At some point in your life, you may be asked to submit an NBI clearance — whether you’re applying for a job, joining a new company, securing a tourist visa, applying for a loan, obtaining a gun license, or completing other legal requirements.
What is an NBI clearance and what is it for?
An NBI clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation certifying that the applicant has no criminal record, pending case, or derogatory information on file. It is widely used for employment, travel, business, and identification purposes.
How to apply for NBI clearance online
Overview
In the past, applicants could walk into any NBI office to apply for clearance. Today, the NBI strictly enforces a “no appointment, no entry” policy. This means all applicants must secure an online appointment before visiting an NBI branch.
While this may feel inconvenient for urgent applications, the system helps reduce long queues, prevents overcrowding, and minimizes the presence of fixers. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and schedule their appointment early.
Step 1: Visit the NBI website
Go to the official NBI Clearance website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
- Register for a new application
On the right side of the homepage, you’ll be asked: “Do you have an old NBI clearance issued from 2014 to present?”
If you have an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onward: Select “Yes” and enter your old NBI ID number (found on your previous clearance). This saves time because the system retrieves your stored information.
If you have not applied since 2014: Select “No” and create a new account.
- Fill out the registration form accurately. Remember your password and ensure your mobile number is active for verification.
- Retrieve the one-time password (OTP). Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number to continue.
- Accept the Terms of Service. Tick the box and click Sign Up.
- Review the reminders in the pop‑up box and click Yes to proceed.
- Fill out the NBI Clearance Online Application Form. Double‑check your details before clicking Save Information.
- Click “Apply for Clearance.” Select the valid ID you will present during your appointment. Note: You must bring two valid IDs on your appointment day.
Step 2: Set your NBI clearance appointment
After completing your profile, you must choose an NBI branch and schedule your appointment.
- Select the NBI office most convenient for you.
- Choose an available date and time (AM or PM). Available slots appear in blue; unavailable dates appear in red.
- Confirm your selected schedule.
Step 3: Pay the NBI clearance fee
The NBI clearance fee is ₱155 (₱130 clearance fee + ₱25 e‑payment service fee). This applies to all clearance purposes — employment, travel, or legal requirements.
Available payment channels
- Bank deposit or online banking (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, PNB, Security Bank, UnionBank)
- Bayad Center and partner outlets
- MultiPay wallet or MultiPay‑Bayad Center outlets
- ECPay partners (RD Pawnshop, San Mig Food Avenue, etc.)
- 7‑Eleven via CLiQQ kiosk
Note: Some payment channels may charge additional service fees.
How to pay
- Select your preferred payment option on the Appointment page.
- Take note of your reference number and total amount due.
- Visit the payment outlet and pay using your reference number.
- Check your payment status by logging into your NBI account and clicking “Transactions.” The status should change from “Pending” to “Paid.”
Step 4: Process your NBI clearance on appointment day
- Go to your chosen NBI branch on your scheduled date. Bring two valid IDs and your reference number.
- Proceed to the Biometric and Image Capture section.
- Have your photo, fingerprints, and digital signature taken.
- Review your personal information on the screen before final submission.
- Wait for your NBI clearance to be printed.
- If you receive a “HIT,” you will be asked to return after several working days for further verification.
If you cannot return to the branch, you may opt for delivery:
- Visit the NBI Clearance Online Services site.
- Go to the “With Hit? NBI Delivery Service” section.
- Enter your reference number and birth date.
- Submit your request for delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What valid IDs can I present?
- Philippine passport
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Driver’s license
- Senior citizen ID
- PRC license
- SSS/GSIS/UMID ID
- PhilHealth ID
- School ID
- TIN ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration
My payment is not reflected online. Can I still proceed?
Yes. Payment posting may take time. Bring your payment receipt and reference number to the NBI branch.
Can I apply as a walk‑in applicant?
Some NBI branches have computer stations for walk‑ins, but an online appointment is still required before processing.
Do I need to print my application form?
No. You only need your reference number and payment receipt. Your application is already stored in the system.
Why do some applicants need to return after several days?
If your name matches someone in the NBI database, your application undergoes additional verification. This is called a HIT. In such cases, you may be asked to return after 8 working days.