How to Apply for an NBI Clearance

Updated: May 2026Na-update: Mayo 202611 min read11 minutong basahin

Common Mistakes to AvoidMga Karaniwang Pagkakamali

Bringing only the online reference number, no physical ID.Pagdadala lang ng online reference number, walang ID.
You must present ONE valid government-issued ID (with photo) on the day of biometrics — and bring a photocopy. The reference number alone will not let you through the gate.Dapat magdala ng ISANG valid government ID (may litrato) sa araw ng biometrics — at isang photocopy. Ang reference number lang, hindi sapat.
Paying the fee before reaching the renewal/quick renewal counter.Pagbabayad ng fee bago dumating sa renewal counter.
Quick Renewal (online) skips biometrics if you have a previous clearance. Don't pay the regular ₱155 fee twice — verify your renewal type before settling at any payment center.Ang Quick Renewal (online) ay walang biometrics kung may dati kang clearance. Huwag magbayad ng ₱155 ng dalawang beses — tiyakin ang renewal type bago magbayad.

The NBI Clearance is one of the most commonly required documents in the Philippines. It certifies that you have no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) database. The NBI Clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and is required for a wide range of purposes, including employment, OFW deployment, business permits, PRC license renewal, firearm license application, and many other government and private transactions.

Important: Online Registration Required

Since 2015, NBI Clearance applications are ONLINE ONLY. You must register at clearance.nbi.gov.ph BEFORE visiting any NBI office. Walk-in applications are no longer accepted. The online system allows you to fill out your application form, pay the processing fee, and schedule your appointment at your preferred NBI branch — all from the comfort of your home.

Make sure to complete the entire online process first, including payment, before going to the NBI office on your scheduled date. Applicants who arrive without an online appointment will be turned away.

Requirements

Primary Valid IDs

Any ONE of the following is accepted:

Philippine Passport
Driver's License (LTO)
PhilID (Philippine Identification Card)
UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
SSS ID
GSIS ID
PRC License/ID
Voter's ID (COMELEC)

Secondary Valid IDs

Accepted only as supporting ID (with primary):

Postal ID
Barangay ID (with photo)
School ID (with photo and signature)
Company ID (with photo and signature)

For First-Time Applicants: You must also bring your PSA Birth Certificate (original and photocopy). For minors below 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant and provide written consent.

Step-by-Step Process

How to Apply for an NBI Clearance

Step 1: Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and create an account
        • Visit the official NBI Clearance website
        • Click "Sign Up" and provide your email address
        • Verify your email and set your password

Step 2: Fill out the online application form
        • Log in to your account
        • Enter your complete personal information
        • Double-check all details for accuracy

Step 3: Pay the processing fee (PHP 155)
        • Choose from available payment channels
        • GCash, Maya, online banking, Bayad Center, 7-Eleven
        • Keep your payment reference number

Step 4: Choose an NBI branch and appointment date
        • Select your preferred NBI branch
        • Pick an available date and time slot
        • Save or screenshot your appointment details

Step 5: Visit the NBI office on your scheduled date
        • Bring your valid government-issued ID (original)
        • Bring your appointment confirmation
        • Arrive on time or early at the NBI branch

Step 6: Submit biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature)
        • Present your ID and reference number at the counter
        • Have your photo taken
        • Submit your fingerprints and digital signature

Step 7: Receive your NBI Clearance
        • If NO "hit" — same-day release
        • If WITH "hit" — a return date will be given
        • Wait for your name to be called at the releasing area

Example Explained

Step 1: Start by visiting the official NBI Clearance Online portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Create a new account by clicking "Sign Up" and providing your valid email address. The system will send a verification link to your email. Once verified, set your password and log in. This account will be used for all your future NBI Clearance transactions, including renewals.

Step 2: After logging in, fill out the online application form with your complete personal information. This includes your full name (as it appears on your valid ID), date of birth, address, civil status, occupation, and contact details. Make sure all information is accurate — misspelled names or incorrect details may trigger a "hit" (name match) in the system, which will delay the release of your clearance.

Step 3: Pay the NBI Clearance processing fee of PHP 155 through any of the available payment channels. Options include GCash, Maya (formerly PayMaya), online banking (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, etc.), Bayad Center outlets, and 7-Eleven convenience stores. After payment, you will receive a reference number — keep this number as you will need it during your appointment.

Step 4: Once payment is confirmed, choose your preferred NBI branch and select an available appointment date and time slot. You can choose any NBI branch nationwide regardless of your home address. Popular branches (such as those in SM malls) tend to fill up fast, so book early. Save or take a screenshot of your appointment confirmation for your reference.

Step 5: On your scheduled appointment date, visit the NBI branch you selected. Bring your valid government-issued ID (original, not photocopy) and your appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone). Arrive on time or a few minutes early. You will be asked to present your reference number and ID at the entrance or the designated queue area.

Step 6: At the NBI office, you will proceed to the biometrics station. An NBI staff member will verify your identity, take your photograph, capture your fingerprints digitally, and record your digital signature. This process typically takes only a few minutes. Make sure you are presentable for the photo as it will appear on your NBI Clearance.

Step 7: After biometrics, your data will be processed through the NBI database. If there is no "hit" (no name match with any person in the NBI records), your NBI Clearance will be printed and released on the same day. If there is a "hit," you will be given a return date (usually 7–10 working days) to allow the NBI to verify and clear your record.

Complete Example: Juan Applies for NBI Clearance

Real-World Scenario

Scenario: Juan is a fresh graduate who just got a job offer from a
BPO company in Quezon City. His employer requires an NBI
Clearance as part of the pre-employment requirements.
Juan has never applied for an NBI Clearance before.

What Juan Prepares:
  • Philippine National ID (PhilID)
  • PSA Birth Certificate (first-time applicant)
  • Smartphone with GCash for online payment
  • Email address for NBI Online account

Online Registration (Day Before):
  7:00 PM — Juan visits clearance.nbi.gov.ph
  7:05 PM — Creates account and verifies email
  7:15 PM — Fills out application form with personal details
  7:25 PM — Pays PHP 155 via GCash (instant confirmation)
  7:30 PM — Selects NBI Satellite Office at SM North EDSA
  7:35 PM — Books appointment for the next day, 9:00 AM slot
  7:36 PM — Takes screenshot of appointment confirmation

Appointment Day:
  8:45 AM — Juan arrives at SM North EDSA NBI office
  9:00 AM — Presents reference number and PhilID at the entrance
  9:15 AM — Queues at the biometrics station
  9:30 AM — Photo, fingerprints, and signature captured
  10:00 AM — Waits at the releasing area
  10:30 AM — Name called — NBI Clearance released!

Result: Juan receives his NBI Clearance on the same day!
No "hit" was found in the system, so it was released immediately.
Juan can now submit it to his new employer for processing.

Total Cost: PHP 155 (processing fee)
Total Time at NBI: About 1.5 hours (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Validity: 1 year from date of issuance

Accepted IDs for NBI Clearance

ID Type	Category	Notes
Philippine Passport	Primary	Must be valid (not expired); one of the most widely accepted primary IDs
Driver's License (LTO)	Primary	Must be valid; card-type license preferred
PhilID (National ID)	Primary	Philippine Identification System card; accepted nationwide
UMID	Primary	Unified Multi-Purpose ID; issued by SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG
SSS ID	Primary	Social Security System ID; must have photo
GSIS ID	Primary	Government Service Insurance System ID; for government employees
PRC License/ID	Primary	Professional Regulation Commission license; must be valid
Voter's ID (COMELEC)	Primary	Commission on Elections voter's ID; must have photo
Postal ID	Secondary	PHLPost Postal ID; accepted as secondary/supporting ID
Barangay ID	Secondary	Must have photo; accepted as supporting ID only
School ID	Secondary	Must have photo and registrar's signature; for students
Company ID	Secondary	Must have photo and authorized signature; for employed applicants

Note: Always bring the original ID — photocopies are not accepted. The name on your ID must match the name you entered in your online application. If your name has changed (e.g., due to marriage), bring supporting documents such as your PSA Marriage Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is the NBI Clearance?

The NBI Clearance processing fee is PHP 155. This is the standard fee for both new applications and renewals. Payment can be made online through GCash, Maya, online banking, or over-the-counter at Bayad Center and 7-Eleven outlets. The fee is non-refundable once paid, so make sure all your details are correct before proceeding with payment.

Q: Can I get same-day release?

Yes, you can get same-day release if there is no "hit" (name match) found in the NBI database. Most applicants with common names may experience a hit, which means their name matches someone in the NBI records. If your record is clear and there is no match, your NBI Clearance will be printed and released within 1–2 hours after biometrics capture.

Q: What if I get a "hit"?

If a "hit" is found, it means your name matches another person in the NBI database. This does not mean you have a criminal record — it simply means the NBI needs to verify your identity against the matched record. You will be given a return date, usually 7–10 working days later. On that date, return to the same NBI branch to claim your cleared NBI Clearance. No additional fee is required.

Q: Can someone else get my clearance for me?

No. Personal appearance is required for the NBI Clearance application process. You must personally appear at the NBI branch for biometrics capture (photo, fingerprints, and signature). The clearance cannot be claimed by a representative or proxy. This policy ensures the integrity and security of the NBI Clearance as an official government document.

Q: Is online registration required?

Yes. Online registration at clearance.nbi.gov.ph has been mandatory since 2015. The NBI no longer accepts walk-in applicants. You must complete the online application form, pay the processing fee, and schedule your appointment online before visiting any NBI branch. This system was implemented to reduce long queues and improve the efficiency of NBI Clearance processing.

Q: Can I apply at any NBI branch?

Yes. You can apply for an NBI Clearance at any NBI branch or satellite office nationwide, regardless of your home address or place of residence. During the online registration process, you can select any available branch that is most convenient for you. The NBI has main offices, satellite offices, and mall-based outlets across the country.

Important Reminders

Online registration at clearance.nbi.gov.ph is mandatory — walk-in applications are no longer accepted at any NBI branch
The processing fee is PHP 155 and is non-refundable once paid — double-check your application details before proceeding with payment
Bring your original valid ID on your appointment date — photocopies will not be accepted
First-time applicants must bring their PSA Birth Certificate in addition to a valid ID
Arrive at the NBI branch on time or early — applicants who miss their scheduled appointment may need to rebook online
A "hit" does not mean you have a criminal record — it only means your name matches someone in the NBI database and needs verification
The NBI Clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance — check the expiration date on your clearance
Beware of fixers or unofficial websites offering "express" NBI Clearance processing — the only official website is clearance.nbi.gov.ph

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the NBI you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest NBI first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.

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