Last reviewed: October 2, 2026 by the NBI Clearance Online Editorial Team
To get an NBI clearance you need two valid government-issued IDs (original and not expired), your online reference number, and proof that you paid. That’s the core requirement for everyone. Some applicants need one or two extra documents, such as first-time jobseekers, foreign nationals, and anyone whose name has changed.
Below is the complete NBI clearance requirements checklist for 2026, including the exact list of IDs shown on the official online application form, so you don’t get turned away at the branch.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. NBI Clearance Online is an independent guide, not the NBI or a government agency. Applications are made only on the official NBI Clearance website (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) or at an NBI branch. Never send copies of your IDs to anyone offering to “process” your clearance.
Requirements at a glance
| Applicant | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Everyone (new application) | 2 valid government-issued IDs (original, not expired), online reference number, proof of payment |
| First-time jobseeker (RA 11261) | Barangay certification (official letterhead, dry seal, signed by the Punong Barangay or authorized officer) + 2 valid IDs or acceptable certificates; no fee |
| Married name or name change | Everything above + PSA marriage certificate or the PSA document showing the change |
| Foreign national | Passport and ACR I-Card details (number, date and place of issue) are asked in the online form; bring the originals |
| Applying from abroad by mail | NBI Form No. 5 with rolled fingerprints, 2×2 photo, passport bio page copy, ₱200 payment |
| Online renewal | Your old NBI ID number; see the renewal guide for details |
On this page:
- Basic requirements for every applicant
- Valid IDs: the official list
- First-time applicants
- If your name has changed
- Foreign nationals
- What to bring on the day
- Common mistakes
- FAQs
Basic requirements for every applicant
Every NBI clearance applicant needs the same three things:
- Two valid government-issued IDs: original, not expired, and showing the same name and birth date as your online profile. The NBI’s Citizen’s Charter lists “two valid identification cards issued by the government” as the requirement.
- Your online reference number, which you get after booking on the official NBI Clearance website.
- Proof of payment: ₱130 plus the e-payment charge, unless you qualify as a first-time jobseeker.
You also need an active email address and mobile number to register online, because the system sends a one-time password (OTP).
Valid IDs for NBI clearance: the official list
When you click “Apply for Clearance” on the official NBI Clearance website, the form asks you to choose your “Type of ID”. As of October 2026, these are the options it lists:
| ID type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Philippine passport | Issued by the DFA |
| National ID | PhilSys National ID |
| UMID | Unified Multi-Purpose ID for SSS and GSIS members |
| Driver’s license | Issued by the LTO |
| PRC license | Professional Regulation Commission ID |
| Postal ID | Issued by PHLPost |
| Voter’s ID / certificate of registration | COMELEC voter’s ID or voter’s certification |
| PhilHealth ID | PhilHealth member ID |
| Pag-IBIG ID | Pag-IBIG Fund member ID |
| BIR ID | TIN ID from the Bureau of Internal Revenue |
| Senior citizen ID | For applicants aged 60 and above |
| PSA birth certificate | Listed as an accepted document; useful for matching your name and birth details |
A few practical rules:
- Bring originals. The form tells you to bring the ID you selected for verification, and the NBI asks for original, non-expired IDs.
- Bring two. Choose one ID in the online form, but bring a second accepted ID to the branch.
- Names must match. If your IDs show different surnames, for example a maiden name on one and a married name on another, bring the PSA document that links them.
- Company and school IDs are not on the official list. Don’t rely on them as one of your two IDs.
Requirements for first-time applicants
If you have never had an NBI clearance, you’ll register online, complete your profile, book a branch appointment and pay. Then you’ll visit the branch once for your photo, fingerprints and signature.
Your checklist:
- Two valid IDs from the official list above
- Your online reference number and payment receipt
- An active mobile number and email for the OTP
- Correct personal details that match your PSA birth certificate
For the full booking walkthrough, see our NBI appointment guide.
Looking for work for the first time? Under Republic Act No. 11261 you may get your clearance free with a barangay certification. The NBI requires the certification to be on the barangay’s official letterhead, dry sealed and signed by the Punong Barangay or an authorized barangay officer, plus two valid IDs or acceptable certificates. First-time jobseekers apply through the NBI’s separate first-time jobseeker application. Read more about the free clearance for first-time jobseekers.
If your name has changed
Your clearance is issued under your current legal name, so the NBI needs to see proof of any change:
- Married women using their husband’s surname: bring your PSA marriage certificate, especially if any ID still shows your maiden name.
- Corrected names or birth details: bring the annotated PSA birth certificate or court order.
- Previous clearance under a different name: you’ll usually need to apply as a new applicant rather than use online renewal.
Requirements for foreign nationals
Foreign nationals living in the Philippines can also apply. The online form has separate fields for passport details (number, date and place of issue) and ACR I-Card details (number, date and place of issue) for non-Filipino applicants. Bring your original passport and ACR I-Card to your appointment. If you’re unsure which documents apply to your visa type, ask the branch before your visit.
Other situations
- Applying from outside the Philippines: you’ll need NBI Form No. 5 with rolled fingerprints, a 2×2 photo, a copy of your passport bio page and a ₱200 payment. See how to get an NBI clearance from abroad.
- Had a clearance before? Online renewal only needs your old NBI ID number. See our NBI clearance renewal guide for the full list.
- Got a HIT? You may be asked for court documents if the record is yours. See what an NBI clearance HIT means.
What to bring on the day: printable checklist
Print or screenshot this checklist:
- Online reference number (printed or on your phone)
- Proof of payment / receipt
- Valid ID #1 (the one you selected online), original
- Valid ID #2, original
- PSA marriage certificate or other PSA document, if your name changed
- Barangay certification, if you’re a first-time jobseeker
- Your own pen, and proper attire for the photo (no sando, tank tops, shorts or slippers)
Common mistakes that get applicants sent home
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Bringing an expired ID | Check the expiry dates of both IDs before your appointment day. |
| Only one ID | Always bring a second accepted ID, even if you selected only one online. |
| Name mismatch | Make your online profile match your IDs and PSA birth certificate exactly, including middle name and suffix. |
| Photocopies only | Bring the original IDs; copies alone are not enough for verification. |
| Unofficial barangay certificate | First-time jobseekers need the official letterhead, dry seal and the Punong Barangay’s or authorized officer’s signature. |
| Wrong attire | Wear a collared or plain top; sando, tank tops, shorts and slippers aren’t allowed for the photo. |
FAQs about NBI requirements
How many valid IDs do I need for NBI clearance?
Two valid government-issued IDs, original and not expired. You select one in the online form and present both at the branch.
Can I use a company ID or school ID?
They are not on the list of ID types in the official online form. Use two IDs from the official list instead.
Is a PSA birth certificate accepted as an ID?
The official online form lists the PSA birth certificate as an accepted document type. It’s also useful for proving your name and birth details if your IDs don’t match exactly.
Is the National ID accepted?
Yes. “National ID” is one of the ID types on the official NBI application form.
Can I use an expired ID?
No. The NBI asks for original IDs that are not expired. Renew your ID first or bring two other valid IDs.
Are photocopies of IDs enough?
No. Bring the original IDs; the form notes that you must bring the document you selected for verification.
Do first-time jobseekers still need valid IDs?
Yes. Along with the barangay certification, the NBI asks for two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates, such as a birth certificate or voter’s registration certificate.
Spotted something that changed?
The NBI can update its list of accepted IDs and requirements at any time. If anything here doesn’t match the official online form or what the branch told you, please let us know and we’ll check and update this checklist. See how we verify every guide in our editorial policy.