The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a vital document in the Philippines, serving as a government-issued certificate that confirms an individual has no derogatory criminal records. It is a standard requirement for employment, visa applications, business permits, and various government transactions.

In recent years, the NBI has transitioned to a "Clearance Online" system to streamline the process. Below is a comprehensive legal and procedural guide to navigating the application and renewal of an NBI Clearance.

I. Legal Basis and Purpose

The NBI Clearance is issued pursuant to the mandate of the National Bureau of Investigation under Republic Act No. 10867 (The NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act). The document certifies whether a person is the subject of any "hit" or criminal record within the NBI’s centralized database.

II. Requirements for Application

Before beginning the process, applicants must prepare the following:

Two (2) Valid Government-Issued IDs: These must be original, not expired, and contain a clear photo of the applicant. Accepted IDs include:
Philippine Passport
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
Driver’s License
PSA Birth Certificate
PRC License
Voter’s ID or Certificate of Registration
PhilSys ID (National ID)
Application Fee: The standard fee is ₱130.00, plus a ₱30.00 system fee for the e-payment service (Total: ₱160.00). Fees may vary slightly depending on the payment channel used.
First-Time Jobseeker Certificate: Under Republic Act No. 11261 (First-time Jobseekers Assistance Act), first-time jobseekers can get their NBI clearance for free, provided they present a Barangay Certification stating they are first-time jobseekers.

III. Step-by-Step Application Process (New Applicants)

1. Online Registration and Appointment

The NBI no longer accepts "walk-in" applicants for the encoding phase. Everything starts online:

Visit the official NBI Clearance Online Services website.
Register for a new account by filling out the required personal information (Name, Birthdate, Address, etc.).
Log in and complete your "Applicant Profile."

2. Scheduling and Payment

Click on "Apply for Clearance."
Select the type of ID you will present.
Choose the specific NBI Branch you wish to visit.
Select the date and time slot (AM or PM).
Choose a payment method (Bank over-the-counter, Online Banking, Mobile Wallets like GCash/Maya, or Bayad Center).
Important: Save the Reference Number generated. You cannot proceed without it.

3. On-Site Biometrics and Image Capture

Proceed to your chosen NBI branch on your scheduled date.
Present your Reference Number and valid IDs.
Have your photo, fingerprints, and digital signature captured.

4. Clearance Release

No Hit: If there is no criminal record associated with your name, the clearance is usually printed and released within the same day or a few minutes after biometrics.
With a "Hit": If your name matches a name in the NBI database with a pending or finished case, you will be asked to return after a "Verification Period" (usually 5–10 working days) to allow NBI agents to conduct a manual search and verify if the record belongs to you.

IV. NBI Clearance Renewal

There are two ways to renew an NBI clearance:

1. NBI Clearance Quick Renewal (Online Delivery)

This is for individuals who previously had an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onwards and have not changed their personal details.

Select "Quick Renewal" on the website.
Enter your old NBI ID Number.
Pay the fees and wait for the clearance to be delivered to your doorstep. (Note: This is more expensive due to delivery fees).

2. Regular Renewal

If you have lost your old NBI ID number or need to update your address or civil status:

Follow the same steps as a "New Applicant."
The system will recognize your existing records once you input your details.

V. Special Considerations

NBI "Hit" and Quality Control: A "Hit" does not necessarily mean you have a criminal record. It could mean someone with a similar name has one. If the "Hit" is actually yours, you may need to provide a Court Clearance or a Finality of Judgment to prove the case has been dismissed or resolved.
Validity: An NBI Clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.
Dress Code: NBI branches enforce a strict dress code. Avoid wearing slippers, sleeveless shirts, or shorts, as you may be denied entry to the biometrics area.

VI. For OFWs and Applicants Abroad

Filipinos residing abroad can apply through Philippine Embassies or Consulates. They must provide a Fingerprint Card Form (No. 5), which is processed by the NBI Main Office in Manila through an authorized representative.