NBI Clearance Online Application & Renewal Guide 2026
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a crucial government document certifying that an individual has no pending criminal record or derogatory record in the Philippines. It is required for local job applications, government hiring, travel abroad, and visa applications.
Understanding National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Requirements for Employment
Under current Department of Justice (DOJ) and NBI guidelines, walk-in applications without prior online registration and appointment booking are strictly not allowed. All applicants must complete registration and payment via the official NBI clearance portal.
The automated NBI system checks your name against the national criminal database. If a namesake or similar name has a record, your application may trigger a "HIT", requiring a brief verification clearance period of 5 to 10 working days.
Our guide explains the complete online booking process, GCash payment options, required valid IDs, and strategies to handle HIT status smoothly.
Required Documents & Eligibility Checklist
- Two (2) Valid Original Government-Issued IDs (e.g. Passport, UMID, Driver License, PhilHealth, Postal ID, Voter ID, TIN Card)
- GCash / PayMaya / Maya Account for Payment (Fee: PHP 130 + PHP 30 E-Payment convenience fee = PHP 160)
- Printed NBI Clearance Online Reference Number
- Formal attire for biometrics and photo capture
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Register or Log In to NBI Clearance Portal
Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph. First-time users click "Register New Account". Returning users log in using registered email and password.
Fill Out Personal Data & Background Form
Enter your complete name, birthplace, date of birth, address, citizenship, educational background, and physical identifiers (height, weight, complexions).
Schedule Appointment Branch & Date
Click "Apply for Clearance", choose your nearest NBI Regional Office or Mall Branch, and select your preferred morning or afternoon time slot.
Pay Clearance Fee via GCash or Maya
Select GCash or Mobile Banking as your payment method. Copy the 10-digit Reference Code and settle PHP 160 on your GCash app under Pay Bills > Government > NBI.
Attend Biometrics & Photo Capture
Visit the NBI branch on your appointment date. Present your printed reference code and two valid IDs for photo capture and fingerprint biometrics scanning.
Critical Guidelines & Reminders
- •If your status displays "HIT", the NBI personnel will give you a return date (usually 5 to 10 working days) to allow investigators to verify that you are not the person with the derogatory record.
- •First-Time Jobseekers under RA 11261 can get one (1) free NBI clearance by presenting a valid Barangay First-Time Jobseeker Certificate.
- •Always check spelling on your printed clearance certificate before leaving the NBI counter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the NBI clearance valid?
An NBI clearance certificate is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.
Can I renew my NBI clearance online without going to an NBI office?
Yes! NBI offers Quick Renewal delivery for clearances issued from 2014 onwards, provided there are no changes to your personal information and no HIT status.
Official Government Portal
Apply or register directly on the official National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) website.