What to Bring to NBI Clearance Appointment 2026: Complete Checklist

Getting your NBI Clearance in 2026 is simple if you bring the correct documents. Many applicants face delays because they forget one important item. This complete checklist will help you prepare properly for your appointment at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Whether you need clearance for a job, travel, visa, PRC, or government requirements, this guide covers everything.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

The National Bureau of Investigation strictly verifies your identity before issuing clearance. If your documents are incomplete or incorrect:

• Your appointment may be rescheduled
• You may need to pay again
• Your clearance release could be delayed

So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Item 1: Valid Government-Issued ID

Accepted IDs (Choose ONE)

you can bring any ONE of the following valid IDs:

• Philippine Passport
• Driver’s License
• SSS UMID Card
• PhilSys National ID (ePhilID)
• PRC Professional License
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• PWD ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• TIN ID (with photo)
• GSIS eCard
• Government Employee ID
• Seaman’s Book

ID Requirements

• Must be ORIGINAL (not photocopy only)
• Must be VALID (not expired)
• Must have your photo
• Name must match your NBI online application

What to Bring

• Original ID (to show guard and staff)
• One photocopy (they keep this)

Pro Tip: Bring two valid IDs if available. This serves as backup if one is questioned.

Item 2: Appointment Confirmation Slip

What It Is

After booking through the official NBI Clearance portal under the National Bureau of Investigation, you receive an email confirmation containing:

• Reference number
• Appointment date and time
• Branch name
• QR code (some branches)

Example reference format: NBI-2026-02190001

How to Bring It

• Option A: Print the confirmation email (preferred)
• Option B: Show it clearly on your phone

If You Lost It

• Search your email for “NBI”
• Check spam/junk folder
• Log in to the NBI portal → My Applications
• Screenshot and print the details

Item 3: Payment Receipt

What It Is

Proof that you paid the clearance fee (usually ₱140–₱155 depending on service charge).

Accepted Payment Proof

• GCash receipt or screenshot
• Maya receipt or screenshot
• 7-Eleven printed receipt
• Online banking confirmation
• Bayad Center receipt

What to Bring

• Screenshot on phone (clear and readable)
  OR
• Printed physical copy

Important Details on Receipt

• NBI reference number
• Amount paid
• Date of payment
• Transaction number

If You Lost the Receipt

• Check GCash/Maya transaction history
• Check email confirmation
• Log in to NBI portal — if it shows “PAID,” screenshot it as backup

See full guide: [All Payment Methods (Complete Guide) →]

Item 4: Proper Attire (Strictly Enforced)

You can be denied entry for wrong clothing. Your clearance photo becomes an official ID record, so appearance must be professional.

For Men

Allowed:

• Collared shirt or polo
• Long pants or jeans (no rips)
• Closed shoes (leather shoes or sneakers)

Not allowed:

• Sleeveless shirts
• Shorts
• Slippers or sandals

For Women

Allowed:

• Blouse or top with sleeves
• Long pants or knee-length skirt
• Closed shoes (heels, flats, sneakers)

Not allowed:

• Sleeveless tops
• Spaghetti straps
• Tank tops
• Shorts
• Slippers or sandals
• Overly revealing clothes

Safe examples:

• Men: Polo shirt + jeans + sneakers
• Women: Sleeved top + pants + flats

See full guide: [NBI Dress Code 2026: What to Wear for Men & Women →]

Additional Requirements by Applicant Type

First-Time Applicants

You only need:

• Valid ID + photocopy
• Appointment slip
• Payment receipt
• Proper attire

You do NOT need:

• Birth certificate (unless with HIT)
• Barangay clearance
• Old NBI clearance

Renewal Applicants

Bring the basic four items plus:

• Old NBI Clearance (original copy, even if expired)

Why it helps:

• System retrieves old record
• Faster processing
• Biometrics comparison

If lost:

• Still proceed
• Inform staff
• Provide old reference number if available

Applicants With HIT Status

If your name matches someone with a criminal record, you may be required to submit additional documents.

Bring the basic four items plus:

• PSA Birth Certificate (PSA-issued, not old NSO copy) original and photocopy

Possible additional documents:

• Barangay clearance
• Police clearance
• Court documents (if applicable)
• Affidavit of discrepancy (for name mismatch)

Always read your HIT notice carefully. It specifies exact requirements.

Optional But Recommended Items

For smoother processing, consider bringing:

• Pen (not all branches provide one)
• Small bag (avoid large backpacks)
• Light jacket (offices can be cold)
• Water bottle
• Powerbank
• Extra photocopies
• Face mask (optional)

What NOT to Bring

Avoid bringing:

• Large backpacks
• Weapons of any kind
• Excessive valuables
• Food or drinks (varies by branch)
• Companions (usually only applicants are allowed inside)

Quick Document Checklist by Type

First-Time:

• Valid ID
• ID photocopy
• Appointment slip
• Payment receipt
• Proper attire

Renewal:

• All above
• Old NBI clearance

With HIT:

• All above
• PSA birth certificate
• Additional documents if required

What Happens If You Forget Something?

Forgot valid ID:

• Cannot proceed
• Must rebook and possibly pay again

Forgot payment receipt:

• May proceed if portal shows “PAID”
• Not guaranteed

Forgot appointment slip:

• Usually acceptable if shown on phone

Wrong attire:

• Entry denied
• Must return properly dressed

Forgot HIT documents:

• Cannot complete process
• Must return with requirements

Night Before Preparation Checklist

Documents:

• Valid ID (original)
• ID photocopy
• Appointment confirmation
• Payment receipt
• Old clearance (if renewal)
• Birth certificate (if HIT)
• Any additional documents

Attire:

• Proper top
• Long pants or knee-length skirt
• Closed shoes

Final checks:

• Confirm branch location
• Confirm appointment time
• Plan to arrive 30–60 minutes early
• Check traffic
• Set alarm

Appointment Day Process

At the National Bureau of Investigation branch, expect:

1. Security check
2. Document verification
3. Biometrics capture (photo, fingerprints, signature)
4. Claim stub issuance
5. Release date notification (1–10 days if with HIT)

Processing time:

• 30–60 minutes if no HIT
• 5–10 working days if HIT

Final Reminder

Bring complete documents, dress properly, and arrive early. A fully prepared applicant at the National Bureau of Investigation office can finish the process smoothly in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Everyone Needs (4 Items):

1. Valid ID + photocopy
2. Appointment slip
3. Payment receipt
4. Proper attire

Plus:

• Renewal: Old NBI clearance
• Hit: Birth certificate + additional documents

Don’t Forget:

• Arrive 30-60 minutes early
• No sleeveless, shorts, or slippers
• Bring small bag only
• Keep calm and be patient

You’re ready for your NBI appointment!