PDF Guides
Convert Your NBI Clearance and Valid ID to PDF (Philippines)
Most job applications in the Philippines eventually ask for a copy of your NBI clearance and a government-issued valid ID, usually as a PDF attachment. Whether you picked these up in person or received them printed, here's how to turn them into files that are easy to send and unlikely to get bounced back for being too large or unclear.
Start with a clear, flat photo or scan
Both an NBI clearance printout and a valid ID card photograph well as long as the lighting is even and there's no glare — a common problem with laminated IDs held at an angle under overhead light. Lay the document flat, angle it slightly if needed to avoid a direct light reflection, and capture the entire item in one frame.
- Use natural light or an evenly lit room, avoiding direct overhead glare on laminated cards
- Capture the full document or card, including all four corners
- Convert the photo into a PDF
- Review the PDF to confirm all text is legible before sending it anywhere
Combining multiple documents into one file
Many application forms ask for several documents together — an NBI clearance, a valid ID, and sometimes a resume or certificates. Rather than sending several separate attachments, merging them into a single PDF in a sensible order (ID first, then clearance, then anything else) makes the application easier for whoever reviews it, and is often exactly what's requested.
Watch the file size
A valid ID or clearance photographed at full phone-camera resolution is usually much larger than it needs to be for a document that's mostly text. If an application portal or email attachment limit rejects your file, compressing it is almost always the fix — a compressed version is rarely worse for readability, since neither document depends on fine visual detail the way a photograph does.
Keep a personal digital copy
Since both documents tend to get requested repeatedly across different job applications, it's worth keeping one clean PDF of each on hand rather than re-photographing them for every new application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a photo instead of a scanned copy?
Yes. A clear, well-lit phone photo converted to PDF works for most job application purposes.
Should I send my ID and clearance as separate files or one PDF?
Combining them into a single PDF, in a logical order, is usually easier for the reviewer and often what's specifically requested.
What if the file is too large to attach?
Compress the PDF. This is the most common fix for an oversized document photo without affecting the readability of the text.
How do I avoid glare on a laminated ID?
Use natural or diffuse indoor light rather than direct overhead lighting, and angle the ID slightly if you see a bright reflection through the camera.