Quick answer
Go to the official NBI Clearance Application Portal, register or log in, complete your profile, click Apply for Clearance, choose the government ID you will bring, select a branch and schedule, pay the fee, then visit the branch with your reference number, receipt and two original, unexpired government-issued IDs.
Before you start
- Use an active email address and mobile number because account registration uses an OTP.
- Match your name and personal details to your IDs exactly.
- If you are applying under the First-Time Job Seeker program, use the dedicated FTJS facility instead of the normal route.
- Do not pay through a person, fixer, social-media account or unofficial lookalike site.
Read the full NBI Clearance requirements guide before you register so you know exactly which documents your route needs. If appointment slots look scarce, the NBI appointment guide explains no-slot tactics and the 15-day grace period for paid transactions.
Step-by-step NBI Clearance application
1. Register or log in
Create an account on the official NBI Clearance portal. Keep control of the email address and mobile number used for registration because OTP and account recovery can depend on them. If you already have an account from a previous application, log in instead of creating a duplicate — repeated accounts can complicate your transaction history.
2. Complete the Applicant Information Form
Fill in all required personal, family and education/employment details. Review the spelling before saving. A mismatch between the portal profile and the IDs you present can delay processing, because the branch verifies your identity against the information you entered online.
3. Apply for Clearance
Select the valid government ID you plan to bring. This step connects the online transaction to the identity documents you will present at the branch. Choose an ID you actually have in original, unexpired form — not one you hope to renew before the appointment.
4. Choose a branch and schedule
Select the NBI branch that is practical for you and choose an available AM or PM slot. Branch options are controlled by the live NBI system. Pick an office you can realistically reach on the day, and leave enough travel time that a small delay does not ruin the visit.
5. Pay and save the reference number
The current NBI how-to guide lists a ₱130 basic fee plus a minimal e-payment charge of around ₱25–₱30. The system generates a reference number that you should save or screenshot. See the full clearance fee breakdown for how the service charge varies by payment channel.
6. Visit the selected branch
Once the transaction is marked PAID, bring your reference number or QR code, proof of payment and two original, unexpired government IDs. NBI staff capture your photo, fingerprints and electronic signature, then verify the record. Check what to bring to your NBI appointment the night before so nothing is left behind.
How much does NBI Clearance cost in 2026?
Budget for the amounts below, and confirm the final total inside your official transaction before paying. Fees can change, and the live portal amount is the one that counts — not an old tutorial screenshot.
| What you pay for | Current NBI guidance |
|---|---|
| Basic NBI Clearance fee | ₱130 |
| E-payment service charge | Around ₱25–₱30, depending on the payment channel |
| Typical total at payment | Around ₱155–₱160 |
Different payment channels can carry slightly different service charges, so it is worth comparing them before you choose where to pay. If your payment does not reflect on the transaction, do not pay twice immediately — check the transaction status in the portal first, then use official help channels if it stays unresolved.
What to bring
For a standard online application, prepare your reference number/QR code, payment proof and two valid original IDs. First-Time Job Seekers need their program-specific documents; applicants abroad use the mailed-clearance requirements. The dedicated valid IDs guide explains which government IDs are accepted and why originals matter.
NBI Clearance application checklist before you click Apply
A smooth NBI Clearance application starts before you reach the branch. Make sure the contact details on your account are active, your name is spelled the same way on the portal and on the IDs you will present, and the branch you choose is practical for you to visit. A simple typo can create unnecessary correction work later.
Account and profile checks
- Use an email address and mobile number you can still access.
- Review your full name, date of birth, place of birth and civil-status details before saving.
- Do not create repeated accounts just because a transaction is delayed; use the official account-recovery path first.
- If you qualify for the First-Time Job Seeker program, use that dedicated route from the beginning.
Payment and appointment checks
- Generate the reference number from your own official transaction.
- Use only the payment choices shown by the official portal.
- Save the payment receipt and reference number.
- Recheck the branch name before you travel, especially if you chose a location you have not visited before.
If you paid but cannot make the exact date, read what to do if you missed your appointment — the current NBI guidance describes a 15-day grace period for paid transactions.
What happens inside the NBI branch?
After you arrive with a paid transaction and the correct documents, the branch process centers on identity confirmation and record checking. NBI guidance describes biometric capture of your photograph, fingerprints and electronic signature, followed by verification of your information. If the search is clear, the application can move to printing and release. If the system returns a HIT, the clearance is held for further review.
Why accurate profile information matters
The person at the branch is not starting from a blank form. Your online application already contains the information that will be associated with the biometric record. That is why the NBI tells applicants to review profile details carefully and make sure the spelling matches the IDs they will bring.
What “No HIT” means in practice
No HIT means the NBI record check did not require the additional manual review associated with a possible match. It does not mean the online application alone created the certificate. Standard applicants still complete the branch steps for photo, fingerprints, signature and release unless they are using an eligible renewal route that specifically avoids a branch visit. Our HIT status guide explains the review process in detail.
What happens after biometrics?
| Status | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| No HIT | After verification, proceed to printing and release. |
| With HIT | Return on the date provided by the branch so the possible match can be reviewed manually. Current NBI guidance describes a usual 5–10 working-day return period. |
| For Quality Control | Follow the branch instructions for the required interview or additional verification. |
How long does the NBI Clearance process take?
There is no single official processing-time promise for a new application, because the timeline has three separate parts — and only one of them happens at the branch.
Finding a slot
Branch and schedule availability is controlled by the live NBI system. In busy periods, the earliest practical slot may be days or weeks out. If you are working toward a deadline, start the online application early rather than waiting until the last week.
The branch visit itself
Applicants with no HIT often complete photo, fingerprints, signature, verification and release in a single visit. Bringing the correct documents is what keeps the visit short — a missing ID is the most common reason a simple visit turns into a repeat trip.
HIT review time
If the record check returns a HIT, current NBI guidance describes manual review with a usual return period of about 5 to 10 working days. The branch gives you a specific return date; follow it rather than any timeline quoted by a third party.
NBI Clearance online application mistakes to avoid
Using a lookalike website
Always check the domain before entering account information or paying. The genuine application portal is under nbi.gov.ph. An independent guide can explain the process, but it should never pretend to be the government transaction system.
Typing details differently from your IDs
Minor name and birth-detail differences can create delays. Copy formal identity information carefully instead of relying on memory.
Losing the reference number
The reference number ties your payment and branch visit to the online application. Save it in more than one safe place.
Paying a fixer
No outside person can legitimately promise a guaranteed appointment slot, a cleared HIT or a special government fast lane. Pay only through channels connected to your official transaction.
Following the wrong applicant route
A first-time job seeker, an applicant abroad and a standard local applicant can have different requirements. Start from the route that actually fits your situation.
Using an old fee screenshot
Fees and portal screens change. The amount generated by the live NBI transaction is more useful than an old tutorial screenshot.
Who needs an NBI Clearance, and when should you apply?
An NBI Clearance is one of the most commonly requested background-check documents in the Philippines. Employers routinely ask for it during hiring, and it is also used for certain government transactions, professional licensing steps and travel or visa paperwork.
Validity and recency
Clearances are generally treated as valid for one year from issuance. In practice, many employers prefer a copy issued within the last six months, so check the recency rule of whoever is asking. If your clearance is still valid but getting old, the NBI Clearance renewal guide explains the faster renewal routes — including eGovPH eClearance for eligible verified users.
Apply before you urgently need it
The most avoidable NBI problem is starting too late. Between slot availability, the branch visit and a possible HIT review, the process can stretch over several weeks. Starting early costs nothing and removes the pressure that pushes applicants toward fixers.
NBI Clearance application FAQs
Can I apply for NBI Clearance completely online?
The normal new-application flow starts online, but standard applicants still appear at the selected branch for biometrics, identity checking and release. Eligible renewal routes can be different.
Do I need two valid IDs?
Current NBI guidance for the standard branch process says to bring two original, unexpired government-issued IDs.
What is the NBI Clearance reference number for?
It identifies your transaction for payment and branch processing. Save it as soon as the system generates it.
What if I get a HIT?
Follow the return date given by the branch. Current NBI guidance describes manual review and commonly mentions a return period of around 5 to 10 working days.
How much does NBI Clearance cost in 2026?
Current NBI guidance lists a ₱130 basic fee plus an e-payment service charge of around ₱25–₱30. The exact total is generated by your official transaction, so confirm it on the portal before paying.
How long does the NBI Clearance process take?
Timing depends on slot availability, your branch visit and the record check. Applicants with no HIT often finish everything in a single branch visit; a HIT usually means returning after about 5 to 10 working days for manual review.
Is NBI Clearance Help an official NBI website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Official applications and payments are completed through NBI channels.
Can I walk in without an online appointment?
Official NBI pages are not fully synchronized on this point. The current process emphasizes online application and scheduling, so use the live portal and confirm with your selected branch before assuming a walk-in is possible.
How long is an NBI Clearance valid?
Clearances are generally treated as valid for one year from issuance, but many employers and agencies ask for one issued within the last six months. Check what the requesting party requires before you apply.