An NBI Clearance Reference Number is the transaction code you need to pay for your NBI clearance and proceed with your appointment. If you are stuck at the payment stage, cannot find your number, or are unsure whether the number on your screen is already valid, the key point is this: you get the reference number only after completing your online application, choosing an NBI branch and appointment schedule, and selecting a payment method through the official NBI clearance system.

What Is an NBI Clearance Reference Number?

The NBI Clearance Reference Number is a system-generated number issued by the National Bureau of Investigation after you submit an online clearance application. It identifies your specific transaction.

You will use it for:

Paying the NBI clearance fee
Checking whether your payment has been posted
Presenting your transaction at the NBI branch
Locating your application if there is a problem with payment or processing

It is different from your NBI ID number, old clearance number, email address, or appointment schedule. In practical terms, the reference number is your “transaction number” for that NBI clearance application.

The official NBI clearance application starts through the NBI Clearance Portal and is explained in the NBI Clearance Citizen’s Charter.

Legal and Practical Basis of NBI Clearance Processing

The NBI is a government agency under the Department of Justice. Its authority comes from Philippine law, including Republic Act No. 157 of 1947, which created the Bureau of Investigation and authorized it to act as a national clearing house of criminal and related records. The NBI was later modernized under Republic Act No. 10867 of 2016, also known as the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act, which recognizes the NBI’s role as a national investigative body and criminal records clearing house.

For ordinary applicants, this matters because an NBI clearance is not just a private certificate. It is an official government document based on NBI records and identity verification.

The NBI clearance process also involves personal information, biometrics, fingerprints, photo capture, and identification documents. These are sensitive matters under Republic Act No. 10173 of 2012, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which protects personal information handled by government and private entities.

Because the application involves official records, applicants should also avoid fake IDs, false personal details, or fabricated supporting documents. Falsification of public or official documents can create criminal exposure under the Revised Penal Code, particularly Articles 171 and 172 on falsification.

When Do You Get the NBI Reference Number?

You get the reference number after you do all of the following online:

Register or log in to your NBI clearance account.
Complete your applicant information.
Click Apply for Clearance.
Choose the valid ID you will present.
Select your preferred NBI branch.
Select an appointment date and time slot.
Choose a payment method.
Confirm the transaction.

Once the payment method is selected, the system generates the NBI Clearance Reference Number. You should immediately copy it, screenshot it, save it as a PDF, or print it.

Do not close the browser tab until you have saved the number.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an NBI Clearance Reference Number

1. Go to the official NBI Clearance Portal

Visit the official portal:

https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph/

Be careful with search results. Many websites publish NBI guides, but the actual application should be done through the official NBI clearance portal.

Avoid giving your personal information, ID details, or payment information to unofficial pages, Facebook fixers, or people offering “rush NBI clearance” unless they are part of an official NBI process.

2. Register or log in

If you already have an account, log in using your registered email address and password.

If you are a new user, register using:

Active email address
Active mobile number
Correct personal details
Password you can remember

The NBI system may require a One-Time Password (OTP). This is why your mobile number and email should be active and accessible.

Use your real name exactly as it appears on your valid IDs. For Filipinos, be careful with:

Middle name
Suffix such as Jr., Sr., III
Married name versus maiden name
Hyphenated surnames
Ñ, apostrophes, and special characters
Birthdate and birthplace

A small spelling difference can cause problems later because the NBI compares your application against identity documents and criminal records.

3. Complete your applicant information

After logging in, complete the Applicant Information Form.

You may be asked for details such as:

Full name
Gender
Civil status
Birthdate
Birthplace
Address
Citizenship
Contact details
Family background
Educational or employment information

Review everything carefully before saving. Your NBI clearance will reflect the data you entered, subject to NBI verification.

If you notice an error before paying, correct it immediately. If you notice the error only after payment or after biometrics, correction may require assistance at the NBI branch.

4. Click “Apply for Clearance”

After saving your profile, click Apply for Clearance.

The system will ask what valid ID you will present during your appointment. Choose an ID that is:

Original
Government-issued
Unexpired
Matches your application details

Commonly accepted IDs include:

Philippine Passport
Driver’s License
UMID
PhilID or National ID
Postal ID
PRC ID
Voter’s ID or voter certification, if accepted by the branch
PSA-issued birth certificate, in situations allowed by NBI procedure

The NBI Citizen’s Charter states that applicants should bring two valid government-issued IDs or acceptable certificates, especially for first-time jobseeker processing.

5. Choose your NBI branch

Select the NBI branch or satellite office where you want to process your clearance.

Choose based on convenience, not just distance. Some branches have heavier foot traffic, especially:

NBI Main Clearance Center in Manila
Mall-based satellite offices
Branches near universities
Branches near business districts
Branches in provincial capitals

If you need the clearance urgently, check several nearby branches because appointment slots may differ.

6. Choose your appointment date and time

Select an available date and whether you prefer the AM or PM session.

The reference number is connected to your selected appointment transaction. Once your payment is posted, you generally proceed based on that transaction.

The NBI Citizen’s Charter also notes that the clearance process has online application and physical branch appearance phases. At the branch, your photo, fingerprints, and signature are captured.

7. Select a payment method

After choosing your appointment schedule, the system will ask you to choose a payment channel.

Payment options may include:

Payment Channel	Practical Notes
GCash or mobile wallet	Convenient, but make sure you enter the exact reference number and amount
Maya or other e-wallets	Availability may depend on the portal options shown at the time
Online banking	Useful if you prefer bank-based confirmation
7-Eleven or payment kiosk	Good for cash payers; keep the printed receipt
Bayad Center or partner outlets	Useful for applicants without e-wallets
Over-the-counter bank payment	Follow the exact instructions shown by the portal

Payment channels can change depending on NBI’s system and third-party payment partners. Follow what appears on the official portal during your transaction.

8. Confirm and get your reference number

After selecting the payment method, the portal will generate your NBI Clearance Reference Number.

Save it immediately.

Best practice:

Take a screenshot
Write it down
Save it in your notes app
Print it if possible
Save the payment instructions
Do not rely only on memory

You will need the exact number to pay. One wrong digit can cause a failed or unmatched payment.

How to Pay Using the NBI Reference Number

Once you have the reference number, proceed to your chosen payment channel.

The usual flow is:

Open your payment app, website, or go to the payment outlet.
Select NBI or government bills payment.
Enter the NBI Clearance Reference Number.
Enter the required amount.
Confirm the transaction.
Save the receipt or confirmation number.
Check your NBI portal account to see if the transaction is marked Paid.

The NBI Citizen’s Charter lists the basic clearance fee as ₱130, with an e-payment service charge usually added. The total amount commonly becomes higher because payment processors charge convenience or service fees.

Do not underpay. If the portal says the total is ₱155, do not pay only ₱130.

What to Do After You Get and Pay the Reference Number

Once paid, log back in to your NBI clearance account and check your transaction status.

If the status shows Paid, prepare for your appointment.

Bring:

Requirement	Why It Matters
Reference number	Used to locate your transaction
Payment receipt or confirmation	Useful if payment status is questioned
Two valid government-issued IDs	Used to verify identity
Appointment screenshot or printout	Helpful if the system or branch asks for proof
Barangay certificate, if first-time jobseeker	Required for free clearance under RA 11261
Old NBI clearance, if renewing	Helpful but not always required

At the branch, NBI personnel will usually capture your:

Photo
Fingerprints
Digital signature

You may also be asked to review your encoded information before printing.

What Happens If You Have a “Hit”?

A “hit” means the NBI system found a possible match between your name or identity details and a person with a record, pending case, or similar entry in the database.

A hit does not automatically mean you have a criminal record. Many people get a hit because they have common names.

For example:

Juan Dela Cruz
Maria Santos
John Michael Reyes
Mohammad Ali
Applicants with common surnames or multiple name variations

If there is no hit, your clearance may be released on the same visit after biometrics and verification.

If there is a hit, the NBI may ask you to return after a specified period, commonly several working days, while they manually verify the record. The NBI Citizen’s Charter refers to additional verification and quality control steps for applications with a hit.

How First-Time Jobseekers Get an NBI Reference Number for Free Clearance

Qualified first-time jobseekers may get an NBI clearance free of charge under Republic Act No. 11261 of 2019, the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.

This law waives government fees and charges for certain pre-employment documents, including NBI clearance, for qualified Filipino first-time jobseekers.

To qualify, the applicant must generally be:

A Filipino citizen
A first-time jobseeker
Actively looking for employment
A resident of the barangay issuing the certification for at least six months

The required proof is a Barangay Certification stating that the applicant is a first-time jobseeker. The implementing rules also require an Oath of Undertaking. The benefit may be availed of only once and is valid within the period provided by the law and implementing rules.

The NBI has a dedicated First-Time Jobseekers Portal for this purpose.

Practical tip for first-time jobseekers

Do not use the regular paid route if you intend to claim the free benefit. Use the dedicated first-time jobseeker process and prepare your barangay documents before going to the NBI branch.

How OFWs and Filipinos Abroad Can Get an NBI Reference Number

For Filipinos abroad, the process can be more complicated because personal appearance, fingerprints, authorization, and mailing may be involved.

The NBI’s mailed clearance procedure states that a representative may register the applicant online through the official portal, select the NBI Main Clearance Center, choose a payment channel, and secure the reference number shown on the screen. The representative presents the reference number to the selected payment channel and proceeds with the mailed clearance process.

In practice, overseas applicants may need:

Online application
Reference number
Authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney, depending on the transaction
Valid passport copy
Fingerprint card or form, depending on NBI instructions
Recent photo
Payment proof
Mailing or courier details

Documents executed abroad may need consular acknowledgment or apostille, depending on where they were executed and what the receiving office requires. The Philippines is a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents from apostille countries are commonly authenticated through apostille rather than embassy legalization. However, NBI-specific requirements should still be checked before sending documents.

Can Foreigners Get an NBI Clearance Reference Number?

Yes, foreigners who need an NBI clearance for Philippine legal, employment, immigration, business, or residency-related purposes may use the NBI clearance system, subject to identity verification requirements.

Foreign applicants should prepare:

Passport
ACR I-Card, if applicable
Philippine address or local contact details, if required
Prior visa or immigration details, if relevant
Appointment reference number
Payment proof

Foreigners should make sure their name is entered consistently with the passport. This includes:

Given name
Middle name, if any
Surname
Name order
Suffixes
Special characters

For foreign names, inconsistencies between the passport, visa records, and NBI application can cause delays.

Common Problems When Getting an NBI Reference Number

The reference number did not appear

This usually means the application was not fully completed. Go back to your account and check whether you selected:

Branch
Appointment date
AM or PM schedule
Payment method

The number normally appears only after the payment method is chosen and the transaction is confirmed.

You closed the page before saving the number

Log back in to your NBI clearance account and check your transactions or appointment details. The reference number may appear in your account history.

If it does not appear, the transaction may not have been completed. You may need to create a new application transaction.

You entered the wrong reference number during payment

Payment may not post correctly if the reference number is wrong.

Check your payment receipt and compare it with the reference number in your NBI portal. If there is a mismatch, contact the payment provider and NBI Clearance support.

Do not create multiple paid transactions unless necessary, because refunds and reconciliation can take time.

Payment was deducted but NBI status is still unpaid

This can happen because payment posting is not always instant.

Practical steps:

Wait for the payment processor’s normal posting time.
Save the receipt or transaction confirmation.
Log out and log back in to the NBI portal.
Check the transaction status again.
If still unpaid, contact the payment channel first.
If needed, contact NBI Clearance inquiries.

The NBI lists clearance inquiry contact details on its official contact page, including its clearance inquiry email.

You selected the wrong branch

If you have not paid yet, it is usually simpler to create a new transaction with the correct branch.

If you already paid, check the portal and branch policy. Some transactions may be tied to the chosen branch, while actual accommodation can depend on NBI’s current system rules and branch discretion.

You made a spelling mistake in your name

If unpaid, correct your profile before proceeding.

If paid, bring supporting IDs and ask the NBI branch whether the error can be corrected before biometrics or printing. Serious name discrepancies may require a new transaction or additional proof.

The NBI portal is down

Government portals sometimes experience maintenance, heavy traffic, or system transition issues. In April 2026, the NBI issued a public statement about temporary online service disruption due to system transition. If the portal is unavailable, avoid unofficial “mirror” sites and check the official NBI website for announcements.

Important Reminders Before Paying

Before paying your NBI reference number, check the following:

Your full name is correct.
Your birthdate is correct.
Your gender and civil status are correct.
You selected the correct branch.
You selected the correct date and time.
Your chosen valid ID is available and unexpired.
The payment amount matches the portal instructions.
You saved the exact reference number.

Once payment is made, correcting mistakes may be more inconvenient.

Fees, Timelines, and Offices Involved

Item	Usual Details
Official portal	NBI Clearance Portal
Basic clearance fee	₱130, plus service or convenience fee
Payment posting	Often within minutes, but may vary by channel
Branch processing if no hit	Often same-day after biometrics and verification
If with hit	Usually requires return after additional verification
Valid IDs	Bring two original, unexpired government-issued IDs
First-time jobseeker fee	Free if qualified under RA 11261 and proper documents are presented
Main agency	National Bureau of Investigation
Parent department	Department of Justice

How to Avoid Fixers and Scams

NBI clearance applications involve personal data and government records, so be careful.

Avoid anyone who:

Asks for your NBI portal password
Offers guaranteed “no hit”
Claims they can erase a criminal record
Offers a fake NBI clearance
Uses a personal GCash account instead of official payment channels
Asks you to send passport, ID, and selfie through unsecured chat
Promises same-day release without official NBI processing

A legitimate NBI clearance must go through NBI identity verification. A fake clearance can cause bigger problems with employers, immigration offices, embassies, banks, or government agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my NBI clearance reference number?

Create or log in to your account at the official NBI Clearance Portal, complete your profile, click Apply for Clearance, choose your valid ID, select your branch and appointment schedule, then choose a payment method. The system will generate your reference number after that.

Can I get an NBI reference number without paying yet?

Yes. The reference number is generated before payment because you need it to pay. However, your appointment transaction generally must be marked paid before you proceed smoothly at the NBI branch.

Is the NBI reference number the same as the appointment number?

For practical purposes, the reference number is the transaction number used for payment and branch processing. It is the number you should save and present. Your appointment details are connected to that transaction.

Where can I find my lost NBI reference number?

Log back in to your NBI clearance account and check your transaction or appointment history. If the transaction was completed, the reference number may still appear there. If you never confirmed the transaction, you may need to create a new one.

Can I pay NBI clearance using GCash?

Yes, if GCash appears as an available payment option in the NBI portal or payment channel. Use the exact NBI reference number and exact amount shown. Save the GCash receipt or confirmation.

What happens if I pay the wrong NBI reference number?

Your payment may not be credited to your application. Compare your receipt with the reference number in your NBI account. Contact the payment provider and NBI Clearance support with your receipt, date of payment, amount, and reference number used.

Can I change my NBI appointment after getting a reference number?

If you have not paid, it is often easier to make a new transaction with the correct schedule. If already paid, check the NBI portal and the branch’s current policy. Some paid transactions may have grace periods or accommodation rules, but these can depend on current NBI system settings.

Do I need to print the NBI reference number?

A printed copy is helpful but not always strictly necessary if you have a clear screenshot. Still, printing is safer because phones can run out of battery, lose signal, or have screen issues at the branch.

Why did I get an NBI hit even if I have no case?

A hit can happen when your name is similar to someone with a record or pending case. It does not automatically mean you have a criminal record. The NBI will manually verify the match before releasing the clearance.

Can first-time jobseekers get an NBI reference number for free?

Yes, qualified Filipino first-time jobseekers may use the dedicated first-time jobseeker process under RA 11261. They must present the required barangay certification and comply with the NBI process for free clearance.

Key Takeaways

You get the NBI Clearance Reference Number after completing the online application, choosing a branch and schedule, and selecting a payment method.
Use only the official NBI Clearance Portal or the dedicated First-Time Jobseekers Portal if you are claiming the RA 11261 benefit.
Save the reference number immediately by screenshot, printout, or written note.
Pay the exact amount shown by the portal, including service fees.
Bring the reference number, payment proof, and two valid government-issued IDs to your appointment.
A “hit” does not automatically mean you have a criminal record; it often means manual verification is needed.
Avoid fixers, fake websites, and anyone asking for your portal password or offering guaranteed clearance shortcuts.