Is NBI Clearance a Valid ID for Remote Workers?

Written by

Bene De Ramos

Published on

January 26, 2026

Last on

January 26, 2026

6 minutes read

As remote work continues to expand across the Philippines, identity verification and document compliance have become critical for both employers and employees. During onboarding, remote professionals are often asked to submit government-issued IDs, and one document that always raises questions is the NBI Clearance.

It’s commonly used for background checks, but is NBI Clearance a valid ID for remote work? Can you use it to open a bank account, process payroll, or verify your identity with HR systems?

This guide breaks down what the law says, when it’s accepted, and how remote workers can use it effectively to stay compliant and job-ready.

Quick Answer: Is NBI Clearance a Valid ID?

Yes, NBI Clearance is a valid ID, but it’s considered a secondary ID.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issues it to certify that a person has no criminal record or pending cases. While it’s officially recognized for many government and private transactions, it usually needs to be paired with a primary ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or UMID card.

Under Republic Act No. 10867 (NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act), it serves as an official public record, but not as a photo-based identification card like other government-issued IDs.

Why Employers and Platforms Request NBI Clearance

For remote employers, especially those hiring from overseas, NBI clearance is not about identity. It’s about integrity.

It verifies that a candidate has no criminal history, which is essential when handling sensitive data, finances, or client information. That’s why many HR departments, BPOs, and Employer of Record (EOR) platforms in the Philippines ask for NBI Clearance during the hiring process.

Here’s what it’s really for:

Background verification: Confirms the applicant’s clean record.
Risk management: Reduces liability for remote employers hiring unseen workers.
Compliance assurance: Meets due diligence requirements for data security and remote work laws.

Key insight: NBI Clearance validates your character and conduct. Not your identity.

When NBI Clearance Is Accepted as a Valid ID

The NBI Clearance has legitimate uses across government and private institutions, but it’s often accepted as a supporting document rather than a standalone ID.

Context	Accepted As	Notes
Government services (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG)	Supporting ID	Often used to complete requirements when a primary ID is missing
Banking and finance	Conditional	Some banks accept it only if accompanied by a primary ID
Remote job onboarding	Supplementary	Used for background verification or HR files
Passport or visa application	Supporting only	DFA requires a primary ID such as a passport or UMID
Client compliance for global teams	Accepted for good conduct certification	Common for overseas clients or agencies vetting Filipino freelancers

If you’re onboarding with an EOR company for a remote role, your NBI clearance will likely be required, but only as part of your background verification file, not as your primary identity proof.

When NBI Clearance Is Not Enough

While it’s government-issued, the NBI Clearance lacks key security and identification features that primary IDs have, such as:

Embedded barcode or chip for authentication
Durable photo card format
Permanent issuance (NBI clearances expire after a year)

Because of this, many banks, e-wallet platforms, and HR systems don’t recognize it alone for KYC (Know Your Customer) or payroll registration purposes.

Best Practices for Remote Workers Using NBI Clearance

To stay compliant and avoid delays in hiring or payment setup, here’s how remote professionals should handle their NBI Clearance:

1. Pair It With a Primary ID

Always have at least one government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, UMID, or PhilID, ready to accompany your NBI Clearance.

2. Keep It Updated

Remote employers typically require an NBI Clearance that’s issued within the past 6–12 months. Renew it annually to avoid issues with HR compliance or client audits.

3. Store Both Physical and Digital Copies

Scanned copies are often accepted for remote onboarding portals. Ensure they’re clear, unaltered, and stored securely for quick submission.

4. Understand Global Requirements

If you’re working for a foreign employer, your NBI Clearance may function as a “Police Clearance” equivalent. Some may require a translated or apostilled version for international compliance.

Legal and Compliance Basis

NBI Clearance holds legal validity under the following frameworks:

Republic Act No. 10867 (NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act): This defines NBI Clearance as an official document certifying a clean record.
Philippine Identification System Act (RA 11055): Recognizes only specific photo-based IDs (like PhilID) as primary proof of identity.
BSP Circular No. 706 (Anti-Money Laundering Act Guidelines): Lists acceptable IDs for KYC verification; NBI Clearance is not primary but can supplement.

In remote work, the NBI Clearance proves trustworthiness, but the PhilID or Passport proves identity.

Common Misconceptions About NBI Clearance

Myth	Reality
“It’s a government-issued document, so it counts as a valid ID.”	It’s a valid government document, but not a primary ID.
“I can use it to open a bank account.”	Only if paired with another valid ID.
“It proves who I am.”	It certifies your criminal record status, not your identity.
“Employers require it to verify identity.”	They require it to verify background integrity, not personal identity.

Remote-Ready ID Checklist

A quick reference for Filipino remote workers managing onboarding requirements:

Document	Category	Recommended for Remote Work
Passport	Primary	✅ Highly recommended
PhilID (National ID)	Primary	✅ Accepted widely
UMID	Primary	✅ For SSS and government transactions
Driver’s License	Primary	✅ With photo and chip
NBI Clearance	Secondary	✅ For background check only
Postal ID	Secondary	Optional
Voter’s ID	Secondary	Optional

See our guides for other Philippine IDs:

Conclusion: How Remote Workers Should Use NBI Clearance

The NBI Clearance remains essential for remote workers, but not as your main identification card. Think of it as your “background credibility document” that complements your primary government ID.

It’s the document that tells your future employer, “I’m cleared, compliant, and ready to be trusted.”

To ensure smooth onboarding, always prepare: