? Quick Summary: Getting your NBI clearance doesn't have to be stressful. The online appointment system makes it quick and easy to schedule your visit without standing in long lines. This guide shows you exactly how to book your NBI appointment, what documents you need, and how to avoid common problems.
What Is an NBI Appointment?
An NBI appointment is your scheduled time to visit an NBI office and get your clearance certificate. This document proves you have no criminal record in the Philippines. You need it for jobs, travel abroad, government paperwork, and business transactions.
The appointment system replaced the old walk-in process. Now you register online, pick your date and branch, then visit at your chosen time. This saves hours of waiting.
Why You Need NBI Clearance
Most people need NBI clearance for these reasons:
?? Job Applications
Employers check your background before hiring you. Required for both local and international jobs.
?? Travel and Visas
Foreign embassies require it for visa processing. Needed for work permits and migration.
?? Government Transactions
Needed for passports and official documents. Required for many legal processes.
?? Business Registration
Banks and companies ask for it when opening accounts or registering businesses.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your NBI Appointment Online
Follow these simple steps to schedule your appointment:
1 Visit the Official NBI Website
Official Website: clearance.nbi.gov.ph
This is the only official site. Never use third-party websites that charge extra fees.
2 Create Your Account
Click "Register" if you're a new user. Fill in:
- Your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your ID)
- Email address that you check regularly
- Mobile number for notifications
- Create a strong password
Read the Terms of Service and check the box. Click "Sign Up" when ready.
3 Verify Your Account
Check your phone for a one-time password (OTP). You have 5 minutes to enter this code. If it expires, request a new one.
?? Important: Some users also get an email verification link. Click it to activate your account fully.
4 Complete Your Application Form
Log in to your new account. Fill out all required fields marked with an asterisk:
- Complete address
- Birth date and birthplace
- Height and weight
- Civil status
- Profession and employer
- Purpose of clearance
Double-check everything before saving. Mistakes here cause delays later.
5 Select Your Valid IDs
Choose two government-issued IDs from the list. Popular options include:
| Accepted Valid IDs | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Most widely accepted |
| Driver's License | Common choice |
| National ID | Digital or physical |
| UMID (SSS or GSIS) | Government employees |
| PhilHealth ID | Health insurance card |
| Voter's ID | Or certification of registration |
| Postal ID | From post office |
| PRC License | For professionals |
Make sure these IDs are not expired. Bring the originals on your appointment day.
6 Choose Your Branch and Date
Pick an NBI branch near you. Major cities have multiple locations including mall branches. Blue boxes on the calendar show available slots.
Select your preferred date and time slot (morning or afternoon). Weekday mornings usually have shorter lines.
7 Pay the Fee
Fee Structure:
Standard NBI clearance fee: PHP 130 plus service charges
Total costs range from PHP 155 to PHP 185 depending on payment method
Payment options:
- GCash (most convenient)
- Bank transfer (BPI, UnionBank, etc.)
- 7-Eleven stores
- Bayad Center
- Over-the-counter bank payment
?? First-Time Job Seekers: Pay only PHP 25 service fee. The PHP 130 clearance fee is waived under Republic Act 11261. You need a Barangay Certificate to prove you're a first-time job seeker.
8 Save Your Reference Number
?? Critical Step: After payment, you'll get a reference number with a QR code. Save this! You need it to enter the NBI office. Take a screenshot or write it down.
What to Bring on Your Appointment Day
Pack these items before you leave:
- ? Two original valid IDs (the ones you selected online)
- ? Reference number or QR code
- ? Payment receipt (if available)
- ? Old NBI clearance (if renewing)
?? Dress Code: Dress properly. Avoid tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or sportswear. Wear semi-formal or smart casual clothes.
What Happens at the NBI Office
Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Here's what to expect:
- Show your reference number at the entrance
- Wait for your queue number
- Go to the biometrics section
- Submit your IDs for verification
- Have your photo and fingerprints taken
- Wait for clearance printing
If you have no "hit" status, you get your clearance the same day. Processing takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on crowd size.
Understanding "HIT" Status
What is a HIT? A "hit" means your name matches someone in the NBI database who has a criminal record. This happens often and doesn't mean you did anything wrong.
Common Reasons for Hits
- You have a very common name (like Juan Dela Cruz or Maria Santos)
- Someone with your exact name has a case
- Spelling errors in old records
- You actually have a pending legal case
What Happens If You Get a Hit
- NBI staff will ask you to return in 5-10 working days
- They verify if the record belongs to you or your namesake
- You may need to provide extra documents
- Most hits are cleared after verification
?? Tips to Avoid Hits:
- Use your complete legal name (first, middle, last)
- Never use nicknames in the application
- Bring old NBI clearance copies as proof
- Make sure all your documents match exactly
How to Renew Your NBI Clearance
Renewal is easier than first-time applications. If your old clearance was issued from 2014 onwards, you have two options:
Option 1: Online Renewal with Delivery
- Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- Click the yellow renewal box
- Enter your old NBI number and details
- Choose delivery to your address
- Pay PHP 360 and up (includes delivery fee)
- Wait 7-14 days for home delivery
Option 2: Online Renewal with Branch Pickup
- Same process as above
- Choose pickup at your preferred branch
- Pay PHP 160
- Visit the branch to collect your clearance
Note: You don't need a new appointment for renewal unless you're picking up at a branch.
NBI Clearance Validity and Deadlines
? Validity Period: Your NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date it's issued. However, many employers and embassies want it to be less than 6 months old.
Plan ahead if you need clearance for:
- Job applications (renew if older than 6 months)
- Visa processing (some embassies want 3-month-old clearance)
- Government applications (check specific requirements)
Missed Your Appointment?
- You cannot reschedule after paying
- But you have 15 days to visit the branch
- Go anytime within this period with your reference number
- No new appointment needed
Common Problems and Solutions
Solution: Check early morning when new slots open. Try less popular branches. Apply at least 2 weeks before you need the clearance.
Solution: Check if you entered the right mobile number. Wait 5 minutes. Request a new code. Check spam folder for email OTP.
Solution: Contact the NBI branch before your appointment. Small errors can be fixed. Major changes need a new application.
Solution: Log into your account and check the transactions page. Your reference number is saved there.
Solution: Check your internet connection. Verify your payment details are correct. Try a different payment method. Contact your bank if money was deducted. Wait 24 hours and check your NBI account. Never pay twice before confirming the first payment failed completely.
Special Cases
?? First-Time Job Seekers
You get free clearance except for the PHP 25 service fee. Visit your barangay first to get a certification. Register through the special First-Time Job Seekers portal on the NBI website.
?? Overseas Filipino Workers
You can renew from abroad through mail. Send your old clearance, new photo, passport copy, and authorization letter to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section in Manila. Processing takes 3-5 days plus shipping time.
?? Foreigners in the Philippines
You can apply for NBI clearance. Bring your passport and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or visa documents. Follow the same online appointment process.
?? Minors (16-17 years old)
Bring school ID and birth certificate. A parent or guardian should accompany you to the NBI office.
Tips for Faster Processing
- ? Apply early in the morning on weekdays to avoid crowds
- ? Choose less popular branches (check slot availability online)
- ? Bring extra copies of your IDs just in case
- ? Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time
- ? Have your reference number ready at the entrance
- ? Make sure your internet connection is stable when booking
- ? Use GCash for instant payment confirmation
- ? Keep your old NBI clearance for future renewals
NBI Clearance vs Police Clearance
Many people confuse these two documents:
| Aspect | NBI Clearance | Police Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issued By | National Bureau of Investigation | Local police stations |
| Coverage | Nationwide criminal records | Only local criminal records |
| Used For | International travel and employment | Local employment and permits |
| Validity | 1 year | 6 months |
| Cost | PHP 130 plus fees | PHP 100-150 |
?? Important: For overseas jobs and visas, you need NBI clearance, not police clearance.
Important Reminders
- ?? Always use the official website: clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- ?? Never share your account password with anyone
- ?? Keep your reference number and payment receipts safe
- ?? Check your clearance for the NBI dry seal before leaving
- ?? Report errors immediately to NBI staff
- ?? Renew before expiry if you need it for important transactions
- ?? Plan 2-3 weeks ahead if you have a common name
Frequently Asked Questions
From online registration to getting your clearance: about 1-2 hours on appointment day if there's no hit. With a hit, add 5-10 working days.
No. NBI doesn't accept walk-ins. You must book online first.
Contact the NBI branch immediately. Some errors can be corrected on-site. Major mistakes need a new application.
Yes, but you need a notarized authorization letter. Your representative must bring their valid ID and a copy of yours.
No, it's not a valid ID. But some institutions accept it as supporting identification.
You'll receive an email with a tracking link after your application is processed.
Check the NBI website or call ahead. If it's a holiday, you have 15 days to visit on another day.
Conclusion
Booking your NBI appointment online is simple when you follow the right steps. Register on the official website, fill out your details carefully, choose your branch and date, then pay the fee. Bring your IDs on appointment day and arrive early.
Most people get their clearance the same day unless there's a hit. Even with a hit, the process usually resolves within 10 working days. Plan ahead, prepare your documents, and you'll have your NBI clearance without stress.
Remember: your clearance is valid for one year, so keep it safe for future use. And always renew before it expires if you're job hunting or planning to travel abroad.