NBI Clearance Online Appointment & Apply For Clearance Renewal 2026

NBI clearance is required for jobs, travel, visa applications, government transactions, and almost every organization asks for it at some point. Click the button given below to start your NBI Clearance registration now.

Apply for NBI AppointmentApply for NBI Renewal

The process itself is never complicated. You register, activate your account with an OTP, fill in your details, pay, pick your branch and appointment time, and visit on the NBI appointment date to receive your clearance. That’s it! Learning from scratch, as well as what to do in case of multiple options, will boost your confidence in receiving a valid NBI clearance.

What Is an NBI Clearance?

An NBI Clearance is an official certificate from the National Bureau of Investigation. It proves you have no criminal case or bad record on file. You need it for many things: job applications here and abroad, visa processing, government transactions, adoption, legal matters, and even scholarships.

And the best part? One clearance covers all of these at the same time, as long as it is still valid within one year.

The basic difference is simple: An NBI clearance online is the official document proving you have no criminal record, while an NBI Online Appointment is the scheduled date and time to visit an NBI center and receive your clearance document.

NBI History

The National Bureau of Investigation was established in 1936 as the Division of Investigation under the Philippine Department of Justice. Over the years, it grew into the country’s leading investigative agency, handling major crimes, corruption cases, and serious criminal investigations across the Philippines.

Is NBI Clearance a Valid Government ID?

No. An NBI clearance is a certificate, not a government ID. You cannot use it where a valid government ID is required. It only serves as a supporting document alongside IDs like a passport or UMID.

Who Needs an NBI Clearance?

Almost everyone at some point. Whether you are applying for a local job, processing OFW documents, renewing a business permit, or applying for a visa, NBI Clearance is almost always on the list.

When it is commonly required?

Local employment: most employers ask for it before your first day.
Overseas employment: standard part of every OFW documentary package.
Visa and immigration applications.
Government transactions like business permits, firearm licenses, and, in some cases, passport renewal.
Adoption and legal proceedings.
Scholarship and training program applications.

One clearance covers all of these as long as it is still valid.

IMPORTANT NOTE: An NBI online clearance can be used to support visa, work, or travel applications, but it is not automatically accepted as a criminal clearance in other countries. Some countries may still require you to provide a police clearance or background check issued by their own authorities.

NBI Clearance Online Requirements 2026

Who Can Apply?

Filipino citizens 18 years old and above can apply on their own. Minors aged 15 to 17 can also apply, but a parent or guardian must come with them, along with a birth certificate and the guardian’s valid ID.

Foreign nationals legally residing in the Philippines with a valid passport and ACR I-Card (or BI acknowledgment receipt if renewing) are eligible to apply in person at the NBI Main Office in Ermita.

What IDs Do You Need to Bring?

Bring two original, unexpired IDs from this list. Not one or Two. Some guides online say one ID is enough, but the official Citizen’s Charter requires two. Do not show up with just one.

Accepted IDs:

UMID
Voter’s ID or Certification of Registration
Driver’s License
Seaman’s Book
PhilSys National ID

PhilHealth ID
BIR TIN ID
Pag-IBIG ID (not the Loyalty Card)
Postal ID
PRC License

PSA Birth Certificate
Solo Parent ID
PNP Clearance
School ID with registration card
Senior Citizen’s or PWD ID

IDs That Will NOT Be Accepted

This is where people get rejected at the counter. Know what not to bring:

Company ID
Barangay Clearance or Barangay ID.
Paper or cardboard TIN ID; some branches reject this.
School or alumni membership cards; these are not the same as a current School ID with a registration card.

How to Book Your NBI Online Appointment?

Click the button below to start your NBI appointment. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to book your appointment, prepare the required documents, understand the dress code, and know what to expect when you visit your selected NBI Office. The guide will help you get an NBI Clearance in real time.

Apply For NBI Clearance Now!

Step 1: Go to the Official NBI Portal

You’ll be redirected to the official NBI portal, where a privacy and terms pop-up may appear on your first visit. Simply click “I AGREE” to continue. The official NBI portal is clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Bookmark it so you can easily find it again whenever you need it.

Step 2: Choose Your Applicant Type

Usually, two options will appear. First-Time Job Seeker or Regular Applicant.

First-Time Job Seekers get routed to a separate portal at firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph. Everyone else continues on the main portal. Pick the right one before creating your account because registering on the wrong portal means starting all over again.

Categories of Applicants:

Before anything else, find out which category applies to you. The steps are different for each one, and going towards the wrong path will just waste your time.

Category	Portal	Appointment Needed?	Fee
Regular Applicant	clearance.nbi.gov.ph	Yes	~₱130 base (+ service fee)
First-Time Job Seeker	firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph	Yes	Free (once in a lifetime)
Renewal (unchanged details)	clearance.nbi.gov.ph	No	Same as regular
OFW / Foreign National Abroad	Philippine Embassy / Consulate	No (mailed process)	₱200 total
Walk-In (limited)	In person at branch	No	Same as regular

Important: Did you change your name after marriage or have your birthdate corrected? Then the Renewal path is not for you. You will need to start a fresh application with new biometrics and supporting documents, such as your PSA Marriage Certificate or Annotated Birth Certificate.

If you are a regular applicant, pick your Method:

Method	Best IF
Online With E-Payment (recommended)	You want the fastest process, no in-person payment queue
Online Without E-Payment	You’d rather pay cash at the branch
Walk-In	You want to visit the branch

Step 3: NBI online Registration and sign up

Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph.

Under “Register as New Account,” choose one of the two tabs:

“Register Using Government ID” (optional), if you’re a new applicant or your last clearance was before 2014
“Register Using NBI Clearance (2014 Onwards)” (optional), if you have an existing clearance from 2014 or later

Fill in the form:

Gender
Birth Date (select Year, then Month, then Day)
Middle Name
Mobile Number (format: 09XXXXXXXXX)
Password

First Name
Last Name
Civil Status
Email Address (must be active)
Confirm Password

Under “Register as New Account,” choose one of the two tabs:

Check the box: “READ and ACCEPT TERMS OF SERVICE”
Complete the “I’m not a robot” reCAPTCHA.
Click SIGN UP.

Step 4: Verify and activate Your Account

NBI will send a One-Time Password to your mobile number. Enter it exactly as received. OTPs expire within minutes, so do not delay.

After adding the OTP, you will receive an activation link with a button labeled “Activate Account“. Click it. Now you need to log in to your account.

NBI online membership services account verification screen

NBI Log in to your account once you have added your email and password. After this, click Sign In and move to the Applicant Information page comfortably.

Step 5 Complete Your Applicant Profile

Fill in your full legal name, birthdate, birthplace, address, and civil status, and then click Save Information.

After adding the information, you will move to a summary list of your information.

Step 6 Apply for Clearance and Select Your Two IDs

After submitting the details, you will move to the next page where your profile is successfully updated. Here you will see two buttons at the top, “Apply for NBI” and “Edit Information”.

Apply for clearance page in the NBI online portal

NBI EDIT Information:

So even if you made a mistake, you can edit it here, and after that click the submit button.
Every detail must match your valid IDs exactly, including your middle name format and any suffixes like Jr., Sr., or III. This is the step where most people make mistakes. A small mismatch here is one of the most common reasons for delays at the branch.

Editing applicant information on the NBI clearance application

Step 7: Book Your Appointment and Pay Online

Okay, now we are on the page of selecting a branch. At the top, you will need to select the branch. The calendar below it shows dates highlighted in blue; only dates with blue are available, so choose one that fits your time well.

Step 7: Book Your Appointment and Pay Online

One important rule: you can change your branch only before paying. Once payment is done, the branch is locked. Transfers after payment require contacting NBI directly, and approval is not guaranteed.

After selecting your desired date, scroll down, and you will see the Amount you have to pay and also the branch name, its address, day, date, and the exact time.

When you scroll down more, you will see the payment methods; they include:

Bank over the counter
Online bank
Cash payments

Select which suits you, and then you will see a list of Banks from where you can pay. Choose your bank account company and then click Proceed.

Now your NBI appointment schedule will appear again with an option to proceed to payment. Click it.

NBI appointment schedule and online payment booking screen

After choosing the bank channel and clicking Proceed to Payment, you will receive an NBI reference number with the clearance fee, system fee, and total fee to pay. Click the yellow close button.

Things to note:

Keep your NBI reference number or take a screenshot of it, as it will become the proof that you made an online appointment with NBI.
Save your reference number, receipt, and appointment barcode. Take a screenshot and back it up to the cloud. Do not rely on just your phone.
Lost your barcode? Log back in, go to Transactions, find your appointment, and click Print to regenerate it. No need to rebook.
For first-time job seekers, the fee is totally zero.

Step 8: Visit an NBI office and get your NBI Clearance

Bring your printed or saved barcode, reference number, and two valid IDs. That is all you need to walk in.A helpful piece of advice for you is that you should arrive 15 to 30 minutes earlier, as this habit has already proved beneficial in many cases.

Check Your Nearest NBI Branch

What to Expect at Your NBI Appointment

Follow these steps on the day of your appointment for a smooth experience.

1 STEP 1

Dress Code

Dress nicely but keep it simple and decent. Wear a collared shirt, proper pants or a knee-length skirt, and closed shoes. Some NCR branches may have stricter dress requirements, so dressing appropriately is recommended.

2 STEP 2

Entrance Check

Show your appointment barcode or reference number and one valid ID to the security guard at the entrance. Your details will be checked before you are allowed inside.

3 STEP 3

Information Desk

If it is your first time at the branch, visit the information desk. Branch layouts can vary, and staff can direct you to the appropriate counter or processing area.

4 STEP 4

Application Verification

Staff will cross-check your online application against your physical documents and identification. Make sure your personal information matches your documents.

5 STEP 5

Biometrics Capture

Your fingerprints will be scanned and recorded as part of the clearance application process. The biometric capture is generally a quick step.

6 STEP 6

Signature Capture

You will provide your digital signature using the signature pad. Follow the staff’s instructions and make sure the captured signature is correct.

7 STEP 7

Photo Capture

Your photograph is taken at the branch during processing. This photo is used for your NBI Clearance certificate.

8 STEP 8

Data Verification

Review the information displayed on screen, including your name, birthdate, and other personal details. Check everything carefully before confirming the information.

9 STEP 9

Final Verification & Release

Once the required checks are completed, your NBI Clearance can be printed and released according to the processing status of your application.

How To Receive & Print Clearance?

No HIT: Same-Day Release

Great news if your name comes back clean. You go straight to the Printing Section, and your clearance is printed right there on the spot.

The printing itself takes about 15 seconds. The wait you feel at the branch is just the queue, not the actual printing. You leave the same day with your clearance in hand.

How to receive and print your NBI clearance

HIT: You Will Need to Come Back

HIT does not mean you have a criminal record. It just means a name similar to yours showed up in the system.

Here is what happens next:

You are told at the branch and given a return date, usually 5 to 10 working days later.
An NBI investigator checks whether the flagged record actually belongs to you or just someone with a similar name.
You do not need to do anything unless NBI reaches out asking for extra documents.

When you come back, bring:

Your reference number
Two valid IDs
A Court Certification if your case was already legally resolved, either a Certificate of Finality or Order of Dismissal. This helps clear things faster.

Once cleared, you go straight to the Releasing Section and get your printed clearance.

Flagged “For Quality Control”

This one is different from a HIT. Instead of going to printing, you are sent to the Quality Control Section for a short interview. Staff will check your records against the NBI Criminal Database and ask a few questions about any record found. Once you are cleared, the clearance moves forward to release.

What an NBI Clearance Looks Like (Sample & QR Code)?

Here is exactly what you will see on your National Bureau of Investigation Clearance certificate:

Your photo taken during your visit
Your full name and personal details
A unique clearance reference number
Your declared purpose
A scannable QR code anyone can use to verify your clearance is authentic

NBI Apostille Appointment

An apostille is a certificate that proves your NBI Clearance is real and officially issued by a Philippine government agency. It helps another country accept your NBI Clearance as a valid document.

Why It Matters

A plain NBI Clearance may not be accepted for use in another country. In many cases, it first needs an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) so the document can be officially recognized abroad.

How the Process Works

Get your NBI Clearance . First, you need to have your NBI Clearance issued.
Take it to a DFA office or authorized apostille site; book an apostille appointment:

Book an Apostille Appointment Now

Pay the apostille fee. This fee is separate from your NBI Clearance fee.
The DFA will process the document and attach the apostille after having a legal appointment.

Important Note : The apostille is separate from getting your NBI Clearance. You pay the NBI Clearance fee to NBI, while the apostille process and fee are handled by the DFA.
None

How to Check Your NBI Clearance Status?

Log in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and go to the Transactions page in your account dashboard. A successful payment shows as “Paid.” Simple as that.

If it still shows “Pending,” do not panic just yet. Give it some time first:

GCash or Maya payments usually confirm within 30 minutes.
Payments made through 7‑Eleven or Bayad Center may take up to 24 hours to appear as paid in the system.

Still Pending After That?

Follow these steps before assuming something went wrong:

Double-check that the reference number you paid against is correct.
Contact your payment provider first and show them your receipt as proof.
If they confirm the payment went through on their end, then contact NBI directly with your reference number and proof of payment.

Hit Status issues:

If you got a HIT, there is no need to worry because the branch and workers can resolve this issue, as according to rules they will ask you to visit again in 3 to 5 days, and everything will be reset.

Lost Your Barcode or Confirmation Slip?

No need to rebook or pay again. Just log in, go to Transactions, find your appointment and click Print. Your QR code and application form will regenerate instantly. Everything stays tied to your account.

NBI Clearance for First-Time Job Seekers

First time job seekers can get a free clearance certificate under the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (RA 11261).

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must have never worked before, never claimed this free benefit, and remember that it can only be used once.

How to Apply?

Register at the First-Time Job Seeker NBI portal.
Complete your personal information.
Get a Barangay Certificate and Oath of Undertaking from your Barangay Hall.
Book your NBI appointment.
Bring your Barangay documents and two valid government IDs on appointment day.
Submit your documents, complete your biometrics, and wait for release.

How to Apply for NBI Online Appointment at the Branch?

Walk-ins for regular applicants are generally not allowed. You need to book online first. However, if you qualify for a priority lane (emergency, or you are a senior officer and need this, and pregnant women are also considered ) or you are within the 15-day grace period after a missed paid appointment, here is how the in-person process works:

Go to any NBI Registration Counter at the branch.
Staff will register you and give you a Reference Number Slip.
Head to the Payment Counter, present your Queue Number Slip and a valid ID, then pay in cash.
Go to the Biometric Section on the second or third floor of the Clearance Building, present your Official Receipt and two valid IDs.
No HIT means you go straight to the Printing Section for same-day release.
With HIT means you come back on your given date and go to the Releasing Section.
Flagged for Quality Control means a short interview and verification first before release.
You receive your printed clearance.

Who Can Walk In Without Booking Online?

Not everyone needs to book ahead. These people can walk in directly:

Senior citizens 60 and above: bring your Senior Citizen ID plus one more valid ID.
Persons with Disabilities: bring your official PWD ID plus one more valid ID.
Pregnant applicants: a medical certificate helps but is not strictly required.
Anyone within the 15-day grace period after a missed paid appointment.

Major NBI Appointment Branches and Locations

NBI operates 103 branches nationwide. Below are the most frequently used ones, verified against NBI’s official Office Locator.

Branch	Location	Hours
NBI Main Office (UN Avenue)	U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila	7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Quezon City Hall	Makatarungan St., Diliman, Quezon City	7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Robinson’s Galleria	Basement 1, Ortigas Ave., Quezon City	10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cebu (CEVRO)	Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City	6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Davao (SEMRO)	J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City	8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Iloilo (WEVRO)	Duran St., Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City	8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For any branch not listed here, visit NBI’s official Office Locator at nbi.gov.ph/clearance-office-locator/.

One thing worth noting: two official NBI Citizen’s Charter pages list different hours for the main Ermita office. One says 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, another says 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call ahead before visiting just to be sure.

NBI Clearance Infographics

nbi online appointment infographics image

NBI Online Registration & Appointment Video Guide

All Payment Methods with NBI Fees

NBI online appointment and clearance prices and the authorized channels from where you can pay are given below .

Category	Channel	Fee / Notes
Digital Wallet	GCash	+P30 service fee = ~P160 total (highest of any channel)
Digital Wallet	Maya	+P25 service fee = ~P155 total
Digital Wallet	ShopeePay	Available for renewal transactions
Retail / OTC	7-Eleven (CLiQQ kiosk)	Cash; up to 24 hours to reflect
Retail / OTC	Bayad Center	Thousands of outlets nationwide
Retail / OTC	ECPay (RD Pawnshop, TrueMoney)	Cash; similar delay to 7-Eleven
Retail / OTC	Palawan Express, Cebuana Lhuillier	Additional cash options
Retail / OTC	Robinsons Business Center	Over-the-counter
Banking	BDO, BPI, Metrobank, LandBank, UnionBank	InstaPay / PESONet / over-the-counter
Banking	LandBank LinkBiz	Government payment portal
Card	Visa / Mastercard	Paid directly through the portal

Best Time to Book an NBI Online Appointment (Avoiding Full Slots)

High-demand branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao fill up within minutes of release.
New slots commonly drop around midnight at the start of the week.
Cancelled slots tend to free up between 6:00 to 8:00 AM and 9:00 to 11:00 PM.
Always check four to five alternative branches, including provincial ones.
Morning slots from 8:00 to 10:00 AM move faster than afternoon ones.

Best Months to Apply For NBI Appointment Online?

Period	Demand	What to Expect
January	Peak	Slots fill fast. Book early.
June to July	Peak	Graduation and OFW season. Expect crowds.
March to May	Off-Peak	Lighter volume. Good time to apply.
September to November	Off-Peak	Best months overall. Short queues.
December	Moderate	Apply early in the month.

NBI Clearance Cebu Online Appointment 2026

Getting an clearance in Cebu follows the same process as the rest of the Philippines. Book your appointment through clearance.nbi.gov.ph, choose Region VII (Central Visayas), and select your preferred Cebu branch.

You can choose from locations like the NBI Cebu Regional Office in Capitol Site, J Centre Mall, Robinsons Cebu, and other authorized branches.

Bring your valid ID and payment receipt on your appointment day.
For NO HIT cases, your clearance is usually released the same day.

Tip: The main Cebu regional office opens earlier than many branches, so an early appointment slot can help you finish fast.

NBI Clearance Cebu Online Appointment 2026

NBI Clearance Renewal

Online renewal is fast and easy, but not everyone qualifies. Check if all of these apply to you:

Your last clearance was issued in 2014 or later
Nothing has changed: same name, birthdate, birthplace, civil status, and gender
You still have your old NBI ID Number printed on your old clearance near your surname. It is an 18-character code

If all three are true, you are good to go online.

When You Cannot Renew Online?

Some situations mean you have to start fresh as a new applicant:

Your old clearance was issued before 2014
Anything changed: name after marriage, corrected birthdate, updated civil status. A changed name cannot be matched to your old file, so the system will not recognize you
You lost your NBI ID Number and cannot find it even after logging into your account

Changed your name after marriage? Bring your PSA Marriage Certificate or any legal proof of the name change and be ready for fresh biometrics. No shortcuts here.

How to Renew Online Step by Step?

It is simpler than it sounds. Here is exactly what to do:

Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and click NBI Clearance Online Renewal
Enter your old NBI ID Number, mobile number, full name, and birthdate
Pick your verification method. Most people use Mother’s Information, just her full name and birthplace, as a quick security check
Click Verify
Choose how you want your clearance. Pick it up at your nearest branch or get it delivered straight to your door
Pay using your preferred payment method
Save your reference number and receipt somewhere safe
Track your application by logging into your account or using the tracking link sent to your phone or email

Fees ( Pickup vs. Delivery)

Option	Total Fee	Timeline
Branch Pickup	~₱155 (₱160 via GCash)	Same day, if no HIT
Door-to-Door Delivery ( Metro Manila)	~₱355 total (₱155 + ~₱200 courier)	3-7 working days
Door-to-Door Delivery ( Outside Metro Manila)	~₱505+ total (varies by distance)	7-10 working days

Pick up or delivery ( decide this before you pay because you cannot change it after):

Pickup is the better choice if you are in Metro Manila and expect no HIT. You get your clearance the same day right at the branch. Delivery takes three to seven days longer and costs around ₱200 extra on top of everything else.

Only go for delivery if you genuinely cannot visit a branch or you live far outside Metro Manila. And if you paid for pickup but cannot go yourself, just send someone you trust. They need to bring a valid ID and a signed authorization letter from you.

What Happens If You Need to Correct Details During Renewal?

You can update minor details easily because of edit options, like your address, contact information, civil status (without a name change), and occupation from your NBI account before renewing. Always review your profile, as old details may be carried over automatically.
For major changes such as your legal name or birthdate, you must submit a new NBI application with the required documents and visit an NBI branch.
If your printed clearance contains an error, return to the NBI branch with your receipt and valid ID. Check everything before paying, because personal details can’t be changed online after payment.

How to Reschedule or Recover a Missed NBI Appointment?

Most guides get this wrong. NBI does not have a reschedule feature after payment. There is no edit button, no change date option, and no reschedule function in your account once payment clears. Your branch, date, and time are locked the moment you pay.

What NBI offers instead is a 15-day grace period.

Everything is still flexible. Change your branch, date, or time as many times as needed. Nothing is locked yet.

This is exactly how it works:

Before payment

Everything is still flexible. Change your branch, date, or time as many times as needed. Nothing is locked yet.

After payment

The slot is fixed. Miss the appointment, and there are 15 calendar days from the original date to walk into the same branch that was booked. Bring the reference number, payment receipt, and two valid IDs.

After 15 days

The slot and payment are both gone. A brand new application with a fresh payment is the only option left.

KEEP IT IN MIND :

Treating this as rescheduling makes it easy to assume the branch can be switched, the date pushed back, or the grace period used more than once. None of that is possible. Think of it as a strict 15-day deadline, and the ₱155 will never be lost over a simple misunderstanding.

Special Situations for NBI Online Appointment

Mailed NBI Clearance for Filipinos Abroad and OFWs)

If you live or work outside the Philippines, you do not have to fly back just to get your clearance. This guide explains the official process for applying for an NBI Clearance for Abroad while living overseas.

This is commonly required for OEC renewal, new foreign employment, visa renewal, or any transaction that requires proof of a clean criminal record while you are overseas.

How to Apply From Abroad?

Get NBI Appointment Form No. 5 from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
Complete your fingerprinting at the embassy or an authorized agency
Attach a recent 2×2 photo with a white background
Submit Form No. 5, a copy of your passport, and the required fee to the embassy, or send them directly to NBI Manila
Wait for your clearance to be processed and delivered

If you Already Have an Old Clearance

If your previous clearance was issued in 2014 or later and none of your personal details have changed, you can renew it without going through Form No. 5 or submitting new fingerprints. Much simpler and faster.

Using an SPA (Authorized Representative)

It simply means allowing someone in the Philippines to submit your documents and claim your clearance on your behalf while you are abroad.

When to Use

You cannot personally visit NBI Manila for submission or pickup. Its possible you are not available in your homeland , you are sick or any other valid reason.

Steps to follow

Complete your fingerprinting using NBI Appointment Form No. 5.
Prepare a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
Send your representative the required documents, including Form No. 5, passport copy, photo, and SPA.
Your representative submits the application and claims the completed clearance from NBI Manila.

Note: A notarized SPA is required for new applications. If your representative is only claiming an already-issued clearance, a simple authorization letter is usually sufficient.

Foreign Nationals Residing in the Philippines

The standard process for non-Filipinos legally living, working, or doing business in the Philippines who need clearance.

When you need it :

Renewing a work visa (9G, 47A2), permanent residency via marriage (13A visa), business registration (DTI/SEC/BOI/PEZA), or when requested by the Bureau of Immigration.

Clear steps to get it :

Prepare passport + ACR I-Card (or BI acknowledgment receipt if ACR is under renewal)

Apply in person; this category requires physical presence in the Philippines

Go specifically to the NBI Main Office in Ermita (satellite/mall branches often won’t process this)

No ACR number yet? Visit the Online Assistance Office for manual processing

Get a DFA Apostille afterward if the clearance will be used internationally.

You should know that : This is a completely different path from Mailed Clearance above; foreign nationals are physically in the country, so they don’t use the embassy/mail route at all

NBI Clearance vs. Police Clearance: What’s the Difference?

Feature	NBI Clearance	Police Clearance
Issued By	National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)	Philippine National Police (PNP)
Coverage	Nationwide criminal record check	Local records within a city or municipality
Checks	Criminal cases and judicial records nationwide	Local police records, complaints, and arrests
When you need it	Overseas employment, visas, passports, immigration, government transactions, and major employment	Local employment, business permits, and community requirements
Validity	1 year	6 months
Typical Fee	Around ₱130–₱160	Around ₱100–₱200
Processing	Online registration, appointment, and branch visit for biometrics	Usually processed at the local police station, often on the same day
Accepted for Overseas Use	Yes	No
Online Renewal	Yes, if eligible	No

Pros And Cons of NBI Appointment

Pros

You can avoid waiting in long lines.
You can book your appointment anytime.
You can pick the branch, date, and time you want.
It is easy to fill out the online form.
It makes the whole process faster and easier.

Cons

The website may be slow when many people are using it.
Good appointment slots can get full very fast, but above it is already explained how to be smart and get these slots quickly.
A small mistake in your details can delay your application.
You cannot change many details after you pay.
You need internet and a phone or computer to apply.

Common NBI Online Appointment Problems and How to Fix Them?

Even when you follow every step correctly, things can still go wrong. The good news is most of these problems are easy to fix.

First, check the Spam, Junk, or Promotions folder. Sometimes it ends up there. If it is still not there, request a new one and make sure the email address and mobile number are correct.

Double-check the email and password. If the password is forgotten, use the Forgot Password option. If it still does not work, give it a few minutes and try again.

Do not pay again. Online payments like GCash or Maya usually update within 30 minutes. Over-the-counter payments like 7-Eleven can take up to 24 hours. If it is still pending after that, contact the payment provider first and show them the receipt. If they confirm the payment went through, then contact NBI with the proof.

Keep the receipt and reference number safe. Wait for the normal processing time to pass. If it is still not confirmed, contact the payment provider first. Once they confirm it reach out to NBI and show them everything.

This is very common, especially at busy branches. Just check back later because new slots are released regularly. Also look at nearby branches; smaller ones often have open slots when bigger ones are fully booked.

Refresh the page and try again. If it is still not working, clear the browser cache or switch to a different browser. Sometimes the site is under maintenance, so just wait a little and try again later.

A HIT does not mean there is a criminal record. It just means the name matched someone else in the system and NBI needs a little more time to check. Just follow the return date given at the branch, and everything will proceed from there.

If payment has not been made yet, the details can still be edited in the account. If payment is already done, let the NBI staff know at the appointment. If the mistake appears on the printed clearance, go back to the branch and ask for a correction.

There is no need to register again. Just log into the NBI account and go to the Transactions page. The reference number is right there. The confirmation email also has a copy of it.

If payment was already made, there are still 15 days to walk into the same branch that was originally booked. Bring the reference number, payment receipt, and two valid IDs. After 15 days, the slot and payment are both gone, and a fresh application with a new payment will be needed.

NBI SERVICES

There are a lot of websites out there that look like NBI but are not. The simple rule to remember is NBI only operates through .gov.ph domains. If the website address does not end in .gov.ph it is not NBI, no matter how official it looks.

Official NBI Platforms

clearance.nbi.gov.ph: apply for clearance, book appointments, and renew online
firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph: free clearance for first-time job seekers under RA 11261
nbi.gov.ph: main agency website, Citizen’s Charter and office locator

What Do These Platforms Offer?

NBI Online Verification: Check if a clearance is genuine using the NBI ID Number or QR Code. It is free, trusted, and available right on the NBI Online Verification page.
New Application and Appointment Booking: register, choose a branch, and schedule your visit
Online Renewal: no appointment needed if personal details are unchanged and the previous clearance is from 2014 onward
Office Locator: find the nearest branch from NBI’s 100-plus locations nationwide
First-Time Jobseeker Registration: separate portal for the free RA 11261 benefit

One Thing Worth Remembering: When someone scans the QR code on a genuine clearance, it always redirects to an official .gov.ph page. If it redirects anywhere else, that is the clearest sign

We Are Here TO Help About NBI Online Appointment & Clearance

Customer Support is ready to serve you for quick process.

Phone Support

Talk to our agents daily
(02) 8523-8231
Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Except Holidays)

Email Support

Send us a message anytime.
[email protected]
Available 24/7

Postal Address

National Bureau of Investigation Filinvest Cyberzone Bay City, Bldg. C Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila

Frequently Asked Questions

Register at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, verify your account, fill in your details, pick two valid IDs, choose a branch and date, pay online, then show up for biometrics. No HIT means same-day release.

Log in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and click Renew. Choose pickup or delivery and pay. No branch visit needed as long as your previous clearance is from 2014 or later and your details have not changed.

₱155 total for most payment channels. ₱160 if paying through GCash. Delivery adds more, around ₱355 within Metro Manila and ₱505 or more outside.

Any of NBI’s 100-plus branches nationwide. You can go to any branch regardless of where you live. Find the nearest one at nbi.gov.ph.

NBI sends an OTP to your mobile and an activation link to your email after registration. Enter the OTP or click the link, and you are done. Nothing arrived? Check your spam folder or use the Resend Verification option.

Branch pickup is ₱155 or ₱160 via GCash. Delivery costs around ₱355 within Metro Manila and ₱505 or more outside

Two valid, unexpired IDs, your appointment barcode, and your payment reference number. Dress semi-formal; no sleeveless tops, shorts, or slippers.

Open GCash, go to Pay Bills, Government, then NBI. Enter your reference number, confirm the amount, and pay. GCash adds a ₱30 service fee, and payment reflects within minutes.

Yes, it is valid for one year. Many employers prefer one issued within the last three to six months, so time your application well.

Two valid IDs, a completed online application, and payment. First-time job seekers also need a Barangay Certificate and Oath of Undertaking. Renewal applicants need their old NBI ID Number.

CONCLUSIONS

Getting your NBI Clearance is straightforward once you know the right path. Most delays happen because of small, avoidable mistakes, wrong ID, a typo in your name, missing an appointment, or trusting a fake website that looks like the real one.

Before going, keep these things in mind:

Bookmark clearance.nbi.gov.ph so you always land on the right page
Save the reference number to the cloud, not just the phone
Double-check the two valid IDs against the accepted list before leaving home
Apply close to when it is actually needed because many employers want a clearance issued within the last three to six months
A HIT is nothing to panic about. It just means the name matched someone else in the system and NBI needs a little time to verify.

JUAN DELA (NBI-Clearances.ph)

I’m Juan Dela, and I have more than five years of experience researching and working with information related to NBI Clearance applications and procedures in the Philippines.

Over the years, I’ve learned about the common questions and difficulties applicants face, from online registration and appointment scheduling to requirements, renewals, and claiming clearance. Visit About Us Page for more information.

juan dela nbi-clearances.ph content writer.