Schedule NBI Clearance Online Appointment 

An NBI appointment is essential for obtaining an NBI clearance. Just click the button below to schedule your NBI clearance appointment online.

Get Appointment ➜
A Filipino man smiles while holding his NBI clearance after simple steps.

Why You Need Clearance?

An NBI Clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation that certifies that a person has no criminal record (or shows whether there is one) in the NBI database. It is required to prove you have a clean record. It builds trust and ensures safety in employment, travel, and official transactions.

  • Most employers ask for an NBI Clearance before hiring to make sure you do not have a criminal record.
  • If you are planning to work abroad, recruitment agencies and foreign employers require it as part of their background checking process.
  • When applying for a visa or immigration, embassies often request this document to confirm that you have no pending criminal cases.
  • It is required for many government transactions, such as applying for IDs, civil service jobs, permits, or other official requirements.
  • It is also required for some business and legal matters, such as registering a business, applying for a loan, or submitting court documents.
  • Some schools and training programs also ask for it, especially if you are applying for internships.
Graphic showing why NBI Clearance is required, showing job requirements, overseas work, visa, and government transactions.

How To Get an NBI Clearance Appointment?

To get an NBI online appointment, visit the NBI official portal, schedule your appointment, and pay the fee. Below is the step-by-step guide on how you can easily secure your appointment online to get NBI clearance. 

Step 1: NBI online Registration

  1. Click the button given below and visit the NBI official portal. It is recommended to read all the steps carefully before visiting the portal to avoid issues. 
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If you are a first-time job seeker, visit the portal at this link ( https://firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph/) to get the certificate without any service fee. However, you must provide a Bangary certificate as proof. If you want to renew your clearance, visit the NBI renewal page.

  1. Now, if you have an account, log in using your email address and password. 
  2. If you are a new user, click the “register as a new account” option. 
  3. You will get a registration form on the screen. Fill the form carefully with all the required details, including gender, Civil Status, date of birth, full name, mobile number, Email address, and password.
NBI account registration form with personal information fields and CAPTCHA.
  1. Once done, tick the box to accept the terms and conditions and click on sign up. 

Step 2: Verify OTP

  1. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number and email address. Check your inbox first, and if you don’t see the message, look in your spam folder. 
  2. Enter the OTP in the verification field to confirm your account. The code is valid for only five minutes, so make sure to enter it as soon as you receive it.
  3. After entering the code, click “Proceed” to complete the verification process.
  4. Now your NBI account is created. 
NBI OTP verification page screenshot with NBI logo background, showing OTP message, entry field, and buttons.

Step 3: Complete The Form

  1. Log in to your NBI account using your registered email and password. After signing in, go to the “Apply for Clearance” section to start your NBI online application.
  2. A personal information form will appear on your screen. Fill it out carefully and make sure all details match your official documents to avoid delays or corrections later. 
  3. You will be asked to provide information such as your full name, place and date of birth, citizenship, civil status, complete address, contact number, education, occupation, parents’ names, and any identifying marks.
Split image “Fill Application Form” with NBI emblem in the background and an online form for personal, family, and contact details.
  1. After completing the form, click “Save Information” to store your details. The system will then show a summary page where you can review everything you entered. 
  2. Double-check all the details carefully. If you need to fix anything, click “Edit Information” and update your details. Once you are sure everything is correct, click “Apply for Clearance” to continue with your application.

Step 4: Upload Your ID

  1. Select two valid official IDs from the list provided and upload the selected documents. 
  2. If you are a first-time job seeker, choose your Barangay Certificate as the required document.
  3. After uploading the IDs successfully, click “I Agree” to continue.
User interface for uploading an ID with NBI logo in the background.

Step 5: Schedule Your NBI Appointment

  1. First, choose your preferred branch by clicking the drop-down menu. It is better to choose the nearest branch to visit easily. 
  2. Next, select a date from the calendar. Only the blue-highlighted dates are available, so make sure to choose one of them.
  3. Then, pick a time slot from the available options. Again, only the blue slots can be booked. 
  4. Finally, review all your details carefully and click “Confirm” to secure your appointment.
Split image shows the text “Schedule appointment” on the NBI logo on the left and an appointment calendar on the right with available slots.

Tip: Mid-week mornings (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually less crowded than Mondays or Fridays. Try to schedule your appointment 1–2 weeks in advance for the best availability.

Step 6: Complete Payment 

  1. Once the NBI clearance appointment is scheduled successfully, complete the payment. The NBI offers multiple trusted payment methods, including GCash, Maya, Banks / Online Banking, Bayad Center, ECPay, and 7-Eleven. NBI payment via Gcash is one of the most trusted payment method.
  2. Select the payment method and complete your payment carefully. A reference number will be given to you on successful payment. 
  3. Save the reference number as proof of successful appointment booking and payment. 

Step 7: Appear At NBI Centers 

  1. On your appointment day, arrive at your chosen NBI branch 10 minutes early for a smooth process.
  2. Bring these documents with you:
  • Two valid government-issued IDs (the ones you used online)
  • Appointment reference number and payment receipt
  • Valid Barangay Certificate (required for first-time job seekers)

Tip: Always bring the official documents and wear the dress according to the NBI dress code.

Step 8: Verification

At the NBI office, you’ll complete the final steps to get your clearance. Here’s what to expect:

  1. The staff will check your online application and IDs to make sure everything matches.
  2. Your fingerprints will be scanned for security and identification purposes.
  3. A photo will be taken for your NBI ID.
  4. The staff will perform a final verification to ensure your name has no issues in the NBI database.

The system will take a while for verification. If everything is clear, you will get your clearance within a few hours on the same day. If there is a Hit in NBI, you will be asked for a revisit after a week or two. Learn more about NBI Hit.

Requirements For NBI Clearance

The National Bureau of Investigation of the Philippines requires some official details and documents for verification purposes. Below is a complete list of requirements to schedule an appointment and get clearance.

General Requirements 

Here is the list of general requirements for Filipino citizens:

  • Reference number from the NBI portal
  • Passport-size photo
  • Two valid government-issued IDs
  •  Payment receipt

First-Time Job Seekers

First-time job seekers' applications must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be a Filipino citizen applying for a job for the first time
  • Be 18 years old or above at the time of application
  • A government-issued ID
  • a Barangay certificate for first-time job seeker status confirmation
  • Register through the official first-time job seeker portal

Requirements for Overseas Filipinos

If you are living abroad, here is the  list of requirements that you must fulfill:

  • Two (2) recent 2×2 colored ID photos.
  • Photocopies of the passport and any official ID.
  • NBI Form No. 5 from the Philippine Embassy 
  • fingerprints taken at the Embassy.
  • An NBI authorization letter is required if a representative will process the application.

Acceptable Documents

Here is a list of acceptable IDs for NBI clearance online:

  • LTO Driver’s License
  • Passport
  • UMID (SSS/GSIS)
  • PhilHealth ID
  • Postal ID
  • PRC License
  • Pag-IBIG ID (not Loyalty Card)
  • Voter’s ID or Certificate of Registration
  • Senior Citizen’s ID / PWD ID
  • Solo Parent ID
  • BIR TIN ID
  • MARINA ID or Seaman’s Book
  • Security Guard License ID
  • School ID with current registration card
  • PNP Clearance (local police station)
  • PSA/NSO Authenticated Birth Certificate
  • Malacañang Certification 

Helpful Tips:

  1. Bring at least two valid IDs to avoid rescheduling.
  2. Ensure the name and birthdate on your IDs match your online application details.
  3. Damaged or expired IDs may not be accepted.

Processing Time Details 

The processing time depends on your application status. Local applicants without a HIT usually receive their clearance the same day or within 24 hours. If you have a HIT status, it may take 5–10 working days. Overseas applications normally take around 2–4 weeks to complete.

Below is a quick overview of NBI Clearance processing times:

Applicant Type

Processing Time (No HIT)

Processing Time (With HIT / Verification)

Local Applicants (Philippines-based)

Same day to 1–3 working days after biometrics

Around 5–15 working days or longer due to record checking

Overseas Applicants (OFWs / Abroad)

3–5 business days processing + 2–4 weeks delivery

Usually 4–6 weeks or more, depending on verification and shipping time

NBI Fees Details 

The details about the NBI price are as follows:

Fee Category

Amount

Details

NBI Clearance Fee

₱130

Standard processing fee for issuing the clearance

Service Charge

₱25

Online system and payment processing fee

Total Payment

₱155

Total amount to be paid during appointment booking

NBI fees infographic showing clearance fee, service charge, and total payment with icons.

Fees may vary slightly depending on the selected payment channel or future NBI updates. Always keep your payment receipt for verification.

Tips for a Smooth NBI Appointment 

Here are some practical steps that you must follow to schedule an NBI online appointment without any errors:

  1. Early mornings or mid-week days (Tuesday–Thursday) tend to be less crowded. Choosing these slots saves time and ensures a faster, smoother visit.
  2. Booking 1–2 weeks in advance avoids fully booked dates and gives you more flexibility to pick the branch, date, and time that fits your schedule perfectly.
  3. Your appointment is only secured once the payment goes through. Completing it right away avoids losing your slot to other applicants.
  4. Always use a stable internet connection while scheduling the appointment. 
  5. Always provide the details according to your official documents. Any minor mistake can lead to verification failure.

Troubleshooting the Errors

The National Bureau of Investigation system makes it easy to schedule an appointment and get an NBI ID. However, some users still face issues and fail to get their clearance. Below are the 100% working solutions to the most common issues:

Hit Status 

It often occurs because your name closely matches someone else in the database or due to a system discrepancy. Hit status flags your application for additional verification. Here is how you can resolve it:

  • NBI may ask for additional documents for verification.
  • Cooperate with the staff during the process.
  • HIT issues are usually resolved in about a week.

Payment Issue 

Sometimes the system causes errors in completing the payment. This issue mostly occurs due to a problem on the user side. However, here are some precautions that help you overcome this issue:

  • Double-check and ensure that you have entered the accurate payment details. 
  • Always check and ensure that you have enough balance before making the payment. 

OTP Issue

Sometimes the user fails to receive the OTP during NBI registration. This is one of the most common issues. However, you can easily resolve it by taking the following simple steps:

  • Recheck and ensure that you have provided an accurate mobile number and Email address during online registration. Make sure that the number you have provided is active and working. 
  • Make sure that your device is connected to a stable network. 
  • Sometimes, the system considers the OTP message as spam. Therefore, check the spam folder of your SMS/ Email if the OTP is not found in the inbox. 

Slot Not Available 

The system automatically closes NBI appointment slots once they are fully booked, which means no new slots will show as available. This is common during peak periods or at popular branches. Here is what you can do in such situations:

  • Appointment slots can open up when other applicants cancel. Therefore, check again after a while. 
  • If your preferred branch is full, nearby branches may still have available dates and times.
  • Mid-week mornings are usually less crowded, making it easier to get your preferred slot and reducing waiting time.

The above guide will work for you and help you to overcome the issue. In case the issue persists or you have any other specific issue, contact the helpline or visit the NBI branch.

NBI Customer Care

The National Bureau of Investigation has a professional support team that deals with the issue of applicants. You can contact the NBI helpline in case of any issue. The support team will review your issue and give a possible solution to you.

Hotline

  1. General Inquiries (24/7): 0939 150 2880
  2. Clearance Delivery: 0917 149 9962 (6 AM to 6 PM)
  3. Mailed Clearance Support: 0915 689 3113 & 0920 122 3327
  4. General / Mailed: +63 852 382 31 (Ext. 5465 or 5509)

Emails

NBI centers generally operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but some main branches open earlier at 7:00 AM for added convenience. If you’re visiting a mall-based center, keep in mind that their hours usually follow the mall schedule, typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

FAQs

The clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation that certifies you have no criminal record in the country. It’s often required for employment, travel, or government transactions.

To get clearance from NBI, visit the official NBI online appointment portal, fill out your personal details, choose a branch, date, and time, and complete the payment. After confirmation, bring your reference number and valid IDs to the branch on your scheduled date. The staff will perform confirmation at the NBI center. You will get your clearance after the verification.

The standard clearance costs ₱130, plus a ₱25 service fee, making the total ₱155 per applicant.

The processing time for clearance depends on your application type. For local applicants without a HIT, clearance is usually released the same day or within 1–3 working days. If your application has a HIT status, it may take 5–15 working days due to additional verification. Overseas applicants normally wait around 2–4 weeks, including processing and shipping time.

An NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. After that, you need to apply for a new clearance if required.

Bring at least two valid IDs, your appointment reference number, and a payment receipt. First-time job seekers may also need a Barangay Certificate. Make sure that all the documents are official and up to date.

No, NBI walk-ins are not allowed. Therefore, you must schedule an online NBI appointment before visiting the NBI centers. In short, you can not get the clearance without an appointment.

Conclusion

The NBI clearance is proof of a clean record necessary for jobs, visas, business permits, and other official transactions. The NBI appointment system makes it easy to get your clearance. To get the NBI ID, first visit the NBI portal, complete the registration, and log in to your account. Once logged in, schedule an NBI clearance appointment and complete the payment. Now visit the NBI center on the appointment day for verification.
 The appointment reference, valid government-issued IDs, payment receipt, and, for first-time job seekers, a Barangay certificate are necessary. The clearance certificate remains valid for one year after issuance.

Ronel Garcia

Ronel Garcia

Hi, I’m Ronel Garcia. I have worked in the NBI Department for 10 years. From my practical knowledge, I handle NBI clearance, appointments, renewals, hit status, and authorization letters. I also guide readers on NBI and police clearance, paying with GCash, and the proper dress code. I make every step simple and easy, so people can get their NBI clearance quickly and confidently. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball with my family and reading to learn more about clearances.