The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is a government agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Philippines. Modeled after the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) in the United States, it not only deals with, investigates, and resolves national major cases, but also works with the local police and issues forms of identification, among which NBI clearance is most commonly seen. In this blog post, we are going to explore how to apply for NBI clearance, how to renew it, how much it costs, and other concerning issues.
What Is NBI Clearance?
It is a government-issued document serving as proof of good standing. This blue piece of paper reflects whether an individual has ever been involved in criminal proceedings, which is crucial for employment and international travel. Many people confuse NBI clearance with police clearance which only reflects criminal records within a a region. Since 2017, it has become an acceptable identity document for postal ID application, voter registration, and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) business registration. It must be obtained through an NBI clearance online appointment. Moreover, it is valid for one year upon the date of issuance, so you have to renew it regularly.
What Can I Use NBI Clearance for?
As essential proof of no criminal record around the whole country, NBI clearance is widely required in the following conditions.
- Proof of Identity
As a government-recognized valid ID, it is acceptable in some government transactions, such as applying for PhilSys or other national IDs, making changes to your marriage or birth certificate, taking the civil service exam, etc.
- Employment
Many companies in the Philippines require the no criminal record certificate to help with background checks on potential employees. If you are an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), this permission is also necessary when applying for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Even if you are starting your own business, it might be required when registering your company.
- International Travel
NBI clearance is certified proof of no criminal record when applying for visas to travel abroad, such as the United States, China, and Australia. Even if you are visiting some visa-free countries, you can take it along with you to increase the chance of being allowed entry. Additionally, it is of great importance when applying for temporary or permanent residency in another country.
Who Can Apply for NBI Clearance?
It is available to both Filipino citizens and foreigners despite their age. However, local citizens can claim the document on the same day while foreign nationals need to wait for about 3 to 5 days. When applying from within the Philippines, both Filipinos and foreigners can apply for NBI clearance online and the application process is generally the same. When applying from overseas, applicants should visit a local Philippine embassy or consulate and the officers will send the application to the NBI in Manila by mail for processing.
NBI Clearance Requirements
The following documents are required for first-time NBI clearance applications, NBI clearance renewal for those issued before 2014, or mistake corrections on the document.
Two of the following government-issued IDs within validity:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- UMID (a Unified Multi-Purpose ID for SSS, GSIS, HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth)
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) ID
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- PRC (Professional identification card) ID
- Senior citizen ID
- OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) ID
- National ID
- Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- PWD (Persons with Disabilities) ID
- Police clearance
- Barangay Certification (Only for First-Time Job Seekers)
This document proves that you have been living in your place for no less than six months and you are a real first-time job seeker. In this case, you can get NBI clearance for free. You must sign an Oath of Undertaking in front of the Barangay Captain or Chairman. Please note that the certification and the oath must follow specific templates.
How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online
According to NBI clearance requirements, walk-in applications are no longer available and a prior NBI clearance appointment is required. In this section, we are going to introduce how to apply for it online.
Register on the NBI Clearance Services Website
- Visit the NBI Clearance Services website.
- Click on the “I AGREE” button to agree to the Data Privacy Statement in English and Tagalog. Check the box next to the question “DO YOU HAVE AN OLD NBI CLEARANCE ISSUED FROM 2014 TO PRESENT?” as you are requesting a new NBI clearance instead of renewal.
- Create an account by providing your personal information, such as gender, civil status, name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. Check the box in front of “READ and ACCEPT TERMS OF SERVICES” and enter click “SIGN UP”.
- You will receive an OTP by phone or email, enter it, and confirm your application to complete the NBI clearance online registration.
Make NBI Clearance Online Appointment
- Visit the NBI Clearance Services website again and sign in with the registered email and password.
- Provide all required information (fields with a red asterisk) on the Applicant Information page.
- Click on the “Save Information” button and double-check what you have entered. If there is anything wrong, click on “EDIT INFORMATION” at the top right corner to correct it. If not, click on “APPLY FOR CLEARANCE” to proceed.
- Select the Type of ID as well as the ID Number that you will bring to attend the appointment in the pop-up window. Click “I Agree” to close the pop-up page.
- Decide where to get NBI clearance. There are dozens of NBI branches around the Philippines. Just choose the nearest one.
- Pick a desired date and time from the available slots with blue marks. Please note that the NBI clearance appointment cannot be rescheduled once you fulfill payment.
- Choose a favorable payment method and fulfill the payment. You can pay the application fees over the counter, through an online banking account, or offline. No matter which channel you choose, remember to keep the payment receipt or reference number.
- Go to the “Transactions” section listed in the left-side menu and make sure your NBI clearance application status has changed to “Paid”.
- Click “Details” to review your application form.
Collect NBI Clearance
- Print out the application form/reference number.
- Prepare selected IDs and other necessary documents listed in the NBI clearance requirements.
- Visit the selected branch on the scheduled date and time. It is suggested to arrive a few minutes earlier.
- Submit your biometrics and photograph (2×2 inch photo) as required.
- Receive the clearance after a few minutes on the same day unless there is a “hit”, which means there is a namesake involved in some suspicious activities. In this case, the authority might need extra time to verify your application. You will be asked to return in a few days to pick it up.
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NBI Clearance Validity
It remains valid for 6 months to 12 months upon the date of being issued. The document is acceptable only when it is within validity. Therefore, you should request a renewal after NBI clearance expiration. Otherwise, you might be rejected for some transactions.
How to Renew NBI Clearance
If you already have permission, the renewal process would be much easier. The whole process could be done online and the renewed document will be delivered to you. No NBI clearance appointment is needed. Here is a specific guideline.
Check NBI Clearance Renewal Requirements
Whether you are going through the Quick NBI Clearance Online Renewal or standard procedure, the following are needed.
- Copy of old/expired NBI clearance
- One valid government-issued ID
Renew NBI Clearance Online
- Visit the NBI Clearance Services website and log in.
- Click on the “CLICK HERE” button within the yellow area (as shown in the picture below).
- Enter the old NBI ID number and personal information (marked with an asterisk) in the pop-up window. Please note that NBI clearance renewal online service is only available to those issued on and after October 16, 2016.
- Click “Verify” to continue verification.
- Select preferred payment methods and pay the renewal fees which might vary depending on the way you pay and receive the document.
- Fill out the delivery form if you choose door-to-door delivery.
Receive the New NBI Clearance
There are two ways to receive the clearance: pick-up in person or receive by mail. The former requires you to claim it within 24 hours after payment. You can contact the chosen branch to check whether it is ready. The latter takes 3-10 days to deliver depending on where you live. In both cases, you have to present a valid ID and the NBI official receipt or payment receipt to claim the NBI ID.
How Long Does It Take to Receive NBI Clearance?
Generally speaking, you can receive the document on the same day of the appointment for a first-time NBI clearance application. However, if the authorities need extra time to verify your identity, such as dealing with the Hit, it will take several days to receive it.
When it comes to NBI clearance renewal, the waiting time varies according to the way you collect it. When choosing in-person pick-up at the NBI center, you will get the ID within 24 hours. When choosing door-to-door delivery, it usually takes 3-7 days to arrive in Metro Manila and Luzon and 7-10 days for remote areas.
How Much Is NBI Clearance?
The application fees for the first NBI clearance application and renewal are the same while the extra service fee varies. Here is a list of the NBI clearance prices.
| First-time application | Application fees | PHP 130 |
| Service fee for e-payment | PHP 25 | |
| NBI clearance renewal | Application fees | PHP 130 |
| Service fee for e-payment | PHP 25 | |
| Delivery fee outside the National Capital Region (optional) | PHP 200 | |
| Delivery fee outside the National Capital Region (optional) | Delivery fee within the National Capital Region (optional) |
How to Pay NBI Clearance Using Gcash?
GCash is a mobile wallet application that allows users to pay electronically, transfer accounts, receive a transfer, or shop online. To pay NBI clearance fees online with GCash, you just need a few clicks.
- Register an account on GCash website or GCash app on your mobile phone with your mobile number.
- Enter the 6-digit authentication code you receive and click “Submit Code”.
- Complete your profile. Name, date of birth, address, and email address are required.
- Set a 4-digit mobile PIN or MPIN, which will be used for future GCash transactions.
- Select GCash as a preferred payment option while applying for or renewing NBI clearance.
- Scan the QR code with the GCash app or copy the reference number to pay the fees on the GCash website.
Is NBI Clearance a Valid ID?
It depends on what transaction you are undertaking. For example, the Philippines passport officers only accept it as a supporting reference instead of a valid ID. However, although it is not a certified ID document like national IDs, passports, PhilSys, etc., it is accepted as a valid alternative by many companies or institutions because the NBI clearance application goes through strict identity checks and procedures. In any case, it is suggested to check whether it is on the list of accepted valid IDs, otherwise, you should present a certified one.
FAQ
Q: Can I get NBI Clearance twice?
A: No, unless you want to correct the mistakes or change the information on the current NBI permission.
Q: Can I get an NBI clearance in the Philippines while abroad?
A: Yes, you will secure and complete an NBI Fingerprint Card Form at the Philippine embassy or consulate. A prior appointment is usually needed.
Q: How can I check my NBI status?
A: Log in to the NBI clearance website and click on the Transactions menu to check your application status.
Q: Can I renew my NBI clearance outside the Philippines?
A: Yes. If you have an authorized representative, such as a relative or a friend in the Philippines, ask them to help with all supporting documents and a signed authorization letter. If not, you can renew it at the local Philippine Embassy by sending your renewal application to the main NBI clearance center at UN Avenue in Manila.
Q: Is NBI Clearance needed for passport application?
A: Yes, in the case of a late registered birth certificate, no birth certificate, or no report of birth.
Summary
NBI clearance is an essential document to prove good standing and no criminal records. Either Filipinos or foreigners can apply for it. We hope this guide will help you in applying for a new NBI clearance or renewing an old one with ease.
📚Explore Further: Barangay Clearance, ID Certificate Explained [2024 Updated]