National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) — Introduction
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the premier investigative agency of the Philippine government, operating under the Department of Justice (DOJ). While the NBI handles complex criminal investigations, it is best known to ordinary Filipinos for issuing the NBI Clearance — a document certifying that an individual has no derogatory record in the NBI database. The NBI Clearance is one of the most commonly required documents for employment, travel, business permits, and various government transactions.
What is the NBI?
- The NBI was established under Republic Act No. 157 (1947) as the country's principal investigative arm, patterned after the United States FBI
- The NBI's primary functions include investigating crimes, providing forensic services, maintaining a nationwide criminal database, and issuing NBI clearances
- The NBI Clearance is a certification that the applicant has no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the NBI's database
- Since 2015, the NBI has implemented an online application system where applicants can register, pay, and schedule their clearance appointment online before visiting the NBI office
- The NBI Clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance
- Applicants whose names match existing records in the NBI database receive a "hit" and must return for further verification before the clearance is released
- The NBI operates a main office in Manila, satellite offices in SM malls and government centers, and regional/provincial offices nationwide
- NBI also provides forensic services including DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, polygraph testing, and questioned document examination
A Simple NBI Services Overview
Example
NBI Clearance: Certification of no derogatory record
Renewal: Renew expired NBI Clearance (simplified process)
Clear a "Hit": Resolve name match in NBI database
Step 1: Register online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Step 2: Pay the NBI Clearance fee (PHP 155)
Step 3: Choose an NBI branch and appointment date
Step 4: Visit the NBI office on your scheduled date
Step 5: Submit biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature)
Step 6: Receive your NBI Clearance (same day or pickup)Example Explained
NBI Clearance: The NBI Clearance is a document issued by the NBI certifying that the applicant has no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the bureau's database. It is commonly required for employment (local and overseas), business permit applications, firearm license, travel visa applications, professional license renewal (PRC), and various government transactions.
Renewal: If your NBI Clearance has expired (past 1 year), you can renew it through a simplified process. Renewal applicants with no "hit" typically receive their clearance on the same day. The process is similar to a new application but faster since your biometrics are already in the system.
Clearing a "Hit": A "hit" occurs when your name matches an existing record in the NBI's database. This does NOT mean you have a criminal record — it simply means someone with a similar or identical name has a record. When you receive a "hit," the NBI verifies your identity through fingerprint comparison to confirm you are not the person in the record. This process takes an additional 7–14 working days.
NBI Clearance Services
NBI Clearance
Apply for a new NBI Clearance online. Includes registration, payment, biometrics capture, and same-day release (if no "hit").
Renewal
Renew your expired NBI Clearance. Faster process since your biometrics are already in the system. Same-day release for most applicants.
Clear a "Hit"
Resolve a name match in the NBI database. Additional verification process that takes 7–14 working days. A "hit" does NOT mean a criminal record.
NBI Clearance Quick Reference
| Service | Fee | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| New NBI Clearance | PHP 155 | Same day (no hit) / 7–14 days (with hit) | 1 year |
| Renewal | PHP 155 | Same day (no hit) / 7–14 days (with hit) | 1 year |
| Clear a "Hit" | No additional fee | 7–14 working days | N/A (part of clearance process) |
Note: The NBI Clearance fee of PHP 155 already includes the processing fee and documentary stamp tax. Payment is made online during registration. NBI satellite offices in SM malls operate during mall hours. The main NBI office in Taft Avenue, Manila operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
When Do You Need an NBI Clearance?
Employment & Career
- Pre-employment requirement for private companies
- Government employment / civil service positions
- OFW deployment / overseas employment (POEA/DMW)
- PRC professional license renewal
- Security guard licensing (SOSIA)
Business & Legal
- Business permit application / renewal
- Firearm license application (PNP-FEO)
- Travel visa applications (some embassies)
- Adoption proceedings (DSWD/court)
- Bank account opening (some banks)
NBI Office Locations
Main & Regional Offices
- NBI Main Office — Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
- Regional Offices — one per administrative region (17 regions)
- Provincial Offices — located in provincial capitals
Satellite Offices
- SM Mall Branches — NBI clearance outlets in select SM malls nationwide
- Robinsons Mall Branches — select Robinsons malls
- Government Centers — some LGU buildings and multi-purpose halls
Key Laws and Regulations
RA 157 — NBI Charter (1947)
Established the National Bureau of Investigation as the country's principal investigative agency under the Department of Justice. Defines NBI's powers, functions, and organizational structure.
EO 292 — Administrative Code of 1987
Places the NBI under the Department of Justice and defines its mandate to investigate crimes involving public interest, provide technical assistance to law enforcement, and maintain the country's criminal records database.
NBI Clearance Online System
Since 2015, the NBI has implemented an online registration and payment system at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Applicants must register online and pay before visiting an NBI office. Walk-in applications without online registration are no longer accepted.
Important Reminders
- You MUST register online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before visiting any NBI office — walk-in applications are no longer accepted
- The NBI Clearance fee is PHP 155 — beware of fixers or third parties charging higher amounts
- NBI Clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance
- A "hit" does NOT mean you have a criminal record — it only means your name matches someone in the database
- If you receive a "hit," do not panic — return on the specified date and the NBI will verify your identity through fingerprint comparison
- Bring a valid government-issued ID to your NBI appointment — original copy required
- Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment to avoid long waiting times
- NBI satellite offices in malls tend to be faster and less crowded than the main office