How many IDs do you need?
The NBI Citizen’s Charter says the standard clearance service requires two valid identification cards issued by the government. The current How to Apply page also tells branch visitors to bring two original, unexpired IDs.
By “standard route” we mean the regular paid application: register on the official portal, pay, book an appointment and visit a branch. The two-ID rule comes from the NBI Citizen’s Charter for the clearance service and is repeated on the current How to Apply page. If you are starting from zero, the complete NBI Clearance application guide walks through the full process from registration to claiming.
Examples named by current NBI guidance
| Document | Current official mention |
|---|---|
| Philippine Passport | Named as an example |
| Driver’s License | Named as an example |
| National ID / PhilID | Named as an example |
| UMID | Named as an example |
| Postal ID | Named as an example |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Included among examples in the current NBI how-to page |
Because branch practice and acceptable supporting documents can change, use the current NBI portal and branch instructions if your ID type is unusual. For the full document set beyond IDs, see the NBI Clearance requirements guide.
Why this is an examples list, not a complete list
The NBI names examples rather than publishing an exhaustive list of every acceptable ID, and branch practice can change over time. If your ID type is unusual — for example a newly issued ID format — check the current NBI portal and branch instructions instead of relying on a third-party list that may be outdated.
What “government-issued” means in practice
A government-issued ID is a document issued by a Philippine government agency that identifies you — every example in the table above falls in this category. Company IDs, school IDs and membership cards are not in the same category, so do not count on them as one of your two required IDs.
First-Time Job Seekers
The FTJS Citizen’s Charter requires the Barangay Certification and two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates. This is a separate program-specific checklist.
The Barangay Certification
The FTJS Citizen’s Charter requires the Barangay Certification together with two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates. Secure the certification from your barangay before your appointment so the branch visit is not delayed by a missing document.
Certificates as alternatives
The charter allows “two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates” — meaning applicants who do not have two standard IDs may present certificates the program accepts. Because this is program-specific, confirm with the official FTJS guidance which certificates count, and read the First-Time Job Seeker guide for the full program checklist.
How to choose the two IDs you will bring
Choose documents that are current, original and consistent with the identity details in your NBI profile. If one document shows a different name format, old civil status or other discrepancy, bringing a second clean supporting ID can help the branch understand the situation, but the NBI still controls what it accepts.
Pair a photo ID with a strong supporting document
Put your clearest, most current photo ID first — the one whose photo still looks like you and whose details match your records. Use the second ID to back it up. Two IDs that tell the same identity story cause fewer questions than two documents that seem to describe different people.
Keep your NBI online profile consistent
The name, birth date and other details saved in your NBI online account should match your IDs. If you spot a mismatch between your profile and your documents, correct the profile through the official portal before the appointment rather than hoping the branch will overlook it. See the NBI online registration guide for managing your account details.
National ID / PhilID
The current NBI how-to page lists National ID among its examples. If you use it, make sure the identity details match the information saved in your NBI account.
PSA Birth Certificate
The same current how-to page includes a PSA Birth Certificate among examples. Because a birth certificate is not the same type of photo ID as a passport or driver’s license, applicants with unusual document combinations should follow the latest branch instructions rather than relying on a third-party one-size-fits-all list.
Check document quality, not only the ID name
An ID type appearing in an example list does not help if the document is expired, damaged, unreadable or conflicts with the application. Prepare two strong originals and examine them before the appointment — then add these checks to what to bring to your NBI appointment.
| Check | Safer preparation |
|---|---|
| Validity | Confirm the ID has not expired or been cancelled. |
| Legibility | The photograph, name, number and identifying details should be readable. |
| Name consistency | Compare spelling, order, suffix and middle-name treatment with the NBI profile. |
| Original | Do not plan to substitute a screenshot or ordinary photocopy where originals are required. |
| Backup | Carry another strong government ID if available in case clarification is needed. |
Expired or cancelled IDs
NBI guidance is direct: the IDs should be original and not expired. An expired passport or driver’s license does not satisfy the requirement even if it served you well for years — renew the document first, or choose a different ID from the examples list.
Damaged or unreadable documents
A valid ID type does not help if the photo is faded beyond recognition, the name is scratched off or the card is cracked. If your best ID is in poor condition, bring it anyway as a backup but lead with the cleaner document, and consider replacing the damaged one before your appointment.
If the names on your IDs differ
Do not guess how a maiden name, married name, suffix, missing middle name or spelling difference will be resolved. Bring the strongest supporting civil or legal document available and ask the official NBI channel or branch what your situation requires. This independent site cannot approve an ID combination in advance.
Common situations
Maiden name versus married name, a missing or extra middle name, a suffix such as Jr. or III that appears on one document but not the other, and simple spelling differences are the cases applicants ask about most. Any of these can slow down branch processing if you arrive unprepared.
What to prepare
Bring the strongest supporting civil or legal document you have — for example a PSA-issued civil registry document that connects the two name formats — and ask the official NBI channel or the branch what your situation requires. Do not guess, and never alter a document to make the names match: an edited document creates a bigger problem than a name difference.
What happens if an ID is not accepted at the branch
Rejection is uncommon when you follow the guidance above, but the branch applies the current official rules — not this guide — so the staff’s decision on the day is final.
The branch makes the final call
Branch staff check your documents against the current NBI guidance. If they say an ID is not acceptable, ask politely what alternative they will accept rather than arguing the point. The visit goes faster when you work with their instructions, and they deal with document questions every day.
How to recover the visit
If you brought a backup ID, present it and continue. If you need a different document that you do not have with you, you may need to return on another day — check the NBI appointment guide for scheduling. This is the practical reason the safer rule is to bring more than the minimum: a spare strong ID turns a potential wasted trip into a minor delay.
Valid ID FAQs
Can I bring only one valid ID?
Our recommendation is no for the standard route. The official sources we reviewed say two government-issued IDs are required.
Can I use an expired ID?
Current NBI guidance says the IDs should be original and not expired.
Can first-time job seekers use certificates?
The FTJS Citizen’s Charter says two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates may be used alongside the required Barangay Certification.
Is a PSA birth certificate enough on its own?
The current NBI how-to page includes it among its examples, but it is not a photo ID like a passport or driver’s license. Pair it with a strong photo ID and follow the latest branch instructions for unusual document combinations.
What if the names on my IDs are different?
Bring the strongest supporting civil or legal document available and ask the official NBI channel or branch what your situation requires. Do not guess how a name difference will be resolved.
Are photocopies or phone photos of IDs accepted?
Current guidance calls for original IDs. Do not plan to substitute a screenshot or ordinary photocopy where originals are required.
Where can I check the full document list for my application type?
See the NBI Clearance requirements guide, which separates the standard, First-Time Job Seeker and overseas document sets.