Quick links / table of contents
1. What is NBI Clearance?
NBI Clearance is a certificate issued by the National Bureau of Investigation after checking an applicant’s identifying information against NBI records. In the Philippines, employers and other organizations commonly request it as part of background, employment, licensing, travel or documentation requirements.
This website is an independent guide. It explains the current NBI Clearance online application, appointment, renewal, requirements, fees, HIT status, eGovPH eClearance and special routes such as first-time job seekers and applicants abroad. The actual application, payment and issuance remain with the NBI.
| Common reason | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Employment | Pre-employment documentation in the Philippines or overseas |
| Travel / visa | Supporting documentation when requested by the receiving institution |
| Licensing / business | Background or documentary requirement when an agency asks for it |
| Other legal/document uses | Depends on the institution requesting the clearance |
2. How to apply for NBI Clearance online
The current NBI process starts online. Register or log in, complete your profile, apply for clearance, choose a branch and schedule, then pay using a supported channel. After the transaction is marked paid, go to the selected branch for biometrics and record verification.
3. NBI Clearance requirements
For a standard branch visit, current NBI guidance says to bring your reference number or QR code, proof of payment, and two original, unexpired government-issued IDs. Requirements change for special routes, so first-time job seekers and applicants abroad should use their dedicated checklists.
| Applicant type | Key requirements |
|---|---|
| Standard online applicant | Reference number or QR code; proof of payment; two original, unexpired government IDs |
| First-Time Job Seeker | Barangay Certification plus two valid government IDs or acceptable certificates; use the dedicated FTJS facility |
| Applying from abroad | Follow the mailed-clearance process, fingerprint/Form No. 5 instructions and supporting identity documents |
| Renewal | Depends on the renewal route and whether personal details have changed |
4. Valid IDs accepted for NBI Clearance
The current NBI how-to guide gives examples including a Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, National ID, UMID, Postal ID and PSA Birth Certificate, while the Citizen’s Charter states that two government-issued identification cards are required for the standard process.
| ID / document | How to treat it |
|---|---|
| Philippine Passport | Listed as an example in current NBI guidance |
| Driver’s License | Listed as an example in current NBI guidance |
| National ID / PhilID | Listed as an example in current NBI guidance |
| UMID | Listed as an example in current NBI guidance |
| Postal ID | Listed as an example in current NBI guidance |
| PSA Birth Certificate | Current NBI how-to page includes it among examples; the exact branch acceptance context can matter |
5. NBI Clearance fee and payment methods
The NBI’s current how-to page lists a ₱130 basic clearance fee plus a minimal e-payment service charge, usually around ₱25–₱30. It names GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center and Online Banking as payment options.
6. NBI eClearance on the eGovPH Super App
On 6 July 2026, the NBI and DICT formally launched NBI eClearance on the eGovPH Super App. According to the official NBI announcement, verified eGovPH users can access NBI Clearance services through the app, including the ability to retrieve, renew and access a digital copy of the clearance. Eligible users may complete a renewal in as little as five minutes.
7. What does a HIT mean in NBI Clearance?
A “HIT” means the NBI system found a possible match that requires further verification before the clearance can be released. A HIT does not automatically mean that you have a criminal record. The NBI’s current how-to guide explains that a similar or identical name can trigger manual review.
8. NBI Clearance renewal guide
Renewal is not one single route in 2026. The current NBI site says an online renewal option is available for certain clearances issued after 2014 where personal details have not changed, while eGovPH now adds a digital renewal path for eligible verified users. Applicants abroad also have a separate mailed-renewal process.
| Renewal route | Best fit | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| eGovPH eClearance | Eligible verified eGovPH users | Official NBI launch says eligible users can renew digitally, in some cases in as little as five minutes |
| NBI online renewal | Eligible prior clearance holders | Current NBI guidance says certain post-2014 clearances with unchanged details can use online renewal/delivery |
| Applying from abroad | Applicants outside the Philippines | NBI mailed-clearance page allows renewal of clearances issued starting 2014 through mail or representative procedures |
9. First-Time Job Seeker: free NBI Clearance route
The official First-Time Job Seeker (FTJS) Citizen’s Charter provides a dedicated free-of-charge NBI Clearance process. It requires a Barangay Certification and two valid government-issued IDs or acceptable certificates, and it points applicants to the dedicated FTJS online facility.
10. NBI Clearance for applicants abroad / OFWs
If you are outside the Philippines, do not assume the normal local branch process applies. NBI publishes a separate mailed-clearance procedure. For applications with a designated representative, the representative must register the application online, choose the NBI Main Clearance Center, complete payment and bring the required documents to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section.
11. Find an NBI Clearance office
We use one Philippines-wide branch guide instead of publishing thin city pages. NBI provides an official Clearance Office Locator and advises applicants to apply and pay online before going to a clearance office.
12. Common NBI Clearance problems
Most problems happen around account access, appointment timing, payment status, HIT review or choosing the wrong route. Our Help Center keeps these issues separate so you can reach the correct next step without reading a giant generic article.
| Problem | Safe first step | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| No available appointment slots | Check the live official portal and alternative branches; avoid fixers and invented “slot release” promises | Appointment guide |
| Missed appointment | Check the transaction status; the current NBI how-to mentions a 15-day paid-transaction grace period | Appointment guide |
| Payment not reflected | Confirm the payment receipt/reference number and do not pay twice while the first transaction is unresolved | Payment not reflected |
| Forgot password / OTP problem | Use the official portal’s account recovery/verification flow; never send us your password or OTP | Login help |
| HIT status | Follow the branch return date and verification instructions | HIT guide |
13. Latest important NBI Clearance updates
NBI eClearance launches on eGovPH
NBI and DICT formally launched NBI eClearance on the eGovPH Super App. Verified eligible users can access renewal and digital-copy capabilities through the app.
Official NBI announcement ↗NBI promotes its official office locator
NBI highlighted clickable maps for finding the nearest NBI office and clearance center, reinforcing the official locator as the best source for current branch information.
Official NBI release ↗14. NBI Clearance frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for NBI Clearance online?
Use the official NBI Clearance Application Portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. This website provides independent guidance only.
How much is NBI Clearance?
Current NBI how-to guidance lists a ₱130 basic fee plus a minimal e-payment service charge, usually around ₱25–₱30. Confirm the final amount generated by the official system.
How many IDs should I bring?
Current NBI guidance says standard applicants should bring two original, unexpired government-issued IDs.
What if my NBI Clearance has a HIT?
Follow the return date and verification instructions from the branch. A HIT requires further checking and does not by itself prove a criminal record.
Can I renew through eGovPH?
NBI launched eClearance on eGovPH in July 2026. Official NBI information says eligible verified users can renew and access a digital copy through the app.
Can I apply from abroad?
Yes. NBI publishes a separate mailed-clearance process for applicants outside the Philippines.
15. Our sources and editorial method
We prioritize primary NBI and Philippine government sources for process, fees, requirements, eligibility, offices and official digital services. If two official pages conflict, we show the conflict instead of quietly selecting whichever version is easier to write.