How to Clear an NBI "Hit" (Name Match)

Updated: May 2026Na-update: Mayo 202612 min read12 minutong basahin

A "hit" occurs when your name (or a name similar to yours) matches an existing record in the NBI's criminal database. This does NOT mean you have a criminal record. It simply means the NBI needs to verify your identity through fingerprint comparison to confirm you are NOT the person in the record. Hits are very common, especially for people with common Filipino names (e.g., Juan Dela Cruz, Maria Santos).

Important Reassurance

A "HIT" does NOT mean you are a criminal. It is simply a name match that needs verification. Around 30–40% of NBI Clearance applicants experience a hit. Don't worry — once verified, your clearance will be released.

Why Do Hits Happen?

There are several reasons why your name may trigger a "hit" in the NBI system:

Common name — This is the most frequent reason. If you have a common Filipino name (e.g., Juan Santos, Maria Garcia), the chances of a name match are significantly higher
Namesake has a criminal record — Someone with the same or similar name may have a case filed or a criminal record in the NBI database
Previous NBI case involvement — Even if you were involved as a complainant or witness (not as a respondent), your name may still appear in the system
Data entry errors in the NBI database — Typographical or encoding errors can cause false matches with your name
Similar-sounding names — Names that sound alike or have similar spellings may also trigger a hit

What Happens When You Get a Hit

During your NBI visit, the system flags your name. This means your name matched an entry in the NBI's criminal database. Here is what happens next:

NBI staff gives you a return date (usually 7–14 working days later)
On your return date, the NBI compares your fingerprints with the person in the record
If fingerprints don't match (which is the case 99% of the time for innocent people), your clearance is released
If fingerprints DO match, further verification is conducted

Scenario	What It Means	What Happens Next
No Hit	Your name does not match any record in the NBI criminal database	NBI Clearance is released on the same day or within a few minutes
Hit (Name Match)	Your name matches an existing record — fingerprint verification is needed	Return after 7–14 working days for fingerprint comparison and clearance release
Hit (Confirmed Match)	Your fingerprints match the person in the record — very rare for innocent applicants	Further investigation and verification; consult a lawyer if needed

Remember: The vast majority of hits are simple name matches that are resolved quickly through fingerprint comparison. The NBI processes thousands of clearances daily, and hits are a routine part of the verification process — not something to worry about.

Requirements for Returning

Documents to Bring

Reference number / receipt from your original visit
Valid government-issued ID (same one you used during your original application)
The "hit" slip or return date document given by NBI

Important Notes

Return to the SAME NBI branch where you originally applied
Go on the exact return date given to you or any date after (not before)
There is no additional fee for clearing a hit

Note: Do not lose your reference number or hit slip. These are essential for claiming your NBI Clearance on your return date. If you lose them, you may need to apply again from the beginning.

Step-by-Step Process

How to Clear an NBI "Hit" (Name Match)

Step 1: Apply for NBI Clearance as normal
        • Register online at the NBI Clearance website
        • Pay the clearance fee and schedule your appointment
        • Visit the NBI branch on your appointment date with your requirements

Step 2: Receive "hit" notification and return date
        • The NBI system flags your name during processing
        • NBI staff will inform you of the hit and give you a return date
        • You will receive a hit slip or return date document

Step 3: Wait for the verification period (7–14 working days)
        • The NBI will conduct fingerprint comparison during this time
        • Your fingerprints are matched against the person in the record
        • No action is needed from you during this waiting period

Step 4: Return to the SAME NBI branch on your return date
        • Bring your reference number / receipt
        • Bring the same valid government-issued ID you used
        • Bring the hit slip or return date document

Step 5: Receive your NBI Clearance (if verified/cleared)
        • If fingerprints don't match, your clearance is released
        • If fingerprints match, further verification is conducted
        • In most cases, clearance is released within the same day of return

Example Explained

Step 1: You apply for an NBI Clearance through the normal process — register online, pay the fee, and visit the NBI branch on your scheduled appointment date. You bring all the required documents (valid ID, reference number, etc.) and proceed with biometric capture (photo and fingerprints).

Step 2: After your biometrics are captured, the NBI system processes your application and checks your name against the criminal database. If a match is found (a "hit"), the NBI staff will inform you right away. They will give you a hit slip indicating your return date, which is usually 7 to 14 working days later.

Step 3: During the waiting period, the NBI conducts fingerprint comparison behind the scenes. Your fingerprints (taken during your visit) are compared against the fingerprints of the person whose record matched your name. You do not need to do anything during this time — simply wait for your return date.

Step 4: On your return date (or any date after), go back to the same NBI branch where you originally applied. Bring your reference number or receipt, the same valid government-issued ID you used, and the hit slip or return date document. Present these to the NBI staff at the releasing section.

Step 5: If the fingerprint comparison confirms that you are NOT the person in the record (which happens in the vast majority of cases), your NBI Clearance is released on the spot. The entire claiming process on your return date typically takes only 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue.

Complete Example: Clearing an NBI Hit

Real-World Scenario

Scenario: Pedro Santos (very common name) applies for NBI clearance
at the SM North EDSA branch. During processing, the system
flags his name — he gets a "hit."

Pedro's Reaction:
  • He's worried at first — he has no criminal record
  • The NBI staff explains it's just a name match
  • Someone with the same name has a record in the database
  • Pedro is told to return after 10 working days

What Pedro Brings on Return Date:
  • Reference number / receipt from original visit
  • Valid government-issued ID (PhilSys National ID)
  • Hit slip with return date

Pedro's Timeline:
  Day 1 — Applies at SM North EDSA NBI branch
  9:00 AM — Arrives and presents appointment confirmation
  9:30 AM — Biometrics captured (photo and fingerprints)
  10:00 AM — System flags name — receives "hit" notification
  10:15 AM — NBI staff gives return date (10 working days later)

Day 15 (Return Date):
  9:00 AM — Returns to SM North EDSA NBI branch
  9:10 AM — Presents reference number, ID, and hit slip
  9:20 AM — Fingerprints don't match the record
  9:30 AM — NBI Clearance released!

Result: Pedro receives his NBI Clearance!
His fingerprints confirmed he is NOT the person in the record.

Additional Fee: NONE (no extra charge for clearing a hit)
Total Wait Time: 10 working days
Return Visit Duration: About 30 minutes

Tips to Avoid Repeated Hits

While you cannot completely prevent a hit if you have a common name, these tips can help minimize the chances of repeated hits in future applications:

Use your NBI Multi-Purpose ID — After your first clearance, you may be issued an NBI Multi-Purpose ID that contains your biometrics. This helps the system identify you faster and may reduce the chances of getting a hit on future applications
Always use the same NBI branch — Some people report fewer hits when they consistently apply at the same branch, as the system may have your records more readily accessible
Ensure your name is spelled consistently across all IDs — Discrepancies in spelling between your IDs (e.g., "Ma." vs. "Maria") can cause additional matching issues in the database
Consider getting a "No Derogatory Record" certification — This can sometimes help expedite future clearance applications and reduce the likelihood of repeated hits

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to wait before I can return?

The typical waiting period is 7–14 working days from the date of your original application. The exact return date will be indicated on the hit slip or return date document given to you by the NBI staff. You must wait until the return date before going back — returning earlier will not speed up the process, and your clearance may not yet be ready.

Q: Can I go to a different branch to pick up my clearance?

No, you must return to the SAME NBI branch where you originally applied. Your records and fingerprint verification results are processed at the branch where you submitted your application. Going to a different branch will not work — they will not have your records on file.

Q: Is there an additional fee for clearing a hit?

No, there is no additional fee for clearing a hit. The clearance fee you paid during your original application already covers the entire process, including the fingerprint verification. Beware of fixers or anyone who asks for extra payment to "expedite" or "clear" your hit — this is not an official NBI process.

Q: What if I keep getting hits every time I apply?

If you consistently get hits every time you apply for an NBI Clearance, the NBI Multi-Purpose ID can help. This ID stores your biometric data and makes it easier for the system to verify your identity quickly. You can also request the NBI to make a correction or annotation in their database to differentiate you from the person whose record is causing the match. Visit the NBI branch and ask about the process for requesting a record correction.

Q: Can I expedite the hit verification process?

Generally, no. The fingerprint verification process takes a set amount of time (7–14 working days) and cannot be rushed through normal channels. However, you can try requesting an expedited process at the NBI branch if you have an urgent need (e.g., employment deadline, overseas travel). Some branches may accommodate urgent requests on a case-by-case basis, but this is not guaranteed.

Q: What if I have an actual case in the NBI database?

If the fingerprint verification confirms that you ARE the person in the record, the NBI will inform you of the details of the case. In this situation, it is strongly advised that you consult a lawyer immediately. The NBI staff can provide information about the nature of the case, but they cannot give legal advice. Depending on the case, you may need to resolve the matter with the appropriate court or agency before your clearance can be issued.

Understanding the Verification Process

The NBI uses an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to compare fingerprints. Here is how the verification works behind the scenes:

Step 1: Your fingerprints (captured during your visit) are digitized and stored in the NBI system
Step 2: The system retrieves the fingerprints of the person whose name matched yours
Step 3: A trained NBI fingerprint examiner compares the two sets of prints using both automated and manual methods
Step 4: If the prints do NOT match, the examiner certifies that you are a different person, and your clearance is approved for release
Step 5: If the prints DO match, the case is escalated for further review and you will be informed of the details

This process takes 7–14 working days because the NBI handles a large volume of cases daily, and each comparison must be verified by a qualified examiner to ensure accuracy.

Important Reminders

A "hit" does NOT mean you have a criminal record — it is simply a name match that requires fingerprint verification
There is no additional fee for clearing a hit — beware of fixers or anyone who asks for extra payment
Always return to the SAME NBI branch where you originally applied — a different branch will not have your records
Bring your reference number, valid ID, and hit slip on your return date — you will not be able to claim your clearance without these documents
The waiting period is typically 7–14 working days — do not return before your scheduled return date
Consider getting an NBI Multi-Purpose ID after your first clearance to help reduce future hits
If you keep getting hits, you may request the NBI to annotate their records to differentiate you from the namesake in the database
If the NBI confirms you have an actual case, consult a lawyer immediately — do not ignore or delay addressing the matter

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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