The NBI Clearance online application needs to be submitted to get your clearance for a criminal record. It is required whenever you are applying for a job, traveling abroad, conducting a government transaction, requiring a business permit, or applying for some official document. It is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines. It’s proof that the person has no criminal record in the country. The online portal was introduced to submit the NBI clearance online application initial steps by the applicant. The system allows you to do Online registration, book an NBI Online Appointment, NBI renewal Online, and NBI verification online without being in long queues.

When NBI Clearance Required?

You will be required to obtain the NBI clearance for:

NBI Clearance Online Application System

The system was introduced by the government of the Philippines in 2016, and by 2019, it was fully adopted to deal with the NBI clearance online applications, setting appointments, renewing NBI clearances, and verifying them. The systems make the process of applying for and renewing NBI clearance easier, faster, and more efficient. Now, you don’t need to be in long queues, wait for your turn, and fill out the application form manually. You can now initiate the NBI clearance online application through the NBI portal while sitting at home to complete the initial steps of your application. 

The system saves time, money and reduces the admin work by allowing the applicants to complete the basics and initial steps of their application by themselves. The system is available and active 24/7, eliminating the limitation of visiting the NBI center during working hours for the NBI clearance application. You are only required to visit the office for biometrics and photo capture once you have booked the NBI Appointment.

NBI Clearance Online Application

Follow the steps below to submit the NBI clearance online application. If you already have one and want to renew your NBI Certificate, click here. Make sure to read the guide below completely to avoid any confusion.

To start the NBI clearance Online application, visit the official NBI portal by clicking the button below.

Before you proceed with submitting an application, make sure you fulfill the NBI Clearance Online requirements. To register as a first-time job seeker, visit the link below.

National Bureau of Investigation also allows the users to check the authenticity of their clearance certificate through the online portal. Visit the the link below to verify the NBI clearance.

Account Registration

Once you have launched to the official website the on the Right side of your screen, Under the “REGISTER” the question “DO YOU HAVE AN OLD NBI CLEARANCE ISSUED FROM 2014 TO PRESENT?” is checked “Yes” by default.

This option is for those who have already registered with the NBI and have their NBI clearance and system has their complete details. In that case, check our guide for renewing NBI clearance online. 

Select “No” for the first-time registration. Fill in the required information. Provide the following details:

• Gender
• Civil Status
• Date of Birth
• First Name
• Middle Name
• Last Name
• Active Mobile Number
• Active Email Address

Then, create a strong password for your account. Check on READ and ACCEPT TERMS OF SERVICES. Fill in the “CAPTCHA” form and click the “SIGN UP” to register.

Apply For Clearance

Once you click on SIGN UP, you will receive the 6 Digit One-Time Password OTP on the registered mobile number. Enter the code within 5 minutes to verify your registration.

Note: You can generate a New OTP after 30 Seconds in case you have lost the OTP.

Once you have verified the account and logged in to the system, you will be directed to the NBI clearance online application form.

Enter all required details, Personal Info (name, birthday, birthplace), Family Background (parents’ names), Contact Information, Citizenship, Civil Status, Height, Weight, and Complexion. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are compulsory and must be filled in.

Make sure the information you have entered is correct and does not require any correction. If you want to correct some information, click the edit button to correct it. Once the information entered is double-checked, click “APPLY FOR CLEARANCE.”

Select the Valid IDs

Once you have applied, you’ll be directed to select the IDs that you will represent at the NBI Office. 

Select two (2) valid government-issued IDs from the following:

• National ID
• UMID
• Passport
• Driver’s License
• Birth Certificate (authenticated by PSA – original copy)
• Other valid government-issued IDs

Keep in Mind that the Company IDs and Barangay Clearance are non-government-issued IDs and are NOT ACCEPTED as Valid IDs to process your NBI clearance online application.

After you have selected the IDs, click “I AGREE” to proceed to schedule the appointment.

NBI Clearance Online Appointment Booking

You will be directed to the appointment booking section. . 

• Select the nearest NBI center that is most convenient to you to visit.
• Select the day when you want to visit the NBI center. The time and slots available on that day will be highlighted in blue. 
• Once you have selected the day, select the preferred time on that day. 

When the time and day have been selected, the system will show the details of your appointment on the right side of the screen and automatically lock the slot. Check our detailed guide on NBI Clearance online Appointment booking

Pay the Processing Fee

Once the appointment is booked, you need to make a payment. The standard fee is P130 + P25 totaling P155. 

• Bank
• Online Banking
• GCash
• PayMaya
• ECPay
• 7-Eleven 
• Bayad Center

Select the preferred payment option and click “Proceed”. The system will generate the reference to make the payment. Once you have paid the fee, save the paid receipt. It may be required when you visit the NBI center.

After successful payment, go back to your dashboard. Click Transactions, print your NBI Clearance Online Application Form (with barcode & reference number)

Attend Your Appointment

On the scheduled day visit the NBI center you selected while setting the appointment. Make sure to keep the following documents with you.

Personal Appearance at NBI Office

When you visit the  NBI make sure to wear a semi-formal or smart casual dress. Avoid wearing tank tops, sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers; this may cause the denial of your entry in the NBI offices. At the NBI office, you will go through the following process.

NBI Clearance Releasing and Validity

If there’s no “HIT” (no criminal record or name similarity), your NBI clearance will be released within the same day. If there’s a “HIT”, you may be asked to return after 8–10 working days for further verification.

The NBI Clearance certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed once it expires if needed for employment, travel, or other legal purposes.

Features of the NBI Clearance Online application system

Here are the main features of the NBI Online Application System:

• Allows you to create an account for the NBI Clearance online application using a valid email and phone number.
• You can initiate your Online NBI clearance application by filling out the required personal details, contact information, and purpose of clearance directly on the portal.
• You can choose the preferred NBI branch, date, and time to attend the NBI clearance appointment.
• Generate a reference number so you can make the payment for your application.
• Applicants can track whether their clearance is for release or on hit status (if further verification is needed).
• Some applicants with no "hit" can renew their NBI Clearance online without visiting the branch
• For the renewed application, you can select the courier to get the NBI clearance at your doorstep. 

Furthermore, the system saves time, reduces physical visits, is available 24/7, and provides personal information security. 

NBI Clearance Online Renewal Process

If you have an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onward, you can renew it online. You need to visit the NBI office to present a copy of your old clearance certificate. If you have an NBI certificate issued from 2016 onward, you can renew it completely online; you do not need to visit the NBI office. Just pay the required fees, select the home delivery, and the renewed clearance certificate will be delivered to you. 
For the detailed process, check our guide for NBI clearance renewal.

Why NBI Clearance Is Important?

NBI Clearance holds great importance as it is proof of a person's good conduct. It becomes essential, especially when you are looking for Jobs, business permits, government transactions, passport applications, and even traveling abroad. Its importance for these purposes is here.

Job Seekers

When a company hires employees, it comes with some risk for their confidential information and financial assets. The NBI certificate serves as a risk mitigation tool. It helps them avoid hiring individual with a history of theft, fraud, violence, or other crimes that can cause problems to their business. NBI clearance is required whether you are first-time job seekers or shifting companies.

Traveling Abroad and Visa Applications

NBI Clearance is required in the application process, especially when you plan to travel abroad for work, immigration, or long-term stays. Embassies and immigration authorities require this to ensure the security and safety of the host country. It serves as proof that the person traveling has good moral character.

Government Transactions and Business Permit

The NBI Clearance certificate serves as a trust between the government agencies and the person. It also ensures that the person getting the business permit will comply with the legal standard. The government department requires it to ensure public safety.

Solution for Common issues faced during the NBI Application

The NBI clearance online application process is easy and smooth, while you may face issues some time. Here are some common issues faced during the application process:

Hit Status

The most common issue applicants face is “Hit” status, and the issue occurs after your biometric. If you don’t have a criminal record and still get the hit status, this is due to a similar name; it can be one or multiple people.

Solution: If you get the Hit status and there is more than one person with a similar name, then further verification will be required. The National Bureau of Investigation will contact you for the additional documents and visit the centers with the requested documents.

Payment Not Reflecting

When you pay the fee for an NBI clearance online application, the system may not reflect it immediately. So if you encounter this issue, don’t panic.

Solution: Wait at least 24 hours for the system to update. If the system still didn’t show the payment confirmation, then keep the payment receipt and contact the department for verification.

No Available Slots for Appointment

The NBI announced and set the specific number of slots for a specific time and day. People who come first will get their desired slots. 

Solution: Check other nearby branches or refresh the page regularly, as canceled slots may reappear. Book weeks in advance if possible.

Wrong Valid ID

Another problem the individual faces is that they bring IDs that they didn’t select during the application. It is necessary that you take the same 2 official government IDs when visiting the NBI Center.

Solution: Double-check your application for the documents you were selected for. Make sure to keep additional IDs with you during your visit to avoid any further issues.

Troubleshooting NBI Clearance Website Issues

While submitting an NBI Clearance online application, you may face issues with the online portal. Here are the most common issues you may face and their solutions.

Website Not Loading: Clear your browser chase or use a different browser. Google Chrome is recommended. It can be due to server load. Try loading again after a few minutes. 

OTP Not Received: You might have entered the wrong one if that's not the case, you can request a new code after 30 seconds. Make sure the mobile number has a good network signal.

Incorrect Login details: If you have forgotten the login details or the system is showing the wrong credential error, reset your password using the “Forgot Password” option and check your registered email for instructions. 
If you still face the issues, contact the NBI Help Desk or visit the nearest center for assistance.

Tips For a Smooth NBI Clearance Online Process

Sometimes the process becomes overwhelming due to our small negligence. Avoid making mistakes and follow the tips for an easier and smoother application process.

NBI Contact Details

If you need assistance with your NBI Clearance online application, you can reach out through the following:

• NBI Help Desk Email: nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph
• Trunkline Number: (632) 8524-8231 to 38
• NBI Website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

For urgent concerns, it’s best to call the trunkline during office hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday).

NBI Clearance Centers and Office Hours

NBI clearance offices are located across the major cities of the Philippines to make the clearance process accessible to Citizens of the Philippines.

Regular Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except holidays)

Major NBI Clearance Centers include:

• NBI Clearance Center, UN Avenue, Manila
• NBI Quezon City District Office
• NBI Robinsons Galleria Branch
• NBI Cebu Regional Office
• NBI Davao Branch
• NBI Cagayan de Oro Branch
• NBI Iloilo Branch

The preferred branch can be selected during the NBI online appointment booking.

FAQs