Any Filipino citizen 18 years old and above can apply for an NBI clearance. You can be a first-time applicant, a regular renewal applicant or an OFW needing clearance for overseas work. Even foreigners residing in the Philippines may apply under certain conditions.
NBI Clearance Online Application
An NBI clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation to confirm that your name carries no pending criminal case in the Philippines. You apply through the official portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, pick a branch and time slot, pay a small fee, then visit that branch for biometrics. Most applicants without a “hit” receive their clearance the same day. The certificate stays valid for one year from its release date.
What Is an NBI Clearance and Why You Need It
The National Bureau of Investigation is the Philippines’ national investigative agency under the Department of Justice. An NBI clearance is its official record check, confirming whether your name matches any pending case or derogatory record in the national database.
Employers ask for it before hiring. Embassies ask for it before granting a visa. Schools, banks, and local government offices ask for it too. In short, it works like a nationwide background check that almost every serious transaction in the Philippines eventually requires.
It differs from a police clearance, which only searches records within one city or municipality. An NBI clearance searches records across the entire country, which is why it carries more weight for national and international transactions.
What does the NBI Check?
When you apply for an NBI clearance, your name is run against the agency’s nationwide records. The search looks for:
- Criminal cases still pending in court
- Active warrants of arrest
- Past criminal convictions
- Any other derogatory records attached to your name
If a Match Is Found
Your application is flagged as a “hit.” The clearance is not printed right away.
You are sent through a verification process first, and the document is released
only once that step is completed.
💡 Hint:
Verification may take around 5–15 working days
when a hit is found.
Verification may take around 5–15 working days
when a hit is found.
Why Do You Need NBI Clearance
There are several situations where this document is commonly required, including:
- Immigration and visa applications
- Applying for a business permit
- Opening a bank account or applying for a loan
- Enrolling in school or applying for a scholarship
- Government-related transactions and legal matters
- Applying for a job
NBI Clearance Appointment Online
The days of lining up outside an NBI office before sunrise are over. Today, the entire booking process happens through the official NBI Clearance Portal.
Key Feature Of NBI Clearance Online
The NBI Clearance Online System makes the application process faster and easier. Instead of waiting in long lines, you can now do most steps on the internet.
01
NBI Online Registration
You can apply for NBI Clearance using the internet. There is no need to line up early. It is also similar with Police Clearance .
02
NBI Quick Renewal
Renewing your NBI Clearance is faster because your personal information is already saved in the system. The Quick Renewal fee is ₱510 and the regular renewal fee is ₱160. You can also get NBI Appointment Online Renewal .
03
Online Appointment Scheduling
You can choose the date, time and NBI branch that is most convenient for you.
04
Easy Payment Options
You can pay the fee using different payment methods such as online banking or payment centers.
Who Needs To Get NBI Clearance?
What to Bring to Your NBI Appointment
Preparation avoids most delays. Bring the following to your appointment:
Two original valid government-issued IDs, along with a photocopy of each. One of these must match the ID you selected while registering online. Bring your proof of payment or reference number as well, either printed or saved on your phone.
| Accepted ID | Notes |
|---|---|
| Philippine Passport | Must be unexpired |
| Driver's License | Non-professional or professional |
| UMID | Unified Multi-Purpose ID |
| PRC ID | For licensed professionals |
| PhilHealth ID | Must show a clear photo |
| Postal ID | Must be newer version |
| Voter's ID or Certificate | Issued by COMELEC |
| SSS ID | For members with active accounts |
How to Pay Using GCash and Other Payment Methods
GCash is one of the fastest ways to pay your NBI clearance fee. After you reach the payment step in your application, select GCash as your payment channel, confirm the amount, and complete the transaction inside the GCash app using your MPIN. The system usually confirms payment within a few minutes, though it can occasionally take longer during peak hours.
Other accepted payment options typically include over-the-counter payment at partner banks, mobile wallets, and payment centers listed directly on the portal during checkout. Whichever method you choose, always keep your receipt or transaction reference number until you have your clearance in hand.
💳
INSTANTGCash
Fastest option. Confirm inside the app using your MPIN.
📱
E-WALLETMaya
Pay directly through the Maya app in a few taps.
🏬
OVER-COUNTER7-Eleven
Pay in cash via the CLIQQ kiosk in-store.
🧾
CASH PARTNERBayad Center
Over-the-counter cash payment nationwide.
🏦
DIRECT BANKOnline Banking
Pay directly from your bank's online portal.
How to Reschedule Your NBI Appointment
If your appointment is unpaid, you can freely cancel or update it inside your account. If you have already paid, log in and check your Transactions tab first. A Reschedule option may appear depending on your timing and application status. If it appears, select it immediately to pick a new branch, date, and time. If no such option appears, your safest choice is to attend on your original date or use the grace period described below.
How to Cancel an NBI Appointment
To cancel, sign in to your account, open your active application, and select the cancel option. Unpaid appointments cancel instantly with no cost. Paid appointments are different, since the payment is generally tied to that specific booking.
Refund Policy
The NBI clearance fee is non-refundable once payment has been confirmed, except in rare cases involving a genuine system error, such as being charged twice for a single transaction. If that happens, report it to the NBI helpdesk right away and keep your receipt as proof.
🔄
REFUNDABLEDuplicate Payment
Charged twice by mistake? Full refund processed within 7–10 working days.
📅
TRANSFERABLESlot Reschedule
Fees are non-refundable but can be credited to a new schedule slot.
💲
NON-REFUNDABLEClearance Fee
Government processing fees are final once payment confirmation is issued.
💳
NON-REFUNDABLEConvenience Fee
Third-party payment portal fees (₱15–₱30) are strictly non-refundable.
🚚
CONDITIONALCourier Express Fee
Refundable only if delivery is cancelled prior to dispatch by courier.
Can You Walk In Without an Appointment?
Walk-in applications are rarely accepted anymore. Nearly every NBI branch now requires an online appointment before you can be served, so booking ahead through the official portal is the safest approach
CONCLUSION
Getting an NBI Clearance in the Philippines can be simple and convenient when you understand the correct process. From registration and application to payment, appointment scheduling, and clearance release, following the proper steps helps avoid delays and common mistakes.
Our goal is to provide clear and updated information about NBI Clearance, including application requirements, renewal, accepted IDs, payment methods, appointments, and common concerns. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your clearance, this website can help you understand each step and prepare properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an NBI clearance and a police clearance?
A police clearance only checks records within a specific city or municipality. An NBI clearance checks a nationwide database, which is why more employers and embassies accept it.
Can another person claim my NBI clearance for me?
Generally, no. The process requires your own fingerprints and photo, so only you can complete it, except in specific cases involving a notarized Special Power of Attorney.
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
It is valid for one year from its release date, though some employers or embassies may ask for one issued within the last few months.
Is the NBI clearance fee refundable if I cancel?
No. Once payment is confirmed, the fee is non-refundable, except for verified system errors like duplicate charges.
What should I do if I get a "hit" on my application?
Stay calm. A hit usually means a shared name with another record, not proof of wrongdoing. The branch will guide you through the verification steps, which typically take five to fifteen working days.
Do I need an appointment for renewal too?
Yes. Even renewal applications go through the same appointment system as new applications.