Last Updated: · Verified against the official NBI Clearance portal and current government fee schedules

NBI Clearance Online 2026 — Application, Appointment & Renewal Guide

Your complete guide to getting NBI clearance in the Philippines — from online registration to branch visit, with free tools and step-by-step instructions.

Quick Answer: To apply for NBI clearance online in 2026, go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph, create an account, fill in your personal details, choose your branch and appointment date, pay ₱155 via GCash, Maya, or 7-Eleven, then visit the branch with two valid IDs for biometrics. Same-day release if no HIT.
Apply Now — Step-by-Step Guide Renew Your Clearance
New Application
First-time applicant? Complete step-by-step guide with screenshots and tips.
Renew Online
Quick Renewal with delivery (₱355) or branch visit (₱155) — both methods explained.
HIT Status?
Got a HIT? Don't panic — learn what it means and how to resolve it in 5–10 days.
Pay via GCash
Pay the ₱155 NBI fee in under 2 minutes using GCash, Maya, or 7-Eleven.
Quick Answer

NBI Clearance is a background check document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines. It confirms that an applicant has no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the NBI database. The standard fee is ₱155 (₱130 clearance + ₱25 e-service fee), it is valid for 1 year from issuance, and applicants can apply online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before visiting a branch for biometrics.

How Do You Get NBI Clearance Online in 2026?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes online, plus a short branch visit for biometrics. Here are the 5 steps from start to finish.

1
Create Account
Register at clearance.nbi.gov.ph with your email and valid ID number
2
Fill Out Form
Enter personal details — name must match your government-issued ID exactly
3
Book Appointment
Choose your NBI branch and pick an available date and time slot
4
Pay ₱155
Pay via GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, BancNet, or online banking
5
Visit Branch
Bring 2 valid IDs for biometrics and photo — same-day release if no HIT
Read the Full Step-by-Step Guide →

How Much Does NBI Clearance Cost in 2026?

Standard fees for all NBI clearance application types in the Philippines

Clearance Type
Total Fee
New Application (branch visit)
₱155
Renewal (branch visit)
₱155
Quick Renewal (door-to-door delivery)
₱355
Replacement (lost clearance)
₱155
First-Time Job Seeker (RA 11261) 🎓
FREE

Fee breakdown: ₱130 clearance fee + ₱25 e-service charge. Quick Renewal adds ₱200 delivery fee. See full fee guide with payment options →

Source: NBI Clearance official portal fee schedule, verified July 2026

What Are the Requirements for NBI Clearance in 2026?

Prepare these before you start your online application to avoid delays and rejected transactions

For Online Registration
  • Active email address (for account verification)
  • Active mobile number (for OTP and contact)
  • Complete legal name (must match your valid ID)
  • Correct birthdate and birthplace
  • Complete home address
  • Parent's names (father and mother's maiden name)
For Branch Visit (Bring These)
  • Two (2) original valid government-issued IDs
  • Printed or screenshot of appointment details
  • Reference number from online application
  • Payment receipt or proof of payment
  • Old NBI Clearance (if renewing and available)
  • Barangay Certification + Oath of Undertaking (if first-time job seeker)
See Full Requirements & Valid ID List →

What Is NBI Clearance and Why Do You Need It?

NBI Clearance is a background check document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines. It certifies that the holder has no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the NBI database. It is commonly required for employment, business permits, visa applications, and government transactions.

Almost every working Filipino will need an NBI clearance at some point. Employers require it during pre-employment screening, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asks for it during passport applications, and local government units require it for business permit processing. Unlike a police clearance which checks local PNP records, NBI clearance checks the national criminal database — making it the more comprehensive background check.

NBI clearance is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After expiration, you can renew online through the Quick Renewal option (₱355, delivered to your door) or visit a branch (₱155). First-time job seekers who qualify under Republic Act 11261 can get their clearance for free.

What Valid IDs Are Accepted for NBI Clearance?

The NBI accepts the following government-issued IDs: Philippine National ID (PhilSys), Philippine Passport, Driver's License, UMID, PRC ID, Voter's ID, PhilHealth ID, TIN ID, Postal ID, Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, OFW ID, MARINA ID, Seaman's Book, and PSA-issued Birth Certificate. You must bring at least two original valid IDs to your branch appointment. See the full valid ID checklist →

What Does "HIT" Mean on NBI Clearance?

A HIT on your NBI clearance means your name or personal details matched a record in the NBI database. It does not automatically mean you have a criminal case. Most HITs are "common name" matches — someone with a similar name has a record, and the NBI needs to verify whether it belongs to you. HIT resolution typically takes 5 to 10 working days. Learn how to resolve a HIT →

Can You Renew NBI Clearance Online in 2026?

Yes, NBI clearance can be renewed online. If your previous clearance was issued after October 2016, you may qualify for Quick Renewal — which costs ₱355 and is delivered to your home in 3 to 7 business days without a branch visit. Otherwise, the regular renewal process requires an online appointment and a branch visit, same as a new application, for ₱155.

The renewal process starts at the same portal: clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Log in with your existing account, select "Renewal," and the system will check whether your previous biometric data is still in the database. If it is, you can skip the branch visit entirely. If not, you'll be asked to book an appointment. Read the full NBI renewal guide →

Can OFWs and Filipinos Abroad Get NBI Clearance?

Yes. OFWs can apply for NBI clearance through the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The embassy processes the application and ships the clearance to the applicant's address abroad. Some embassies also accept online applications through the NBI portal. Processing time varies by location — typically 2 to 4 weeks. Read the complete OFW NBI clearance guide →

Is NBI Clearance Free for First-Time Job Seekers?

Yes, qualified first-time job seekers can get NBI clearance for free under Republic Act 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act). To qualify, you must be a Filipino citizen seeking employment for the first time, and you must present a Barangay Certification confirming your first-time job seeker status and residency of at least 6 months. The benefit can only be used once and is valid for one year from issuance of the Barangay Certification.

Check if you qualify and see the full requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions About NBI Clearance

Quick answers to the most common NBI clearance questions in 2026

How much does NBI clearance cost in 2026?
The standard NBI clearance fee is ₱155 (₱130 clearance fee + ₱25 e-service charge). Quick Renewal with home delivery costs ₱355 (adds ₱200 delivery fee). First-time job seekers who qualify under Republic Act 11261 can get their NBI clearance completely free — bring your Barangay Certification and Oath of Undertaking. Payment channels include GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, BancNet, and online banking.
How long is NBI clearance valid?
NBI clearance is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After expiration, you need to apply for renewal. Some employers and agencies require a recently issued clearance (within 3–6 months) even if yours hasn't technically expired, so always check with the requesting party first.
What does "HIT" mean on NBI clearance?
A HIT means the NBI database found a name or personal detail that matches or is similar to yours. It does NOT automatically mean you have a criminal record. The most common type is a "common name" HIT — someone with a similar name has a record, and the NBI needs to verify it isn't you. Resolution takes 5–10 working days. You'll need to return to the branch with your valid IDs and PSA birth certificate for verification. Read the full HIT status guide →
What valid IDs are accepted for NBI clearance?
The NBI accepts most government-issued photo IDs including: Philippine National ID (PhilSys), Passport, Driver's License, UMID, PRC ID, Voter's ID, PhilHealth ID, TIN ID, Postal ID, Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, OFW ID, MARINA ID, and Seaman's Book. PSA-issued Birth Certificates may also be accepted depending on the branch. You need at least two original valid IDs plus your online appointment confirmation. See the full valid ID checklist →
Can I get NBI clearance without visiting a branch?
For new applications, a branch visit is required — the NBI needs to capture your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). However, for Quick Renewal, if your previous clearance was issued after October 2016 and your biometric data is still in the system, you can complete the renewal entirely online and have the clearance delivered to your door for ₱355.
Can I get same-day release of my NBI clearance?
Yes, if there is no HIT on your name, your NBI clearance is typically released on the same day of your branch visit. The entire in-branch process — biometrics, photo capture, and verification — takes about 15–30 minutes. If you receive a HIT, you'll need to return after 5–10 working days for manual verification.
What is the difference between NBI clearance and police clearance?
NBI clearance checks the national criminal database maintained by the National Bureau of Investigation — it covers records from all regions. Police clearance checks local records maintained by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in your area. Most employers and government agencies specifically require NBI clearance because of its nationwide scope. Police clearance is typically used for barangay-level transactions and local government requirements. Read the full comparison →
Is NBI clearance free for first-time job seekers?
Yes, under Republic Act 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act), qualified first-time job seekers are exempt from NBI clearance fees. To qualify, you must be a Filipino citizen seeking employment for the first time, with a Barangay Certification confirming your status and at least 6 months of residency. The benefit can only be used once and is valid for one year from the Barangay Certification issuance date. Check eligibility and requirements →
Can OFWs apply for NBI clearance from abroad?
Yes, OFWs and Filipinos abroad can apply through the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The application is processed and the clearance is shipped to the applicant's address. Some embassies also accept applications through the NBI online portal. Processing time varies — typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on the country. For apostille requirements, check with the Philippine consulate in your location. Read the OFW NBI clearance guide →
What should I do if my NBI payment is not reflected?
Do not pay again immediately. First, check your reference number, payment receipt, and transaction status. Most payment posting delays resolve within 24–48 hours. If the payment was successful but still not reflected after 48 hours, keep your proof of payment (screenshot, receipt, transaction ID) and contact the NBI helpdesk. Common causes: wrong reference number entered, payment channel processing delay, or system maintenance. See the full payment troubleshooting guide →
Verified Against Official Sources
All information is cross-checked with the official NBI Clearance portal (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) and relevant government issuances including RA 11261.
Regularly Updated
This guide is reviewed every 30–60 days to reflect the latest NBI fee schedules, payment methods, branch updates, and policy changes.
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NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent educational resource. We do not charge fees, process applications, or act as agents for the NBI.

Disclaimer: NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent, educational website. We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), or any Philippine government agency. This site provides free guides and tools to help Filipinos navigate the NBI clearance process. For official transactions, always use clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Information on this page was last verified on .