Thanks to the NBI Clearance Online system, the dreaded dawn wake-ups, waiting in neverending lines, and patient days spent cramped in waiting rooms are no longer part of the NBI Clearance process. The online system makes the application process a whole lot smoother.
This 2025 edition covers every step of how to NBI Clearance Online including registering, making an appointment, paying the applicable fees and in turn, getting the NBI Clearance, all done online and with utmost ease.
Overview of the NBI Clearance and it’s Peculiar Importance
This particular document “NBI Clearance” is and has been the sole property of the National Bureau of Investigation, which is a limb of the Department of Justice in the Philippines. The holder of the document is deemed to have NO pending derrogatory or criminal cases.
There are many reasons for needing this document, for example:
- Applying for jobs in the country and abroad
- Processing passports and visas
- Interacting with government bodies
- School and scholarship applications
- Applying for financial or business loans
In short, it validates that you are a citizen who abides the law and has no criminal records, a document that most adult Filipinos would need at some point in their lives.
Benefits of the NBI Clearance Online System
The NBI clearance online Appointment system was put in place in order to help with the cumbersome and time consuming way of processing everything manually. With the online system, you can:
- Schedule and register for appointments
- Payment options include GCash, Maya, and other partner banks
- Long queues and waiting
- Modify and update your records
- Track your application
This change has resulted made the application for NBI Clearance more seamless, secure, transparent, and efficient.
Step 1: Visit the Official NBI Website
To begin, check and confirm you are using the NBI’s official online portals. Go to https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph. This step is important as it is the only authentic source of NBI clearance applications to prevent you from falling victim to phishing scams.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
If this is your first time on this site, you need to select “Register”. You will be required to fill out your full name, birthdate, gender, and email.
If an account already exists, you can log in with your old credentials.
Pro tip: Email used must be valid and all fields must be filled out to avoid account creation delays.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
After logging in, you will have to finish your personal profile which will contain your:
- Present Home Address
- Place of Birth
- Marital Status
- Nationality
- Job Title
- Reason for requesting clearance
You have to click on “Save Information” and scrutinize the information you have.
Step 4: Set an Appointment Schedule
You can find the NBI Branch closest to you, as well as your desired date and time to hit the “Apply for Clearance” button.
All applicants now must have an appointment scheduled — walk-ins will no longer be accepted.
NBI clearances can be paid with ₱130, with an e-payment service charge of ₱25 so the total is ₱155.
Payment methods include:
- GCash
- Maya (formerly PayMaya)
- 7-Eleven Cliqq Kiosks
- Bayad Centers
- Credit or Debit Card Payments
- Payments via Electronic Bank Transfers
Make sure to keep the reference number that can be used for the appointment.
Step 6: Proceed to the NBI Office for Biometric Capture
Don’t be late for your appointment and remember to bring:
- Government issued id
- Payment Reference Number
At the NBI Office, the photo and electronic recording of the fingers and signatures will be taken.
As long as there are no problem “hits” on your name, the clearance will be issued on the same day.
Step 7: Claim Your NBI Clearance or Print It Out
You can also download and print the clearance that’s available in your account.
You can also order for the courier delivery option if you selected that during payment.
How to Renew NBI Clearance Online
If you already have an old NBI clearance, NBI renewal is much faster. Just follow these steps:
- Go to https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- Click “NBI Clearance Renewal”
- Enter your old NBI ID number and personal details
- Pay online using any available method
- Choose pickup and delivery
That’s it! Your renewed clearance will be sent straight to your chosen address or will be available for pickup.
List of Accepted Valid IDs for NBI Clearance
You only need one (1) valid government-issued ID. Accepted IDs include:
- Philippine Passport
- Driver’s License
- UMID or SSS ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Postal ID
- PRC ID
- Voter’s ID
- School ID (for students)
- Senior Citizen ID
- National ID (PhilSys)
You must also carry the original version of the ID chosen.
What Happens If You Get a Hit?
A “hit” is where someone who has the same name as you has a criminal record.
If this happens, your application will undergo manual processing, which will take 5 to 10 working days.
Once this is done, you may get your NBI Clearance or be able to print it.—
Helpful Tips for Smooth Application
- Only register once as duplicate accounts may lead to complications.
- Use the same name format as the previous clearances.
- Be sure to check for confirmations in the spam or junk folders.
- Even with a schedule, try to arrive early for your appointment.
- Save your clearance in PDF format for safekeeping and future references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long is an NBI Clearance valid?
It is valid for 1 whole year from the day it is issued.
Q2: Am I still allowed to do a walk-in application?
No. All applications must be booked in advance via the website.
Q3: What if I lost my NBI Clearance?
Reapplication and the corresponding fee is required for clearances lost by the holder. Such clearances may not be reproduced without the required clearance verification.
Q4: Are foreigners allowed to apply for NBI Clearance?
Yes. Temporary and foreign residents in the Philippines may apply with an Alien Certificate of registration (ACR).
Conclusion
With the NBI Clearance Online System, services of the government become easier and more convenient to access for the Filipino people. This document is vital to every official transaction be it for job application, passport processing, or business registration.
Completing the application through the 2025 online process means you can elude the queues and get the application done in a timely manner.
