NBI Clearance Online Guide: How to get NBI Clearance for First-Timers?

The NBI Clearance Online, despite being essentially just a piece of paper, tells an interesting story about your civil standing and reputation. Because of this, many employers and organizations look at this document as one of the most important and non-negotiable requirements. 

The process of obtaining this valid ID used to involve standing in long lines at the office that issued it. Unless you were lucky, you would have to wait from morning to afternoon for your turn. With the advent of digital technology, the NBI has been able to modernize its workflow. Efficiencies and convenience have been improved in its processes. 

Have you started your NBI online registration yet? If you’ve never done anything like this before, don’t worry. You can get an NBI clearance by following these steps. 

What is an NBI Clearance?  

NBI clearances are official documents issued by the NBI proving that you have not committed any criminal offenses or infractions in the Philippines.

There are a number of ways in which you can use this clearance: 

• Local employment – In order for an employer to accept you completely, the HR department may check your background to see if you’ve committed any serious criminal offenses. 

• Foreign trips – Are you interested in working abroad? A copy of this document will be required for the purpose of obtaining a work visa. 

• Proof of identity – You may be able to use your NBI clearance as proof of identification with some government agencies. In addition to securing other documents or IDs, such as a driver’s license, you can also use it to secure other items. The same tool can also be used to correct errors in official government documents, such as a birth certificate, that were mistakenly issued by the government. 

What are the NBI Clearance Requirements? 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a vital document in the Philippines used for employment, travel, and various legal purposes. To ensure a hassle-free application process, it’s essential to know the NBI Clearance requirements. Here’s what you need to prepare:

1. Online Registration: Start by visiting the official NBI Clearance website to create an account and complete the online application form. Provide accurate personal details and select a preferred appointment date and NBI Clearance center.
2. Primary Valid ID: You will need at least one government-issued ID to validate your identity. Acceptable IDs include:
   • Philippine Passport
   • Driver’s License
   • UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
   • Postal ID
   • PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) ID
   • Voter’s ID
3. Make sure your ID is valid and not expired, and the details match those in your application form.
4. Reference Number: After completing the online registration, you’ll receive a unique reference number. This number is crucial for payment and must be presented during your appointment.
5. Payment Receipt: Pay the NBI Clearance fee through various channels such as online banking, mobile wallets, or over-the-counter at authorized payment centers. Keep the payment receipt or confirmation as proof of payment.
6. Biometrics Appointment: On your appointment date, visit the NBI Clearance center you selected. Bring your valid ID, payment receipt, and reference number. During your visit, your photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature will be captured.
7. Additional Documents: In cases where an applicant has a namesake or a potential match with someone in the NBI database, additional documentation such as court clearances or affidavits may be required to clarify and resolve any issues.

You should also be aware that IDs not issued by the government, such as company IDs and barangay clearances, are not accepted by the NBI.

Important note:

Is there a requirement for NBI for people who are looking for a job for the first time? A barangay certificate is also required in order to qualify for the waiver of the application fee under Republic Act 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.

You need a barangay certificate to prove that you’re actually seeking a job for the first time and that you’ve lived at your current address for at least six months. Please keep in mind that this document should clearly state that you are a first-time job seeker and have been residing in the barangay for at least six months. Additionally, it should have been issued within the past 12 months.

How to Get an NBI Clearance Online in the Philippines

A first-time applicant may find it difficult to understand how to obtain an NBI clearance. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands! Below you will find an easy-to-understand guide to the process of applying for NBI clearance.

Step 1: Create Your NBI Account Online

In order to get started, you must complete an NBI online registration form. Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph to access the clearance website. If you have an old NBI clearance issued from 2014 to present, you will be asked this question: DO YOU HAVE AN OLD NBI CLEARANCE? Choosing NO is the best option since this is your first time applying. 

After that, you can register an account. When you have double checked your details, mark the box that says I have read and accepted the terms of services, check the box that states I am not a robot, and then click SIGN UP.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

The next step is to login using your email address and password that you provided during the creation of your online account to complete the NBI clearance process. 

Step 3: Fill Out the NBI Online Registration Form

On the Applicant Information page, you will find a form that you will need to complete so that we can receive your application. Be careful when entering your personal information. Click the SAVE INFORMATION button at the bottom of the page once you’ve completed the form. 

Your details will be asked to be double-checked in a pop-up reminder so that you can check your details again. You can click SUBMIT if you are satisfied with them.

Step 4: Apply for the NBI Clearance Online

Once you have submitted your personal information, it is time to begin the application process for NBI clearance. A button called APPLY FOR CLEARANCE can be found in the upper right corner of your screen. The process can be started by clicking it. 

Afterwards, you’ll be prompted to provide the types of identification (and their numbers) that you’ll be presenting. 

The next page can be accessed by clicking I AGREE. 

Step 5: Set Your NBI Clearance Appointment

There will be a prompt requesting you to select the NBI clearance center of your choice. As soon as you have chosen the branch that you would like to visit, you will be able to select a date and a time for your appointment. You can see the vacant slots on the appointment calendar by looking at the blue boxes. 

Important note:

Make sure you choose the right date for your appointment. You are no longer able to reschedule your appointment once you have paid the NBI clearance fee and the NBI clearance fee has been paid. You will still have 15 days grace period to get your clearance at your designated branch if you are unable to make the appointment date and have already made the payment. 

Step 6: Select Your Payment Option

The NBI clearance fee will be billed to your credit card once you’ve booked your online appointment.

The following options are available to you: 

• There are many banks that accept over-the-counter bank payments, including Metrobank, Chinabank, LANDBANK, UnionBank, Security Bank, RCBC, etc.
• UnionBank, BPI, etc. accept online bank payments. 
• Amounts in cash
• ECPay 
• 7-Eleven
• Visa/Mastercard
• GCash
• Maya
• Shopee Pay
• DragonPay

Select the payment option you would like to use, then click PROCEED.

Step 7: Pay the NBI Clearance Fee

Depending on the payment method you choose, you will settle your NBI clearance fee. When you choose online banking, your transaction will be completed at a separate banking portal. The reference number will be given to you when you make an over-the-counter payment.

Is there a fee for clearing the NBI? There is a current charge of ₱130. A $30 system fee is also required, for a total of $160. 

Step 8: Go to the NBI Branch on Your Appointment Date 

You will need to bring all the necessary requirements to your selected NBI branch on the day of your appointment. After submitting your application online, you can go straight to the encoding station to take your biometrics and photograph.

Step 9: Wait for Your NBI Clearance

Providing there are no hits, you’ll receive your NBI clearance within a few minutes. When you have a namesake with a criminal record with the NBI, you are considered a hit. 

It is very likely that the NBI will delay the issuance of your clearance if you have a hit against you. In this way, they will be able to determine whether the hit was actually yours or if it is just your namesake. If you haven’t returned to the branch after a few days, you may have to do so.

How to Get an NBI Clearance: FAQs  

Are you interested in finding out more about how to apply for a NBI clearance in the Philippines? It is possible that you will find the answers you need in this section. 

1. What is the NBI clearance validity?

Validity periods for NBI clearances range from six to a year after they are issued. This is to ensure your NBI record remains current if you become involved in anything criminal during that time frame. NBI clearance renewal is required when your NBI clearance expires.

2. How do I check my NBI clearance status online? 

You can access your online NBI account by clicking TRANSACTIONS from the menu. You can check the status of your payment there. 

3. I’m a first-time job seeker. Do I have to pay the NBI clearance fee? 

No. The Republic Act No. 11261, as mentioned previously, will exempt first-time job seekers from paying the fees associated with government documents. 

The first time job seeker application will not require payment, so click FIRST TIME JOBSEEKERS under NBI Clearance eServices and follow the steps. 

It is also important to keep in mind the following: 

• There is a limit of one copy of clearance you can obtain using this privilege. 
• In addition to the Barangay Certificate, you will also need to submit one. 
• In the event of issuance of the Barangay Certificate, it can be used within one year of the date of issuance. 

4. Can I get a clearance without an NBI appointment application?

You cannot walk-in to the NBI clearance branch.[3] Your reference number generated from your online application must be presented before you can enter the clearance branch.

5. Am I required to print my application form?

I highly recommend printing out the application form and bringing it to the NBI clearance center if you have a printer at home. You are not required to do this, however. If you would like to keep a record of your reference number, take a screenshot or write it down. As for your online application, you have already submitted it. 

6. Is there a dress code on the day of my appointment?

Dress appropriately for your NBI clearance appointment without being overly strict. Wear decent clothing, however. If possible, stay away from revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops, shorts, and slippers. 

Conclusion

There has been an improvement in the process of getting an NBI clearance in recent years. It is no longer necessary to endure long registration lines since you can register online. Booking your appointment is also easy, no matter where you are!