All FAQ's about NBI Clearance in the Philippines

FAQ

• What Is an NBI Clearance?
  The NBI Clearance (1) is a document of the Philippine government (National Bureau of Investigation). It is proof that you are a law-abiding citizen. The NBI has a database of people who have committed offenses against the law.
• What is the Purpose of NBI Clearance?
  It is required for various purposes, such as employment, travel abroad, immigration, and other official transactions.

  • Employment requirement: Many employers require an NBI clearance as part of their hiring process, especially for positions that require security clearance or handling sensitive information
  • Travel abroad: Some countries require an NBI clearance as part of their visa application process, especially for those who plan to work or study abroad
  • Immigration: For those who plan to immigrate to another country, an NBI clearance may be required as part of the immigration process
  • Official transactions: An NBI clearance is often required for various official transactions, such as getting a business license or registering a property
• Is NBI Clearance a Valid ID?
  No, NBI is not exactly an identification card. It is merely a document telling the employer that you have no criminal record. Still some companies accept NBI clearance with NBI dry seal as an identification card. For example, some financial institutions that offer loans will take your NBI clearance as an ID. Here are two more examples:

  • Appliance centers you buy the appliance on instalment
  • Stores you buy motorcycles, and you pay them on instalment
• How to Get NBI Clearance?
  How to get NBI clearance?

  • Visit the official NBI clearance website to schedule an appointment and pay the required fee
  • On the scheduled date, visit the NBI clearance center with a valid ID, two recent ID photos, and the receipt of payment
  • Have your fingerprints taken and undergo biometric identification
  • Wait for the clearance to be processed. The processing time may vary, but it is typically within a few days
  • Once the clearance is ready, you can retrieve it from the NBI clearance center or have it delivered to your specified address
• Where to Get NBI Clearance?
  Go to the NBI Clearance website (5) and register for an account. Fill out the application form and select your preferred NBI Clearance Center or Satellite Office. Go to the NBI Clearance Center or Satellite Office on your scheduled appointment date to have your biometrics taken and photo captured. Some companies offer assistance in obtaining an NBI clearance, such as online application and payment, scheduling of appointments, and delivery of the clearance to your doorstep. These companies may charge an additional fee for their services.
• What is the Requirements to get NBI Clearance?
  • 1. Two pieces of recent passport-sized color photographs with a white background
  • 2. A valid government-issued photo ID
  • 3. The completed NBI clearance application form, which can be obtained at the NBI clearance center or downloaded from the official NBI clearance website
  • 4. The appropriate fee for the NBI clearance, which can vary depending on the type of clearance and the specific requirements of the individual's situation

  For individuals who have changed their name or have used multiple names, additional documentation such as a marriage certificate or a court order may be required.
• What is a Valid ID you can Provide to apply for an NBI Clearance?
  To obtain an NBI clearance in the Philippines, you need to present a valid form of identification (ID) at the NBI clearance center. The following IDs are typically accepted:

  • Philippine passport
  • Driver's license
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
  • Postal ID
  • ID National health insurance (3)
  • Voter's ID
  • Barangay clearance with picture
  • Police clearance with picture
  • School ID with signature of the school principal

  Additionally, the ID presented must be original and should not be expired. A photocopy of the ID may also be required, so it is best to bring an extra copy with you to the NBI clearance center
• What should you Prepare to Get a NBI Clearance?
  It is important to note that you should bring a valid ID and two recent ID photos to the NBI clearance center, as well as the receipt of payment to confirm your appointment. You should also allow enough time for the clearance to be processed and be prepared to wait in line, as the process can be time-consuming.
• How Much does it Cost to Get NBI Clearance 2024?
  The standard fee for an NBI clearance is Php 130.00, which can be paid at a designated payment center or online through the official NBI clearance website. If you use the electronic payment service you will be charged 25
• How to Pay the NBI Clearance Fee?
  The fee for an NBI clearance in the Philippines can be paid in a number of ways, including:

  • Cash payment: The fee can be paid in cash at the NBI clearance center or at any authorized payment center
  • Online payment: The fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card through the NBI clearance website
  • Over-the-counter payment: The fee can be paid at any authorized payment center, such as banks or payment centers
• How many Days does it Take to get an NBI Clearance?
  Generally, it takes anywhere from a few days to a week to get approval. Sometimes the NBI has a large backlog of cases. In that case, you will also have to wait several weeks before you can get approval. To reduce processing time, it is recommended that you make an appointment in advance and pay the required fee online at the official NBI website.
• How many Months is the Validity of NBI Clearance?
  The validity of an NBI clearance in the Philippines is usually for one12 month from the date of issuance. This means that the clearance is only considered valid for one year from the date it was issued, and it must be updated after one year if it is still needed for a specific transaction or purpose.
• How can I Get NBI Clearance Renewal?
  The process is the same. If you want to know how to get a NBI clearance renewal online, it is similar to applying for a new one online, but you have to check the renewal box. You can also find a representative for this in the Philippines.
• How to Get Another copy of NBI Clearance?
  If you need another copy, you have to go to the NBI office and get one. You have to ask the guard that this is what you need. There is no online way to reprint your NBI copy. Only the NBI has the right to print a copy of your clearance. The thing is that you will get 2 copies of it once you get it. One is your personal copy, and the other copy is what you give to your employer or government office, like if you are applying for a passport.
• How to get NBI Clearance for Abroad?
  The process is the same; you just have to indicate in your application form that you will use it abroad (2). If you are abroad, you can apply online, and still go to the office of the NBI. You can also select a representative in the Philippines. If you already have a clearance before, you no longer need to appear. Your clearance will be send vai mailed clearance section. But if it is your first time, you have to go to the office - there is no other way.
• What is the Difference between NBI Clearance and Police Clearance?
  One important thing that you need to understand is the difference between a police clearance and a certificate. NBI has a database for criminal offenses. However, it does not reflect civil cases. Also, if the person who has committed a criminal offence is not yet found guilty, the NBI clearance will not reflect that there is an ongoing case about this person. On the other hand, police clearance is the same thing. However, police clearance only covers a certain locality. The NBI clearance has national coverage in the Philippines. If an employer needs an NBI clearance and you cannot provide one, you will not get hired.
• Do civil Cases Appear in the NBI?
  Civil cases do not usually appear on the NBI fact sheet in the Philippines. The NBI fact sheet primarily contains information about a person's criminal history with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Civil cases that involve disputes between individuals or organizations over private law issues are not part of the person's criminal (4) record and therefore do not appear on the NBI fact sheet.
• Is Police Clearance needed for NBI clearance?
  Police clearance can serve as a valid ID. NSO Birth Certificate or issued by PSA are not acceptable as valid id requirement for NBI Clearance application.
• What Age can you Get NBI Clearance?
  The age of 16
• Can I Apply for NBI Clearance Directly without Appointment?
  Yes, you can apply for an NBI clearance directly.
• How to Get NBI Clearance in Davao City?
  Visit an NBI clearance center: There are several NBI clearance centers in Davao City, including the main NBI office. Visit the official NBI clearance website and schedule an appointment and pay the required fee. If you are going to apply in person, make sure that you go to the NBI office early. There is a huge demand for NBI clearance certificate that the line of people starts to really get long in the early morning.
• How to Get NBI Clearance in Cebu?
  Visit an NBI clearance center. Once you get there, just tell the guard that you are applying for an NBI clearance. Make sure you have your documents with you. The guard will give you an application form. Fill it out. Once ready, you need to queue up in an area they will encode your information. After this, you have to go to the cashier, pay the cashier and then get your receipt. After this, you will line up again in an area your picture and fingerprints will be taken. Once this is done, you will be given a stub. You will also be told when to come back.