How to Apply for an NBI Clearance

The National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) clearance is one of the most important requirement in seeking employment. This document acts as proof that the person has no criminal liabilities.

If a person has a criminal record, the NBI clearance will contain his/her current state.Before, an applicant had to go to the nearest NBI office to apply for a clearance. The NBI, however, launched its online processing on April 1,2015, and is no longer giving out application forms to walk-in applicants.

The government believes that through online application, the process in securing a clearance will be more efficient and applicants will no longer complain about the long queue lines that is both time consuming and physically tiring.

Furthermore, red tape, which has been a problem in the old manual process, will be avoided.

Perhaps the only drawback with the new system is that it will delay you for a day because of the Scheduling Task as compared to walk-in application.

Step 1: Registration Form

1. The first step is to go to the NBI Clearance Online Application Website (http://clearance.nbi.gov.ph). Fill out the “First Timer or New Applicant Application Form” located at the rights side of the page.
2. Make sure you have a valid email address because the NBI will send you an email regarding payment instructions.
3. Assign a strong password to your account but something you can easily remember.
4. Upon completion, tick the “I Accept Terms of Service” and then click the “Sign Up” button. A window will appear and just click the “I Agree” button.
5. You will be directed to the next page of the application form. Fill this out correctly then click the “Save Information” button. Check your application for any errors. If there is any, you can click the “Edit Information” button for revisions. If you are satisfied, click the “Apply for Clearance” button and you are done with your NBI Application form.
6. A window will appear asking your application type. Just select from the drop down whether this is a “New” or “Renewal“. Then indicate the Valid ID you will be presenting when you process your NBI Clearance. The ID is a requirement before they honor your application. Click the I Agree button after completing the fields required.
7. An important reminder will be shown which states that a Reference Number or a Registration Code will be provided after you select the payment option. This reference number will serve as a gate pass once you enter NBI Clearance Centers. It also tells you to bring your unpaid Reference Number should you wish to pay over-the-counter. After reading, click the “Okay” button.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

1. After completing your application form, you are ready to make an appointment. Just select the NBI Clearance Center where you prefer to process your clearance. Choose from the drop down list.
2. Choose the date and time (AM/PM) when you want to process your NBI clearance, whichever date and time is convenient for you.

Step 3: Payment

1. Select the purpose of your application. It’s either for Local or Abroad. Next is to provide Purpose Detail. (i.e. local employment, adoption, enlistment)
2. After completing the purpose and purpose detail, the amount will automatically appear. You have the option to make payments in the bank (over-the-counter or online), mobile payment, or Bayad Centers. This is not yet final for there are service fees to be paid outside of NBI Clearance Office. Like in the case of GCash and Bayad Centers wherein you will have to pay additional service fees.
3. After clicking the desired payment method, a new “Reminder” window will appear. Read it carefully then click the “Proceed to Payment ” button.
4. You will be directed to the DragonPay Online Payment System. Select the name of the bank with which you want to pay your clearance. An amount will appear along with the additional service charge. Click the “Select” button. You can choose a different bank if you do not agree to the service charge indicated.
5. A reference number and final amount to be paid will appear. Instructions on how to settle your payment in the bank will be sent to your email address.
6. Follow the instructions in your email.
7. Log in to your account in the NBI Clearance Online application using your registered email address and password.
8. Go to “Transactions” located at the left side of your screen. Your clearance status will be shown here. Click the “Confirm Payment” link.
9. The “Confirm Payment Link” will open a new window in which you will have to provide details of your deposit such as the branch code, date and time of deposit, and the amount deposited. Once finished, click “Confirm“.

Step 4: Processing

1. After successfully completing the steps above, you are now ready to go to the NBI Clearance Center for processing. What to bring:
2. 2 valid Identification Cards. One of these was the one you indicated at the registration form.
3. NBI Clearance Application Reference code. Make sure that the QR code is included in the print out.
4. If you don’t have the printout, a copy of your Registration Code.
5. Ask for an NBI personnel for assistance and you will be given directions where to proceed.
6. Have your picture taken and then biometrics scanning will be next.
7. Issuance of your NBI Clearance is the final step. Your freshly printed clearance will be handed to you.