Complete 2026 Guide

How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online — Step-by-Step Guide

Everything you need to apply for or renew your NBI Clearance through the official portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph — requirements, valid IDs, fees, and our free Application Readiness Checker tool.

📅 Updated: 2026-07-28 ✍️ NBIOnlineClearance.ph Editorial Team ⏱ 12 min read ✅ Fact-checked
✅ Fact-Checked 📋 Based on Official NBI Sources 🔒 Independent Guide 🆓 Free to Use
Overview

What Is NBI Clearance and Why Do You Need It?

An NBI Clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) certifying that the holder has no derogatory record or pending criminal case on file. It is one of the most commonly required documents in the Philippines for employment, travel, and legal transactions.

You will typically need an NBI Clearance when applying for a job, processing a passport or visa, enrolling in certain schools, applying for a business permit, or completing any government transaction that requires proof of a clean criminal record.

📌 Important: The NBI has moved its application process almost entirely online. You must register and pay through the official portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before visiting any NBI branch. Walk-in applications without an online appointment are generally not accepted.
💼

Employment

Required by most employers during hiring. Government and private companies need it for background checks.

✈️

Travel & Visa

Needed for passport applications, visa processing, and OFW deployment — a standard requirement for working abroad.

📋

Legal & Business

Required for business permits, firearms license, immigration clearance, adoption, and other government transactions.

Step-by-Step

How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online (6 Steps)

Follow these steps to complete your NBI Clearance application through the official NBI portal. The entire online process takes about 20–30 minutes, plus your branch visit.

Create an NBI Account

⏱ 5 minutes

Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and click "Sign Up." Enter your full name (matching your valid ID exactly), a working email address, and a mobile number. Set a secure password and verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Fill Out the Application Form

⏱ 10 minutes

Log in to the NBI Clearance portal and complete your personal information — full legal name, date and place of birth, civil status, complete address, and purpose of application. Double-check every field before proceeding; errors here can trigger a "HIT" during processing.

Choose Your NBI Branch & Schedule

⏱ 3 minutes

Select the NBI branch nearest to you from the list. Pick an available date and time slot for your appointment. Popular Metro Manila branches fill up quickly, so book early. You can only visit the branch you select.

Pay the NBI Clearance Fee

⏱ 5 minutes

Pay the ₱155 clearance fee (or ₱255 for Quick Renewal Delivery). Payment methods include GCash, Maya, online banking (BPI, BDO, UnionBank, etc.), over-the-counter at 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, or SM Bills Payment. Save your payment receipt or screenshot.

Visit the NBI Branch on Your Scheduled Date

⏱ 30–60 minutes

Bring your valid ID (original + photocopy), printed or digital appointment confirmation, and your payment receipt. Arrive on time. At the branch, you will have your photo and biometrics (fingerprints) captured. The entire branch visit usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Claim or Receive Your NBI Clearance

⏱ Same day or 10–15 days

If your application has no HIT (no matching criminal record), you will receive your NBI Clearance at the branch the same day — usually printed and handed to you before you leave. If a HIT is flagged, you will need to return after 10–15 business days for verification and clearance release.

💡 Expert Tip: Apply during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) for fewer system errors and more appointment slots. Mondays and the first week of the month tend to be the busiest at NBI branches.
Free Tool

🛠 NBI Clearance Application Readiness Checker

Not sure if you're ready to apply? Use our free checker below to verify you have everything you need before starting your NBI Clearance application.

Application Readiness Checker

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you if you're ready to apply.

Requirements

NBI Clearance Requirements & Accepted Valid IDs

Before you start your online application, make sure you have at least one valid, government-issued ID from the list below. The ID must be original, not expired, and must bear your photo and signature.

✅ Primary IDs (accepted alone)

Philippine Passport
Driver's License (LTO)
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
PhilSys National ID (PhilID)
SSS ID / SSS UMID
GSIS ID / GSIS UMID
PRC License
Voter's ID / COMELEC Certificate of Registration
Seaman's Book

🔸 Secondary / Supporting IDs

Secondary IDs may need to be paired with another ID or a supporting document. Check NBI branch requirements.

Postal ID (2015 series onwards)
PhilHealth ID
Barangay Certification
TIN ID (BIR)
School ID (with current enrollment)
Company ID (with company registration)
Senior Citizen ID
PWD ID
OFW ID / iDOLE Card
⚠️ Important: Expired IDs are NOT accepted. Make sure your ID is valid on the date of your NBI branch visit. Also, the name on your ID must exactly match the name you enter in the online application. Any mismatch may cause processing delays or trigger a HIT.
Fees & Timeline

NBI Clearance Fees and Processing Time

Fee Schedule (2026)

Service TypeFeeNotes
Standard NBI Clearance₱155First-time or renewal, pick up at branch
Quick Renewal Delivery₱255Renewal only — delivered to your home via courier
Additional Clearance Copy₱155If you need extra certified copies

Accepted Payment Methods

📱 E-Wallets

GCash, Maya (PayMaya)

🏦 Online Banking

BPI, BDO, UnionBank, Metrobank, and others via the NBI portal

🏪 Over-the-Counter

7-Eleven (CLiQQ), Bayad Center, SM Bills Payment, Cebuana, Palawan

Processing Time

ScenarioEstimated Time
No HIT (clear record)Same day — usually within 30–60 minutes at the branch
With HIT (name match found)10–15 business days — requires identity verification
Quick Renewal Delivery5–7 business days — delivered to your address
Avoid These

Common Mistakes When Applying for NBI Clearance

These errors can delay your application, cause unnecessary HITs, or force you to reschedule your appointment.

❌ Name mismatch with ID

Entering a nickname, maiden name, or misspelled name in the online form that doesn't match your valid ID exactly triggers problems at the branch.

❌ Bringing an expired ID

NBI staff will turn you away if your only ID is expired. Always check the validity date before your appointment.

❌ Going to the wrong branch

Your appointment is tied to a specific branch. You cannot visit a different NBI branch than the one you selected online.

❌ Forgetting payment proof

Bring a screenshot or printed copy of your payment receipt. Without proof, staff may not process your application.

❌ Incorrect birthdate or middle name

Even small errors in your birth date or middle name can trigger a HIT and delay your clearance by weeks.

❌ Applying with VPN enabled

Using a VPN or proxy can cause the NBI website to block your session or fail during payment processing.

Expert Advice

Expert Tips for a Smooth NBI Clearance Application

🕒 Best time to apply: Schedule your appointment on a weekday (Tuesday to Thursday) during the second or third week of the month. These days typically have shorter queues and more available time slots.
📸 Photo tip: Wear a plain, collared shirt and avoid heavy jewelry or accessories. Your NBI Clearance photo is taken at the branch, and a professional appearance helps if you use the clearance for employment.
💾 Save everything: Take screenshots of your appointment confirmation, payment receipt, and reference number. Store them in a dedicated folder on your phone. You'll need them at the branch.
🛡 Safety reminder: Never pay fixers or third parties who claim they can speed up your NBI Clearance. The official fee is ₱155 (or ₱255 for Quick Renewal Delivery). Only pay through the official NBI portal or authorized payment channels. Report any suspicious activity to the NBI directly.
⚠️ Scam warning: The only official NBI Clearance website is clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Do not enter your personal information on any other website claiming to process NBI Clearance applications. Phishing sites may steal your data.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About NBI Clearance

Quick answers to the most common questions about the NBI Clearance online application process.

Visit the official NBI Clearance website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, create an account, fill out the application form with your personal details, select your preferred NBI branch and appointment date, pay the ₱155 fee through GCash, Maya, online banking, or over-the-counter, then visit the branch on your scheduled date with a valid ID for biometrics capture.
The standard NBI Clearance fee is ₱155. If you choose the Quick Renewal Delivery option (for renewal applicants only), the fee is ₱255, which includes home delivery of your clearance via courier. Payment can be made online or at authorized payment centers.
The NBI accepts primary government-issued IDs including Philippine Passport, Driver's License, UMID, PhilSys National ID (PhilID), SSS ID, GSIS ID, PRC License, and Voter's ID. Secondary IDs such as Postal ID, PhilHealth ID, TIN ID, and Barangay Certification are also accepted. All IDs must be original, valid (not expired), and bear your photo and signature.
If your application has no HIT (no matching record found), you can receive your NBI Clearance on the same day of your branch visit — typically within 30 minutes to 1 hour. If a HIT is flagged, the clearance process takes approximately 10 to 15 business days as the NBI verifies your identity against their records.
A HIT means the NBI system found a matching or similar name in their criminal database. It does not mean you have a criminal record. Common causes include having a common Filipino name (e.g., Juan Dela Cruz) or sharing a name with someone who has a record. You will need to return to the NBI branch for identity verification, which typically takes 10–15 business days to resolve.
For first-time applicants, visiting an NBI branch is required because the NBI needs to capture your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) in person. However, renewal applicants may qualify for the Quick Renewal Delivery service where the clearance is delivered to your home, eliminating the need for a branch visit if your biometrics are already on file.
If you miss your scheduled NBI appointment, you will need to log back in to your NBI account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and reschedule a new appointment. Your payment is typically still valid and will not need to be paid again. However, you cannot walk in on a different date — you must have a confirmed appointment.
NBI Clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. After expiration, you will need to apply for renewal through the same online process at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Some employers and agencies may require a clearance issued within the last 6 months, so check specific requirements.
Yes. GCash is one of the most popular payment methods for NBI Clearance. After filling out the application form online, select GCash as your payment option. You will be redirected to GCash to complete the ₱155 payment. Make sure you have sufficient balance and save the payment confirmation.
First-time NBI Clearance applicants need: (1) a valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy), (2) a completed online application at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, (3) a confirmed appointment schedule, (4) proof of payment (receipt or screenshot), and (5) knowledge of your complete personal details including full name, birthdate, address, and parents' names as they appear on your ID.
The NBI has branches in all major cities and provinces nationwide. Popular branches include NBI Main Office in Manila (Taft Avenue, Ermita), NBI Robinsons Manila, NBI SM City branches, and NBI branches in Quezon City, Makati, Cebu, Davao, and other cities. You can view the full list of branches when scheduling your appointment at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
Yes. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can apply for NBI Clearance online through clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Select the "OFW" purpose when filling out the form. OFWs may use the iDOLE card or passport as their primary ID. Some Philippine embassies and consulates abroad also process NBI Clearance for OFWs.
If the NBI Clearance website (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) is down or loading slowly, try these steps: clear your browser cache, switch to a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended), check your internet connection, try again during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening), and disable VPN if you are using one. System maintenance is usually scheduled on weekends.
To renew your NBI Clearance, log in to your existing account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, select "Renewal" as your application type, verify your personal information is still correct, choose a branch and appointment date, pay the ₱155 fee (or ₱255 for Quick Renewal Delivery), and visit the branch on your scheduled date. Renewal applicants with biometrics already on file may receive their clearance faster.
No. NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent informational guide website. It is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), or any Philippine government agency. The official NBI Clearance application website is clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Our guides are based on publicly available official information.
The NBI Clearance reference number is a unique code assigned to your application after you complete the online registration and payment. It is used to track your application status and is required when visiting the NBI branch. You can find it in your NBI account dashboard and in the confirmation email sent to you. Keep this number safe and do not share it publicly.
Yes, minors can obtain NBI Clearance, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the branch visit. The parent/guardian must bring their own valid ID and the minor's birth certificate (PSA-issued). The application process is the same — register online, schedule an appointment, and visit the branch together.
NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and checks your name against a nationwide criminal database. Police Clearance is issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the local or municipal level and checks local police records. NBI Clearance is generally required for employment, travel, and legal transactions, while Police Clearance is often required for local permits and barangay-level requirements. Many employers accept either one, but some specifically require NBI Clearance.
Generally, no. NBI Clearance must be claimed personally because the biometrics verification (photo and fingerprints) is done on-site. However, in special cases (such as medical incapacity), an authorized representative may claim the clearance with a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA), a valid ID of both the applicant and representative, and a medical certificate if applicable. Contact the NBI branch directly to confirm their policy.
Log in to your NBI account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and navigate to the "Transaction History" or "My Applications" section. Your clearance status will show as "For Printing" (ready for release), "For Further Verification" (HIT detected), or "Released." You can also check if your clearance has been printed and is ready for pickup at your chosen branch.
Sources

Official References & Sources

This guide is based on publicly available information from the following official government sources:

Editorially Reviewed & Fact-Checked

This guide was written by the NBIOnlineClearance.ph Editorial Team and reviewed for accuracy based on official NBI policies and publicly available government sources. Last verified on 2026-07-28.

Found an error? Contact our team so we can correct it. We aim to keep all information current and accurate.

⚠ Independent Guide Website Disclaimer: NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent informational guide. It is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), or any Philippine government agency. We do not process applications, collect payments, or issue clearances. The official NBI Clearance portal is clearance.nbi.gov.ph. All information published on this site is sourced from official public documents and is provided for general guidance only.