NBI Clearance Requirements Philippines 2026 Complete Guide
NBI clearance requirements Philippines are what anyone needs to know to get their clearance certificate. The process can be overwhelming if you don’t know the NBI clearance requirements. NBI Clearance is the mandatory document for first-time job seekers, individuals traveling abroad, or stepping into any government transaction. The document is the certificate of good conduct.
This guide will walk you through the requirements at every step for the NBI clearance process and special cases NBI Clearance requirements. So you can prepare in advance for a smooth application to avoid any delays and problems.
Common NBI Clearance Requirements
For the NBI clearance, each special case has specific requirements, which we will discuss in detail. There are common requirements for every application. To get the NBI clearance, you will go throught the following steps, and the requirement for each stage is discussed in detail.
- Online Registration and Application
- Scheduling Your Appointment and Payment
- Personal Appearance and Biometrics Capture
- Dealing with a “Hit” and the Release of Clearance
Online Registration and Application
To start the application for your NBI clearance, you must register an account on the NBI website, initiate the application, and book your appointment online. The NBI no longer accepts walk-in applications.
NBI Clearance Requirements for the Online Applciation
Valid Email address: You must register the account with an active email address, as you will receive the account activation code on it. You will be notified of your application via this email.
Phone Number: You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for account verification.
Stable Internet: You need a stable internet connection so you don’t get interrupted while filling out the application form.
Accurate Personal Information: You will be required to enter your personal details in the application form. Make sure that your name spelling and other provided information are correct and match your ID documents.
Step-by-Step Process
Account Creation: Visit the NBI clearance website and register for an account.
Fill Application Form: Fill in the application form with the required details. You will be asked, “Do you have an old NBI Clearance issued from 2014 to present?” Answer “No” if you are a first-time applicant or if your old clearance was issued before 2014. Answer “Yes” for renewals of clearances from 2014 onwards. Complete the application form with your personal, family, and educational background. Ensure all details are correct to avoid issues later
Select Your IDs: You will then be asked to select the IDs from a list, which should be at least two issued by the government.
Valid ID documents
Below is the list of valid ID documents you are required to have at least 2 of them for your NBI clearance application. These IDs are required to check the person’s personal details and for personal verification.
- Passport
- UMID
- PRC License
- Driver’s License
- TIN ID
- PhilHealth ID
- PAG-IBIG MID
- Voter’s ID or Certificate
- PSA-issued Birth Certificate
- Postal ID
- Senior Citizen ID
Scheduling Your Appointment and Payment
After completing your application, the next step is booking your slot for the NBI Branch Appointment and application processing fee.
NBI Clearance Requirements for Appointment
Application Reference Number: The reference number that was generated when you completed the online form.
Payment Method: You should have details for a valid payment method, which includes your GCash, banking app, or card. Make sure the way you are using has sufficient funds to make a payment.
Step-by-Step Process:
Schedule Appointment: Select your preferred NBI Branch from the dropdown list. The Calendar will show you the available slots marked on your preferred day and time. Select one slot from the calendar.
Proceed to Payment: After scheduling the appointment, proceed to pay the processing fee. The standard NBI clearance certificate fee is P155 (P130 clearance fee + P25 service fee). For the first time, job seekers’ fee is waived under the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, but you must use the dedicated portal and present a Barangay Certificate.
Save Your Reference Number: After you have made the payment, save your application reference number and the payment slip. These will be required when you attend the NBI office appointment.
Personal Appearance and Biometrics Capture
This is the step where you attend the NBI appointment for a smooth process. You should have the required ID documents and the right attire.
NBI Clearance Requirements of Personal Appearance:
You are required to have two valid IDs that you were selected for during the filling of the NBI application form. Make sure that you bring the original document because the NBI didn’t accept a copy of the document. Below are the IDs accepted by the NBI.
| Category | Accepted IDs |
| Primary/Common IDs | Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, National ID (PhilID), UMID, PRC ID |
| Other Government IDs | TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, Pag-IBIG ID, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Seaman’s Book |
| Specialized IDs | Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, Solo Parent ID |
| For Students | School ID with current registration card/form |
| Secondary/Supporting | PSA-Authenticated Birth Certificate (often used if a primary ID is unavailable) |
Printed Application Form: You are required to provide the application reference ID at NBI branch. Some branches require the printed application form, so it’s better to keep a printed copy with you.
What to Wear: At the NBI office, your photo will be taken in order to process you NBI clearance. Wear the smart casual or semi-formal attire. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, and sandoes.
Step-by-Step Process:
Present Your Documents: Go to the reception and show your ID documents, NBI Clearance requirements and application reference number.
Biometrics Capture: Your photo, fingerprint, and digital signature will be taken.
Dealing with a “Hit” and the Release of Clearance
After your biometrics are captured, your collected data will be checked against the NBI database for any criminal record.
If there is “No Hit”
If there is no criminal record found against your name, your clearance certificate will be issued on the same day.
If there is “Hit”
The Hit status means that your name has matched with someone with a criminal record in the NBI database. If this happens, don’t panic it’s just a verification check, and a hit status doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a criminal record. It might be another person with the same name as you. This will require further manual verification. You will be asked to return, at least after 10 days, for further check. Once these checks are completed, NBI clearance will be issued.
Special Cases and Specific NBI Clearance Requirements
If you are a first-time job seeker, or an NBI applicant from abroad, or looking for renewal of your NBI certificate, you would have special requirements.
NBI Clearance Requirements For First-time Job seekers
The clearance for first-time job seekers is free of cost.
NBI Clearance Requirements: You must provide the Barangay Certificate confirming that you are a time job seeker. You must be a resident of that area for at least 6 months. Some NBI branches require a specific template for the certificate, so make sure the check their accepted template. The local photocopy shops often know the required template in that area and can provide the right format.
NBI Clearance Requirements For Renewal Applicants
Requirements: You are required to have the old NBI certificate issued from 2014 onward and one required government-issued ID document.
If you have a certificate issued from 2016, you can renew the clearance online and get the home delivery without the need to visit the NBI branch physically.
NBI Clearance Requirements For Applicants Based Abroad
The Philipinos living abroad cannot use the standard NBI clearance process because the process is different for them and the NBI Clearance requirements also varies.
- Key Requirement: You must obtain, complete, and have an NBI Fingerprint Card (Form No. 5) consularized at your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Process:
- Get the fingerprint form from the Embassy, either in person or by mail.
- Have your fingerprints impressed (rolled) at the Consulate or a local police station.
- Submit the form, photos, and passport copy to the Embassy for notarization (consularization). A fee applies (US$25 in New York, CAD$38.75 in Vancouver).
- Option 1: Mail the consularized form and a money order for P200 to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section in Manila.
- Option 2: Send the documents to an authorized representative in the Philippines to submit on your behalf.
