Applying for an NBI Clearance Online in 2025 requires you to present at least one valid government-issued ID. These IDs serve as proof of your identity, and they must be original, valid, and not expired. Without the proper ID, you will not be allowed to proceed with your application, even if you already have an appointment and payment confirmation.

This guide provides a complete list of valid IDs accepted by NBI, explains why they are important, and gives practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes during your appointment.

List of Valid IDs for NBI Clearance Online

Before diving into valid IDs, you may also want to check our NBI Clearance Online for step-by-step instructions on application, renewal, payment, and appointment booking.

Why Are Valid IDs Required for NBI Clearance?

Valid IDs are required for NBI Clearance to verify your identity, prevent fraud, and ensure your personal records match government databases. Without the correct ID, your application cannot be processed.

The NBI requires a valid ID to:

  • Confirm your full name, birthdate, and photo.
  • Cross-check your identity with official government records.
  • Prevent fraudulent applications and impersonation.
  • Ensure accuracy in your NBI Clearance record.

Even if you booked online and paid the fee, your appointment is useless without a valid ID.

To know more NBI Requirement, visit our article about Requirements for NBI Clearance Online 2025.

Quick List of Valid IDs for NBI Clearance (2025)

Here’s the official list of government-issued IDs you can present when applying for an NBI Clearance Online:

  • Philippine Passport
  • Driver’s License (LTO Plastic Card)
  • Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
  • PhilSys National ID (Philippine Identification Card)
  • Voter’s ID or COMELEC Voter’s Certification
  • Postal ID
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID

  • Senior Citizen ID

  • OFW ID / iDOLE Card

  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for foreign applicants

  • •Birth Certificate (PSA) with supporting documents (only if no government ID is available)

Detailed Guide to Valid IDs for NBI Clearance

Now let’s break down each ID with explanations, pro tips, and reminders 👇

1. Philippine Passport

The Philippine Passport is one of the most reliable IDs for NBI Clearance since it contains your full legal name, photo, and nationality. It must be valid and not expired.

  • Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
  • Best for: Filipinos working abroad (OFWs), seafarers, travelers

Tip: Bring the actual passport, not just a photocopy. Ensure it has at least 6 months validity.

2. Driver’s License (Plastic Card)

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License is widely accepted for NBI Clearance, provided it is the official plastic card and not expired.

  • Issued by: Land Transportation Office (LTO)
  • Can be: Student Permit, Non-Professional, or Professional License

Warning: Paper receipts or temporary permits are not always honored—bring the official plastic card.

3. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)

The UMID card is one of the easiest IDs to present since it is valid across SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG transactions.

  • Issued by: Social Security System (SSS), GSIS
  • Best for: Employees and government workers

Advantage: Compact, durable, and widely accepted across government agencies

4. PhilSys National ID (Philippine Identification Card)

The PhilSys National ID is now accepted in NBI branches. This government ID is gradually becoming the standard primary ID in the Philippines.

  • Issued by: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
  • Advantage: Universal ID for Filipinos, permanent validity

Note: If your PhilSys ID is still in paper format, bring a supporting ID (like Birth Certificate or Barangay Certificate).

5. Voter’s ID / COMELEC Voter’s Certification

Registered voters can present their COMELEC-issued Voter’s ID or request a Voter’s Certification if the ID is not yet available.

  • Issued by: Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
  • Best for: Local residents with voter registration

Reminder: Make sure it is updated with your current address.

6. Postal ID

The Postal ID is among the easiest government IDs to obtain and is accepted by the NBI for clearance application.

  • Issued by: Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
  • Processing time: 7–15 working days

Tip: A good alternative if you lack other major IDs

7. PRC ID (Professional Regulation Commission)

Professionals licensed by the PRC (like engineers, nurses, teachers, accountants) may use their PRC ID for NBI Clearance.

  • Issued by: Professional Regulation Commission
  • Accepted as primary ID, especially for licensed professionals

Reminder: Ensure it is updated and not expired

8. SSS ID

The Social Security System (SSS) ID is also accepted as proof of identity for NBI Clearance.

  • Old Blue SSS ID: Still valid if readable
  • UMID card (newer version): Preferred

9. GSIS ID

Government employees may use their GSIS ID card as a valid ID for NBI Clearance.

  • Issued by: Government Service Insurance System
  • Best for: Teachers, government workers, uniformed personnel

10. Senior Citizen ID

Senior Citizen ID is accepted for NBI Clearance as long as it is valid and issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).

  • Best for: Senior citizens applying for personal transactions
  • Tip: Pair with another ID for faster verification

11. OFW ID (Overseas Employment Certificate / iDOLE Card)

OFWs may use their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or iDOLE ID when applying for NBI Clearance.

  • Best for: Overseas workers returning to the Philippines
  • Reminder: Bring supporting documents like Passport if possible

12. Birth Certificate (with Supporting ID)

Birth Certificates issued by the PSA may be used, but must be paired with another supporting ID, like a Barangay Certificate.

  • Only accepted with supporting documents
  • Best for: First-time jobseekers or applicants without government IDs

Tips When Presenting Valid IDs for NBI Clearance

  • IDs must be original and not expired.
  • Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Damaged, faded, or laminated IDs may be rejected.
  • Bring at least 2 IDs if available, to avoid issues.
  • Make sure the details on your ID match your application form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Bringing an expired ID.
  • Using a temporary receipt instead of the actual card.
  • Presenting an ID with mismatched details (wrong spelling of name).
  • Forgetting to bring supporting documents when required.

FAQs – Valid IDs for NBI Clearance Online

1. Can I use a Barangay Certificate as a valid ID?

No, a Barangay Certificate alone is not accepted. You may use it only as a supporting document with another valid ID.

2. Is a school ID accepted for NBI Clearance?

No. NBI only accepts government-issued IDs.

3. Can I use my company ID?

No. Company IDs are not part of the accepted list.

4. Can I use a PhilHealth ID for NBI Clearance?

Yes, but only the new PVC-type PhilHealth ID is generally accepted. Paper IDs may not be honored.

5. What if my ID is expired?

Expired IDs are not valid. You need to renew your ID before your NBI appointment.

6. Can I use a temporary driver’s license receipt?

Usually no. NBI requires the actual plastic card.

7. Is a Passport required for NBI Clearance?

No, but it is one of the most reliable IDs if you have one.

8. Can minors apply for NBI Clearance?

Yes, but they need a valid government-issued ID (like Passport) and a guardian’s presence.

9. How many IDs do I need to bring?

Only one valid ID is required, but bringing two is safer.

10. Can I use a digital copy of my ID?

No. Only original physical IDs are accepted at the NBI branch.

11. Is a TIN ID valid for NBI Clearance?

The old laminated paper TIN ID is not accepted. Only the new TIN cards (PVC with photo) may be accepted in some branches.

12. Can I use a Student Permit as an ID?

No, only official LTO Driver’s Licenses are accepted.

13. Are Alien Certificates of Registration (ACR) accepted?

Yes, for foreign applicants residing in the Philippines.

14. Can I use a Birth Certificate alone?

No. It must be paired with a supporting ID like Barangay Clearance or PSA documents.

15. Which ID is the fastest to get if I don’t have one?

The Postal ID is the easiest and fastest to obtain within 7–15 working days.

Conclusion

Bringing the correct valid ID is the most important step in applying for an NBI Clearance Online 2025. Without it, your application will not be processed, no matter how complete your online registration or payment is.

 

 

To avoid delays, always:

  • Check if your ID is on the accepted list.
  • Make sure it is original and not expired.
  • Bring at least two IDs if you have them.

By preparing the proper requirements, your NBI appointment will go smoothly, and you’ll get your clearance without unnecessary problems.