Step by Step Guide on How to Get an NBI Clearance in the Philippines in 2020


A lot of people dread going to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to get a clearance because of its reputation of wasting applicants’ time just lining up. While it’s not far from the truth, the NBI now made online applications possible to streamline and make things easier for you!

In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of easily getting an NBI Clearance in the Philippines for 2020.

What is an NBI Clearance?

An NBI clearance is proof that you don’t have any pending criminal cases with the National Bureau of Investigation. The scope of an NBI clearance covers the entire Philippines whereas the Police Clearance only covers a specific locality or an area.

What are the uses of an NBI Clearance?

When getting a job in the Philippines, most companies require an applicant to have an NBI Clearance.

An NBI clearance is also used as a requirement to getting a Professional Driver’s License, or for application purposes like business permits and SSS, and it can also be used to modify erroneous entries in legal documents such as birth certificate and marriage certificate.

You’ll also need an NBI clearance for immigration purposes whether it be for travel, work or permanent relocation.

What are the requirements to getting an NBI Clearance?

You’ll need at least two (2) of the following unexpired and original valid ID’s:

  • Passport
  • Voter’s ID
  • Driver’s License
  • PRC License
  • SSS ID
  • GSIS UMID
  • School ID
  • Postal ID
  • Philhealth ID
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN) ID
  • Senior Citizen ID
  • Alien Certificate of Registration
  • Copy of Previous NBI Clearance

    As per NBI‘s new memo, “Please keep in mind that Non-Government issued I.D’s such as Company I.D’s and Barangay Clearance are NOT ACCEPTED as Valid I.D’s in processing NBI clearance. Additionally, a Barangay Certificate is required for First Time Job Seekers availing the free service under RA 11261.”

How to register for an NBI Clearance online?

  1. Go to NBI’s website to register for an account. Click here.

On the right side of the screen you will see REGISTER. If you have an NBI Clearance issued before, click YES in the checkbox. If you’re a first time NBI Clearance applicant click NO. The required fields will change.

Type in your personal information. Ensure that your email address is valid as it will be used for receiving confirmation and billing of your payment.

Check “Read and Accept Terms of Service” and click SIGN UP.

A window will pop-up that shows information on privacy. Click Agree.

Another window will pop-up with all the information you’ve entered. Make sure that all details are accurate and correct as you won’t be able to edit it.

After re-checking your details, click YES to finis the online registration process.

2. Fill-up Application Information

Log-in using the email and password you entered in the registration box in the first step.

Fill-up all the fields in the Application Information. This includes your First Name, Last Name, Gender, Date of Birth, etc. Make sure that all information are accurate and spelled correctly.

After you’re done, click on “Save Information”.

3. Schedule for an appointment online

On the upper right hand corner of the page, click on Apply for Clearance.

From the drop-down menu, choose a valid ID that you will bring for validation. The page will only ask for one (1) ID but keep in mind that you will be required to show two (2) valid ID’s during your actual appointment.

4. Choose an NBI Branch

From the drop-down menu, choose your preferred NBI branch.

You can also choose if you prefer to go in the morning or afternoon.

You can easily check for the vacant slots by choosing blue colored boxes. The red boxes are already reserved.

5. NBI Clearance Application Payment

You can opt to pay via Bank Over the Counter, Online banking, Bayad center outlets (Cebuana Lhuillier, LBC, SM Savemore, Palawan), Bayad center mobile app, ECPay or 7-eleven.

After selecting your preferred payment method, a window will pop-up showing total fees to be paid. Additional fees may apply depending on your payment method.

Click Proceed To Payment. A window will show-up with your Reference Number.

Take note of your Reference number as you will use it for paying and entering NBI during the date of your appointment.

Check for the status of your application by going to the left side of the page named “Transactions”. The status will change from Pending to Paid after settling your payment.

How much is the NBI Clearance Application Fee

The NBI Clearance Fee is 130 php. As mentioned above, additional fees may apply depending on your selected mode of payment.

What to do on your NBI Clearance Appointment day?

  1. Bring all requirements- two (2) Valid ID’s, printed copy of an NBI Application Form, Reference Number and Receipt.
  2. Wear proper dress code. Strictly no slippers, shorts, sleeveless, spaghetti straps, sando inside the NBI center.
  3. Get your picture and fingerprint taken and submit all requirements. It’s important to check all information details on screen before having your clearance printed.
  4. Wait for your name to be called in the printing section and claim your NBI Clearance.