Philippines NBI Clearance Online Application and Renewal

You can now apply online. Anytime. Anywhere.

Welcome to National Bureau of Investigation Clearance Services

Follow the registration steps to complete your application process easily.

NBI Clearance Online Renewal

Is your NBI Clearance expired or expiring? Renew it now and get it delivered door-to-door!
(October 16, 2016 Onwards)

NBI CLEARANCE ONLINE

Skip the long queues, boring process and apply for NBI Clearance online. On NBI Portal you can schedule the appointment, Pay processing fee, get online renewals, on door delivery and clearance verification.

NBI ONLINE APPOINTMENT NBI ONLINE REGISTRATION

FIRST TIME JOBSEEKERS

Get your NBI clearance certificate as proof of your criminal record status for professional and personal use. Whether you are applying for a job, travelling abroad, looking for overseas employment, processing visa applications, or conducting government transactions, you will need a clearance certificate. The National Bureau of Investigation issues this document as your legal proof of clearance from any criminal activity. NBI requires applicants to register online, book an NBI online Appointment, and pay the processing fee through the official NBI portal before visiting the NBI clearance center.

In this guide, we will explain how you can complete NBI online Registration, book the NBI appointment, NBI clearance requirements, and NBI clearance renewal online.

Importance of NBI Clearance Certificate for Filipinos

At some point in life, almost every Filipino will need an NBI clearance certificate, and this can be for various reasons. You will be required to obtain the NBI clearance for:

Employment

When applying for a job, whether in government, private, local, or overseas employment, you will be required to provide the NBI clearance.

Visa

It is part of the requirements when you are applying for a visa for abroad; the NBI clearance is a requirement for emigration clearance.

Government

Government agencies also require NBI clearance before issuing official documents. Applying for government grants also requires this

Business

When applying for a mayor’s permit, SEC registration, or other business-related documents, an NBI Clearance is required.

Bank Loans

When getting a large amount of loans, they require the NBI clearance to check the applicant’s history for financial fraud.

Education

Admissions for specific study programs require it, which includes medical and law programs.

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 NBI clearance online applications, setting appointments, renewing NBI clearances, and verifying them. The system makes 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 and money and reduces admin work by allowing 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 National Bureau of Investigation 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 System step by step process

Scenarios of NBI Clearance Applicants

Anyone applying for a clearance certificate falls into the following categories.

Online Clearance renwal: Applicants with NBI clearance issued in 2014 and after can renew clearance online.
First-Time Applicants: First-time applicants are required to register on the official NBI portal and visit the NBI center for biometric and photo capture.
Clearance Issued before 2014: Applicants who want to renew the certificate issued before 2014 are treated as fresh applications; their process is the same as first-time applicants.

Let’s look at the Clearance renewal application and first-time application process.

NBI Clearance Online Application for First-Time Applicants

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.

1. Visit the NBI Website

Follow the steps below to submit the NBI clearance online application. 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 requirements.

NBI Clearance

First-Time Job Seekers

The application process is the same for both categories. The separate “First-Time Jobseekers” can claim free clearance once under the “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act ”. To register as a first-time job seeker, visit the link https://firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph/.

First-Time Jobseekers

NBI Clearance Verification

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

NBI Clearance Online Verification

2. NBI Account Registration

Once you have launched to the official website, on the Right side of your screen, under “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 the 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 the READ and ACCEPT TERMS OF SERVICE. Fill in the “CAPTCHA” form and click “SIGN UP” to register.

Note: Mobile number and email address should be active, as you will receive the OTP for verification

3. One-Time Password Verification

Once you click on “Proceed” or “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.

4. Complete Your NBI Clearance Profile

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.

Sample image of fillied required information

5. Review Information And Apply For Clearance

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.”

Note: It is important to confirm that the name spelling and information are correct because once you apply for clearance, the information is not editable.

6. Select the Valid ID

Once you have applied, you’ll be directed to select the IDs that you will present 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.

7. Schedule NBI Clearance Appointment Online

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

Selecting NBI Clearance online Appointment available slots

You will be directed to the appointment booking section. Follow the guide below to book the appointment.

Select the nearest NBI center that is most convenient for 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.

Note: In case of a missed online appointment, you can visit the selected clearance center within 15 days of your scheduled date.

8. Pay the Processing Fee

Once the appointment is booked, you need to make a payment. The standard fee is ₱130 + ₱25 (for e-payment service charges) = ₱155.

Bank
Online Banking
GCash
PayMaya
ECPay
7-Eleven
Bayad Center

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

Selecting suitable payment option for NBI Clearance

9. Attend Your Appointment

Documents to Bring to the Appointment

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

Printed Application Form.
2 Valid IDs issued by the government (ID must be those you selected while submitting the application)
Payment receipt.

Personal Appearance for Visit

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

Visit the help desk and show them your printed application.
They will verify your appointment and online application.
Then you will proceed to the Biometric section for pictures, fingerprints, and a Digital Signature.

10. NBI Clearance Release and Validity

If there’s no “HIT” (no criminal record or name similarity), your NBI clearance will be released on 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.

NBI Clearance Online Renewal Process

If you have an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onward, you can renew it online. The renewal has been made easier and more convenient for Filipinos with the eGovPH Super App. Follow the steps below to renew your clearance.

Register or log in to the eGovPH Super App.
Find and tap on NBI clearance in the eGovPH app dashboard.
Enter your old or expired NBI clearance number.
Enter the updated profile information and review the details.
Check the box confirming the details are correct and tap “Renew Clearance.”
Select how you want to receive the physical copy: door-to-door delivery or personal pickup.
Select your preferred payment method and pay the renewal processing fee and delivery fees.

For a more detailed process and other renewal options, check our guide on NBI clearance renewal.

Print Your NBI Clearance Online Application

Printing NBI Clearance online application

Follow the process below to print your application.

Log in to your NBI portal with your login credentials.
From the menu on the left side, click on “Transactions”.
All your applications will be in the transaction section, showing the paid and unpaid applications along with the reference number.
Click on the “Details” option. You can now see your application.
Click on the download button to save your clearance online application.
You can save the application in PDF on your device.

Solution for Common Issues Faced During the NBI Application

The NBI clearance online application process is easy and smooth, although you may face issues sometimes. 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 the 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 doesn’t show the payment confirmation, then keep the payment receipt and contact the department for verification.

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 Clearance 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.

No Available Slots for Appointment

The National Bureau of Investigation announces and sets 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.

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 National Bureau of Investigation 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 hold 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 clearance at your doorstep.

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

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.

Register in advance: Register your account to submit an NBI clearance online application and book the appointment in advance. This reduces the time and manual application process at National Bureau of Investigation offices.
Prepare required IDs: When you visit the office on your appointment day, make sure to bring your IDs. It is suggested that you prepare a file of all your documents and bring it along with you for further verification to avoid any issues.
Keep Payment Receipt and Application Form: Keep your printed application form with the barcode and your official payment receipt to avoid delays and enable easy verification.
Arrive Early: While submitting the application, you will note that the specific time on a given day has limited slots. This means when the time for one session ends, it’s time for the other session. To avoid any delays, make sure to arrive early before the appointment time so that you don’t miss your session.
Hit Status: If you have a common name and have the “Hit” status, you will be asked for further verification. Further checks and verifications can take 8 to 10 days. Before visiting again, call the National Bureau of Investigation center for updates. This saves time and any further unnecessary delays.

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 cache 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 issue, contact the NBI Help Desk or visit the nearest center for assistance.

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
Direct Line: 524-77-47
Trunkline Number: 523-82-31
Loc: 5509
Main Address: NBI Clearance Center, UN Avenue, Manila
National Bureau of Investigation Website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

For urgent concerns, it’s best to call the trunkline during office hours (7:00 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 – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except holidays)

Major NBI Clearance Centers include:

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

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

User Reviews

Mark A.
The step-by-step guide made my NBI Clearance application very easy. I completed my online appointment without any confusion.
From Quezon City

Angela R.
Everything I needed was explained clearly, from registration to payment. The instructions saved me a lot of time.
From Manila

John
I was renewing my NBI Clearance, and this website answered every question I had. The process was much easier than I expected.
From Cebu

Rose L.
This website helped me understand the NBI Clearance requirements before visiting the office. Everything went smoothly.
From Manila

Conclusion

In conclusion, to get your NBI clearance as a first-time applicant, visit the NBI official portal and register your account, fill out your clearance application form, schedule your appointment, pay the processing fee, visit the dedicated center for biometric and photo capture, and collect your certificate. For renewal of certificates issued from 2014, log in to the eGovPH app, go to the NBI clearance section, enter your expired clearance number, update the details, and apply for renewal.

FAQs

Yes. An NBI Clearance expires one year after the date it was issued. Once it has expired, you will need to apply for a renewal if an updated clearance is required.

You cannot change your personal information entirely online after submitting your application. If you need to correct or update details such as your name, date of birth, or other personal information, you should visit an NBI Clearance Center and present the required supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order, depending on the type of correction.

If your civil status has changed (for example, from single to married), you cannot simply edit it online. You should visit an NBI Clearance Center and present the appropriate supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or other legal documents, to request the update before your new NBI Clearance is issued.

If there’s no hit (no record): You can receive your clearance on the same day of your appointment.

If there’s a “hit” (name match with a record): You may need to wait 5–10 working days for verification.

“HIT” means your name matches someone else’s record in the NBI database. More verification will be conducted before releasing the clearance.

Yes, you can renew online through the same portal. Just click “NBI Clearance Renewal”, confirm your old details, and choose delivery or pick-up.

From the clearance issue date, it is valid for 1 year, then you are required to renew it.

In case you have missed your appointment, you have a grace period of 15 days; you can visit the designated center within the timeframe.

After successfully paying your NBI Clearance fee:

Save or print your payment receipt or reference number.
Wait for the payment to be confirmed in the NBI system.
If you booked an appointment, visit the selected NBI Clearance Center on your scheduled date and time.
If you applied for renewal through mail or an authorized representative, wait for your application to be processed according to the selected renewal method.

Maria Isabel Santos
Maria is a government documentation researcher specializing in Philippine public services and administrative procedures. As a writer for this website, she researches official government sources to create clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand guides on NBI Clearance applications, renewals, appointments, police clearances, passports, and other government-issued documents. Her goal is to simplify complex processes so that Filipino citizens and overseas applicants can complete their requirements with confidence.