When applying for a passport in the Philippines, it’s important to know which documents are accepted for identification purposes. One common question is whether the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance is a valid ID for passport application. This article will explain the role of NBI clearance and its acceptability in the passport application process.
Is NBI A Valid ID For Passport?
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines specifies a list of valid identification documents required for passport applications. According to the latest guidelines, the following IDs are acceptable for passport application:
Primary IDs:
- Philippine Identification (PhilID) / ePhilID
- Digital National ID (printed copy must be submitted): Applicants will be required to generate the digital ID via the website: national-id.gov.ph or the eGovPH mobile application during processing for document verification.
Alternative IDs (in lieu of the PhilID / ePhilID):
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Card
- Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License: (Driver’s License cards expiring on 24 April until 31 October 2023 and said expired cards perforated during the renewal process are accepted together with the temporary license in paper format).
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate issued from COMELEC main office in Intramuros, Manila.
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Senior Citizen ID
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or Seafarers Identity Document (SID) (*must be issued Feb 2020 onwards) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Valid or Latest Passport (For Renewal of Passport)
- School ID (if applicable): For minor applicants, if school ID is not applicable, a Certificate of Enrolment with a photo of the minor and dry seal of the school is required. For adult applicants, a School ID and Certificate of Registration are required.
Clearance as a Supporting Document
While the NBI clearance is not listed among the primary or alternative IDs required for passport application, it can still serve as a supporting document. The clearance can be used to supplement your application, especially in cases where additional proof of identity or character is needed.
In conclusion, while the NBI is a valuable document for various legal and employment purposes, it is not considered a primary ID for passport applications in the Philippines. However, it can be used as a supporting document to strengthen your application. To ensure a smooth passport application process, make sure to have all the required primary IDs and any additional supporting documents ready. Have a look at nbi online registration.