HOW-TO

NBI Clearance Requirements and Fees

What to prepare and what to pay: the accepted IDs, the current fee, and the small details that keep your application from stalling.

Step by step

1. Gather two valid IDsChoose two original, unexpired government IDs whose names and details match. Examples: passport, driver's licence, UMID, PhilID/ePhilID, PRC licence, postal ID, or voter's ID.
2. Check name consistencyMake sure the spelling, middle name, and birthdate are consistent across your IDs and your application. Mismatches can trigger delays or a name-match 'hit'.
3. Register on the official portalCreate your account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and encode your details. See how-to-get-nbi-clearance-online for the full walkthrough.
4. Confirm the current feeThe fee is ₱155 total as of 2026. Check the portal for the exact amount before paying, and add the delivery fee only if you want the document couriered.
5. Pay through an official channelUse GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, bank over-the-counter, or online banking. Keep the reference number and receipt.
6. Bring everything to the branchOn appointment day, present your two original IDs and reference number for biometrics. See how-to-book-nbi-clearance-appointment for scheduling.
7. Note the validityRecord the one-year expiry date so you can renew on time later.

The short list that matters

Most NBI clearance delays trace back to two avoidable things: the wrong IDs and the wrong website. Get those right and the rest is routine. You need two original, unexpired government-issued IDs and a registered account on the official portal, clearance.nbi.gov.ph. The fee is modest and fixed, and the document is valid for a year. Everything else is detail — but the details are where applications stumble.

Before anything, a word on where you apply. The genuine service lives at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, and it is inexpensive by design. Sites that promise to “process” your clearance for a higher price are unnecessary at best. If you are new to the process, our guide on how to get your NBI clearance online shows each screen.

Which IDs the bureau accepts

The NBI asks for government-issued identification with your photo and signature. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Philippine passport
• Driver’s licence
• UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
• PhilID or ePhilID (National ID)
• PRC professional licence
• Postal ID and voter’s ID

Other IDs — such as senior citizen, PWD, or certain agency-issued cards — may also be accepted, sometimes only alongside a primary ID. Because the accepted list is updated from time to time, treat the portal as the final word rather than any third-party summary, including this one.

Why consistency beats quantity

Bringing more IDs does not help if their details disagree. The name spelling, middle name, and birthdate should match across your IDs and your encoded application. Inconsistencies are a common reason an application is slowed or flagged. If your name is also shared by many people, be aware that a name-match “hit” can occur even when your papers are perfect; our guide on what to do if your NBI clearance has a hit explains that this is a checking step, not an accusation.

You will present your ID numbers to NBI staff in person as part of the process — but you should never send your ID number, OTP, password, or card PIN to anyone who contacts you online claiming to help.

The fees, plainly

As of 2026, the fee is ₱130 for the clearance plus a ₱25 e-service charge, giving a total of ₱155. If you opt for home delivery where it is offered, expect an additional charge that varies by location — commonly around ₱200 within Metro Manila and higher for provincial addresses. Fees can change, so confirm the current figures on the portal before you pay, and pay only through official channels such as GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, or your bank.

Beyond IDs and money, a few practical habits smooth the day itself. Bring your reference number, either printed or saved on your phone, since staff use it to pull up your application. Wear something suitable for the photo, as the image appears on the clearance. Arrive on time; a missed slot can mean rebooking. And if you are applying for a specific purpose that an employer or agency specified, encode that purpose accurately during registration so the finished document matches what they expect.

It also helps to think one step ahead about how you will use the clearance. If you need several certified copies, ask at the branch how additional copies are handled rather than assuming. If you would prefer not to collect it in person, check whether delivery is offered for your area and factor in the extra days. Planning these details in advance keeps a single, well-prepared visit from turning into two.

Validity and planning ahead

An NBI clearance is valid for one year from issue. That window matters because employers, agencies, and licensing bodies often want a current copy. Note your expiry date the day you receive the document. When it is time to renew, eligible applicants can frequently do so online without repeating biometrics — a convenience that rewards keeping your records and IDs in good order. For now, prepare two matching IDs, budget ₱155, and use only the official portal, and your requirements are covered.

Gabay is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.