Updated guide · Last checked 26 October 2026
NBI Clearance 2026: Online Appointment, Fee and Requirements (Updated Guide)
Sign up, choose a branch, pay ₱160 and visit once. Here is the 2026 process in plain words, checked against official NBI pages.
- Checked on official NBI pages
- Tested on the portal
- Updated monthly
New in 2026: no calendar, just pick a branch
- ₱160Total fee (₱130 + ₱30 e-payment)
- No dateAppointment date is the day you apply
- 15 daysGrace period after your payment is PAID
- Same dayRelease if you have no HIT
Quick answer
To get an NBI clearance in 2026, sign up at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, click Apply for Clearance, choose your NBI branch and pay. The fee is ₱130 plus a ₱30 e-payment fee, so you pay ₱160 in most cases. There is no appointment date to pick anymore. Go to your branch with two valid IDs and your reference number. If you have no HIT, you get your clearance the same day.
Fee checked against the NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 on 26 October 2026. Free once for first time job seekers (RA 11261). Apply only at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
This guide shows how the NBI online appointment works now. You will see what to bring, what you pay and how to fix common portal problems. We check every fact against the official NBI pages and update this guide every month.
Who needs one, and before you start
You usually need this clearance for a job, a visa, a board exam, a business permit, school or travel abroad. Employers and offices ask for it to see if you have a record or a pending case in the NBI database.
- Job
- Visa
- Board exam
- Business permit
- School
- Travel abroad
Before you start, check these five things. It takes two minutes:
- Your mobile phone is with you. The OTP comes by text message to the number you type in.
- Your email is open on another tab. The activation link goes there.
- You have your IDs in hand. Your PhilSys National ID alone is enough. Otherwise bring two valid IDs. Look at the expiry dates. Expired IDs are not accepted.
- You know your exact details. Use the same spelling, birth date and middle name as on your PSA birth certificate.
- You have a way to pay. GCash, Maya, a bank app, or cash at a payment center all work.
If you are a first time job seeker, get your Barangay Certification first. You will need it at the branch.
What changed in 2026
The biggest change in 2026 is simple: you no longer pick a date or time for your NBI appointment. You choose a branch, you pay, and you go.
Here is what is new this year:
- No date or time to pick. After you click Apply for Clearance, the portal now asks only for your NBI branch. There is no calendar. Your appointment date is set to the day you apply. (Seen on the portal payment and transactions screens, June 2026.)
- A 15 day grace period. Once your payment shows as PAID, the NBI says you can still visit your branch within 15 days if you miss the exact date. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
- The total is ₱160. The NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 lists ₱130 for the clearance plus ₱30 for the e-payment convenience fee (page 48 of the handbook). The portal showed the same ₱160 at checkout. The NBI’s how to apply page says the charge is usually ₱25 to ₱30, so a few channels may show less. (Checked 26 October 2026.)
- Renewal in the eGovPH app. Since 6 July 2026, eligible users can renew in the eGovPH Super App in about five minutes and view a digital copy. (NBI press statement, 6 July 2026.)
- Branches can close for weather or holidays. The NBI posts these notices on its official Facebook page. For example, onsite clearance work in Metro Manila resumed on 20 August 2026 after a pause. Check the page before you travel.
Not live yet: NBI e-Apostille. The DFA and the NBI signed an agreement on 23 October 2026, but you cannot apply for an electronic apostille of your clearance yet. We will update this box when it opens.
Find your route
Not everyone takes the same path. Find your situation below, then follow the guide for it.
| You are | Where to apply | What you pay | Do you visit a branch? | How long it takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A new applicant | clearance.nbi.gov.ph | ₱160 | Yes, for photo and fingerprints | Same day if no HIT |
| Renewing, with no changes to your details | Online Renewal on the portal homepage | ₱160 plus delivery: ₱200 in Metro Manila, ₱350 outside | No, delivered (or pick up at U.N. Avenue, Manila) | About 5 working days in Metro Manila, 7 to 10 outside |
| Renewing in the app | eGovPH Super App | Reported at ₱160 (₱130 plus ₱30) | Pick up or delivery | About five minutes to apply |
| Renewing, but one detail changed | Register again on the portal | ₱160 | Yes | Same day if no HIT |
| Renewing after a name or civil status change | Register again and bring your PSA document (for example, marriage certificate) | ₱160 | Yes | Same day if no HIT |
| A first time job seeker | firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph | Free, once | Yes | Same day if no HIT |
| Living abroad | Philippine Embassy or Consulate (Form No. 5), then mail | ₱200 (₱130 fee plus ₱70 mailing) | No, you mail your form | Depends on mail |
| A foreign national in the Philippines | NBI main office on U.N. Avenue, Manila, or an NBI regional or district office | Ask the office | Yes, with manual fingerprinting | Varies |
| Told you have a HIT | Same branch | No extra fee | Yes, you return | 5 to 15 working days (see HIT section) |
Fees, delivery times and rules checked on nbi.gov.ph, the NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 and the official portal on 26 October 2026.
How to get an NBI clearance in 2026 (5 steps)
You can finish the online part in about 15 minutes. The branch visit takes longer, depending on the line. Here are the five steps.
Watch first: the full sign up and payment walkthrough on the official portal.
Step 1: Create your account at clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Open clearance.nbi.gov.ph on your phone or computer. A Data Privacy notice pops up first. Read it and click I Agree.
Want every screen? Our NBI online registration guide walks you through the sign up form, OTP and profile with 32 screenshots.
On the right, find Register as New Account. You can fill in the form yourself. The two buttons on top, Register Using Government ID and Register Using NBI Clearance (2014 onwards), are optional shortcuts. They fill in your details for you.
Type your name exactly as it appears on your ID. Add an active email and a password. Tick the Terms box, complete the captcha, and click Sign Up.
Next, the portal sends a one time PIN (OTP) by SMS to your mobile number. Enter it and click Submit. After that, an activation link is sent to your email. Open it and click Activate Account.
Tip from our test: Use a password with at least 12 characters. The form does not tell you this until you submit it. Our editor found this when testing the sign up form on 25 October 2026.
Tip from our test: Use a mobile number you have with you right now. The OTP comes by text message, and you cannot go on without it.
Step 2: Fill in your applicant information
Log in with your email and password. Your profile page opens. Fill in every field marked with a star: address, birth place, parents’ names, height, weight and complexion. Click Save Information.
Check your spelling now. If even one letter is wrong later, you may need to register again.
Step 3: Click Apply for Clearance (Appearance)
On the right side of your profile, click Apply for Clearance (Appearance). A box asks for your type of ID and your ID number. Choose the ID you will bring, type the number, and click I Agree.
Step 4: Choose your branch and pay
Pick the NBI clearance center you want from the Select NBI Branch list. You will not see a calendar. That is normal in 2026.
Choose a payment option. The portal then gives you a reference number and a QR code. Take a screenshot of this screen. Your reference number is your gate pass: you use it to pay and to enter the branch. Pay the exact total shown. When your payment goes through, your status changes to PAID.
Step 5: Visit your branch for photo and fingerprints
Go to the branch you picked. Bring your two valid IDs, your reference number and your proof of payment. Staff take your photo, fingerprints and digital signature. You check your details on a screen. If there is no HIT, your clearance is printed and released.
That’s it. Most people finish the branch visit in one morning.
Bring to the branch
- PhilSys National ID, or two valid government IDs
- Reference number or QR code
- Proof of payment
- Collared shirt (no sando, shorts or slippers)
NBI online appointment in 2026: do you still need a date?
No. Since mid 2026, the NBI online appointment no longer asks for a date or time. You only choose a branch and pay.
Many older guides still tell you to pick a slot on a calendar. That screen is gone for most applicants. On the portal’s transactions page, the transaction date, the payment date and the appointment date are now the same day. The page also shows when your payment was validated, for example by GCash.
So what does “appointment” mean now? It means you have:
- A branch you chose
- A reference number
- Payment marked PAID
With these, you can go to your branch. If you cannot go that day, the NBI says there is a 15 day grace period once your payment is PAID. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Can you walk in without applying online? Not if you are a regular applicant. The NBI office locator asks you to apply and pay online before you go to any clearance office. First time job seekers are different. The NBI lets them register for free at online registration counters inside NBI offices. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Is the branch open today? The NBI main office on U.N. Avenue, Manila lists Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Other branches set their own hours, and some mall offices may open longer. Check the NBI clearance office locator and the NBI Facebook page before you leave.
NBI clearance requirements
You need your original PhilSys National ID, or any two original valid government IDs, plus your reference number and proof of payment. That is all for most applicants. (NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025, page 47.)
Bring these to the branch:
- Your original PhilSys National ID, or two original government IDs that are not expired
- Your reference number or QR code, printed or on your phone
- Your proof of payment or receipt
IDs the portal accepts include:
- UMID (SSS or GSIS)
- Philippine Passport
- PhilSys National ID
- Driver’s License
- PRC License
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN ID
- Pag-IBIG ID (not the Loyalty Card)
- PSA birth certificate (original copy)
- Senior Citizen ID or Solo Parent ID
- Seaman’s Book or MARINA ID
- School ID with your current registration form
- Company ID, for government employees only
Not accepted: photocopies, company IDs from private employers and barangay clearances. A school ID counts only with your current registration card. The portal says so in its advisory. (Portal advisory, checked 26 October 2026.)
First time job seekers also bring a Barangay Certification. It must be on the barangay’s letterhead, with its dry seal, and signed by the Punong Barangay. Bring your signed Oath of Undertaking too.
No middle name? Bring your PSA birth certificate to show it.
What to wear: The NBI asks applicants to avoid sandos, tank tops, shorts and slippers. Your photo is taken on site, so a collared shirt is a good choice. You do not need to bring ID photos.
NBI clearance fee 2026 and how to pay with GCash
The NBI clearance fee is ₱130, plus a ₱30 e-payment convenience fee, for a total of ₱160. This is the amount in the NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 (page 48) and on the portal checkout. The NBI’s how to apply page says the charge is usually ₱25 to ₱30. (Checked 26 October 2026.)
- ₱130NBI clearance fee
- + ₱30E-payment convenience fee
- ₱160What most applicants pay
- ₱0First time job seekers (once)
| How you apply | NBI fee | Extra charge | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portal, any e-payment channel | ₱130 | ₱30 e-payment fee | ₱160 (Citizen’s Charter 2025; portal checkout) |
| Online Renewal with delivery | ₱130 | ₱30, plus ₱200 delivery in Metro Manila or ₱350 outside | ₱360 or ₱510 |
| eGovPH app renewal | ₱130 | ₱30 convenience fee | ₱160 (news reports, July 2026) |
| Applying from abroad by mail | ₱130 | ₱70 mailing | ₱200 |
| First time job seeker (RA 11261) | Free | None | ₱0 |
Magkano ang NBI clearance? ₱160 for most applicants, or ₱0 for first time job seekers (checked 26 October 2026). Always pay the exact amount on your summary screen.
Where can you pay? The NBI’s how to apply page lists GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center and online banking. At checkout, the portal also shows other options, such as bank over the counter, ECPay, Visa or Mastercard, ShopeePay and DragonPay.
How to pay with GCash:
- Choose GCash on the payment screen.
- Copy your reference number from the portal.
- Follow the GCash prompt and pay the exact total.
- Wait for your status to change to PAID.
Tip: Copy the reference number. Do not type it. Many people mix up the letter O and the number 0, and the payment fails.
Renewing? Pick the fastest route
If your details have not changed, you may not need to visit a branch at all. There are three ways to renew your NBI clearance online or in person. For the full walkthrough, read our NBI clearance renewal guide.
- Online Renewal with delivery. On the portal homepage, click NBI Clearance Online Renewal. This is for clearances issued from 16 October 2016 onwards, as shown on the portal. You pay ₱160 plus a delivery fee of ₱200 in Metro Manila or ₱350 outside. Delivery takes about 5 working days in Metro Manila and 7 to 10 working days outside. You can also pick it up at the NBI main office on U.N. Avenue, Manila (the Charter lists pick up there only). (NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025, pages 53 to 54.)
- eGovPH Super App. Since 6 July 2026, eligible verified users can renew in the app, choose pick up or delivery, and view a digital copy. If the app shows “For Appearance”, it means you need to visit an office for that step. It is not an error on your account.
- At a branch. Apply for Clearance on the portal, pay, and visit your branch like a new applicant.
One rule to remember: if any detail changed, even one letter, the portal says you must register again. If your name or civil status changed, bring your PSA document. Clearances issued before 16 October 2016 also need a full new application. (Portal advisory and Citizen’s Charter 2025, checked 26 October 2026.)
What happens at the NBI branch
At the branch, you show your reference number, have your biometrics taken, check your details, and wait for release.
- Arrive early. Lines grow fast after 9 AM in busy branches.
- Show your reference number at the entrance or first window.
- Biometrics. Staff take your photo, fingerprints and digital signature.
- Check your details on the monitor before printing. Speak up if anything is wrong.
- Release. With no HIT, the NBI says you get your clearance within minutes.
Priority lanes: Senior citizens, persons with disability, frontliners and pregnant women can use priority lanes in all NBI clearance centers. (NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025, page 54.)
What is an NBI HIT?
A HIT means your name matches a name in the NBI’s records. Most of the time it is just someone with the same name. It does not mean you did something wrong.
If you get a HIT, you return on a date the staff give you. You do not pay again. Official sources give different waiting times:
- The NBI how to apply page says usually 5 to 10 working days.
- The NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 says 8 working days at the main office (page 49).
- It says 15 working days at regional, district and satellite offices (page 74).
We show both because they differ. The date written on your claim slip is the one that counts, so keep the slip safe.
When you return, staff may ask you to see the Quality Control section for a short interview. If the record is not yours, you may be asked for an Affidavit of Denial. If it is yours and the case is closed, bring the court papers they ask for.
Tip: If your surname is common, apply two to three weeks before your job or visa deadline. If your employer needs proof now, show your claim slip and payment receipt while you wait.
Watch out for fixers
A notice posted in NBI branches says the NBI collects only the fees set by law. It also says that shops offering help with online appointments are not part of the NBI. Never pay anyone to skip the line, avoid a HIT or “fast track” your clearance. Do every step yourself on the official portal.
Eight mistakes that delay your clearance
These are the problems we see most often in questions from applicants. Each one is easy to avoid.
- Typing the reference number by hand. The letter O and the number 0 look alike. Copy and paste it instead.
- Making a second account when the OTP is slow. This creates duplicate records. Wait, then tap Resend.
- Using a number you do not have. If the OTP goes to an old SIM, you cannot finish signing up.
- Small spelling differences. “Ma.” instead of “Maria”, or a missing middle name, can cause problems at the branch. Match your ID exactly.
- Applying the day before your deadline. A HIT can add up to 15 working days. Apply as early as you can.
- Picking an ID online that you will not bring. Choose the ID you will actually carry, and check it has not expired before you pay.
- Using initials or short forms. Write your full middle name, and “Quezon City”, not “QC”.
- Trusting old guides. Many still show the old calendar, old fees or walk in rules that no longer apply. Look for a recent “last checked” date.
Portal problems and quick fixes
Most portal problems have a simple fix. Find yours below.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| OTP is not arriving | Check that your number is correct and has signal. Wait a minute, then tap Resend. Do not create a new account. Many users reported OTP delays in 2026. |
| No activation email | Check Spam and Promotions. Use Re-send Activation Link. |
| Password is rejected | Use at least 12 characters. (Found in our test, 25 October 2026.) |
| No date or time shows after choosing a branch | This is normal in 2026. Choose a branch and pay. |
| Reference number or QR code not accepted | Copy the number from the portal. Check the amount. Try another payment channel. |
| Paid, but status still says Pending | Wait. The portal can update slower than GCash or Maya. Keep your receipt and check the Transactions page later that day. Do not pay again. |
| Paid using a wrong reference number | Do not pay a new reference to fix it. Save the receipt and contact GCash (or your channel) and the NBI help lines with your proof of payment. |
| Lost your reference number | Log in to the portal and open Transactions. Your number and status are listed there. |
| “Email already registered” | You already have an account. Sign in, or use Forgot Password. Do not register again. |
| A detail is wrong after paying | Ask the NBI help desk or your branch before your visit, and bring IDs that show the right details. Do not pay again to edit. |
| GCash payment not going through | Make sure you pay the exact total. Wait a few minutes for the status to update before paying again. |
| Renewal says “unable to connect to web service” | Try again later or on another device. If it keeps failing, apply for clearance and visit a branch. |
| First time job seeker portal shows an error | Try again later. Users report it comes back after a while. |
| eGovPH digital copy will not verify | Keep your printed clearance. Contact the NBI through the portal’s help lines. |
| The NBI site will not load | The site sometimes goes down for a short time. We saw this ourselves on 26 October 2026. Try again in a few minutes. |
Check a clearance or find a branch
Check if a clearance is real. Employers can use NBI Clearance Online Verification, found on the official portal homepage.
Find an NBI clearance center near you. Use the NBI clearance office locator. It shows regional, district and satellite offices.
NBI clearance FAQ
How much is the NBI clearance in 2026?
The NBI clearance costs ₱160 in total: ₱130 for the clearance and ₱30 for the e-payment convenience fee. This is what the NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 lists and what the portal shows at checkout. First time job seekers pay nothing. Always pay the amount on your summary. (Checked 26 October 2026.)
Can I get an NBI clearance without an appointment (walk in)?
No, not for regular applicants. The NBI asks you to apply and pay online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before you go to any clearance office. First time job seekers are the exception: they can register for free at the NBI online registration counters. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Can I get my NBI clearance in one day?
Yes, if you have no HIT. After your photo and fingerprints are taken, the NBI says you can get your clearance within minutes. If your name matches a record (a HIT), you return later and pay nothing extra. The Citizen’s Charter 2025 says 8 working days at the main office or 15 at regional offices. (Checked 26 October 2026.)
What do I need to bring to my NBI appointment?
Bring your original PhilSys National ID, or two original, unexpired government IDs, plus your reference number or QR code and proof of payment. A PSA birth certificate can count as one ID. First time job seekers also bring a Barangay Certification and a signed Oath of Undertaking. Avoid sandos, tank tops, shorts and slippers. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Is the NBI clearance free for first time job seekers?
Yes. Under Republic Act 11261, first time job seekers get one NBI clearance for free. Apply on the separate portal, firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph. Bring a Barangay Certification with the barangay seal and signature, two valid IDs and your signed Oath of Undertaking. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
How do I book an NBI online appointment in 2026?
Since mid 2026 there is no date or time to pick. Log in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, click Apply for Clearance (Appearance), choose your NBI branch and pay. The portal sets your appointment date to the day you apply, and you visit that branch. The NBI gives a 15 day grace period after payment.
What if I miss my NBI appointment?
You usually do not lose your payment. The NBI says there is a 15 day grace period once your transaction is marked PAID. So you can still visit your chosen branch within 15 days if you miss the exact date. Check your status in your account first. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
An NBI clearance is commonly treated as valid for one year from the date it was issued. The NBI pages and the Citizen’s Charter we checked do not state a fixed period, and many employers, schools or embassies set their own rule. Ask the office that needs it how recent your clearance must be.
Is there an NBI clearance in the eGov app?
Yes. Since 6 July 2026, NBI eClearance is in the eGovPH Super App. Eligible verified users can renew in about five minutes, retrieve their clearance and view a digital copy. News reports put the app cost at ₱160, including a ₱30 convenience fee. (NBI press statement, checked 26 October 2026.)
Do I need a police clearance if I have an NBI clearance?
It depends on who is asking. An NBI clearance checks records nationwide, while a police clearance checks local police records. Many employers accept the NBI clearance alone, but some ask for both. Ask your employer or the office that requested it before you apply for either one.
Is the NBI open on Saturday?
It depends on the branch. The NBI main office on U.N. Avenue, Manila lists Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Some mall and satellite offices may open on weekends, but hours differ. Check your branch on the NBI clearance office locator before you go. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Can I get an NBI e-Apostille online?
Not yet. On 23 October 2026, the DFA and the NBI signed an agreement for an electronic apostille service, but it is not open to applicants yet. For now, follow the regular DFA apostille process for your printed clearance. We will update this answer when the service starts.
Can someone else claim my NBI clearance for me?
Not for the first visit. Only you can have your photo, fingerprints and signature taken. Claiming later is different: after a HIT, some branches let a representative claim with an authorization letter and a copy of your ID. Rules vary, so ask your branch before you send someone.
How do I apply for an NBI clearance from abroad?
You do not need to fly home. Get NBI Form No. 5 from a Philippine embassy or consulate and have your fingerprints taken there. Mail the form to the NBI Mailed Clearance Section in Manila with ₱200 (₱130 fee plus ₱70 mailing). Check the embassy for photo and other requirements. (nbi.gov.ph, checked 26 October 2026.)
Paano kumuha ng NBI clearance online?
Mag register sa clearance.nbi.gov.ph at i verify ang account gamit ang OTP sa iyong mobile at ang email link. Punan ang application form, pumili ng branch at magbayad online. Pagkatapos, pumunta sa branch dala ang dalawang valid ID at reference number para sa picture at fingerprint.
How we checked this guide
On 25 October 2026, Hassan opened the official portal and tested the sign up form himself, up to the OTP step. He found two things most guides miss. Your password must be at least 12 characters. And the OTP is sent to your mobile number by SMS. He also read the NBI’s How to Apply page and the 115 page NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 handbook.
Steps after the OTP were checked against a June 2026 walkthrough of the portal and the NBI’s own pages. Where official sources disagree, such as the HIT waiting time, we show both.
How we keep it current: We review this guide every month and after any NBI announcement. Found something wrong? Email [email protected] or use our contact page and tell us which part needs fixing. We never ask for your personal data or payments.
Changelog
- 26 October 2026: Removed the appointment calendar step (no longer on the portal). Updated the fee to ₱160 and added delivery fees from the Citizen’s Charter 2025. Added eGovPH renewal, the 15 day grace period and the 12 character password tip. Added HIT waiting times from both official sources. Noted that e-Apostille is not live yet.
More NBI clearance guides
- NBI Online Registration 2026 Create your account on clearance.nbi.gov.ph step by step, with screenshots of every screen.
- NBI Clearance Renewal 2026 Renew online with delivery, in the eGovPH app or at a branch, and see who qualifies.
- NBI Clearance eGov App Renewal Renew on your phone in 11 steps, with fees and pick up or delivery options.
Official links
- Official NBI clearance portal: clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- NBI How to Apply page: nbi.gov.ph/how-to-apply-nbi-clearance
- First time job seekers portal: firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph
- Republic Act 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act): Supreme Court E-Library
- NBI clearance office locator: nbi.gov.ph/clearance-office-locator
- NBI eClearance on eGovPH (press statement, 6 July 2026): nbi.gov.ph
- NBI Citizen’s Charter 2025 handbook: nbi.gov.ph
Disclaimer: NBI Guide PH is an independent guide. We are not the National Bureau of Investigation and we are not linked to any government agency. We do not take applications or payments. Apply only at the official portal, clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Fees and steps can change, so always confirm on official NBI pages. Read our full disclaimer.
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