NBI Clearance HIT: What It Means and When to Return
Quick answer
A HIT means your name is the same as, or close to, the name of someone with a record or a pending case in the NBI database. It does not mean you have a case. The NBI checks it by hand, and you come back on the date the branch gives you. The NBI Citizen's Charter gives 8 working days; the NBI website says usually 5 to 10 working days. You pay nothing extra.
What are the requirements?
When you return on your release date:
- Your paid reference number. The releasing window looks it up to see if your clearance is ready to print.
- Your proof of payment.
- Your valid IDs: an original National ID (PhilSys), or two other original valid IDs from the NBI list. Bring the same IDs you used at your first visit.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Release after a HIT | PHP 0 | No extra fee; you already paid when you applied |
| NBI clearance fee | PHP 130 | Paid once, when you applied |
| E-payment service fee | PHP 30 | Paid once. NBI Citizen's Charter 2025; the NBI website says usually PHP 25 to PHP 30 |
How do you apply, step by step?
Walk-in
1. At the biometrics window, the operator takes your photo, fingerprints and signature
If there is a HIT, you are told to come back on a set date.
2. Note the release date
Keep your reference number and receipt.
3. Go back to the branch on that date and proceed to the releasing window
4. The releasing operator checks your reference number
If your clearance is cleared for printing, it is printed and given to you.
5. If your record needs a closer look, you are sent to the Quality Control Section for a short interview about the record that matched your name
6. After the interviewer clears you, go back to the releasing window
Your clearance is printed there.
7. Check every detail on the clearance before you leave
How long does it take?
- No HIT: the clearance prints within minutes of your biometrics.
- With a HIT: 8 working days, according to the NBI Citizen's Charter. The NBI website says "usually 5 to 10 working days".
- Quality Control interview: about 10 minutes on your release date, if you are asked to have one.
Where do you apply?
Return to the NBI branch where your photo and fingerprints were taken. 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 were sent to Quality Control
This is part of the HIT check. Answer the interviewer's questions about the matching record. You get your clearance after you are cleared.
You lost your reference number
Log in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Your transaction page shows your application and its "PAID" status.
You need the clearance sooner
The Citizen's Charter lists no faster option for HIT cases. Plan your application early.
You applied from abroad and got a HIT
The NBI sends your file to its Quality Control Section and tells you which documents it needs. See NBI clearance from abroad.
Questions about your HIT
NBI clearance inquiries: (02) 8524-1277, 0939 150 2880 or nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph.
Frequently asked questions
What does HIT mean on an NBI clearance?
It means your name matches or looks like a name with a record or pending case in the NBI database. The NBI must check it by hand before it prints your clearance.
Does a HIT mean I have a criminal case?
No. A HIT is only a name match. The NBI website says it is very common and not a reason to worry.
How many days does an NBI HIT take?
The NBI Citizen's Charter gives 8 working days. The NBI website says usually 5 to 10 working days. The branch tells you your exact release date.
Do I pay again after a HIT?
No. You claim your clearance on the release date without paying extra.
What is the NBI Quality Control interview?
Some HIT applicants are sent to the Quality Control Section on their release date. An interviewer asks about the record that matched your name. The Citizen's Charter puts it at about 10 minutes. After you are cleared, your clearance is printed.
Can a first-time jobseeker get a HIT?
Yes. The free clearance for first-time jobseekers goes through the same name check. With a HIT, you also come back on the release date the branch gives you. See free NBI clearance for first-time jobseekers.
What should I bring when I go back after a HIT?
Your reference number, proof of payment and your valid IDs. The releasing window uses your reference number to find your clearance.
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