NBI Clearance 2026: Complete Guide to Online Application, Renewal, and Appointment
This page covers everything: how to apply for NBI clearance online, how to renew it, what the 2026 fees are, how to book an appointment, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Issued by
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Validity
1 year from date of issuance
Fee (2026)
₱155 standard
Processing
Same day (no HIT) or 8–10 working days (HIT)
In-Depth Guides
NBI Clearance Guides for 2026
View all guides
Requirements
NBI Clearance Requirements 2026
Get the following documents ready before you start the online application, so you are not hunting for documents mid-process.
What You Need for a New Application
- Completed online application form
- 2 original, valid government-issued IDs
- Payment of ₱155
- Active mobile number and email
Accepted Valid IDs
- National ID (PhilSys)
- UMID (SSS or GSIS)
- Passport
- Driver's License
- PhilHealth ID
- Voter's ID
- TIN ID
- Postal ID
- Pag-IBIG ID
- PRC ID
Important
Company IDs and Barangay Clearance are NOT accepted as primary valid IDs. Do not rely on them as your two documents.
Why Online
NBI Clearance Online Application: What Changed and Why It Matters
"The online system replaced most of that. You register, book your appointment, and pay from your phone or laptop. The only reason to physically visit a branch is for biometrics, and even that takes under an hour if your record is clean."
Everything Online
Account registration, appointment, payment — all online
Renewal Without Branch Visit
Full online renewal with door-to-door delivery for clearances issued in 2016 onwards
Door-to-Door Delivery
Have your renewed clearance delivered directly to your address
Step-by-Step
How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online
Complete guide for 2026. Do everything online first, then visit a branch once for biometrics.
Go to the Official NBI Portal
When the page loads, a privacy notice appears. Read it, select your preferred language, then click 'I AGREE'.
Register Your Account
Fill in gender, civil status, date of birth, full name, active mobile number and email. Create a password.
Verify Your Account with OTP
A 6-digit one-time password is sent to your registered mobile. Enter it within 5 minutes.
Complete Your Profile
Full name, civil status, birthdate, address, family background, educational attainment, occupation. Click 'Save Information'.
Apply for Clearance
Once you click 'Apply for Clearance,' you cannot change your name or personal details.
Select Your Valid IDs
Choose 2 government-issued IDs. These are the exact documents you must bring to your appointment.
Book Your NBI Online Appointment
Choose branch, select a date highlighted in blue, pick a time slot. Slots for Metro Manila fill within days.
Pay the Fee
Total fee: ₱155. Payment options: GCash, Maya, online banking (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank), 7-Eleven CLiQQ, Bayad Center, ECPay, Palawan Express, Cebuana Lhuillier.
Print Your Application Form
Click 'Transactions' then 'Details.' Download the PDF with barcode. Print it or keep a digital copy on your phone.
Attend Your Appointment
Bring application form, 2 original valid IDs, payment receipt. Dress: semi-formal. No sleeveless, shorts, or slippers.
Use Cases
When Do You Need NBI Clearance?
Most Filipinos apply because an employer asked for it. But the list of situations that require it is longer than most people realise.
Employment
Local jobs, government positions, and all overseas work through POEA
Visa Applications
Most embassies require them for tourist, immigrant, and work visas
OFW Deployment
POEA requires a clearance issued within the last 6 months before deployment
Passport Applications
Required in certain cases, especially for first-time applicants with special circumstances
Government Transactions
Applying for grants, licenses, or official government documents
Business Permits
Mayor's permit, SEC registration, and related applications
Bank Loans
Large-value loan applications at major banks
Education Programs
Law, medicine, and certain PRC board exam applications
Personal Record
Keep one on file as proof of clean standing
Pricing
How Much Is NBI Clearance in 2026?
The standard fee has not increased since 2023. Here is the complete breakdown for 2026.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base clearance fee | ₱130 |
| E-payment service fee | ₱25 |
| Total (branch pickup) | ₱155 |
| GCash surcharge | +₱5 (₱160 total) |
| Metro Manila door-to-door | +₱200 to ₱250 |
| Provincial delivery | Up to +₱500 |
| International delivery | ~₱1,000 |
| HIT verification fee | ~₱200 |
| First-time job seekers | FREE |
Renewal
NBI Clearance Renewal Online 2026
Who Can Renew Fully Online
If your last NBI clearance was issued in 2016 or later, you qualify for full online renewal with door-to-door delivery. No branch visit needed.
- 1Log in to the NBI portal with your existing credentials
- 2The system recognises your clearance ID automatically
- 3Review and confirm your personal details
- 4Click 'Apply for Clearance'
- 5Pay the ₱155 fee
- 6Select door-to-door delivery
- 7Your renewed clearance is delivered to your address
Who Needs to Visit a Branch
- Clearance issued between 2014 and 2015 — a branch visit is still required for biometrics
- Any name correction, data update, or error from a previous clearance must be handled in person
- Hit-related notes or unresolved flags need personal verification
Delivery Fees (added to ₱155)
Comparison
NBI Clearance vs Police Clearance
| Feature | NBI Clearance | Police Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | National Bureau of Investigation | Philippine National Police (PNP) |
| Record coverage | Nationwide | Local jurisdiction only |
| Validity | 1 year | 6 months |
| Fee (2026) | ₱155 | Varies by city |
| Best for | Overseas jobs, visa, immigration, board exams | Local employment, barangay use, gun licensing |
| Online system | Yes | Limited |
“If you are applying for a job abroad, a visa, or any national-level requirement, you need NBI clearance. Police clearance is for local applications only.”
Locations
NBI Clearance Centres 2026
NBI Main Office
UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila
NBI Quezon City
Quezon City District Office
NBI Robinsons Galleria
Ortigas, Pasig
NBI Cebu Regional Office
Cebu City
NBI Davao Branch
Davao City
NBI Iloilo Branch
Iloilo City
NBI Cagayan de Oro Branch
Cagayan de Oro
Every branch is available for online appointment booking; you are not required to go to the one nearest to your home.
HIT Status
Understanding Hit Status in NBI Clearance
“A HIT does not mean you have a criminal record. It means your name partially or fully matches someone in the NBI database who has a case on file.”
What Happens After a HIT
- 1Your clearance is held for additional verification
- 2You may be asked to return after 8 to 10 working days
- 3NBI may request a PSA-authenticated birth certificate and other supporting documents
- 4An additional fee of approximately ₱200 applies for clearances that go through HIT processing
How to Handle a HIT
- Do not panic and do not assume you will be denied
- Bring a PSA-authenticated birth certificate on your return visit, even if they do not specifically request it. It speeds things up
- If you have a very common name, factor HIT delays into your timeline from the start
RA 11261
NBI Clearance for First-Time Job Seekers
If you are entering the job market for the first time, you qualify for a FREE NBI clearance under Republic Act 11261.
What Qualifies You
- You have never been formally employed before
- This is your first NBI clearance application under the act
- You can only use this benefit once
What You Need
- One Barangay Certificate as proof (replaces the 2-government-ID requirement)
- No payment required
How to Apply
- Use the dedicated first-time job seekers portal. The URL is different from the regular NBI application site
- Selecting the regular portal will charge you the standard ₱155 fee, and you lose the exemption
Warning
Use the dedicated first-time job seekers portal. Selecting the regular portal will charge you the standard ₱155 fee, and you lose the exemption.
Troubleshooting
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Pro Tips
Tips for a Smoother NBI Clearance Experience
Book early, not urgent.
Waiting until the last minute means fewer slots and more stress. Book as soon as you know you will need it.
Spelling is everything.
Your name on the application must match your ID exactly. One wrong letter causes delays. Check twice before clicking Apply.
Use the portal at off-peak hours.
The NBI website slows down significantly on Monday mornings. Mid-week access is faster and more stable.
Screenshot every screen.
Reference number, payment confirmation, appointment details — screenshot all of it. If anything goes wrong, you need these.
Dress before you leave home.
The NBI dress code is enforced at the door. Semi-formal is the safe choice. No shorts, no sleeveless tops, no slippers.
Arrive before your slot.
Time slots are shared with other applicants. Getting there 15 minutes early ensures you do not miss your session window.
Common name? Prepare documents in advance.
If your name is Jose Cruz or Maria Santos, plan for a HIT. Bring a PSA birth certificate on your first visit. It can cut your wait down from 10 days to 5.
Renew before expiry, not after.
Renew at the 10-month mark. Agencies often require clearance that is still valid for at least 3 to 6 more months.
Contact
NBI Clearance Contact Information
NBI HELP DESK
Help Desk Email
nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph
Trunkline
(632) 8524-8231 to 38
Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Note: For payment issues, contact your payment provider first. The NBI Help Desk handles clearance status and processing concerns only.
FAQ