NBI Clearance Online & NBI Appointment
NBI Clearance is necessary for government transactions, travel, business registration, and legal processes, and serves as proof of a clean background. Click the button below to schedule your NBI online appointment.
What’s the NBI Appointment System?
The NBI online appointment system is an official system managed by the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation. It is designed to schedule an NBI clearance appointment online. Citizens can access this system online through the official NBI website.
This system provides several facilities to the citizens, such as uploading IDs, choosing an available branch and date slot, and generating a reference number for the visit.
Register NowWhy NBI Clearance is Required
National Bureau of Investigation clearances serve as proof of a person’s clear background. It is used for several official and professional circumstances.
Job Applications
Most companies require NBI Clearance for background checks, especially in government jobs.
Visa Applications
Required for foreign visa applications, studying, and living abroad.
Business Transaction
It is required as proof of no criminal record for Business permits, licenses, or other official transactions.
Education
Sometimes, clearance is required for enrollment, graduation, or internships.
First Time Job Seeker
Fresh graduates or first-time employees need an NBI to prove no prior criminal record.
How To Get NBI Clearance Online
The NBI online appointment system made it straightforward to obtain an NBI clearance certificate. All you need to do is to book an online appointment via the NBI portal, pay the NBI clearance fee, and visit the NBI center to get your clearance.
NBI Online Registration
First of all, visit the official NBI website by clicking on the button given above. But if you are eligible for the first-time job seeker, click on this link.
- At the top of the registration form, you will get a question:”DO YOU HAVE AN OLD CLEARANCE ISSUED FROM 2014 TO PRESENT?” Select”No” if you are a new user.
- Now fill the registration form with all the required details including: First name, Sur name, Date of Birth, Mobile number, NBI application ID
- Once done, solve the captcha and click on”proceed” for further processing.
Verify OTP
You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on the provided mobile number. Check the Email inbox for OTP. Also, check the spam box if the OTP is not received.
- Enter the OTP in the required field to complete the verification.
- The OTP remains valid only for five minutes. Therefore, enter the OTP as soon as you receive it.
- Click on”proceed” to finish the verification.
Fill Appointment Form
Now log in to your NBI account using the details. Once logged in, navigate to the”Apply for Clearance” option.
- Now you will get a form. Fill the form carefully and provide all the details according to your official documents.
- The required details are: full name, birthplace, birthdate, citizenship, civil status, address, contact number, education, occupation, parents’ names, and identifying marks.
- Once the form is filled out, click on the”save information” to save the provided details.
- You will get the summary of all the information you provided. Review the summary carefully.
Upload IDs
Select two acceptable official IDs from the list given above.
- For First-Time Job Seekers, you will select your Barangay Certificate as a required document.
- Click on”I agree” after uploading the IDs successfully.
Schedule NBI Appointment
This is the most important and main point of the process. Here is how to schedule the appointment smoothly.
- You will get an option to choose the branch. Click on the drop down and select the branch from the available options. Always select the nearest branch for a comfortable visit.
- Now select the date from the calendar according to your preference. Keep in mind that only the blue-highlighted dates are available for appointment.
- Select the time slot from the available options. Same as dates, only blue time slots are available for appointment.
- After finishing, review properly and click on”confirm” to confirm your appointment.
Book your appointment 1-2 weeks in advance. Mid-week morning slots (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually less busy than Mondays or Fridays.
Payment
After scheduling the appointment successfully, the next step is payment. The National Bureau of Investigation Philippines offers several trusted payment options.
- Pay via GCash
- Maya
- Banks / online banking
- Bayad Center
- ECPay
- 7-Eleven
Select the payment option from the available options and click on”proceed” to complete the payment. On successful payment, you will get a reference number and a receipt as proof of payment. Save the number and download the receipt as proof.
Physical Appearance at NBI Centers
Arrive at your selected NBI branch on your scheduled appointment date. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring the following documents:
- Two (2) Valid Government-Issued IDs (the ones you selected online)
- Your Appointment Reference Number and Payment Receipt
- Valid Barangay Certificate (for First-Time Job Seekers)
- Your attire must follow the NBI dress code
Final Verification
At the NBI office, you will go through the final process:
- Verification of your online application and documents
- Biometrics Capture (Fingerprint verification)
- Photo Capture
- Final Verification (Name Search)
You will get your clearance certificate on the same day after verification if there is no”Hit”. If there is a”Hit”, you will be asked to return after approximately 7 to 14 working days for clearance and release.
NBI Clearance Requirements 2026
Before applying, you must fulfill a few important requirements to verify your identity and personal details.
Two valid government-issued IDs
NBI online application form completed during registration on the official NBI portal
Payment receipt for the clearance fee as proof
Printed/emailed reference number from the NBI portal as proof of appointment confirmation
Passport-size photo
All general requirements listed above
Barangay Certificate that certifies that you have no prior employment
Photos: Two 2×2 colored ID photos with a white background
Passport & IDs: Photocopy of a valid passport and government-issued identification cards
NBI Form No. 5: Secured from the Philippine Embassy/Consular Office
Fingerprints: Rolled fingerprint impressions taken at the Embassy or local police station
Authorization: Letter for a representative in the Philippines
NBI Price
The National Bureau of Investigation takes a certain fee on the issuance of the clearance certificate.
Total Clearance Cost
All inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Clearance Fee | ₱130 |
| Service Fee | ₱25 |
| Total Cost | ₱155 |
Important Notes: If you’re a first-time job-seeker and eligible under the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, you will get a free clearance certificate. Some payment channels may add small convenience or outlet service fees, usually around ₱5–₱10.
Acceptable IDs For Clearance
Here is the list of acceptable IDs for the NBI online application. You must provide one of these two IDs:
Clearance Issuance Time
The processing time for a Clearance can range from a few hours to several working days, depending on your application status.
| Applicant Type | No HIT (Standard) | With HIT (Verification Needed) |
|---|---|---|
| Local (PH-based) | Same day to 1-3 working days | 5-15 working days or longer |
| Overseas (OFWs/Abroad) | 3-5 business days (processing) + 2-4 weeks shipping | 4-6 weeks+ (processing/shipping) or months |
Note: High volume, system glitches, or regional disparities can cause delays. Therefore, stay consistent and track your application via the NBI hotline.
Importance of NBI ID
The clearance ID from the National Bureau of Investigation is one of the most important identity verification documents.
Employment
NBI ID is the first documents that an employer check to verify that the applicant has no criminal background. It helps the employer to verify your identity and speed up hiring. The clearance ID is equally important for both government and private jobs.
Proof Of Clear Identity
The clearance form NBI serves as official proof that the citizen is free from criminal cases and legal issues. It helps in building trust in personal and professional dealings. It is also required in daily life tasks such as opening accounts, signing contracts, or handling legal documents.
Passport and Visa Processing
Embassies and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also require an NBI certificate to verify your clean record before approving a passport or visa. In this case, clearance is necessary for security checks and to ensure smooth travel processing. It also helps to prevent delays in international applications.
Quick Government Transactions
Almost all the government departments in the Philippines demand a clearance certificate to check the background of citizens. It is required as proof of a clean background in a lot of government transactions, such as applying for IDs, benefits, civil service exams, or official records, and much more.
Business, Permits, and Licenses
When you register a business or apply for permits and licenses, many offices ask for an NBI. It helps confirm your identity. It also shows you meet legal and security rules. This makes the approval process faster and easier.
Practical Tips For a Smooth Process
The NBI has a straightforward and user-friendly appointment system. Here are some practical tips for hassle-free appointment booking:
Provide Valid Details and Documents
Always fill in the form according to the valid official government-issued documents. Double-check and ensure that the details are accurate. Additionally, always upload the valid IDs where required. Ensure that the ID is official and up-to-date. The appointment will be rejected in case of uploading an expired ID.
Book during off-peak hours
Try to schedule your NBI appointment early in the morning or on weekdays when fewer applicants are online and at the service centers. This reduces website loading issues during booking. It helps you to get better appointment slots without any issues.
Double-check your personal details
Always review your name spelling, birthdate, birthplace, and other personal information before submitting. Even small mistakes can lead to record mismatches or an NBI”hit,” which may cause delays. Therefore, always provide accurate information to avoid issues.
Arrive Early at the Appointment Center
Always try to arrive at the NBI office at least 15 to 30 minutes before your NBI appointment scheduled time. Early arrival gives you enough time to find the correct queue. You can also prepare your documents and complete fingerprinting and photo capture easily on time.
Troubleshooting the Common Issues
The NBI system is simple and easy, but sometimes users face some common issues in scheduling an appointment and getting an NBI certificate.
HIT Status
If your name matches someone with a criminal record, you’ll receive a”HIT” status. This requires additional verification and may delay your clearance.
No Slot Available
Popular branches and time slots fill up quickly. Try booking at less busy branches or during off-peak hours for better availability.
Payment Issue
If payment fails, check your payment method balance and try again. Save your reference number immediately after successful payment.
OTP not received
Check your spam folder if OTP doesn’t arrive. Ensure your mobile number is correct and has signal. Request a new OTP if needed.
NBI Helpline Details
The National Bureau of Investigation has a professional support team that is available to assist the users.
NBI Hotline
- General/Mailed: +63 85238231 (Ext. 5465 or 5509)
- Clearance Delivery: 09171499962 (6 am to 6 pm)
- Mailed Clearance Support: 09156893113 & 09201223327
- General Inquiries: 09391502880 (24/7)
Email Address
NBI Office Hours
- NBI offices usually operate from Monday to Friday, around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Some main branches open as early as 7:00 AM.
- Mall-based centers may follow mall hours, such as 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an official document issued in the Philippines by the National Bureau of Investigation. It is used to prove that a citizen has no criminal record or pending legal cases. It is commonly used for job applications, travel, business permits, and other government transactions to verify your identity and background.
To apply for clearance, first book your appointment online via the NBI system. Visit the NBI center on the appointment date and bring the important documents. Complete the desk process and finger verification there.
The Clearance costs ₱130. If you pay through e-wallets, online banking, or convenience stores, a small service fee is added, so the total usually becomes around ₱155 to ₱170. The exact amount depends on how you choose to pay.
You should bring at least two valid government-issued IDs and your payment receipt or reference number. Make sure your IDs are original and not expired for smooth verification. Dress properly for a proper photo and finger capture.
The Clearance is valid for 6 months after the date of issuance. After that, you’ll need to renew your clearance.
You will get various payment options such as GCash, Maya, online banking, over-the-counter bank payments, Bayad Center, ECPay, or 7-Eleven. After choosing a payment option, a reference number is generated. Save the number as proof of payment.
No, NBI clearance walk-ins are not allowed. All applicants must complete the online registration and secure an appointment before visiting an NBI branch. This ensures your documents are ready and the process is faster when you arrive.
Ready to Get Your NBI Clearance?
Schedule your appointment online today and get your clearance certificate quickly and easily.
Get an Appointment Now