digital copies are still generally not accepted. Despite the push toward digital government services, most NBI branches still require the physical ID card.
First-time jobseeker free service continues under RA 11261 through the dedicated portal.
The PHP 155 total fee remains standard (PHP 130 plus PHP 25 service fee), though some payment channels add their own small charge.
Walk-in privileges for seniors, PWDs, and pregnant women remain in effect at most branches.

Requirements can shift, so always confirm with the official portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph if you are unsure about a specific document.

FAQs

Three things apply to every applicant: a valid government-issued ID (two is safest), a confirmed online appointment booked through clearance.nbi.gov.ph, and proof of payment for the PHP 155 fee. Everything else depends on your specific purpose for applying.

Generally no. Only senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant women, and solo parents have walk-in privileges at select branches. All other applicants must book online first or they will be turned away at the counter.

Two valid government-issued IDs is the standard and the safest. Some branches accept one valid ID paired with a supporting document like a PSA Birth Certificate, especially for first-time applicants who only have one ID. When in doubt, bring two.

A HIT means your name (or a close variation) matches an existing entry in the NBI database. This is common for people with common names. It does not mean you have a record. Bring your birth certificate, additional IDs, and any documents that establish your identity, and the verification team will clear it, usually within 5 to 10 working days.

Conclusion

The whole point of an NBI Clearance is to confirm you are who you say you are and that you have a clean record. That is why the requirements center so heavily on valid identification. Get your two IDs sorted, make sure they are unexpired and original, book your appointment, pay the fee, and bring any purpose-specific documents, and the rest of the process is smooth.

The single best piece of advice on this entire page: check your IDs before you leave home. An expired or forgotten ID is the most common reason applicants waste a trip. A two-minute check saves you a second appointment and another PHP 155.

If you have a question about a specific document, the NBI Help Desk can be reached at:

Email: support@nbi.gov.ph or nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph
Trunkline: (632) 8524-8231 to 38
Website: clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday

Prepare your documents once, prepare them right, and you will have your clearance in hand in a single visit.