In the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance serves as the primary government certification confirming that an individual has no derogatory records or pending criminal cases. It is an indispensable document for employment, licensure, travel, and various legal transactions. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10867 (NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act), the NBI maintains a centralized database to facilitate this process.

The modern application process is governed by a "No Appointment, No Entry" policy, mandating a transition from purely manual applications to a digital-first system.

I. Documentary Requirements

Before initiating the application, an applicant must possess at least two (2) valid government-issued IDs. These must be original, not expired, and bear the applicant’s clear photo and full name.

Accepted Identifications include:

Philippine Passport
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
Driver’s License
Philippine Identification (PhilID/ePhilID)
PSA-issued Birth Certificate
Voter’s ID or Certificate of Registration
PRC License
SSS/GSIS ID

Note: For first-time job seekers, the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (RA 11261) provides a waiver of the clearance fee, provided a Barangay Certification is presented stating the applicant is a first-time job seeker.

II. Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1: Online Registration and Appointment

All applicants must access the NBI Clearance Online Services portal.

New Applicants: Create an account by filling out the "Sign Up" form with accurate personal details.
Renewal: Log in using previous credentials. If the previous clearance was issued after 2014, the "Quick Renewal" option may be available for door-to-door delivery.
Scheduling: Select the preferred NBI branch and choose a specific date and time slot (AM or PM).

Step 2: Payment of Fees

The standard fee is PHP 130.00, plus a PHP 30.00 system fee for the e-payment service. Payment must be settled through authorized channels:

Online Banking/E-Wallets: GCash, Maya, or BPI Online.
Over-the-Counter: Bayad Center, 7-Eleven (CLIQ kiosks), or authorized banks.
NBI Post: Some branches have integrated payment counters, though online payment is encouraged to avoid delays.

Step 3: Personal Appearance and Biometrics

On the scheduled date, the applicant must proceed to the chosen NBI branch.

Presentation of Reference Number: Show the generated Reference Number (sent via SMS or visible in the portal) and the Official Receipt.
Biometric Capture: The applicant will undergo a digital photo capture, fingerprint scanning, and digital signature recording.
Data Verification: The officer will show the encoded data on a screen; the applicant must verify all spellings and details to avoid clerical errors that require a new application.

Step 4: The "HIT" Status and Verification Period

If there is no "Hit" (no namesake or derogatory record), the clearance is printed and issued immediately.

The "Hit" Protocol: If the system flags a "Hit," it does not necessarily mean the applicant has a criminal record. It often indicates a namesake with a pending case.
Validation: The NBI will require a waiting period (typically 5 to 10 working days) to perform a manual verification. In some cases, a Quality Control interview may be required to prove identity.

III. Validity and Renewal

An NBI Clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. It is a single-purpose document; however, the NBI has moved toward a "Multi-purpose Clearance" format, which is accepted for both local and overseas requirements.

IV. Legal Implications of Misrepresentation

Applicants are reminded that any willful statement of false information or submission of forged documents during the application process is punishable under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).

Feature	Details
Official Website	clearance.nbi.gov.ph
Standard Fee	PHP 160.00 (inclusive of service fee)
Processing Time	Same day (No Hit) / 10 Days (With Hit)
Dress Code	Decent attire (No sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers)