NBI Clearance Requirements 2026 — Complete List of Documents & IDs
Everything you need to bring for an NBI Clearance — the basic requirements, the full list of accepted IDs, and the extra documents needed for first-timers, renewals, OFWs, foreigners, and special cases.
What Do You Need for NBI Clearance in 2026?
For a regular NBI Clearance you need two valid, original government-issued IDs, a registered online account with your correct personal details, a booked appointment, and the paid fee (₱130 plus a small e-payment service charge). First-time job seekers can apply free under RA 11261 with a barangay certificate. Renewals also bring the old NBI Clearance; OFWs and foreigners have a few extra documents.
Basic Requirements for All Applicants
Almost everyone needs the same four things. Extra documents only apply to specific situations, covered further down.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Two valid government IDs | Original and unexpired — see the full accepted list below |
| NBI online account | Registered and verified at the official portal |
| Correct personal information | Full name, birth date, address, and active contact number |
| Paid fee | ₱130 base fee, plus a small e-payment service charge |
Valid IDs Accepted by the NBI
Bring any two of the following original, unexpired government-issued IDs. Photocopies and digital-only IDs are not accepted.
| Accepted ID | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| UMID (SSS / GSIS) | SSS / GSIS |
| Philippine Passport | DFA |
| PhilHealth ID | PhilHealth |
| Voter’s ID or Certification of Registration | COMELEC |
| BIR TIN ID | BIR |
| PRC License | Professional Regulation Commission |
| Driver’s License | LTO |
| Pag-IBIG ID (not the Loyalty Card) | Pag-IBIG Fund |
| Postal ID | PHLPost |
| PSA / NSO Birth Certificate (authenticated) | PSA |
| Solo Parent ID | LGU |
| PNP Clearance (from your resident jurisdiction) | PNP |
| Seaman’s Book | MARINA |
| School ID with current registration card | Accredited school |
| Senior Citizen / PWD ID | LGU |
| MARINA ID | MARINA |
| Security License ID (security guard) | PNP-SAGSD |
| Malacañang certification (indigenous group / tribal / foundling) | Office of the President |
Personal Information You’ll Provide
When you register, encode these exactly as they appear on your IDs to avoid a data-mismatch “HIT”: full name (with middle name and suffix), date and place of birth, address, civil status, and an active mobile number and email.
Quick Requirements Checklist
Requirements by Applicant Type
On top of the basics, some applicants need extra documents. Find your situation below.
First-Time Applicants
Just the basics: two valid IDs, a registered account, correct details, and the paid fee. Your record is created fresh in the system.
First-Time Job Seekers (Free, RA 11261)
Add a barangay certificate proving first-time job-seeker status to have the fee waived once. The fee shows as ₱0 at checkout.
Renewal Applicants
Bring your old NBI Clearance (or NBI ID number) plus two valid IDs. Online renewal is for clearances issued 2014 onward with unchanged details. See the renewal guide.
OFWs / Applicants Abroad
Prepare scanned copies of your passport and old clearance; renew online if eligible, or file through a Philippine embassy or an authorized representative.
Foreign Nationals in the Philippines
Bring your passport and, where required, your ACR I-Card or proof of legal stay, plus a second valid ID. Details must match your travel documents.
Name Change (Married or Legal)
You cannot renew — file a new application and submit supporting documents such as a PSA marriage certificate or court order for the change.
Minors / Applicants Under 18
Bring a PSA birth certificate and a valid ID; a parent or guardian and their ID are usually required. Confirm your branch’s specific rules.
Lost NBI Clearance
Re-apply (or renew if you still have the NBI ID number). For a lost copy you may file an affidavit of loss; you pay the fee again.
Record or Pending Case (“HIT”)
No extra document to start, but be ready to present IDs and, if asked, supporting papers during verification. See the HIT section below.
Requirements by Purpose
The documents are largely the same whatever your reason — the difference is what you do with the clearance afterward.
| Purpose | What to know |
|---|---|
| Local / overseas employment | Standard requirements; employers often want a clearance issued within the last 3–6 months |
| Visa / immigration / residency | Standard requirements; embassies may ask for a recent copy and sometimes authentication |
| Travel abroad | Standard requirements; keep it unexpired before departure |
| Child adoption / legal | Standard requirements; the requesting agency may specify additional documents |
| Personal background check | Standard requirements; useful to confirm a clean record or catch a namesake issue |
Photo, Biometrics & Dress Code
At the branch, staff capture your photograph, fingerprints, and signature — the in-person part that confirms your identity. It takes only a couple of minutes.
Dress neatly as for a government office: avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, and slippers, and nothing that hides your face in the photo.
Bring exactly the two IDs you selected when booking, plus your reference number and proof of payment. For slot and day-of details, see the appointment guide.
Summary Table of NBI Clearance Requirements
The basics plus the one extra document each situation needs.
| Applicant | Core requirement | Extra document | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular / first-time | 2 valid IDs + account | None | ~₱155 |
| First-time job seeker | 2 valid IDs + account | Barangay certificate | Free |
| Renewal | 2 valid IDs + account | Old NBI Clearance / ID no. | ~₱155 (or ~₱355 w/ delivery) |
| OFW / abroad | Passport + old clearance | Embassy or representative papers | Varies |
| Foreign national | Passport + 2nd ID | ACR I-Card / proof of stay | ~₱155 |
| Name change | 2 valid IDs + account | Marriage cert / court order | ~₱155 |
Fees & Payment Requirements
The official base fee is ₱130; the small service fee depends on how you pay.
Accepted payment methods
A ₱130 base fee plus a service charge of roughly ₱25–₱30 (varies by channel). Confirm the total at checkout.
Fee Waivers (Who Gets It Free)
First-time job seekers qualify for a one-time free clearance under Republic Act 11261. Present a barangay certificate confirming your first-time job-seeker status, and the fee shows as ₱0 at checkout. The waiver applies once and cannot be used for renewals.
If You Get a “HIT” Status
A “HIT” means your name matched a record in the NBI database. It does not automatically mean you have a case — it triggers a verification step.
- No Hit: records are clear and the clearance is printed and released, often the same day.
- With Hit: you may be asked to return on a scheduled date while records are checked.
- For Quality Control: some HITs go to a Quality Control interview, where an officer verifies records against any derogatory entry before release.
Never pay a “fixer” to clear a HIT — verification is part of the official, free process.
What If You Forget or Lack a Document?
If you arrive without the two original IDs you selected, the branch cannot complete your biometrics and you will need to reschedule. Bring backups where possible. If you only have one valid ID, secure a second from the accepted list before your appointment — a PSA birth certificate or Postal ID is often the easiest to obtain. If you lack your barangay certificate as a first-time job seeker, you can still apply by paying the normal fee.
NBI Clearance Requirements — FAQs
Conclusion
For most people, NBI Clearance requirements come down to two valid original IDs, a registered account, accurate details, and the ₱130 fee. First-time job seekers add a barangay certificate to apply free; renewals add the old clearance; OFWs and foreigners have a few extra documents. Match your details exactly, bring originals, and prepare anything specific to your situation.