NBI Clearance Online Application 2026: Steps and Fees
Quick answer
An NBI clearance costs PHP 130 plus an e-payment service fee of PHP 30, so plan on PHP 160. Register and pay at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, then go to an NBI branch on your booked date for your photo and fingerprints. With no "HIT", the clearance prints the same day.
What are the requirements?
- Two valid government-issued IDs, original and not expired. The NBI lists passport, driver's license, National ID, UMID, postal ID or PSA birth certificate as examples. The NBI Citizen's Charter 2025 also accepts one original PhilSys National ID instead of two IDs.
- Your appointment reference number and payment receipt, printed or on your phone.
- An email address and mobile number for your online account.
- First-time jobseekers who want the free clearance: a barangay certification that you are a first-time jobseeker (RA 11261).
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NBI clearance fee | PHP 130 | Same for local and abroad purposes |
| E-payment service fee | PHP 30 | NBI Citizen's Charter 2025; the NBI website says usually PHP 25 to PHP 30 |
| Total | PHP 160 | Paid online before your branch visit |
| First-time jobseekers | PHP 0 | Once only, with barangay certification (RA 11261) |
How do you apply, step by step?
Online
1. Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and create an account with your email and mobile number
Our NBI portal registration help shows each screen.
2. Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your PSA birth certificate
3. Click "Apply for Clearance" and choose your purpose, such as local employment or travel abroad
4. Pick an NBI branch, a date and a time slot
The NBI online appointment guide covers this step.
5. Choose GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center or online banking, and save the reference number
6. Pay and keep the receipt
See how to pay for NBI clearance online if the payment does not go through.
7. Go to the branch on your date with your two IDs and the reference number
8. Confirm your data, then have your photo, signature and fingerprints taken
9. Without a HIT, wait for the clearance to print
Check every detail before you leave.
Walk-in
Regular applicants register and pay online first, then visit the branch. First-time jobseekers can also register at the NBI online registration counter inside the branch, according to the NBI Citizen's Charter.
How long does it take?
- No HIT: the clearance is printed within minutes of your biometrics.
- With a HIT: the NBI asks you to come back on a set date. The NBI Citizen's Charter gives 8 working days; the NBI website says usually 5 to 10 working days.
- Missed your date? The NBI allows a 15-day grace period once your application is marked "PAID".
Where do you apply?
File online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Your photo and fingerprints are taken at an NBI clearance branch or satellite site. Find an NBI branch near you.
- Apply on the official website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph/
- Find NBI offices
What are the common problems and how do you fix them?
You got a "HIT"
Another record has a name like yours. Return on the release date the branch gives you, with the same IDs.
No available slots
Choose another branch or another week. Satellite sites in malls may have open dates.
Paid, but status is still unpaid
Wait up to 24 hours, then check again. Bring your receipt to the branch.
Wrong name or birth date in your account
Fix it in your profile before you pay. After payment, ask the branch to correct it during your visit.
Forgot your password
Follow our NBI password reset steps. Never share your password or one-time code, not even with a "helper".
Missed your appointment
You can still go within 15 days while your application shows "PAID".
Frequently asked questions
How much is the NBI clearance in 2026?
PHP 130 for the clearance plus a PHP 30 e-payment fee, PHP 160 in total. The fee is the same for local and abroad purposes.
Is the NBI clearance free for first-time jobseekers?
Yes, once. Under RA 11261 you get it free with a barangay certification that you are a first-time jobseeker. Register on the NBI First Time Job Seekers portal, firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph. Full steps: free NBI clearance for first-time jobseekers.
Can I get an NBI clearance fully online?
A first-time applicant cannot. You register, book and pay online, but your photo and fingerprints are taken at a branch. Some renewals can be done fully online, as the NBI clearance renewal guide explains.
How many valid IDs do I need for NBI clearance?
Two government-issued IDs, original and not expired, according to the NBI website. The NBI Citizen's Charter 2025 also accepts one original PhilSys National ID instead.
What does HIT mean on an NBI clearance?
It means your name matches or looks like a name with a record. It does not mean you have a case. The NBI checks it, and you come back on the date they give you. See what an NBI HIT means.
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
The NBI does not state a fixed validity period on its website or in its Citizen's Charter. Check a clearance's status with the NBI Clearance Online Verification service linked from clearance.nbi.gov.ph; it shows "Valid" or "Expired". If an employer or embassy wants a recent clearance, follow their rule.
Is the NBI clearance the same as a police clearance?
No. The NBI clearance checks national records, while a police clearance comes from the PNP. See our police clearance guide.
Can someone else apply for my NBI clearance?
No. You must appear in person for your photo and fingerprints.
Was this page helpful?