NBI Clearance Online 2026: Application, Appointment & Renewal Guide
To get an NBI Clearance online in 2026, register an account at the official NBI portal, complete your applicant information, click “Apply for Clearance,” choose your valid ID, select an NBI branch and appointment schedule, pay the ₱160 total fee (₱130 clearance fee + ₱30 e-payment service fee) through GCash, Maya, online banking, or 7-Eleven, then visit the branch on your appointment date for fingerprinting and photo capture. If your record returns “No HIT,” your clearance is usually released the same day.
This guide explains the complete process from start to finish whether you are a first-time job seeker applying for free under RA 11261, a returning applicant doing an NBI clearance renewal online, an OFW or Filipino applying from abroad, or a foreigner who needs a clearance for visa or business purposes. Everything below is verified against the NBI Citizen’s Charter and official NBI regional advisories, and updated for June 2026.
What is an NBI Clearance?
An NBI Clearance is an official certificate issued by the National Bureau of Investigation the principal investigative agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Justice, operating under Republic Act No. 10867 confirming that the holder has no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the NBI national database. It is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue and is one of the most commonly required documents in the Philippines.
Unlike a police clearance, which checks records only within a city or municipality, an NBI clearance checks records nationwide. That is why employers, embassies, banks, and government agencies prefer it.
Why Do You Need an NBI Clearance?
NBI Clearance Online 2026: Key Highlights
| Item | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Issuing agency | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), under the Department of Justice |
| Official portal | clearance.nbi.gov.ph (also available via the eGovPH app) |
| Total fee | ₱160 (₱130 clearance + ~₱30 e-payment service fee) |
| First-time job seekers | FREE under Republic Act No. 11261 |
| Validity | 1 year from date of issue |
| Requirements | 2 valid government-issued IDs, active email + mobile number |
| Release time | Same day (No HIT) · 5–10 working days (With HIT) |
| Personal appearance | Required once, for biometrics and photo (except Quick Renewal) |
| Payment channels | GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, banks, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, ECPay, cards |
Quick Process Summary
| Step | What You Do | Key Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register or log in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph | Use your own active email and mobile number |
| 2 | Complete your applicant profile | Details must exactly match your valid IDs |
| 3 | Click “Apply for Clearance” | Select the ID you will actually bring |
| 4 | Choose branch, date, and time | Blue calendar boxes are open slots |
| 5 | Choose a payment method | GCash, Maya, banks, 7-Eleven, ECPay, and more |
| 6 | Pay ₱160 and save the reference number | No rescheduling after payment |
| 7 | Visit the NBI branch on schedule | Bring 2 valid IDs + reference number + receipt |
| 8 | Biometrics, photo, signature capture | Personal appearance is mandatory |
| 9 | Receive your clearance | Same day if No HIT; 5–10 days if With HIT |
NBI Clearance Online Requirements & Valid IDs (2026)
For a standard online application you need (1) an active email address and mobile number for OTP verification, (2) two valid, unexpired, original government-issued IDs, and (3) ₱160 for the fee. No photos and no application forms are needed for the regular online process the photo is taken at the branch.
Valid Government-Issued ID
ID Requirements:
For First-Time Job Seekers:
Barangay Certificate (for waived fee)
For Multipurpose Clearance NBI:
Two passport-sized photos, Two valid IDs (e.g., Passport, PRC Card, Voter’s ID, TIN ID, Police Clearance)
Expired Clearance:
Original expired clearance, Two valid government-issued IDs
Special Requirements by Applicant Type
Applicant Type
Additional Requirements
NBI Clearance Fee 2026 & Payment Options
The NBI clearance fee in 2026 is ₱130, plus an e-payment system fee of around ₱30, for a total of about ₱160 through most channels. First-time job seekers pay nothing under RA 11261.
Complete Fee Breakdown
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| NBI Clearance base fee | ₱130 |
| E-payment system / service fee | ₱25–₱50 depending on channel (typically ₱30) |
| Total — standard online application | ₱155–₱180 (typically ₱160) |
| First-time job seekers (RA 11261) | FREE — one-time |
| Mailed clearance for applicants abroad | ₱200 (₱130 fee + ₱70 mailing) |
| Optional door-to-door delivery | Courier rate by location (typically ₱150–₱200) |
Where to Pay for NBI Clearance Online
| Channel Type | Options | Posting Time |
|---|---|---|
| E-wallets | GCash, Maya, ShopeePay | Instant to a few minutes |
| Online banking | UnionBank, BPI, and other partner banks | Instant to a few hours |
| Over-the-counter banks | Metrobank, LANDBANK, Chinabank, Security Bank, RCBC | Up to 24 hours |
| Retail / OTC | 7-Eleven (CLiQQ), Bayad Center, ECPay | Up to 24 hours |
| Cards | Visa / Mastercard (credit or debit) | Instant |
| Payment aggregator | DragonPay | Varies by sub-channel |
How Do I Know If My NBI Payment Was Successful?
Log in to your NBI account and open the Transactions tab. If the status shows “Paid,” your payment was successful. Always screenshot your reference number and keep the official receipt. Over-the-counter payments (7-Eleven, banks, Bayad Center) can take up to 24 hours to reflect. If the status has not changed after 24 hours, contact your payment provider first, then NBI support, and bring your proof of payment to the branch if needed.
How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Follow these ten steps to complete your NBI clearance online application. The same process applies whether you use a phone, tablet, or computer.
Step 1: Go to the Official NBI Clearance Portal
Open clearance.nbi.gov.ph in your browser, or open the eGovPH app and select NBI Clearance. Read and accept the data privacy terms (RA 10173, the Data Privacy Act, governs how the NBI handles your information). Before entering any personal data, confirm the address bar shows the official nbi.gov.ph domain — not a look-alike site.
Step 2: Register a New Account
On the homepage you will see the question: “Do you have an old NBI Clearance issued from 2014 to present?”
- Select No if you are a new applicant, then fill in your personal details under “Register as New Account.”
- Select Yes if you have a clearance from 2014 onwards — enter your old NBI ID number and the system will pull your existing record, letting you skip most of the profile form.
- Enter an active mobile number and email, create a strong password, tick the Terms of Service and reCAPTCHA boxes, and click Sign Up.
Step 3: Verify Your Account (OTP + Email)
Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile number, then open your email and click Activate Account. If the OTP does not arrive, check signal coverage, wait for the resend timer, and check your spam folder for the activation email.
Step 4: Complete Your Applicant Information
Log in and fill out the Applicant Information form: full name, birth date, civil status, address, and the purpose of your clearance. Double-check spelling against your valid IDs before clicking Save Information and then Submit. Most “hit-like” delays and branch rejections are caused by mismatched details at this step.
Step 5: Click “Apply for Clearance”
Click the Apply for Clearance button at the top of your dashboard. A pop-up will ask which valid ID you will present at the branch — select the exact ID type and enter its number, then click I Agree. Bring that same ID on appointment day.
Step 6: Choose Your NBI Branch and Appointment Schedule
Select your preferred NBI Clearance Center — branches operate in NBI offices, malls, and satellite centers nationwide. Pick a date and time; blue boxes on the calendar are available slots. Morning slots (8:00–10:00 AM) are typically faster, and off-peak months (March–May, September–November) have shorter queues than January and June–July.
Step 7: Choose a Payment Method and Pay the Fee
Select your payment channel (GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, online banking, over-the-counter bank, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, ECPay, Visa/Mastercard, or DragonPay) and pay the total of about ₱160. Save your reference number and receipt screenshot them and keep a copy in cloud storage.
Step 8: Visit the NBI Branch on Your Appointment Date
Arrive 15–30 minutes early. Bring: (1) your two valid IDs, (2) your reference number, and (3) your payment receipt. Because you applied online, you can go straight to the encoding station — no forms to fill out at the branch.
Step 9: Biometrics, Photo, and Signature Capture
NBI staff will capture your fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature. Dress decently (sleeveless tops are discouraged for the photo), remove eyeglasses and accessories if asked, and confirm your printed details on screen before approving.
Step 10: Releasing — Claim Your NBI Clearance
- No HIT: proceed to the printing and releasing section your clearance is usually printed the same day, often within minutes.
- With HIT: you will be given a return date, normally 5–10 working days later, while NBI verifies the record match. Some applicants are interviewed by the Quality Control section.
- Delivery option: at participating branches and through services like MyEG, you can have the printed clearance couriered to your door instead of returning to claim it.
Online Application
- Let’s start the process by visiting the official NBI clearance website at https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph/.
- If you are a new applicant, then you have to make an account. Give all the details they ask from you and your email address for verification.
- After completing the process, fill out the application form. Always confirm before submitting that everything provided is correct, like name, date of birth, address, and applying for clearance.
- Once your form is complete, you will be prompted to select an NBI branch. Choose a location and pick an available date and time for your appointment.
- Complete the payment process using different methods or from some payment locations.
- Collect all the documents related to the application on the day of the appointment. It’s important to complete the next steps.
- At the NBI office, they ask you to complete a biometric process, by which they get your fingerprints and your photo.
- After processing, you can either pick up your NBI clearance from the branch or choose another option, such as a delivery service.
Offline Application
- Check online to find the NBI branch, ask local offices, or check online through the map.
- When you reach the branch, ask for an application form. Dont worry about time, and fill out the form correctly.
- Here, you have a valid ID, or a recent passport-sized photo is needed. If other documents are needed, make sure that you bring them with you.
- After completing the application form process, you can get your NBI clearance from the branch.
NBI Online Clearance Registration for First-Time Job Seekers
Before You Begin
To start your online application, make sure you have the following:
- Device: A computer, laptop, or mobile phone with internet access.
- Mobile Phone: For receiving a one-time password (OTP) for account verification.
- Valid ID: One of these accepted IDs will be needed for verification.
Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Applicants
- Go to the NBI First-Time Job Seekers Website. This platform is for fresh applicants who get a job for the first time, so there is no applying fee for them.
- Then, choose Register or Create an Account to start the registration process.
- Read the terms and conditions with full focus. After reading, tap on I Agree to ensure that you understand everything.
- This is the confirmation that you can access the form and instructions for new applicants.
- Give correct details like full name, birthdate, and address. Before clicking on the agree button, read it again for any corrections.
- Fill in the required fields on the registration form, then click Sign Up for the next step.
- After singing, they ask you for OTP on your phone. Put that code for activating your account.
- When the account is activated, log in by using the information you provided.
- Completing the remaining application form. Make sure you can complete all the sections with stars as required.
- Always check for twice the information that you provided. Make sure that it’s correct, and then click on the submit.
- When you submit the details, they provide a reference number. Save it because this number is important for you in the future for tracking purposes or verifying your applications.
- Select the date and time for your visit to the NBI office.
- When you come, bring your ID reference number to the NBI branch when it’s your appointment day. Needed documents are important for verifying your identity.
Note: If you want to renew your NBI clearance and don’t know the process, then read this Guide: How to Renew?
Benefits of NBI Online Clearance Registration
There are many advantages of NBI online clearance registration. Here is the information on how he can help to make the process easy:
Time Savings
If you are applying for clearance, then NBI online clearance is the best method. With the help of this method, applicants did not have to stand in long lines and wait for hours. You can easily complete the processes quickly with the online application.
Flexible Payment Options
NBI online clearance application provide many methods to make your payments. These methods include online banking, payment centers, and mobile payment options. This will make the payments easy and simple.
Access to Appointment Scheduling
With the help of NBI online registration, you can arrange your appointment in advance, ensuring a quick and easy process. This is especially useful for applicants who need an NBI clearance for their jobs or visa.
Easy Information Tracking and Reference Number
They can give you a reference number when you apply through online registration for NBI clearance. This number is very important for the applicant because it’s needed to verify your registration or appointment details.
Eligibility for First-Time Job Seekers
If you are a new job applicant, NBI clearance application will be free from the first-time job seekers portal. This online system saves you time and money, and you can easily get the documents that are required for employment purposes.
Accessibility Across the Philippines and Abroad
Choosing the online process helps every Filipino citizen who is in the Philippines and out of the country to apply for their clearance in a simple way. The best thing about online registration is that they do not need to visit the NBI office.
24/7 Service Availability
NBI online application system works 24/7 as compared to the physical offices. You can easily pay, register, or get an appointment any time you want.