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Ano Ang NBI Philippines? What is the National Bureau of Investigation?
Ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ay ang pangunahing ahensya ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na responsable sa imbestigasyon, intelligence gathering, at pagpapatupad ng batas. Itinatag ito noong Nobyembre 13, 1936 sa ilalim ng Commonwealth Act No. 181, ang NBI ay nagsisilbing premier investigative body ng bansa.
The NBI Philippines operates under the Department of Justice (DOJ) and is often referred to as the Philippine counterpart of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Its mandate covers criminal investigation, forensic analysis, cybercrime investigation, and the issuance of NBI Clearance certificates.
Key Facts: NBI is headquartered at the NBI Building along Taft Avenue in Ermita, Manila. It has regional offices, district offices, and satellite offices nationwide, making its services accessible to Filipinos across the archipelago.
NBI Quick Facts
| Full Name | National Bureau of Investigation |
| Established | November 13, 1936 |
| Parent Agency | Department of Justice (DOJ) |
| Headquarters | NBI Building, Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila |
| Official Website | nbi.gov.ph / clearance.nbi.gov.ph |
| Hotline | (02) 8523-8231 |
| Clearance Fee 2026 | ₱155 (Basic) / ₱415 (Authenticated) |
History & Background of NBI Philippines
Founding (1936)
The NBI was created on November 13, 1936, through Commonwealth Act No. 181 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon. It was originally called the Division of Investigation (DI), modeled after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Evolution to NBI (1947)
Through Republic Act No. 157 in 1947, the Division of Investigation was renamed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and was given expanded powers and a broader mandate for criminal investigation and law enforcement.
NBI Reorganization (1960s-Present)
Over the decades, the NBI underwent several reorganizations through executive orders and republic acts, expanding its forensic capabilities, establishing regional offices nationwide, and creating specialized divisions for cybercrime, anti-terrorism, and organized crime.
Functions & Mandate of the NBI
The National Bureau of Investigation has a broad mandate covering multiple areas of law enforcement, intelligence, and public service. Here are the key functions of the NBI Philippines:
Criminal Investigation
Investigation of major crimes including murder, kidnapping, terrorism, organized crime, and high-profile cases.
Cybercrime Division
Investigation of cybercrimes including online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and digital evidence forensics.
NBI Clearance Issuance
Processing and issuing NBI Clearance certificates for employment, travel, business, and other official purposes.
Forensic Laboratory Services
DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, ballistics examination, questioned documents, and other forensic services.
Intelligence & Counter-Intelligence
Gathering intelligence on threats to national security, organized crime syndicates, and terrorist activities.
International Cooperation
Coordination with INTERPOL, ASEANAPOL, and other international law enforcement agencies for cross-border investigations.
NBI Clearance 2026: How to Apply Online
The NBI Clearance is one of the most commonly requested documents in the Philippines. It serves as proof that the holder has no criminal record or pending criminal cases. Here’s the complete guide for 2026:
Register Online
Visit the official NBI Clearance website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Create an account by providing your email address and personal information. If you already have an account, simply log in.
Fill Out Application Form
Complete the online application form with accurate personal details. Double-check all information, especially your full name (must match your valid ID), birth date, and contact information.
Schedule an Appointment
Choose your preferred NBI branch or clearance center. Select an available date and time slot. Popular branches in Metro Manila may have longer waiting times — consider provincial branches for faster processing.
Pay the NBI Clearance Fee
Pay the fee of ₱155 for basic clearance or ₱415 for authenticated/rush processing. Payment options include GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, BDO, BPI, Land Bank, and over-the-counter at NBI offices.
Visit NBI Center for Biometrics
On your appointment date, go to your chosen NBI center. Bring your reference number, valid ID, and proof of payment. You’ll undergo photo capture, fingerprint scanning, and signature capture.
Receive Your NBI Clearance
If no “HIT” or name match is found, your clearance can be printed on the same day. If there’s a “HIT,” you may need to return after 7-10 working days for verification. You can also opt for delivery via courier.
⚠️ Important: NBIOnlineClearance.ph is an independent guide. We are NOT the official NBI website. To apply for NBI Clearance, visit the official website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
NBI Offices & Locations in the Philippines
The NBI has its main headquarters in Manila and numerous regional, district, and satellite offices across the Philippines. Here are the key NBI locations:
Tip: For faster processing, visit NBI satellite offices in malls like Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, or SM City branches. These typically have shorter queues than the main office.
NBI Online Services & Digital Platforms
The NBI has modernized its services through various online platforms. Here are the official NBI online services available:
NBI Clearance Online
Website: clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Online registration, appointment scheduling, and payment for NBI Clearance applications.
NBI Official Website
Website: nbi.gov.ph
Official information about NBI services, news, announcements, and contact details.
NBI Clearance Mobile App
Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Mobile application for NBI Clearance application and status tracking.
NBI Hotline
Trunkline: (02) 8523-8231
Clearance: (02) 8524-8262
For inquiries about NBI Clearance and other services.
NBI Clearance Fees 2026: Magkano Ang Bayad?
Basic NBI Clearance
For local employment and general purposes. Processing may take 1-3 working days if “HIT.”
Authenticated / Rush NBI Clearance
For abroad/OFW use with DFA apostille. Includes authentication and expedited processing.
With Delivery Option
Additional courier fee for door-to-door delivery within the Philippines. Total: ₱155 + delivery.
Accepted Payment Methods
- 💳 GCash
- 💳 Maya (PayMaya)
- 🏪 7-Eleven (CLIQQ)
- 🏦 Bayad Center
- 🏦 BDO Online/Mobile
- 🏦 BPI Online/Mobile
- 🏦 Land Bank
- 💵 Over-the-Counter at NBI
NBI Clearance Requirements 2026
Para makakuha ng NBI Clearance, kailangan mong magdala ng mga sumusunod na requirements:
✅ Primary Requirements
- ✓ Valid government-issued ID
- ✓ NBI Clearance reference number
- ✓ Proof of payment (if paid online)
- ✓ Personal appearance (required)
🆔 Accepted Valid IDs
- • Philippine Passport
- • Driver’s License
- • PRC License
- • UMID/SSS/GSIS ID
- • PhilHealth ID
- • TIN ID
- • Postal ID
- • Voter’s ID/Certification
- • Senior Citizen ID
- • School ID (current)
⚠️ Important Reminders
- • IDs must be original (not photocopied)
- • IDs must not be expired
- • Name on ID must match application
- • Barangay clearance is NOT accepted
- • For minors: parent/guardian must accompany
Frequently Asked Questions About NBI Philippines
About This NBI Philippines Guide
This guide was created by the NBIOnlineClearance.ph Editorial Team, an independent research and writing group. We are NOT affiliated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), or the Philippine government. All information is based on publicly available official sources and is updated regularly for accuracy.
For official NBI Clearance applications, visit clearance.nbi.gov.ph or the official NBI website at nbi.gov.ph.