How to Renew Your NBI Clearance
NBI Clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Renewal follows a similar process to a new application but is typically faster since your biometrics are already in the NBI system. You can renew even if your clearance has been expired for a long time — there is no penalty or additional fee for late renewal.
Important: No Separate "Renewal" Category
There is NO separate "renewal" category in the NBI system anymore. The process is the same as a new application. However, returning applicants whose biometrics are already in the system experience faster processing. Since your fingerprints and photo are already on file, you will typically spend less time at the NBI branch and may not need to go through the full biometric capture again.
When to Renew
You Should Renew Your NBI Clearance When:
- Your NBI Clearance is about to expire or has already expired — the clearance is only valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance
- An employer or government agency requires a current (within 1 year) NBI Clearance as part of their requirements for employment, licensing, or transactions
- Your previous NBI Clearance has been lost, damaged, or is no longer legible and needs to be replaced with a new one
- You need an NBI Clearance for overseas employment, visa applications, or travel-related requirements
Tip: It is a good practice to renew your NBI Clearance before it expires, especially if you anticipate needing it for employment or government transactions. Since the process is the same as a new application, you can renew at any time — even months before your current clearance expires. The new clearance will be valid for one (1) year from the new date of issuance.
Requirements
Required Documents
- Valid government-issued ID (original – must be presented at the NBI branch)
- Existing NBI Clearance (if available – not required, but bring it if you still have it)
- Online registration confirmation and reference number from the NBI Clearance Online portal
Online Requirements
- NBI Clearance Online account (create one at clearance.nbi.gov.ph if you don't have one yet)
- Payment of PHP 155.00 processing fee through any accepted payment channel
- Scheduled appointment date and preferred NBI branch
Note: The requirements for renewal are the same as a new application. You do not need to bring any additional documents beyond what is listed above. If your old clearance is lost or damaged, you can still proceed with the renewal — the NBI can verify your records using their database.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Renew Your NBI Clearance
Step 1: Log in to clearance.nbi.gov.ph
• Go to https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph
• Use your existing account or create a new one if needed
• If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" feature
Step 2: Fill out the application form
• Select "renewal" if the option is available, otherwise just re-apply as a new applicant
• Verify that your personal information is correct and up to date
• Double-check your name, address, and contact details
Step 3: Pay PHP 155 through payment channels
• Accepted channels: GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, online banking, etc.
• Keep your payment receipt or confirmation as proof
• The fee is the same whether it's a new application or renewal
Step 4: Choose your NBI branch and appointment date
• Select your preferred NBI branch (you can choose any branch nationwide)
• Pick an available appointment date and time slot
• Print or save your appointment slip with the reference number
Step 5: Visit the NBI office with your valid ID
• Go to your chosen NBI branch on your scheduled date
• Bring your valid government-issued ID (original)
• Bring your old NBI Clearance if you still have it
• Bring your appointment slip or reference number
Step 6: Submit biometrics and receive your clearance
• Proceed to the biometrics station for photo and fingerprint capture
• If your biometrics are already in the system, this step is faster
• Wait for your NBI Clearance to be printed and released
• Check your clearance for any errors before leavingExample Explained
Step 1: Start by visiting the official NBI Clearance Online portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. If you already have an account from your previous application, log in using your existing credentials. If you've forgotten your password, use the password recovery feature. If you don't have an account yet, you will need to create one by providing your basic personal information and a valid email address.
Step 2: Once logged in, fill out the application form. The system may recognize you as a returning applicant and pre-fill some of your details. If there is a "renewal" option, select it. Otherwise, simply proceed as a new applicant — the system will detect that your biometrics are already on file when you visit the branch. Make sure all your information is correct and updated.
Step 3: Pay the PHP 155 processing fee using any of the accepted payment channels. Popular options include GCash, Maya (formerly PayMaya), 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, and various online banking platforms. Save your payment confirmation or receipt — you may need to present it at the NBI branch. The fee is the same for both new applications and renewals.
Step 4: After payment, choose your preferred NBI branch and appointment date. You can select any NBI branch nationwide — you are not limited to the branch where you previously applied. Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Print or screenshot your appointment slip, which contains your reference number and appointment details.
Step 5: On your appointment date, visit your chosen NBI branch. Bring your valid government-issued ID (original), your appointment slip or reference number, and your old NBI Clearance if you still have it. Arrive on time or slightly early to avoid delays. Present your documents at the verification counter.
Step 6: Proceed to the biometrics station where your photo and fingerprints will be captured. Since you are a returning applicant, your biometrics may already be in the system, making this step significantly faster. After biometric capture, wait for your NBI Clearance to be printed. Before leaving, carefully check the printed clearance for any errors in your name, address, or other details.
Complete Example: Renewing an NBI Clearance
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Maria's NBI Clearance expired 3 months ago.
Her new employer needs a current NBI Clearance as part of
the pre-employment requirements. Maria needs to renew her
clearance as quickly as possible.
What Maria Does:
• Logs in to clearance.nbi.gov.ph using her existing account
• Fills out the application form and verifies her personal details
• Pays PHP 155 via Maya (formerly PayMaya)
• Selects NBI Robinsons Ermita branch
• Picks the earliest available appointment date
Maria's Timeline:
Day 1 (Online) — Registers, pays, and books appointment
Day 3 (Appointment Day at NBI Robinsons Ermita):
9:00 AM — Arrives at the branch with valid ID and appointment slip
9:10 AM — Presents documents at the verification counter
9:20 AM — Proceeds to biometrics station (quick — her fingerprints are already on file)
9:35 AM — Waits for clearance to be printed
9:45 AM — Receives her new NBI Clearance!
Result: Maria gets her renewed NBI Clearance in just 45 minutes!
Since her fingerprints were already in the NBI system,
the process was much faster than her first application.
Total Cost: PHP 155.00 (standard processing fee)
Total Time: About 45 minutes at the branch
Validity: 1 year from date of issuanceNew Application vs Renewal
| Factor | New Application | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 1–2 hours at the branch (longer due to full biometric capture and encoding) | 30–45 minutes at the branch (faster since biometrics are already on file) |
| Requirements | Valid government-issued ID, online registration, payment of PHP 155 | Same requirements — valid ID, online registration, payment of PHP 155 (old clearance optional) |
| Fee | PHP 155.00 | PHP 155.00 (same fee) |
| Biometrics | Full biometric capture required (photo, all 10 fingerprints, signature) | Quick verification only — biometrics are already in the NBI system from the previous application |
Note: While the online process is identical for both new applications and renewals, the in-branch experience is noticeably faster for returning applicants. The NBI system automatically recognizes applicants whose biometrics are already on file, resulting in shorter processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a grace period for NBI Clearance renewal?
No, there is no grace period. Your NBI Clearance expires exactly one (1) year after the date of issuance. Once it expires, it is no longer valid and cannot be used for any official purpose. Employers and government agencies will not accept an expired NBI Clearance. However, there is also no penalty for renewing late — you can apply for a new clearance at any time, even if your previous one expired years ago. The fee remains the same at PHP 155.00 regardless of how long your clearance has been expired.
Q: Do I need my old NBI Clearance to renew?
No, you do not need your old NBI Clearance to renew. While it is helpful to bring it if you still have it, the NBI can verify your previous records using their database. If your old clearance has been lost, damaged, or destroyed, you can still proceed with the renewal process without any issues. Just make sure to bring a valid government-issued ID instead.
Q: Is the renewal fee the same as a new application?
Yes, the fee is exactly the same. Both new applications and renewals cost PHP 155.00. This is the standard NBI Clearance processing fee set by the NBI. There is no additional charge, surcharge, or discount for renewals. Payment can be made through various channels including GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, and online banking platforms. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay more than PHP 155.00 — they may be a fixer.
Q: Can I renew at a different NBI branch?
Yes, you can renew at any NBI branch nationwide. You are not required to go back to the same branch where you originally applied. The NBI system is centralized, so your biometrics and records are accessible from any branch. Simply choose whichever NBI branch is most convenient for you when booking your appointment online.
Q: How long does the renewal process take?
The renewal process is usually faster than a new application. Expect to spend around 30 to 45 minutes at the NBI branch if there is no "hit" (name match) on your record. Since your biometrics are already in the system, the biometric capture step is significantly quicker. However, processing times may vary depending on the branch and the number of applicants on that day.
Q: What if I get a "hit" during renewal?
If you get a "hit" (name match with someone in the NBI database) during your renewal, the process is the same as for new applicants. You will need to wait for the NBI to verify and clear your record. This typically takes 7 to 14 business days. You will be given a date to return and claim your clearance. A "hit" does not mean you have a criminal record — it simply means your name matches someone else in the NBI database and needs further verification.
Important Reminders
- Always apply through the official NBI website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph — beware of fake websites and fixers who charge extra fees
- The NBI Clearance processing fee is PHP 155.00 only — do not pay more than this amount to anyone
- Bring your original valid ID to the NBI branch — photocopies or expired IDs will not be accepted
- Arrive at the NBI branch on your scheduled appointment date and time — walk-ins may not be accommodated
- Check your printed NBI Clearance for errors in your name, address, or other details before leaving the branch
- If you encounter a "hit," do not panic — it is a routine verification process and does not mean you have a criminal record
- Keep a digital or physical copy of your NBI Clearance — you may need it for multiple purposes within its one-year validity period
- Plan your renewal ahead of time — do not wait until the last minute, especially if you need it for employment or other urgent purposes
- The NBI Clearance is valid for one (1) year only from the date of issuance — mark your calendar so you know when it expires
- For overseas employment requirements, some agencies may require an NBI Clearance issued within the last 6 months — check with your agency for specific requirements
- If you experience technical issues with the NBI online portal, try using a different browser or clearing your cache — you may also contact the NBI helpdesk for assistance
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.