NBI Clearance Requirements
Getting an NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance is one of the most common requirements when applying for a job, securing a business permit, or even processing visas and government documents. If this is your first time applying, the process may seem overwhelming, but once you know the requirements, you’ll find it straightforward.
Primary Requirements for First-Time Applicants
When applying for NBI clearance, you’ll need to bring at least two valid government-issued IDs. The IDs must be original, unexpired, and consistent in your name, birthday, and other details.
Accepted IDs include:
Passport
Driver’s License
UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
SSS ID
PhilHealth ID
Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate
PRC ID (Professional Regulation Commission)
Postal ID
School ID (for students, with registration form)
Senior Citizen ID
OFW ID or Seaman’s Book
PSA-issued Birth Certificate (only if you lack a second valid ID)
👉 Tip: If your name on one ID is spelled differently from the other (e.g., middle initial vs. full middle name), bring supporting documents like your PSA birth certificate or marriage certificate.
Special Categories of NBI Clearance Applications
Not all NBI clearance applications are the same. Depending on your situation, you may fall into a special category that changes the requirements, fees, or process. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Applying for the First Time
If this is your first time applying for an NBI clearance, you’ll need to bring two valid government-issued IDs and register through the NBI Clearance Online Portal. As a first-time applicant, expect to go through the full process: account registration, payment, biometrics, and in-person appearance at an NBI branch.
👉 Note: Make sure the personal information on your IDs matches your online registration. If not, you may be asked to bring supporting documents such as your PSA birth certificate or marriage certificate.
First-Time Job Seekers: Fee Waiver
Under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act of 2019 (RA 11261), if you’re applying for an NBI clearance for your very first job, you won’t have to pay the clearance fee.
To qualify:
You must be a Filipino citizen seeking employment for the first time.
You’ll need a barangay certification confirming that you are a first-time jobseeker.
The fee waiver can only be used once.
This is a big help for new graduates or young workers who are just entering the workforce.
Renewal of NBI Clearance
Renewal is faster and easier than applying for the first time. If your previous NBI clearance was issued from 2014 onwards (when the digital system started), you can:
Log in to the NBI Online Portal, select renewal, and request either branch pickup or door-to-door delivery.
If you want a faster process, you only need one valid government ID.
However, if you’ve changed personal details (like marital status or legal name), you’ll need to go through the regular application instead of renewal.
Replacing a Lost NBI Clearance
Losing your NBI clearance means you’ll have to reapply as if it were your first time. Unfortunately, there’s no “lost clearance replacement” shortcut.
Steps you’ll need to take:
Register again on the NBI Online Portal.
Pay the standard fee.
Set an appointment at your chosen branch.
Bring at least two valid IDs.
It’s a good idea to keep both a digital copy and a laminated physical copy of your clearance in case you lose the original.
NBI Clearance for Overseas Applicants
If you’re currently abroad, you can still apply for or renew your clearance. Here’s how:
Go to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Request an NBI Form No. 5 (Fingerprint Card Form).
Have your fingerprints taken by the embassy staff or an authorized fingerprinting agency.
Send the form, along with a photocopy of your valid passport, passport-size photos, and payment, to the NBI office in Manila.
Processing typically takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need the clearance for visa or employment purposes.
Applying for an NBI clearance doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you prepare your valid IDs ahead of time, schedule your appointment online, and know what to expect at the branch, you’ll be able to secure your clearance quickly.
Whether you need it for work, travel, or government transactions, having your NBI clearance ready means one less obstacle in your plans. Take the time to prepare now, you’ll thank yourself later.
