Need to Apply or Renew Your NBI Clearance? Here Are Some Tips and Information You Need to Know.

New years are not just about fresh starts, they’re about renewals too! And we’re not just talking about vows here, but of the adulting kind: renewal of licenses, clearances, and even accreditation for some businesses out there. For those entering the workforce, the NBI clearance becomes a crucial document for employment application. Fresh graduates rely on it as one of the primary government IDs, while existing employees might need to renew it at their HR's request.

But what exactly is an NBI Clearance?

This is a document, issued by the National Bureau of Investigation, that verifies that you are free of any criminal activities or liabilities in the country. With this clearance, you are now free to proceed with your employment, apply for other government IDs, and other processes that will require any proof of identification from you.

How do I get one?

Back in the heydays, you would need to go to an NBI branch to apply for your NBI clearance. But over the years, the bureau has made applying for one easier. You can even get one from an SM Supermall! 

To give you the latest and up-to-date information about how to get an NBI Clearance, we tried applying for one from the NBI website itself. Here are the things we learned:

1. Go to https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph to register for an account. If you already have an existing account, simply log in to proceed.

2. Once logged in, you will be asked to key in your personal information including address, family background, and educational background. 

3. You will be asked to select a valid government ID from the dropdown menu. You will also be asked to provide the corresponding ID number in the succeeding field. Note: you will need to bring this ID when you go to the NBI center later on.

4. Next, select the NBI branch where you'll process your application. Once you've chosen your preferred branch, you can then select the date and time for your visit.

5. The next step is for you to make your payment through the following options: bank over the counter, online bank, cash payments (via Bayad Centers or LBC), ECPay, via 7-Eleven, VISA/Mastercard, GCash, Maya, Shopee Pay, or via the DragonPay app. The NBI Clearance (referred to as “Multi-Purpose Clearance” on the website) is worth PHP 130.00.

Depending on your chosen payment method, additional fees may apply. When paying through GCash, for example, there is a system fee of PHP 30.00, so the total amount that you need to pay is PHP 160.00.

6. Upon selecting your payment method, you'll receive a reference number—keep this safe. You'll need it both during the payment process and as your entry pass to the NBI Clearance Processing area.

7. Next, head to your selected NBI branch on your appointment date. Ensure you have your reference number readily available along with at least two valid government IDs.

8. Once your name is called, the NBI staff will capture your biometric data. 

9. If a "hit" occurs—meaning someone with a similar name has a criminal record—the NBI will need to further check their records and you'll need to return on another day to claim your NBI clearance. Otherwise, if there are no issues, you can obtain your clearance on the same day.

How do I renew my NBI Clearance?

We also tried the process for renewing NBI Clearance, and here’s what we learned from their website:

1. From the NBI homepage, choose “Click Here” under the NBI Clearance Online Renewal box.

2. Provide the details required, including your old NBI ID number. Please take note that only NBI Clearances issued from October 16, 2016 onwards can renew through this channel. However, if your clearance was issued before this date, you can renew it using the same process as if applying for a new one.

3. Once verified, the next page is for you to choose your preferred delivery method: pick-up or door-to-door delivery.

4. The next step is for you to pay the necessary fees. 
For pick-up, the total fee amounts to PHP 160.00, which covers the PHP 30.00 e-Payment service fee. You'll also have the option to select your preferred NBI Branch for pick-up. To streamline the process, it's advisable to contact the NBI hotlines at 8524-1277, 8522-8788, or 8523-8231 to 38 local 5523, 5430, or 5509 to confirm the availability of your NBI clearance for pick-up.

Opting for door-to-door delivery requires a total payment of PHP 369.00, inclusive of the delivery charge. Please note that this amount will vary depending on the delivery location. Delivery timelines typically range from 3-7 days for Metro Manila and 7-10 days for Visayas and Mindanao.

Here are some other information you need to know:

• You cannot walk-in at any NBI branch to get your NBI Clearance. 
• If you miss your appointment without completing the payment, the system will automatically cancel it, and you will have to make another appointment.
• If you miss your appointment but have already made payment, you still have a 15-day window to finalize your application.
• Valid government IDs that you can provide during application are: passport, driver’s license, UMID, TIN ID, National ID, Postal ID, PhilHealth ID, Voter’s ID, PWD ID, Senior Citizen ID, PRC ID, PSA Birth Certificate, and Police Clearance.
• First-time job seekers, as per Republic Act No. 11261, qualify for a free NBI Clearance. A Barangay Certificate confirming residency for at least six months and first-time job seeker status is required.
• To date, there are 3 NBI Clearance Centers (NCC) available at SM Supermalls: SM Bacoor, SM Cebu, and SM Center Las Piñas. More NCCs will open soon at SM Consolacion (Cebu), SM Cabanatuan, SM Seaside Cebu City, SM Puerto Princesa, and SM Bacolod. 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X to stay updated with all the latest news and happenings here at SM Supermalls. You can also check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2024 here.

Disclaimer: Prices stated in this article are updated as of January 4, 2024.

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