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What Is NBI Online Appointment?
NBI Online Appointment is the official booking system from the National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines. You can register, fill out forms, pay fees, and schedule your visit—all from your phone or computer. No more waiting in endless lines.
The system works 24/7 and is available nationwide. You only visit the NBI office once for your photo and fingerprints.
Why You Need NBI Clearance
An NBI Clearance proves you have no criminal record in the Philippines. Here's when you need it:
👔 For Jobs
Most employers ask for NBI clearance before hiring. Government jobs and banks always require it.
✈️ For Travel
Visa applications for work or migration need this document. Required by most countries.
💼 For Business
Starting a company or getting permits requires NBI clearance to prove you can legally operate.
🎓 For School
Some programs or overseas education applications need this certificate.
How to Book Your NBI Online Appointment (Step by Step)
Follow these simple steps to get your appointment:
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the official NBI website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. Click "Sign Up" and fill in your details:
- Gender and civil status
- Birth date
- Full name (first, middle, last)
- Mother's maiden name
- Mobile number and email
- Password
Check the terms box and click "Sign Up." You'll get a One-Time Password (OTP) on your phone. Enter it to verify your account.
Step 2: Log In and Fill Your Application
Use your email and password to log in. Click "Apply for Clearance" and complete your profile:
- Home address
- Height and weight
- Education level
- Parent details
- Contact information
Save your information, then review it. If everything looks correct, click "Submit."
Step 3: Choose Your Valid IDs
Select two government-issued IDs from the list. Common choices include:
- Driver's License
- Passport
- UMID (SSS/GSIS)
- PhilHealth ID
- Voter's ID
- PRC License
Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment
Pick your preferred NBI branch from the dropdown menu. Choose a date and time that works for you. Blue dates mean slots are available. Red dates are fully booked.
After selecting your slot, click "Save" to get your reference number. Write this down—you'll need it for payment and your visit.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
The NBI clearance costs PHP 130. Online payments add a PHP 30 service fee, making it PHP 160 total.
Payment options:
- GCash or other e-wallets
- 7-Eleven stores
- Bayad Centers
- Online banking
- Over-the-counter banks
Step 6: Visit the NBI Branch
On your appointment day, arrive 15-30 minutes early. Bring:
- Two valid IDs (the ones you selected)
- Reference number
- Payment receipt
- Printed appointment form (optional but helpful)
At the branch:
- Present your documents at the front desk
- Go to the biometric section for fingerprints
- Have your photo taken
- Sign digitally on the tablet
- Wait for your name to be called
If there's no "hit" in the system, you'll receive your clearance the same day—usually within 1-2 hours.
Understanding NBI Clearance "HIT" Status
A "HIT" means your name matches someone in the NBI database who has a criminal record. This doesn't mean you're a criminal.
Why You Get a HIT
- Common Names: If your name is very common (like Juan Santos or Maria Cruz), someone else with that name may have a record
- Similar Names: Names that look alike can trigger a match
- Past Cases: Even dismissed or settled cases might still show up in the system
- Database Errors: Typos or system glitches can cause false matches
What Happens with a HIT
The NBI will hold your application for 5-10 working days. They'll manually verify if the record belongs to you or someone else.
You'll be asked to return on a specific date. Bring the same IDs you used during application.
If the record isn't yours, you'll get your clearance immediately. If it is yours, you'll need to provide additional documents like court clearance or dismissal papers.
How to Avoid Getting a HIT
- Use your full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Don't use nicknames
- Spell your name exactly as it appears on your IDs
- Provide accurate birthdate and birthplace
- Use your complete middle name instead of just an initial
Free NBI Clearance for First-Time Job Seekers
Under Republic Act 11261 (First-Time Job Seekers Assistance Act), fresh graduates can get NBI clearance for free.
Who Qualifies
You must be:
- A Filipino citizen
- Actively looking for your first job
- A resident of your barangay for at least 6 months
- A fresh graduate or out-of-school youth
Important: You can only use this benefit once in your lifetime.
Required Documents for First-Time Job Seekers
- Barangay Certificate (proving you're a first-time job seeker and have lived there 6+ months)
- Two valid government IDs
- Oath of Undertaking (signed before your barangay captain)
How to Apply as a First-Time Job Seeker
Visit firsttimejobseekers.nbi.gov.ph instead of the regular NBI website.
Follow the same registration steps, but you won't pay any fees. Select "Barangay Certificate" as one of your ID options during registration.
On your appointment day, go to the First-Time Job Seeker lane. Show your barangay certificate and IDs.
Valid IDs Accepted by NBI
The NBI accepts these government-issued IDs:
- Philippine Passport
- Driver's License
- UMID (SSS and GSIS)
- PhilHealth ID
- Voter's ID or Certificate of Registration
- PRC License
- Postal ID
- National ID (PhilID)
- Senior Citizen ID
- PWD ID
- Pag-IBIG ID (not loyalty card)
- Seaman's Book
- School ID (with current registration card)
- PSA Birth Certificate (authenticated)
- Police Clearance from your jurisdiction
Your ID must be:
- Original (no photocopies)
- Not expired
- In good condition
- Show your full name, photo, and signature
Common Problems and Solutions
❌ No Available Appointment Slots
Solution: Check the website early morning or late night when new slots open. Try selecting a different branch with more availability. Book your appointment weeks in advance if possible.
❌ Payment Failed
Solution: Double-check your reference number and payment details. Make sure you have enough funds. Wait a few minutes for e-wallets or 12-24 hours for over-the-counter payments. Contact your bank if the problem continues.
❌ Forgot Reference Number
Solution: Log into your NBI account to view your application history. The reference number will be there. You can also check your email or text messages for the confirmation.
❌ Wrong Information on Application
Solution: If you haven't paid yet, you can edit your details by logging back in. If you've already paid, contact NBI customer service or visit the branch on your appointment day and explain the mistake.
❌ Late for Appointment
Solution: Go to the branch anyway. NBI may still accommodate you if it's the same day, but there's no guarantee. If you miss it completely, you'll need to book a new appointment.
Tips for a Smooth NBI Appointment
- Book Early: Slots fill up fast, especially at popular branches. Schedule 2-3 weeks ahead
- Arrive Early: Get to the NBI branch 15-30 minutes before your time slot
- Bring Extra IDs: Pack one more valid ID than required
- Check Your IDs: Make sure they're not expired and match your online details
- Dress Well: You'll take a photo for your clearance
- Keep Your Receipt: Save your payment confirmation
- If You Have a Common Name: Call the NBI ahead to ask about potential "hit" issues
NBI Contact Information
If you need help or have questions:
- Hotline: 8523-8231 to 38 (during business hours)
- Website: nbi.gov.ph or clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- Main Office: NBI Headquarters, Taft Avenue corner Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila
Frequently Asked Questions
One year from the date of issue.
Yes, log into your account and change your date and time before your scheduled appointment.
No. You must bring original IDs.
Bring court documents showing your case was dismissed or settled. This helps clear your "hit" status faster.
Yes, but you need to give them an authorization letter and a photocopy of your valid ID.
Yes, even for renewals you must book an appointment online. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Yes. Foreigners need to present their passport and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR). They can apply online if they have an ACR number.
No. NBI clearance checks national records, while police clearance is local. Some jobs require both.
Yes, but you need to coordinate with the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country. They'll provide fingerprint forms and instructions.
Final Thoughts
The NBI online appointment system makes getting your clearance simple and fast. With proper preparation and the right documents, you can complete everything in just one day.
Remember to book early, bring the correct IDs, and dress appropriately. If you get a "hit," don't panic—it's a normal part of verification.
Whether you need your clearance for work, travel, or business, following this guide will help you get it without stress. Start your application today and take the first step toward your goals.