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Police Clearance Philippines Guide

NBI Clearance in the Philippines – Complete Guide 2026

Obtaining an NBI Clearance is a vital step for many Filipinos in employment, travel, government transactions, and legal matters. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issues this document as proof that an individual has no criminal record. With the introduction of online appointments and renewals, the process has become faster, safer, and more convenient.

This main guide will walk you through everything about NBI Clearance—from online registration, booking an appointment, requirements, fees, and renewal—so you can get your clearance without stress.

What is NBI Clearance & Why It’s Important

NBI Clearance is an official certificate issued by the National Bureau of Investigation that certifies your criminal record status—or the lack thereof. It is widely required for:

  • Employment: Local or overseas job applications
  • Travel: Visa applications or immigration purposes
  • Business transactions: Securing permits or licenses
  • Legal purposes: Court submissions, notarizations, or certifications

Why You Should Apply Through an Appointment

  • Avoid long queues – especially at city or regional NBI Clearance Centers.
  • Guaranteed slot – secure your preferred date and time.
  • Faster processing – staff can prepare your documents in advance.
  • Health & safety compliance – minimized crowding at clearance centers.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Feature Info
Purpose Verify criminal record status
Issued by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Common Uses Employment, travel, visa, business, legal purposes
Booking Method NBI Clearance online appointment portal
Processing Time Usually same-day issuance or 1–3 business days
Mode Online registration strongly recommended

Tip: Always use official portals like https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph to avoid scams.

How to Apply for NBI Clearance

Here’s the complete step-by-step process for a hassle-free application:

Register Online

Visit clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
Click “Sign Up” to create a new account.
Fill in your personal information.
Set a password and verify your email.

Login & Schedule Appointment

Log in, click “Apply for Clearance”, choose your center, pick a date/time, and confirm your appointment.

Pay the Clearance Fee

Standard fee: ₱130–₱150. You can choose from various payment methods for NBI clearance including GCash, PayMaya, card or at partner banks.
Keep your receipt for verification.

Go to Your NBI Clearance Center

Bring a valid government-issued ID and your appointment confirmation.
Arrive 15–20 minutes early.

Clearance Processing

Biometric capture, document verification, payment confirmation, and clearance issuance (usually same day).

Infographic Timeline:

Register Book Appointment Pay Visit Center Clearance Issued

NBI Clearance Renewal

Renewing your clearance is simpler than the initial application, much like the process for renewing your police clearance online:

Online Renewal

Use clearance.nbi.gov.ph to register and schedule.

Required Documents

Previous NBI Clearance, a valid government-issued ID, and updated personal information.

Fees

Same as new application (₱130–₱150).

Processing

Usually completed within 1–2 hours at the center.

Tip: Renewal online is faster than applying as a new applicant and avoids long queues.

Who Needs an NBI Clearance

You may need an NBI Clearance in the following scenarios:

  • Job seekers – especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
  • Travelers – visa or passport renewal requirements.
  • Business owners – applying for licenses or permits.
  • Government employees – for promotions, transfers, or background checks.
  • Students or applicants – school or scholarship applications abroad.

Pro Tip: Even if your purpose is local, an NBI Clearance is often required for employment verification and government transactions.

How the NBI Clearance System Works

The NBI Clearance system combines online registration, appointment scheduling, and in-person verification:

  • Online registration: Create an account on clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
  • Booking an appointment: Choose your NBI Clearance center and schedule a time.
  • Document verification: Bring IDs and other supporting documents.
  • Payment of fees: Pay online (via GCash, PayMaya, or credit/debit card) or on-site.
  • Clearance issuance: Receive your clearance—usually same day unless a hit occurs.

Online vs Walk-In

Feature Online Appointment Walk-In
Queue time Minimal Long lines
Slot guarantee Yes No
Processing speed Faster Slower
Health safety High Moderate
Required? Recommended Limited, some centers only

Tip: Online registration ensures you avoid scams and save hours of waiting at NBI centers.

Tips for a Hassle-Free NBI Clearance

Book early: Appointment slots fill quickly, especially in Metro Manila.
Double-check information: Ensure your personal info matches your ID exactly.
Prepare all documents: Include previous clearance for renewals.
Arrive early: 15–20 minutes prior is recommended.
Follow health protocols: Mask-wearing and social distancing may still apply.
Check website updates: Clearance schedules, fees, and requirements can change.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Visit https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph, register an account, book your appointment, and pay the fee online.

Standard fee is ₱130–₱150, depending on the purpose.

Yes, log in to your account, select renewal, and follow the instructions.

Valid ID, previous NBI Clearance (for renewal), and supporting documents if needed.

Usually 1 year from the date of issuance.

Bring supporting documents to resolve the hit with NBI staff.

Manila, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Quezon City, and other regional branches.

Note: For the latest updates, always check the official NBI website.

NBI Clearance for Special Cases

Some applicants fall under special categories that require extra steps or documents. Here’s a clear breakdown:

First-Time Job Seekers

Fee: FREE (one-time only)

Eligible under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act

Requirements:

  • Barangay Certification (First Time Jobseeker)
  • Oath of Undertaking
  • Valid ID
Tip: Inform the NBI staff that you are applying as a first-time job seeker before payment.

NBI Clearance for OFWs

Commonly required for overseas employment, POEA processing, or Visa applications.

Additional documents:

  • Passport
  • Employment contract or agency referral
Tip: Book your appointment early—OFW slots fill quickly in major cities like Manila and Cebu.

Students

Used for scholarships, internship applications, and study abroad programs.

  • Usually follows the standard process
  • Some schools require the clearance to be issued within 6 months

Senior Citizens & PWDs

Priority lanes available at most NBI Clearance centers.

Bring:

  • Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID
  • Some centers allow walk-in priority processing

Understanding “HIT” Status in NBI Clearance

One of the most confusing parts of the process is getting a “HIT”.

What is a HIT?

A HIT means your name matches or is similar to someone with:

  • A criminal record
  • A pending case
  • A name under investigation
Important: A HIT does NOT automatically mean you have a criminal record.

What Happens If You Have a HIT?

  • Clearance is not released immediately
  • You will be asked to return after 5–10 working days
  • NBI will manually verify your identity

What to Bring If You Have a HIT

Additional valid IDs Birth certificate (if requested) Court clearance or affidavit (in rare cases)

Tip: Names that are common in the Philippines are more likely to get HITs—don’t panic.

NBI Clearance Validity & When You Need a New One

How Long Is NBI Clearance Valid?

1 YEAR

From the date of issuance

When You Need a New NBI Clearance

Applying for a new job
Overseas employment
Visa or immigration application
Government transactions requiring recent clearance

Note: Some employers require a clearance issued within the last 6 months, even if still valid.

NBI Clearance vs Police Clearance (Quick Comparison)

Feature NBI Clearance Police Clearance
Issuing Authority National Bureau of Investigation Philippine National Police
Coverage Nationwide Local / City-based
Used For Employment, visa, legal Local employment, permits
Online System Yes Yes
Validity 1 year Usually 6 months–1 year

Tip: For international or government use, NBI Clearance is usually preferred. Read more about the key differences between NBI and Police Clearance here.

Safety Tips – Avoid NBI Scams

With the rise of online applications, scams have also increased. Here is how to stay safe:

Official Websites

Avoid These Scams

  • Facebook pages offering “rush NBI clearance”
  • Websites asking for extra fees
  • Agents claiming “no appearance needed”

Reminder: Personal appearance is mandatory for biometric capturing. No online service can skip this step.

Troubleshooting Common Online Issues

Encountering issues with the portal? Try these quick fixes:

Can’t Login to NBI Website?

  • Check email & password spelling
  • Use “Forgot Password” feature
  • Try a different browser (Chrome recommended)

Payment Not Reflected?

  • Wait 24 hours for syncing
  • Check payment reference number
  • Contact NBI support via portal

No Available Slots?

  • Check early morning or late night
  • Try nearby NBI centers
  • Refresh appointment page regularly

Step-by-Step Checklist

Before Your Appointment

  • Register online
  • Book appointment
  • Pay clearance fee
  • Prepare valid ID
  • Save confirmation receipt

On Appointment Day

  • Arrive 15–20 minutes early
  • Bring original IDs
  • Follow staff instructions
  • Complete biometrics

After Issuance

  • Check details for errors
  • Keep digital and physical copies
  • Note expiration date

Final Expert Tips for Faster Approval

  • Use your full legal name (no nicknames)
  • Match spelling exactly with your ID
  • Choose less crowded branches if possible
  • Renew before expiration
  • Keep your NBI account active for future renewals

Conclusion

Applying for an NBI Clearance in the Philippines is now easier, faster, and more transparent thanks to the official online registration and appointment system. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing, or applying for work abroad, proper preparation is the key to a smooth experience.

By following this guide, avoiding common mistakes, and using only official portals, you can secure your clearance without delays, stress, or unnecessary costs.