NBI Clearance Requirements 2026 Documents, Valid IDs & All Cases
One of the most common reasons people get turned away at NBI branches on appointment day is a simple documents problem — wrong ID, expired ID, or a document that NBI does not accept. This guide covers everything you need to bring for every type of NBI Clearance application: new applicants, renewal, first-time job seekers, OFWs, foreigners, and HIT cases.
Read this before you book your appointment, not after.
Bring 2 original government-issued IDs + payment reference. No passport photo needed. Register online first. First-time job seekers bring Barangay Certificate for free clearance.
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum IDs Required | 2 valid government-issued IDs (originals only) |
| Passport Photo | Not needed — NBI takes your photo during biometrics |
| Online Registration | Required at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before branch visit |
| Payment | ₱155 total (₱130 + ₱25 e-payment fee) |
| First-Time Job Seekers | Free — with Barangay Certificate + Oath of Undertaking |
| Age Requirement | 18 years old and above; minors with parent/guardian |
| Official Website | clearance.nbi.gov.ph |
Last updated: July 2026 | This is an unofficial guide. Always verify at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
Basic NBI Clearance Requirements for All Applicants
These requirements apply to everyone, regardless of your reason for applying or your applicant category. Think of these as the non-negotiables — missing any one of them means you cannot be processed at the branch.
NBI Clearance Valid ID List 2026 — What to Bring
The NBI accepts the following government-issued IDs. You need to present two from this list. Primary IDs are stronger and more widely accepted. Secondary IDs are accepted but are better used as your second ID alongside a primary one.
| ID Type | Issuing Agency | Accepted As | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Passport | DFA | Primary | Best ID to bring — universally accepted |
| Philippine National ID (PhilSys) | PSA | Primary | eGovPH app or PSA-issued card |
| Driver’s License | LTO | Primary | Must not be expired |
| SSS UMID Card | SSS | Primary | Only UMID format — not old SSS card |
| GSIS eCard | GSIS | Primary | For government employees |
| PRC License | PRC | Primary | Accepted for all licensed professions |
| Voter’s ID / Certification | COMELEC | Primary | Certification with photo accepted |
| Senior Citizen ID | OSCA | Primary | With photo and clear details |
| PWD ID | NCDA / LGU | Primary | Government-issued PWD card |
| Seaman’s Book (SIRB) | MARINA | Primary | For maritime workers |
| PhilHealth ID (digitized) | PhilHealth | Secondary | PVC card preferred; paper version often rejected |
| Pag-IBIG ID | HDMF | Secondary | Use as 2nd ID alongside a primary |
| Postal ID (PVC plastic) | PHLPost | Secondary | Only the PVC digital version — not paper/laminated |
| TIN ID (BIR) | BIR | Secondary | Paper cardboard type often rejected as primary ID |
| School ID + Registration Form | School / University | Secondary | Must be current year registration form |
| PSA Birth Certificate (original) | PSA | Supporting | Use as secondary document if IDs are limited |
| Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) | Bureau of Immigration | For Foreigners | Required for foreign nationals applying in PH |
IDs That Are Commonly Rejected Do Not Rely On These Alone
These documents are frequently brought by applicants who then get turned away. Know which ones will cause problems before your appointment day.
| Document | Why It Gets Rejected |
|---|---|
| Company ID / Employee ID | Not a government-issued ID — never accepted |
| Barangay ID | Often rejected unless combined with a government ID |
| Barangay Clearance / Certificate | This is a document, not an ID — not accepted as verification |
| Police Clearance | Supporting document only — not an identity verification ID |
| Paper / Laminated Postal ID | Only the PVC plastic version is accepted |
| Paper TIN Card (cardboard) | Often rejected as primary ID — bring PSA Birth Certificate as backup |
| Old SSS Card (non-UMID) | Only UMID-format SSS card is accepted |
| Paper PhilHealth Card | Non-digitized laminated version usually rejected as primary ID |
| Alumni Card / Membership Card | S&R, Landers, college alumni — not government-issued |
| NBI Clearance itself | Your old clearance is a reference document, not a valid ID |
If your only options are a TIN ID and a PhilHealth card, bring a PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate as a supporting document. Some branches will process you with this combination.
NBI Clearance Photo Requirements
You do not need to bring a passport photo to your NBI appointment. The NBI branch captures your official photo digitally during biometrics. However, your appearance on the day matters because this photo will appear on your clearance.
NBI Clearance Age Requirement
The standard minimum age for NBI Clearance is 18 years old. Applicants who are 18 and above can apply independently with no additional requirements beyond the standard document list.
Minors aged 15 to 17 may apply for NBI Clearance in certain circumstances, such as scholarship applications or school requirements. They must:
Children below 15 years old are generally not required to obtain NBI Clearance. Check with the requesting institution if they specifically need it for a minor under 15.
Requirements by Applicant Type — All Cases Covered
1. New Applicants — First-Time NBI Clearance
If you have never applied for an NBI Clearance before, or your last clearance was issued before 2014, you are a new applicant.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Online registration | Create an account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph |
| Two valid government IDs | Both originals — see accepted ID list above |
| Payment | ₱155 total (₱130 + ₱25 e-payment fee) |
| Appointment confirmation | Date, time, and selected branch |
| Payment reference number | Save immediately after payment |
2. First-Time Job Seekers — Free NBI Clearance
Under Republic Act 11261, first-time job seekers qualify for a completely free NBI Clearance. This benefit is used only once in your lifetime.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Barangay First-Time Job Seeker Certification | Proves residency for at least 6 months and active job seeking |
| Oath of Undertaking | Signed document from Barangay confirming good faith use of the benefit |
| One valid government-issued ID | From the accepted ID list |
| Registration portal | Must use firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph — not the regular NBI portal |
| Fee | Free — no ₱130 clearance fee; only ₱25 e-payment fee may apply depending on channel |
This free benefit is for first-time job seekers only. If you have already received a free NBI or Police Clearance before, you must pay the regular ₱155 fee. Misuse of this privilege can result in your application being denied.
3. Renewal Applicants — NBI Clearance Issued from 2014 Onwards
If your previous NBI Clearance was issued from 2014 onwards and your personal details have not changed, renewal is simpler than a new application.
| Requirement | Quick Renewal (Online) | Standard Renewal (Branch) |
|---|---|---|
| Old NBI Clearance | NBI ID number from old clearance | Bring original copy |
| Valid IDs | Not required during online process | Two original government IDs |
| Delivery address | Required — clearance mailed to you | Not needed — picked up at branch |
| Appointment | Not required | Required — book online first |
| Fee | ₱155 + ₱200–₱300 delivery | ₱155 — no delivery charge |
| Processing time | 5–10 business days delivery | Same day if No Hit |
Cannot use renewal if: your name, birthdate, or birthplace changed; you lost your old clearance; your old clearance is from before 2014 and was not digitized. In these cases, apply for a new clearance.
For the complete renewal process, see our NBI Clearance Renewal Online 2026 guide.
4. Lost NBI Clearance — Replacement Requirements
If your NBI Clearance was lost, damaged, or destroyed, you need to apply for a replacement. You cannot use the renewal process without your old clearance number.
Your records are still in the NBI database even if you lost the physical clearance. The replacement process may move faster because your biometrics are already on file.
5. OFW and Filipinos Abroad — NBI Clearance Requirements
Filipinos working or living outside the Philippines can apply for NBI Clearance through the NBI Mailed Clearance Section or the online renewal portal if eligible.
For OFWs with Clearance Issued from 2014 Onwards (Quick Renewal Eligible)
For OFWs Applying for New Clearance or Pre-2014 Clearance Holders
Submit the following documents to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section:
| Document | Where to Get It |
|---|---|
| NBI Form No. 5 | Philippine Embassy or Consular Office in your country |
| Fingerprint impressions (rolled) | Philippine Embassy, Consular Office, or nearest local police station |
| Two 2×2 colored ID photos (white background) | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Photocopy of valid passport (biodata page) | Your own passport |
| Old NBI Clearance (if renewing) | Your previous clearance certificate |
| Authorization letter | If a representative in the Philippines will handle it |
Mail documents to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section. Processing takes 5 working days after NBI receives complete documents. International mailing time is additional.
Contact for overseas applications: mailedclearance@nbi.gov.ph
6. Foreign Nationals Applying in the Philippines
Foreigners residing in or visiting the Philippines can apply for NBI Clearance for immigration, business, or other legitimate purposes.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card)An | Issued by the Bureau of Immigration is required as primary ID |
| Valid Passport (original) | Must be the currently valid passport |
| Proof of residence in the Philippines | Utility bill, lease contract, or similar document |
| Online registration | At clearance.nbi.gov.ph |
| Appointment booking | Same process as local applicants |
| Payment | ₱155 same as local applicants |
Tourists on short visits may have difficulty getting NBI appointments due to slot availability. Contact the NBI main office directly if you have a time-sensitive requirement.
7. Applicants with HIT Status — Additional Requirements
A HIT result does not mean you have a criminal record. It means the NBI system flagged your name for additional verification — often because someone with a similar name or birthdate has a case in the database.
If you receive a HIT, you will be given a return date. On that date, bring:
The NBI Quality Control Section will conduct a brief interview. Answer questions truthfully. Most HIT cases involving name similarities are resolved within 3–10 working days.
8. Minors (Ages 15–17) — Special Requirements
Minors between 15 and 17 years old may apply for NBI Clearance for school, scholarship, or special requirements. They cannot apply independently.
What to Bring on NBI Appointment Day Complete Checklist
Use this checklist the night before your appointment to make sure you have everything ready.
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID #1 (original) | Yes | From the accepted ID list — original only |
| Valid ID #2 (original) | Yes | Must be a separate ID, not a copy of ID #1 |
| Appointment details | Yes | Printed or screenshot — branch, date, time |
| Payment reference number | Yes | Screenshot or written note |
| Payment receipt / e-wallet proof | Yes | GCash screenshot, bank confirmation, etc. |
| Old NBI Clearance | If renewing | Original copy for standard renewal |
| Barangay Certificate + Oath | First-time job seekers | Both documents from Barangay Hall |
| PSA Birth Certificate | For HIT / minors / backup | Original PSA-authenticated copy |
| NBI Form No. 5 | OFW abroad only | From Philippine Embassy or Consulate |
| ACR I-Card | Foreign nationals only | Required for foreigners applying in PH |
| Decent clothing (no sleeveless) | Yes | You will be photographed at biometrics |
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time. Have your documents organized and ready before you reach the counter — it speeds up the process for you and the applicants behind you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Preparing your NBI Clearance requirements ahead of time is the single best way to avoid a wasted trip. Bring two original government-issued IDs, complete your online registration first, and have your payment reference ready. For the full step-by-step booking process, see our NBI Online Appointment 2026 guide.