NBI Clearance & Renewal 2025

The NBI Clearance is one of the most important legal documents in the Philippines. It serves as official proof that an individual has no pending criminal records or court cases. Whether you are applying for a job, traveling abroad, studying, or completing a business registration, you will often be asked to present a valid NBI clearance.

In 2025, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) continues to improve its services through the NBI Clearance Online System, allowing citizens to register, schedule, and renew their clearances easily. This guide provides all the details about NBI clearance application, requirements, fees, validity, and renewal procedures.

An NBI Clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines. It certifies that the holder has no criminal cases or derogatory records filed under their name. This document is often required for:

The NBI Clearance is recognized nationwide and even abroad as proof of good conduct. It is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually to remain valid.

The NBI Online Registration system simplifies the clearance application process. Applicants no longer need to wait in long lines, as all initial steps can be done online through the official website.

Steps for Online Registration

1. Go to the official NBI portal: www.nbi-clearance.gov.ph
   
2. For new users, click Register and fill in your personal information.
   
3. Verify your email address and create a password.
   
4. Log in to your new account.
   
5. Complete the remaining profile details such as address, civil status, and contact number.
   
6. Once done, you can proceed to apply for your NBI clearance online appointment.
   

This registration is required for both first-time applicants and those renewing their clearances.

Before applying, make sure you have all the required documents. The NBI clearance requirements for 2025 are simple but must be followed strictly.

Basic Requirements:

Accepted Valid IDs

All IDs must be original, clear, and consistent with the applicant’s registered details.

The NBI Clearance Online process lets you apply from home using your computer or mobile phone. It eliminates manual filing and speeds up processing. Through online NBI clearance, you can:

The entire process is simple, secure, and available 24/7.

The NBI Clearance Online Appointment is an essential part of the process. Without an appointment, you cannot visit any NBI branch, as walk-ins are generally not allowed (except for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women).

Steps to Set an Appointment

1. Log in to your account at nbi clearance.gov.ph.
   
2. Fill in the necessary details and click Apply for Clearance.
   
3. Choose your preferred NBI clearance center and date.
   
4. Select a time slot from the available options.
   
5. Pay the required fee through any listed payment method.
   
6. Print your NBI clearance application form containing the reference number.
   

You must bring the printed form and two valid IDs on your scheduled date.

To log in to your account, go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and click “NBI Clearance Log In.” Enter your registered email and password to access your dashboard. From there, you can:

For account recovery, click Forgot Password and follow the verification steps via your registered email or mobile number.

Your NBI Clearance Application Form is automatically generated after scheduling your appointment. It contains your personal details, NBI ID number, chosen branch, and reference number. You must print this form and present it at the NBI clearance center.

Make sure all details are correct before confirming payment. If any error is found, log in again and edit your information before proceeding.

An NBI Clearance is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After the validity period ends, it cannot be used for employment, visa, or legal purposes. To maintain an updated record, you should apply for NBI clearance renewal online before your clearance expires.

To verify your clearance status, you can log in to your NBI account and check your record under the “Transactions” section.

Verification is an important step in confirming your clearance authenticity. The NBI verification process ensures that your document is valid and not altered.

To verify, visit the NBI verification page at nbi.clearance.gov.ph and enter your NBI ID number. You can also verify through the QR code printed on your clearance. If it matches the database, your clearance is valid.

The NBI Clearance Centers are located nationwide to make the process accessible for everyone. Applicants can choose the nearest branch during online scheduling. Major locations including following.

Always check your chosen branch’s operating hours and schedule your visit early to avoid delays.

Having a valid NBI Clearance offers several benefits:

1. Proof of Good Conduct: Confirms that you have no pending legal cases.
   
2. Required for Employment: Needed by most companies and agencies.
   
3. Essential for Visa Applications: Required by embassies for background checks.
   
4. Accepted in Legal and Government Transactions: Used for business registration, permits, and licenses.
   
5. Recognized Abroad: Used by OFWs and overseas applicants as a proof of clean record.

During your appointment at the NBI clearance center, you’ll undergo biometrics capture. This includes fingerprint scanning, photo capture, and signature. These details are stored in the NBI database to identify applicants accurately and prevent duplication.

If you are renewing your clearance and your biometrics are already in the system, the process is usually faster.

For first-time applicants who do not have valid IDs, a PSA Birth Certificate may be required to verify your identity. The NBI accepts the original copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the National Statistics Office (NSO). It is particularly useful for first-time job seekers applying under the Free Clearance Act.

For inquiries, applicants can contact the NBI directly through the following official contact details:

• Hotline: (02) 8523-8231
  
• Email: helpdesk@nbi.gov.ph
  
• Website: www.nbi-clearance.gov.ph
  
• Facebook: National Bureau of Investigation (Official Page)
  

Customer service is available during office hours to assist with payment issues, “hit” cases, or renewal concerns.

When visiting any NBI clearance branch, you are required to follow the dress code policy. Wearing proper attire ensures professionalism and order inside government offices.

Allowed

Not Allowed

Applicants wearing inappropriate clothing may not be allowed inside the premises.

If you applied for NBI clearance delivery, you can track your document online. Once your clearance has been processed, the NBI sends an email or SMS with your tracking number.

Go to the delivery partner’s tracking page (such as LBC or NBI courier service) and enter your tracking number to check the delivery status. Typically, delivery takes 5 to 10 working days depending on location.

Your NBI clearance automatically expires after one year from issuance. An expired clearance cannot be used for any legal or employment transaction. To maintain its validity, apply for NBI clearance renewal online before it expires.

If your clearance has already expired, you can still renew it through the Quick Renewal option on the NBI website.

Under the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (Republic Act 11261), fresh graduates and first-time job seekers can get their NBI clearance for free. To avail of this, bring a Barangay Certificate confirming your first-time job-seeking status. This benefit can be used only once.

The rest of the process is registration, scheduling, and biometrics is the same as a regular applicant.

The NBI Clearance Fee for 2025 remains affordable. The standard amount is ₱130, plus a ₱25 service charge for e-payments, making a total of ₱155.

For renewal with delivery, fees range between ₱355 (within Metro Manila) and ₱505 (outside Metro Manila). Payments can be made through:

Always keep your payment receipt for verification.

Many embassies and international organizations require an NBI clearance for abroad as part of visa processing. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also need this document for employment abroad.

If you’re outside the Philippines, you can apply by:

1. Downloading the NBI Fingerprint Form (NBI Form No. 5).
   
2. Having your fingerprints taken by the local police or embassy.
   
3. Sending the form and copies of valid IDs to the NBI office in Manila.
   
4. Paying the processing fee online.
   
5. Receiving your clearance through courier or mail.

A “Hit” occurs when your name matches another person’s record in the NBI database. This does not necessarily mean you have a criminal record. It simply means further verification is required.

When this happens, your clearance release may be delayed for 5–10 working days while the NBI confirms your identity. You will be notified once your clearance is ready for release or if additional documents are required.

You can easily pay your NBI clearance fee using GCash by following these steps:

1. Open your GCash app.
   
2. Tap Bills Payment, then select Government.
   
3. Choose NBI Clearance from the list.
   
4. Enter your reference number and payment amount.
   
5. Confirm and complete the transaction.
   
6. Save your confirmation receipt for verification.
   

Payment via GCash is processed instantly and reflected on your NBI account within minutes.

An NBI Clearance Sample includes important details that verify the authenticity of the document. A typical clearance contains:

Always make sure your printed clearance includes these details and that the QR code is scannable for authenticity verification.

The NBI Clearance remains a vital document for every Filipino. Thanks to the NBI Online System, applying, renewing, and verifying your clearance has become faster and more convenient. Whether you need it for a job, travel, or business, it serves as official proof of your good standing with the law.

Always keep track of your clearance validity, pay securely through official channels, and store your NBI document carefully. By understanding each step like registration, appointment, payment, and renewal, you can confidently complete your NBI clearance online application without issues.