Last verified: October 5, 2026
Independent guide. We are not affiliated with the National Bureau of Investigation. Procedures, fees, and portal interfaces change — always confirm on the official portal before acting.
Quick answer: An NBI clearance certifies you have no criminal record (or lists what is on record). Getting your NBI clearance online in 2026 works like this: register at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, fill out the form, book an appointment, pay ₱155 (₱130 + ₱25 system fee), then appear once for biometrics and photo. Same-day release is common when there is no “HIT.” Renewals of recent clearances can be done fully online with delivery.
Start here: which guide do you need?
| Your situation | Go to |
|---|---|
| First time applying — full walkthrough | NBI Clearance Online Appointment |
| What to bring (IDs, documents, checklist) | NBI Clearance Requirements |
| Exact fees, free options, delivery costs | NBI Clearance Fee |
| Your old clearance is expiring | NBI Clearance Renewal |
| Got a “HIT” on your application | What “HIT” Means |
| You are abroad (OFW) | NBI Clearance for OFWs Abroad |
| Looking for the nearest office | NBI Branches and Clearance Centers |
What an NBI clearance is
The NBI clearance is a certificate issued by the National Bureau of Investigation stating whether the applicant has a criminal record in the national database. It is the most commonly requested government clearance in the Philippines — required for local employment, visa applications, professional licensing, and many government transactions.
Key facts at a glance:
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issuance. (Many employers and embassies require one issued within the last 6 months — confirm with whoever is asking.)
- Standard fee: ₱155 (₱130 clearance fee + ₱25 system fee).
- Free once for first-time jobseekers under RA 11261 (see the fee guide).
- Where: online registration at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, then one branch visit for biometrics — unless you qualify for Quick Renewal.
The process in 5 steps
1. Register online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph with your real details (name exactly as on your valid ID — mismatches cause delays).
2. Book an appointment at your chosen NBI branch or satellite office and note your reference number.
3. Pay ₱155 through GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, or online banking.
4. Appear for biometrics — photo, fingerprints, signature. Bring your reference number and valid IDs.
5. Claim your clearance — same day if no HIT; otherwise you return after verification (see HIT guide).
Full detail: NBI Clearance Online Appointment.
Requirements summary
Bring at least one valid government-issued photo ID (two is safer): passport, driver’s license, UMID, PhilID, TIN, PRC, voter’s ID, postal ID, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG ID. First-time jobseekers additionally need a barangay certification. Printable packing checklist: NBI Clearance Requirements.
Renewal in one line
If your previous clearance was issued recently and nothing in your personal data changed, you may qualify for Quick Renewal — no branch visit, clearance delivered to your door. Details: NBI Clearance Renewal.
“HIT” in one line
A HIT means your name matched something in the database (very often a namesake). It is not a criminal finding — it triggers manual verification, usually 5–10 working days, at no extra fee. Details: What “HIT” Means.
NBI Branches and Clearance Centers
The main NBI Clearance Center is on U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila, but you rarely need to go there — satellite offices in Robinsons malls (Galleria, Place Manila, Otis, Metro East), city halls (Quezon City, Mandaluyong), and other locations handle the same process, often with shorter lines. You pick your branch when you book your online appointment. Full list and how to find the nearest one: NBI Branches.
NBI Clearance Validity and Verification
A clearance is valid for 1 year from issuance (many employers and embassies want one issued within the last 6 months — confirm with whoever is asking). After release, anyone can check authenticity: scan the QR code on the certificate or enter the NBI ID number in the portal’s online verification section. Details: HIT, Validity & Verification.
Buod sa Tagalog
Ang NBI clearance ay katibayan na wala kang criminal record. Mag-register sa clearance.nbi.gov.ph, mag-book ng appointment, magbayad ng ₱155, at pumunta sa branch para sa biometrics. Kadalasang nare-release ito sa parehong araw kung walang HIT. Libre ito nang isang beses para sa first-time jobseekers (RA 11261). Valid ito ng isang taon.
Troubleshooting
Portal won’t load or keeps logging me out. Try a different browser (Chrome or Edge), clear cache, or register during off-peak hours — the portal is slowest on weekday mornings.
I lost my reference number. Log back into your account on clearance.nbi.gov.ph — your transaction and reference number are in your dashboard. Screenshot it this time.
I booked the wrong branch or date. Check your account dashboard for a reschedule option before your appointment date; some branches allow walk-in changes, others require rebooking.
My name on the ID and the form don’t match exactly. Fix it before your appointment — even “Ma.” vs “Maria” or a missing suffix (Jr., III) can cause verification delays. Update the form on the portal if possible.
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Related guides: Online Appointment · Requirements · Fee · Renewal · HIT Meaning · Branches
Last verified: 2026-10-05. Official source: clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Fee (₱130 + ₱25 = ₱155) and 1-year validity per 2026 guides including respicio.ph; RA 11261 first-time-jobseeker waiver per Republic Act No. 11261. Quick Renewal year threshold varies across sources (2014 vs 2016) — the portal determines eligibility when you enter your NBI ID number.
Always confirm details on the official government portal:
Visit the official NBI portalFrequently asked questions
Is the NBI clearance really required for employment?
Most Philippine employers require it as part of pre-employment screening. It is also standard for visa applications, government transactions, and professional license processing.
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
One year from issuance. But the requesting party often sets its own recency rule — many want one issued within the last 6 months.
Can I get an NBI clearance without going to a branch?
First-time applicants must appear for biometrics. Renewal applicants with recent clearances and no data changes may use Quick Renewal with door-to-door delivery — no appearance needed.
Is it free for first-time jobseekers?
Yes, once in a lifetime under RA 11261, with a barangay certification. See the fee guide for the exact process.
What if I am abroad?
There is a mail-based process through the Philippine embassy (fingerprint card) plus a representative in the Philippines. See the OFW section.
What does "HIT" mean on my application?
Your name matched a record in the database — usually a namesake. NBI verifies manually (typically 5–10 working days) at no extra charge. It is not a finding against you.
Is NBI clearance available online?
Yes. The NBI clearance online process runs through clearance.nbi.gov.ph: register an account, fill out the application form, book an appointment, and pay ₱155. First-time applicants still appear once for biometrics; renewals of recent clearances can be completed fully online with door-to-door delivery.
What is the NBI clearance validity?
One year from the date of issuance. In practice, many employers, embassies, and agencies require a clearance issued within the last 6 months — always confirm the recency rule with whoever is asking before you apply or renew.
Where can I get NBI clearance near me?
Book any NBI branch or satellite office through the online portal — the main Clearance Center is on U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila, with satellite offices in Robinsons malls and city halls across Metro Manila and the provinces. See NBI Branches for the list and how to find the nearest one.