NBI Clearance Vs Police Clearance in the Philippines – Know the Real Difference?

When you apply for a job, plan to travel abroad, or need to complete government documents in the Philippines, you may be asked to show a clearance. But many people get confused between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance. Both clearances are used to check your criminal background, but they are not the same. Each serves a different purpose and is issued by a different authority.

This article will help you understand the main difference between them, their uses, how to apply, and which one you really need. What you know about complexion in the NBI form?

What Is Police Clearance?

A Police Clearance is a document given by your local police station. It is issued under the Philippine National Police (PNP). This clearance shows whether you have a criminal record in a specific city or municipality.

Police Clearance is useful for local purposes, but it only checks records within your city or town. It does not show your record in other places or in the national database. That is why it is not accepted for major or national transactions like visa or passport applications.

Main Uses of Police Clearance

You can use a Police Clearance for:

• Applying for local jobs within your city
  
• Opening or registering a small business
  
• Applying for a barangay or local ID
  
• Local government-related requirements
  
• Verifying your identity for small personal transactions
  

If you only need a clearance for simple, city-level needs, a Police Clearance is quick and easy to go.

What Is NBI Clearance?

An NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Unlike the Police Clearance, this one covers the entire country. It checks if a person has any criminal record anywhere in the Philippines.

The NBI uses a national database that gathers information from police, courts, and law enforcement agencies. If your name matches someone in a criminal record, you get a “hit.” The NBI will investigate further before releasing your clearance.

Main Uses of NBI Clearance

You need an NBI Clearance for:

• Applying for a job (local or overseas)
  
• Visa or immigration requirements
  
• Passport application
  
• School or scholarship documents
  
• Firearm license or legal name change
  
• Any official or government-related purpose
  

Because of its nationwide coverage, the NBI Clearance is accepted across the country and even internationally.

Key Differences Between NBI Clearance and Police Clearance

Feature	NBI Clearance	Police Clearance
Issuing Office	National Bureau of Investigation	Local Police Station (PNP)
Coverage Area	Nationwide check	Local city or municipality only
Purpose	For government, legal, and overseas uses	For local or small business uses
Application Method	Online appointment and in-person visit	Usually walk-in (some cities offer online)
Requirements	Valid ID, online form, appointment slip	Barangay clearance and valid ID
Processing Time	1–5 days (depending on verification)	Same day in most cases
Validity Period	6 months to 1 year	6 months (some extend to 1 year)
Acceptance Level	Accepted nationwide and abroad	Accepted only locally

From the table, you can clearly see that the NBI Clearance is more complete and widely accepted, while Police Clearance is more local and limited.

When to Choose NBI Clearance

You should get an NBI Clearance if,

• You are applying for jobs abroad.
  
• You are applying for a passport or visa.
  
• You are joining a government agency or big company.
  
• You want a document accepted anywhere in the Philippines.
  

The NBI Clearance takes a bit more time to process, but it is more trusted and recognized.

When to Choose Police Clearance

You can get a Police Clearance if:

• You only need it for a local job in your city or barangay.
  
• You are applying for a business permit.
  
• You are getting a barangay or local ID.
  
• You want a fast, easy document for personal use.
  

A Police Clearance is usually cheaper and quicker to get. It’s perfect if you only need it for simple local tasks.

Police & NBI Certificates Cost Comparison

Both clearances are affordable, but their costs may vary depending on the city or requirements.

Type of Clearance	Average Fee
NBI Clearance	₱130 – ₱170
Police Clearance	₱100 – ₱150 (plus barangay clearance fee if needed)

While both are inexpensive, the NBI Clearance provides more value because it is valid nationwide and used for more official purposes.

How to Apply for Police Clearance

1. Go to your nearest police station.
   
2. Bring your valid ID and barangay clearance.
   
3. Fill out the application form.
   
4. Pay the fee at the cashier.
   
5. Have your picture and fingerprints taken.
   
6. Wait for your clearance to be printed.

Some cities now offer online registration systems where you can apply and pay in advance. However, most applicants still prefer walk-in applications because it’s fast and done in one day.

How to Apply for NBI Clearance

1. Visit the official NBI website and create an account.
   
2. Fill in your personal details and choose the renewal or new application option.
   
3. Book an online appointment at your preferred NBI branch.
   
4. Pay the fee using any authorized payment channel (GCash, Bayad Center, or banks).
   
5. Go to the NBI office on your appointment date.
   
6. Provide your valid ID, biometrics, and photo.
   
7. Wait for your clearance. You can either print it there or have it delivered to your home.
   

The NBI process may take a few days if you get a “hit,” but otherwise, it can be completed within the same day.

Which Clearance Is Better?

Both are good depending on your needs:

• Police Clearance is great for local or small-scale uses.
  
• NBI Clearance is ideal for national or international uses.
  

If you’re applying for official or government work, always choose NBI Clearance because it’s recognized everywhere. But if you just need to prove your identity for a local job or permit, Police Clearance will do the job.

Validity of Each Clearance

Both clearances are valid for 6 months to 1 year, depending on where you will submit them. Always check the specific requirement of your employer or agency. Some may ask for a newly issued document even before the validity period ends.

Conclusion

Police Clearance and NBI Clearance both serve the same goal to prove that you have no criminal record. However, they differ in scope and purpose.

• Police Clearance is for local use and shows your record in a single city or municipality.
  
• NBI Clearance checks your record nationwide and is accepted for bigger transactions.
  

If your purpose is official, national, or international, always go for the NBI Clearance. But if you just need it for quick local paperwork, the Police Clearance is enough.

In short we can say:

• NBI Clearance = Nationwide Coverage
  
• Police Clearance = Local Coverage
  

Choosing the right clearance saves you time, money, and effort.

FAQs

Q1: Is Police Clearance enough for a job application?
Yes, if you’re applying for a local job within your city. But for government or overseas jobs, you will need an NBI Clearance.

Q2: Can I use Police Clearance for passport or visa applications?
No. Only NBI Clearance is accepted for travel, visa, or passport-related applications.

Q3: Can I get both NBI and Police Clearance?
Yes, you can apply for both. Some people use Police Clearance for local needs and NBI Clearance for national or foreign transactions.

Q4: How long is each clearance valid?
Both are valid for around 6 months to 1 year. But some agencies may require a new one before that time.

Q5: Is Police Clearance faster to get?
Yes, it’s usually issued the same day, while NBI Clearance might take a few days if your name has a “hit.”