NBI Clearance Online Application Guide 2026
Getting your NBI Clearance in 2026 is now a fully online process. No more waiting in long queues at sunrise. No more lost forms. You register on the official portal, book a slot, pay the fee, and visit a branch only for your biometrics and photo.
Complete NBI CLEARANCE GUIDE
This guide will walk you through everything from registration to releasing based on the latest NBI process. You will also find the exact fee, the IDs accepted, the IDs that get rejected at the counter, and the small mistakes that send applicants home without a clearance.
If you are reading this for the first time or you simply want a clear, no-confusion walkthrough, you are in the right place.
For the booking process, see appointment booking guide. For document requirements, see requirements checklist. For a full fee breakdown, see fees and payment breakdown. For the renewal flow, see the NBI Clearance renewal guide.
Important: This is an informational guide. We are not affiliated with the National Bureau of Investigation. For the actual application, always use the official portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
What is an NBI Clearance?
An NBI Clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation under the Department of Justice. It confirms that the person named on the certificate has no pending criminal case, warrant, or derogatory record in the central NBI database.
The reason this document carries so much weight is the scope of the search. A Barangay Clearance only covers your barangay. A Police Clearance only covers the city or municipality that issued it. The NBI Clearance, on the other hand, checks against records from every region of the country. That is why employers, embassies, and government agencies prefer it.
The certificate is printed on green security paper with a QR code, a barcode, and a unique NBI ID number. The QR code lets any party verify if the document is real by scanning it against the NBI verification system.
Who Needs an NBI Clearance?
The NBI Clearance is used in more situations than most people realize. You will likely be asked for it during the following:
For Employment
Most companies in the Philippines require it as part of the pre-employment requirements. Government positions, BPO companies, banks, and any role involving handling of money or sensitive data almost always ask for it. Even if a private company does not require it, including a recent NBI Clearance with your resume signals that you are prepared and have nothing to hide.
For OFW and Overseas Work
Filipinos applying for jobs abroad will be asked for an NBI Clearance by both the foreign employer and the receiving country’s embassy. For some destinations, the clearance will also need to be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs before it is accepted.
For Visa and Immigration Applications
Embassies use the NBI Clearance as part of their background verification. This applies to work visas, immigrant visas, student visas, and even some tourist visa applications for countries with stricter entry rules.
For Business and Government Transactions
You will need it for SEC registration, business permits, firearms licensing, adoption, and many other transactions where the government needs proof of good moral character.
For Bank Loans
Some banks request an NBI Clearance when evaluating large personal loans, business loans, or housing loans. It helps them verify the applicant has no record of financial fraud.
For Personal Records
A small but growing number of applicants get an NBI Clearance simply to have one on file. Since it is only valid for one year, this only makes sense if you anticipate needing it soon.
What Does the NBI Clearance Actually Look Like?
The certificate you receive is a single-page document printed on tamper-resistant green paper. It contains the following details:
- Your full name (exactly as written during registration)
- Date of birth, gender, civil status, and citizenship
- Photograph and digital signature
- NBI ID number (used for renewal)
- Purpose of the clearance (Travel Abroad, Local Employment, etc.)
- Date of issuance and validity period
- A QR code and barcode for verification
- Signature of the NBI Director
The most important detail to check the moment you receive your clearance is the spelling of your name. Even one wrong letter can cause problems when you submit it to an embassy or employer. Errors must be corrected before you leave the branch.
How the Online Application Works (Step by Step)
The entire process has been moved online since the NBI partnered with its e-payment provider. Walk-in applications are no longer accepted at most branches except in very specific cases (senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women in some branches).
Here is the full process explained in plain language.
Step 1: Visit the Official NBI Clearance Portal
Open your browser and go to the official URL: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
When the page loads, a data privacy notice will appear. Read it briefly and click AGREE to continue. You will then see two main options on the screen — one for new applicants and one for first-time job seekers applying for the free clearance under RA 11261.
Step 2: Create Your Account
If this is your first time, click Sign Up and fill in the registration form. The information you enter here will appear on your final clearance, so accuracy is critical.
You will be asked for:
- Complete name (First, Middle, Last, and Suffix if any)
- Date of birth
- Gender and civil status
- Active mobile number (for OTP)
- Active email address
- A password you can remember
There is also a question that asks: “Do you have an NBI Clearance issued from 2014 to present?”
If YES, click Yes and proceed to enter your old NBI ID number. The system will pull your existing profile so you do not have to start from zero.
If NO, click No to create a fresh applicant record.
Tick the reCAPTCHA box, read and accept the Terms of Service, then click Sign Up.
Step 3: Verify Your Account With OTP
Right after sign-up, the system will send a 6-digit One-Time Password to your registered mobile number. You have 5 minutes to enter this code.
If the OTP does not arrive within a minute, check your signal first. The most common reason for OTP failure is poor mobile reception, not a problem with the NBI system. You can request a new OTP after 30 seconds if needed.
Step 4: Complete Your Applicant Profile
After OTP verification, you will be taken to the full applicant information page. This is where most applicants slow down — there are a lot of fields, and many of them are required.
You will need to fill in:
Personal Details
- Full name with middle name spelled out
- Nickname or AKA (write NONE if not applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Citizenship
Contact Information
- Complete address (Street, Unit, Building, Village, Barangay, City)
- Active mobile number
- Active email address
Family Background
- Spouse name and birthplace (if married)
- Father’s name and birthplace
- Mother’s maiden name and birthplace
Other Information
- Educational attainment
- Occupation
- Religion
- Height in centimeters and weight in kilograms
- Complexion
- Identifying marks (scars, tattoos, moles — write NONE if none)
*Do not use abbreviations. Write “Quezon City” not “QC.” Do not use nicknames in the name fields. Avoid leaving anything blank — if a field does not apply to you, type NONE.
Once everything is filled in, double-check every spelling and click Save Information.
Step 5: Review and Apply for Clearance
After saving, the system will show a summary of all the details you submitted. Read this carefully. If you spot a mistake, click Edit Information to fix it now.
Once you confirm everything is correct, click Apply for Clearance. Take note: after this point, the information becomes locked. Any correction will require visiting the NBI branch in person.
Step 6: Select a Valid ID
You will then be asked to choose which valid government ID you intend to present at the branch. Pick from the dropdown list and enter the ID number.
Bring this exact ID on your appointment day. Bringing a different ID, even if it is also valid, can cause your application to be rejected at the counter.
Tick the certification box (“I certify that all information is true and correct”) and click I AGREE.
Step 7: Schedule Your Appointment
You will be redirected to the branch and slot picker.
Use the dropdown to choose your preferred NBI branch. Available dates will show on a calendar — dates with open slots appear in blue, with AM and PM sessions and the number of remaining slots visible.
Click the AM or PM session for the day you want. The system will lock that slot for you automatically.
Tip: Slots in Metro Manila branches fill up within minutes of being released. NBI typically opens new slots for the following week every Monday around midnight. If you cannot get a slot in your preferred branch, check nearby satellite offices in malls — they often have openings even during peak weeks.
Step 8: Pay the Processing Fee
After locking in your slot, the system will move you to the payment page. The total amount is shown clearly: ₱130 clearance fee + ₱25 e-payment service fee = ₱155 total.
Choose your payment channel from the list:
- GCash (most common, instant confirmation)
- Maya (formerly PayMaya)
- Bank Over-the-Counter (Landbank, DBP, and partner banks)
- Online Banking (BPI, Unionbank, etc.)
- ECPay
- 7-Eleven CLiQQ
- Bayad Center (in-store or via the app)
- Visa or Mastercard
Click Proceed. The system generates a reference number. Save this number — take a screenshot, write it down, or print it. You will need it during your appointment.
After successful payment, return to your dashboard and click Transactions. From there, you can print or download your application form, which includes your reference number and barcode.
Step 9: Attend Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the branch you selected at least 30 minutes before your scheduled session. Bring the following with you:
- Printed application form (with barcode and reference number)
- The two valid government IDs you selected during registration
- Payment receipt or screenshot of the confirmation
When you arrive, look for the information desk or queueing officer. They will check your application and direct you to the right counter. The process at the branch usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for fingerprinting, photo capture, and digital signature.
Step 10: Receive Your Clearance
If the system finds no “HIT” against your name, your clearance will be printed and released on the same day, usually within 20 to 30 minutes after biometrics.
If there is a HIT (more on this below), the branch will tell you when to return — usually within 5 to 15 working days, depending on the complexity of the verification.
NBI Clearance Fee 2026
The official NBI Clearance fee in 2026 is ₱155 in total. This breaks down into:
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
NBI Clearance Fee (base) | ₱130 |
E-Payment / System Service Fee | ₱25 |
Total | ₱155 |
This is the standard rate for both new applications and renewals. It does not change based on the purpose of your clearance — employment, travel abroad, business, or visa applications all cost the same.
Optional Add-On: Door-to-Door Delivery
If you do not want to return to the branch to collect your clearance after a HIT, or if your branch offers home delivery for renewals, the courier charge is separate. The typical range is:
- Metro Manila: around ₱200
- Provincial areas: ₱250 to ₱500
The exact delivery fee shows up on the payment page before you confirm. Always verify the total before clicking pay.
Free Clearance for First-Time Job Seekers (RA 11261)
Under Republic Act No. 11261, also called the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, qualified applicants can get their NBI Clearance for free. To avail of this:
- Visit your Barangay Hall and request the First-Time Job Seeker Certification and an Oath of Undertaking.
- Use the dedicated portal at https://firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph when registering — not the regular portal.
- Bring the Barangay documents and your valid ID on appointment day.
This benefit can only be used once per lifetime. If you have already claimed it before, you will need to pay the regular ₱155.
Warning: If any website or “fixer” tells you the standard NBI Clearance fee is higher than ₱155, do not pay them. The official rate is ₱155 — anything more is a scam. Always pay through the official portal or its listed partners.
Valid IDs Accepted by NBI
The NBI accepts a wide list of government-issued IDs. You only need to present one of these on your appointment day, but it is safer to bring two in case the staff requests a backup.
The currently accepted IDs are:
- Philippine Passport (issued by DFA)
- Philippine National ID (PhilSys / PhilID by PSA)
- Driver’s License (LTO)
- UMID Card (SSS or GSIS)
- GSIS e-Card
- PhilHealth ID (must be the PVC plastic card, not the paper version)
- Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card or HDMF ID
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification (COMELEC)
- PRC ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- PWD ID
- Postal ID (PVC plastic version only)
- School ID (only valid for current students, often as supporting document)
- Birth Certificate authenticated by PSA (original copy, often used as supporting)
The PhilSys National ID is the most widely accepted across all NBI branches in 2026 since the rollout is now complete in most cities.
IDs That Are Often Rejected at the Counter
This is the section most guides skip — and it is the reason many applicants get sent home.
The following are not accepted as primary valid IDs:
- Company ID — never accepted, regardless of how official it looks
- Barangay Clearance or Certificate — this is a document, not an ID
- Barangay ID — usually not accepted alone (sometimes accepted as supporting)
- Police Clearance — a supporting document, not a valid ID
- Paper or laminated Postal ID — only the PVC plastic version is accepted
- TIN Card (cardboard or paper) — most branches reject this as primary
- PhilHealth paper ID — only the digitized PVC card is accepted
- Alumni cards, S&R, or Landers membership cards — never accepted
- Expired IDs of any kind
If your only available ID is a TIN Card or paper PhilHealth, bring a PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate as a supporting document. This combination is usually accepted in most branches.
What Happens on Your Appointment Day
Many first-time applicants are nervous about the branch visit. Here is exactly what happens, in order, so you know what to expect.
- Arrival and Verification. You enter the branch and approach the information desk or designated queueing officer. They will check your printed application, reference number, and ID. If everything is in order, they direct you to the waiting area.
- Queue Number. You receive a queue number. Wait until your number is called for the document verification counter.
- Document Verification. A staff member checks your IDs and reference number against the system. If anything does not match, you may be asked to correct it on the spot.
- Biometrics. You move to the biometrics counter. They will take your fingerprints (all 10 fingers, rolled impressions) using an electronic scanner.
- Photo Capture. A photo is taken at the same counter or the next one. No need to bring your own photo.
- Digital Signature. You sign on a digital pad. This signature will appear on your printed clearance.
- Releasing. If no HIT is detected, you wait 20 to 30 minutes for your clearance to be printed. If there is a HIT, you will be given a return date.
The total time inside the branch usually ranges from 30 minutes (off-peak) to 2 hours (peak hours in major branches like UN Avenue Manila).
What “HIT” Means and How It Affects You
A “HIT” is one of the most misunderstood parts of the NBI process. A HIT does not automatically mean you have a criminal record.
A HIT simply means the NBI database found one or more entries that match your name, birthdate, or other identifying details. There are two kinds:
Name-Similarity Hit (False Hit)
This is the most common case. Your name happens to match someone else who has a record. The NBI investigator manually reviews both files. If it is clear you are a different person, the hit is cleared within 5 to 10 working days, sometimes faster.
This happens often to Filipinos with common names — Juan Dela Cruz, Maria Santos, Mark Reyes, and so on.
Actual Hit
This means there is a genuine record connected to you — a pending case, an old warrant, or a derogatory entry. In this case, the clearance will not be released until the case is resolved through the proper legal channels. You may need to coordinate with the court or your attorney.
If you suspect you might get a HIT due to a common name, plan ahead — apply at least two to three weeks before you actually need the clearance.
Dress Code at the NBI Office
The NBI implements a dress code at most branches. The reason is simple — your photo will appear on an official government document.
Acceptable attire:
- Collared shirts or smart-casual tops
- Polo shirts
- Decent blouses
- Long pants or knee-length skirts
- Closed shoes or simple sandals
Not allowed:
- Sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- Shorts (above the knee)
- Slippers / flip-flops
- Tube tops or revealing clothing
- Anything with offensive prints
Some branches are strict and will turn you away if you are not dressed appropriately. Plan your outfit the night before.
How Long is the NBI Clearance Valid?
The NBI Clearance is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Many employers, however, prefer a clearance issued within the last three to six months — especially for embassy submissions or sensitive positions. If your clearance is more than six months old, it is safer to renew it before submitting.
After the one-year mark, you cannot use the document for any official purpose. You will need to apply for a new one. The good news: if you already have an NBI ID number, your next application is much faster because the system pulls up your existing profile.
NBI Branches and Office Hours
There are over 60 NBI Clearance Centers across the Philippines as of 2026. They fall into three main categories:
Regional and District Offices
- NBI Clearance Center, U.N. Avenue, Manila (the main branch)
- NBI Quezon City District Office
- NBI Cebu Regional Office
- NBI Davao Regional Office
- NBI Iloilo Branch
- NBI Cagayan de Oro Branch
- NBI Baguio Branch
Local Government Branches
Located inside city halls and municipal buildings across various provinces.
Mall Satellite Offices
- Robinsons Galleria (Ortigas)
- Robinsons Place Ermita
- SM City North EDSA
- SM City Manila
- Ever Gotesco
- Duty Free Philippines (Parañaque)
Office Hours
Branch Type | Operating Hours | Days |
|---|---|---|
Main and District Offices | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Monday to Friday |
Local Government Branches | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Monday to Friday |
Mall Satellite Offices | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Monday to Saturday (varies) |
All branches are closed on Sundays and on official Philippine holidays.
Best time to visit: Tuesday to Thursday, between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. Mondays are usually packed because of weekend applicants returning. Fridays are also slower than mid-week but can have system delays before the weekend cutoff.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Clearance
Here are the most common reasons applicants get sent home without their clearance — based on what regular complaints show.
1. Bringing a Different ID From What Was Selected Online
If you registered with a Driver’s License in mind but bring your Passport on the day, the staff may reject your application. Always bring the exact ID you encoded.
2. Using a Non-Government ID
Company IDs, alumni cards, S&R cards — these are not accepted. Yet many applicants assume they are valid because they have a photo on them.
3. Spelling Mistakes on the Application
Once you click “Apply for Clearance,” your information is locked. Even a single missing letter in your middle name can cause complications with embassy submissions later.
4. Arriving in Improper Attire
Sleeveless tops, shorts, and slippers will get you turned away at the gate. The dress code is enforced more strictly in Metro Manila branches.
5. Forgetting the Reference Number
Without the reference number, the staff cannot locate your application in the system. Save it in three places — screenshot, written copy, and printed application form.
6. Paying Outside the Official Portal
Some applicants pay random “fixers” on Facebook or unofficial websites and end up with no actual application. Only pay through the channels listed inside the official NBI portal.
7. Booking the Wrong Branch
Once paid, your branch is locked in. Changing it requires contacting NBI support and is not always approved. Pick carefully.
8. Missing the Appointment
If you miss your appointment, your paid fee is not refunded but it is usually still valid. You can reschedule online, but only if rescheduling slots are available.
Tips From Applicants Who Got It Right
A few practical tips that are not always in the official documentation:
- Apply on a Monday or Tuesday. Slots open weekly, and mid-week applications are smoother because the system has reset from the weekend.
- Use GCash for payment. It is the fastest to confirm and gives you an instant SMS receipt.
- Bring extra IDs. Even if one is your primary, the staff sometimes asks for a second one for cross-verification.
- Take a photo of every screen during the online registration. If something goes wrong, you have proof of what you submitted.
- Avoid the U.N. Avenue main branch on Mondays. It is the busiest NBI branch in the country. If you can, go to a mall satellite office instead.
- For OFWs renewing from abroad, contact the Philippine Consulate first. The process is slightly different and may require a Special Power of Attorney for someone to claim on your behalf.