Requirements Guide 2026

NBI Clearance Requirements — Complete List of Valid IDs & Documents

Everything you need to prepare before applying for NBI Clearance — accepted valid IDs, required documents for first-time and renewal applicants, plus special requirements for students, OFWs, minors, and foreigners.

📅 Updated: 2026-07-28 ✍️ NBIOnlineClearance.ph Editorial Team ⏱ 15 min read ✅ Fact-checked
✅ Fact-Checked 📋 Official NBI Sources 🔒 Independent Guide

📌 Quick Requirements Summary

1 Valid IDMinimum Required
9 Primary IDsAccepted Alone
10 Secondary IDsWith Supporting Docs
₱155Standard Fee
Overview

What Do You Need to Get NBI Clearance?

Whether you're a first-time applicant or renewing an expired clearance, the core requirements are the same. Here's what every applicant must prepare:

✅ Required for All Applicants

  • At least 1 valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy)
  • Completed online application at clearance.nbi.gov.ph
  • Confirmed appointment schedule
  • Payment of ₱155 fee (or ₱255 for Quick Renewal)
  • Personal appearance at NBI branch for biometrics

📋 Additional (If Applicable)

  • PSA Marriage Certificate — if name changed after marriage
  • Court Order — if legal name change
  • PSA Birth Certificate — for minors (under 18)
  • ACR / ICR — for foreign nationals
  • Certificate of Registration — for students
  • Authorization Letter — for accompanied minors (non-parent)
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Primary IDs

Primary Valid IDs Accepted for NBI Clearance

These government-issued IDs are accepted on their own — one is enough. Must be original, valid (not expired), and bear your photo and signature.

1
Philippine Passport Most widely accepted. Must not be expired.
2
Driver's License (LTO) Physical card with photo. Student permits not accepted.
3
PhilSys National ID (PhilID) ePhilID printout also accepted at most branches.
4
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Issued by SSS or GSIS. Must have photo.
5
SSS ID / SSS UMID Must bear photo and signature. Old paper-based SSS not accepted.
6
GSIS ID / GSIS UMID For government employees. Must have photo.
7
PRC License Professional Regulation Commission license card with photo.
8
Voter's ID / COMELEC VRN Voter's Registration Number printout with photo also accepted.
9
Seaman's Book MARINA-issued. Must be valid and bear photo.
Secondary IDs

Secondary / Supporting IDs Accepted for NBI Clearance

These IDs are accepted but may require an additional supporting document at some NBI branches. If possible, pair a secondary ID with another ID.

1
Postal ID (2015 series onwards) Older versions may not be accepted.
2
PhilHealth ID Must have photo. PhilHealth MDR alone is not accepted.
3
TIN ID (BIR) Must be the card version with photo.
4
Barangay Certification With photo, recent issue. Some branches require additional ID.
5
Company ID Must have company registration number and your photo.
6
School ID Must show current enrollment. Bring Certificate of Registration.
7
Senior Citizen ID Government-issued with photo.
8
PWD ID Government-issued with photo.
9
OFW ID / iDOLE Card Department of Labor and Employment issued.
10
NBI Clearance (previous) Old clearance can serve as supporting ID for renewal.
Not Accepted

IDs and Documents NOT Accepted for NBI Clearance

The following are not valid forms of identification at NBI branches:

❌ Expired IDs of any kind
❌ Photocopies or scanned printouts of IDs
❌ Affidavits or sworn statements alone
❌ Baptismal certificate (no photo)
❌ PSA Birth Certificate alone (no photo)
❌ ATM / debit / credit cards
❌ Gym or club membership cards
❌ Library cards
❌ Unlaminated or damaged IDs
❌ IDs without photo or signature
Special Cases

Requirements for Special Applicants

🎓 Students

School ID (with current enrollment) + Certificate of Registration (COR). Pairing with a primary ID (passport or PhilSys ID) is recommended.

👶 Minors (Under 18)

Must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Bring minor's ID, PSA Birth Certificate, and parent's valid ID. Non-parent guardians need an authorization letter.

✈️ OFWs

Valid passport or OFW ID / iDOLE card. Select "Overseas Employment" as purpose. Can also process at Philippine embassies abroad.

🌍 Foreign Nationals

Valid foreign passport + ACR/ICR. Special permit from Bureau of Immigration if applicable. Must apply at designated NBI branches.

💍 After Marriage (Name Change)

Select "Renewal with Update." Bring PSA Marriage Certificate (original + photocopy). Valid ID can show maiden or married name.

👴 Senior Citizens (60+)

Senior Citizen ID accepted. May receive priority lane at some NBI branches. Standard requirements apply, with no fee exemption.

Comparison

First-Time vs Renewal — Requirements Comparison

RequirementFirst-TimeRenewal
Valid Government ID✅ Required✅ Required
Online Registration✅ New account✅ Existing account
Branch Appointment✅ Required✅ or Quick Delivery
Biometrics Capture✅ Required (first time)⚡ May use existing
Fee₱155₱155 or ₱255 (delivery)
Quick Renewal Delivery❌ Not available✅ If eligible
PSA Marriage CertificateOnly if applicableOnly if name changed
At the Branch

Biometrics Requirements — What Happens at the NBI Branch

At your NBI branch appointment, you will go through biometrics capture. Here's how to prepare:

📸 Photo Capture

  • Wear a plain, collared shirt
  • Remove eyeglasses, hats, earphones
  • Remove heavy jewelry or accessories
  • Keep hair away from your face
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression

🖐 Fingerprint Scanning

  • All 10 fingers will be scanned
  • Wash and dry your hands before
  • Avoid hand lotion — it interferes with scanning
  • Remove rings before scanning
  • Cuts or bandages may require a revisit
Avoid These

Common Mistakes with NBI Clearance Requirements

❌ Bringing an expired ID

Check your ID's expiry date. Expired IDs are rejected at all branches.

❌ Name mismatch

Your ID name must exactly match your online application. Nicknames or shortened names cause HITs.

❌ Forgetting the photocopy

Many branches require a photocopy of your ID. Bring one to avoid delays.

❌ Using a non-accepted ID

Baptismal certificates, ATM cards, and gym IDs are never accepted. Check the list above.

❌ No payment proof

Always save your payment receipt or take a screenshot. No proof = possible rejection.

❌ Minor without a guardian

Applicants under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied minors are turned away.

Expert Advice

Expert Tips — Prepare Your Requirements the Right Way

🪪 No valid ID? The easiest and most affordable government IDs to get are the PhilSys National ID (free) and Postal ID (₱504). Apply for one before scheduling your NBI appointment.
📱 Digital backup: Take clear photos of your ID (front and back) and store them on your phone. If your photocopy is unclear, the branch staff can verify with your digital copy.
📋 Bring two IDs: While only one is required, bringing a second ID avoids problems if your primary ID is questioned or if the branch requires secondary verification.
📌 Name consistency: Before applying online, look at your ID and type your name exactly as printed — including middle name, suffixes (Jr., III), and spacing. This is the #1 cause of HITs.
🛡 Safety: Only use clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Never submit your ID photos to unofficial websites or "fixers" who claim to process NBI Clearance.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — NBI Clearance Requirements

The basic requirements are: (1) at least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature (original plus photocopy), (2) a completed online application at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, (3) a confirmed appointment schedule, (4) payment of the ₱155 fee, and (5) personal appearance at the NBI branch for biometrics capture (photo and fingerprints).
You need at least one (1) valid, government-issued ID with your photo and signature. Primary IDs like a passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys National ID, or PRC license are accepted alone. If you only have a secondary ID (like a Postal ID or Barangay Certification), some branches may require a second supporting document.
Yes. The PhilSys National ID (PhilID) is accepted as a primary valid ID for NBI Clearance applications. Both the physical PhilID card and the ePhilID printout are accepted at most NBI branches. Make sure the name on your PhilID matches the name you entered in the online application.
The NBI does not accept expired IDs, photocopies, baptismal certificates, PSA birth certificates alone (no photo), ATM or credit cards, gym memberships, library cards, unlaminated or damaged IDs, and any ID without a photo or signature. All IDs must be original, valid, and in good condition.
First-time applicants need: a valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy), a completed online registration at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, a confirmed appointment, payment of ₱155, and personal appearance for biometrics (photo and fingerprints). First-time applicants must visit a branch — Quick Renewal Delivery is not available.
Renewal applicants need: an existing NBI account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, a valid government-issued ID, payment of ₱155 (Standard) or ₱255 (Quick Renewal with Delivery), and either a branch appointment or a delivery address. If your name changed, also bring your PSA Marriage Certificate or court order.
Students need a School ID showing current enrollment, plus their Certificate of Registration (COR) or enrollment certification from their school. Since a School ID is a secondary ID, some branches may ask for an additional government-issued ID. A passport or PhilSys ID is the easiest pairing.
OFWs need: a valid passport or OFW ID / iDOLE card, a completed online application with "Overseas Employment" selected as purpose, payment of ₱155, and either a branch appointment in the Philippines or processing through a Philippine embassy/consulate abroad.
Yes. Foreign nationals can apply for NBI Clearance. They need: a valid foreign passport, Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or Immigrant Certificate of Registration (ICR), a Special Permit from the Bureau of Immigration (if applicable), and must apply in person at specific NBI branches that handle foreign applications.
If your name changed after marriage, you need: a PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (original and photocopy), your valid ID (showing either maiden or married name), and you must select "Renewal with Update" on the NBI portal. The PSA Marriage Certificate must be the official PSA copy, not the church or local civil registry copy.
For employment purposes, you need the standard NBI Clearance requirements: valid ID, online application, appointment, and ₱155 fee. Select "Local Employment" as your purpose in the application form. Some employers require a clearance issued within the last 6 months, so apply close to when you need it.
Biometrics capture at the NBI branch includes a digital photo and fingerprint scanning (all 10 fingers). Wear a plain, collared shirt. Remove eyeglasses, hats, and heavy jewelry. Make sure your fingers are clean and dry — avoid hand lotion before your appointment as it can interfere with fingerprint scanning.
No. At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature is required. If you don't have any valid ID, apply for a PhilSys National ID (PhilID) or Postal ID first, as these are the easiest and most affordable government IDs to obtain.
Yes, for branch visits. Bring one clear photocopy of the front (and back, if applicable) of your valid ID along with the original. Some branches have photocopying services nearby, but bringing your own copy avoids delays. For Quick Renewal with Delivery, no photocopy is needed.
The standard NBI Clearance fee is ₱155 for both first-time and renewal applications. Quick Renewal with Delivery costs ₱255 (renewal only). Payment can be made through GCash, Maya, online banking, or over-the-counter at 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, and SM Bills Payment.
Yes, a Barangay Certification is accepted as a secondary ID for NBI Clearance, provided it has your photo and is recently issued. However, since it is a secondary ID, some NBI branches may require you to present an additional supporting document. Pair it with another ID if possible.
Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Requirements include: the minor's valid ID (School ID + COR), a PSA Birth Certificate, the parent/guardian's valid ID, and if the accompanying adult is not a parent, an authorization letter and the parent's valid ID photocopy.
No, bringing your old NBI Clearance is not required for renewal. The NBI system links your renewal to your existing account. However, an old clearance can serve as a supporting ID if needed, and having your previous reference number may speed up processing.
A name mismatch between your valid ID and your NBI online application can trigger a HIT or cause rejection at the branch. Always enter your name exactly as it appears on the ID you will present. If your name changed (marriage, court order), select "Renewal with Update" and bring supporting documents.
No. NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent informational guide. It is NOT affiliated with the NBI, DOJ, or any Philippine government agency. The official NBI Clearance portal is clearance.nbi.gov.ph. We provide free guides based on publicly available official information.
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Sources

Official References

Editorially Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Written by the NBIOnlineClearance.ph Editorial Team and verified against official NBI requirements. Last verified: 2026-07-28.

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⚠ Independent Guide: NBIOnlineClearance.ph is NOT affiliated with the NBI, DOJ, or any government agency. We do not process applications or issue clearances. Official portal: clearance.nbi.gov.ph.