How Long Is NBI Clearance Valid in 2025? Full Guide for All Situations

Every Filipino who needs to work, travel, or handle legal transactions knows that the NBI Clearance is one of the most important documents to secure. It serves as official proof that you have no criminal record on file with the National Bureau of Investigation.

But one common question people still ask is: “How long is NBI Clearance valid in 2025?”

The NBI continues to follow a strict one year validity rule, but the way it applies can differ depending on your situation such as first-time issuance, renewal, or overseas use.

This guide breaks down all NBI Clearance validity scenarios for 2025, how to check expiration, and what to do if it’s expired.

What is NBI Clearance and Its Purpose in 2025?

The NBI Clearance is a government-issued document that verifies a person’s criminal record status. It’s commonly required for:

• Local and overseas employment
• Passport or visa applications
• Business permits or government transactions
• Bank account openings or housing applications

In 2025, employers and agencies continue to require a recently issued clearance, ensuring your record is up to date. Even if you obtained it previously, a clearance older than one year is considered expired and invalid for most formal uses.

Also Read > NBI Clearance requirements.

How Long Is the NBI Clearance Valid in 2025?

As of 2025, the official validity period of the NBI Clearance remains one (1) year from the date of issuance. This means that if your clearance was released on April 20, 2025, it will remain valid until April 20, 2026. The validity period always begins on the release date, not on the date you applied or booked your appointment.

You can easily find the expiration date printed on your NBI Clearance certificate. Once your clearance has expired, it can no longer be used for any official or legal transaction, so you will need to apply for a renewal or a new clearance to continue using it.

NBI Clearance Validity in Different Scenarios

The one year validity applies to everyone, but how it affects you depends on your purpose. Here are the main situations:

1. For First-Time Applicants

If you’re applying for the first time, your NBI Clearance is valid for one year from the date printed on your certificate.

Make sure to:

• Keep a digital copy of your clearance.
• Note the expiration date early so you can renew before it lapses.
• Remember that you can’t extend validity; you’ll need to apply for a new clearance once it expires.

2. For Renewal Applicants

If your clearance is still valid and you renew early, your new NBI clearance will have a fresh one-year validity starting from its new release date.

Example:

If your old clearance expires in May 2025 and you renew in March 2025, your new clearance will still be valid until March 2026.

So, yes renewing early resets the validity period. It’s wise to renew a few weeks before expiry to avoid problems, especially if you’ll use it for employment or visa applications.

3. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

For OFWs, the NBI Clearance is usually required for POEA processing, embassy verification, or overseas employment applications. Although its legal validity is one year, many foreign agencies or employers request a clearance issued within the last six (6) months.

So even if your NBI Clearance hasn’t expired, you might still need to renew it early to meet your employer’s requirements.

Tip: Always check with your agency or employer about how recent the document should be before submission.

4. For Local Job Applications

In the Philippines, most HR departments prefer an NBI Clearance issued within the past 6 months. While it remains valid for a year, companies may consider older clearances “outdated” since they want proof of your current status.

For example:

• If your clearance was issued in January 2025, and you apply for a job in October 2025, some companies might ask for a new one.

That’s why keeping your clearance updated throughout the year is beneficial.

5. For Visa or Government Transactions

Government agencies and embassies have their own validity rules.
For example:

• Visa processing centers often require an NBI Clearance issued within the last 6 months.
• Local government offices might reject clearances that are already close to expiry.

It’s always best to check the agency’s specific requirement before submission.

How to Verify If Your NBI Clearance Is Still Valid

You can confirm your clearance status in two simple ways:

Option 1: Check the Expiration Date

• Look at the bottom section of your printed NBI Clearance.
• The “Date of Issuance” and “Valid Until” are clearly printed.
• Compare today’s date with the expiry date.

Option 2: Verify Online

1. Visit the official NBI Clearance portal.
2. Log in to your account using your registered email.
3. Go to your transaction history to check the issuance date of your last clearance.
4. If it’s over one year old, it’s time to renew.

What to Do If Your NBI Clearance Has Expired

Once your clearance expires, it’s no longer valid for any legal or official transaction. So you have to renew your NBI clearance.

Here’s what to do:

1. Visit the NBI Clearance Online Appointment System available through NBIAppointment.com.
2. Select “Renewal” under application type.
3. Choose your nearest branch and preferred date.
4. Pay the processing fee through GCash, Maya, or authorized payment partners.
5. Attend your appointment and claim your new clearance.

Your new NBI Clearance will automatically have a fresh one year validity period starting from its release date.

Can I Renew My NBI Clearance Before It Expires?

Yes, you can renew NBI Clearance early even a few months before expiry.
Doing so will reset your validity period and ensure there’s no gap in your records.

Example:

If your clearance expires in December 2025 and you renew in October 2025, your new validity will extend until October 2026.

This is especially useful if you have upcoming job interviews, visa processing, or travel plans.

What Are the Best Tips to Keep Your NBI Clearance Up-to-Date?

Keeping your NBI Clearance updated ensures that you can use it anytime for job applications, government transactions, or travel requirements. Here are some simple but effective ways to make sure your clearance never expires unexpectedly.

• Set reminders 11 months after issuance to start renewal early.
• Save both digital and printed copies for easier renewal reference.
• Renew 2–3 weeks before expiration to avoid problems.
• Use NBIAppointment.com for faster scheduling.
• Double-check your personal details each time you renew.

Conclusion

The NBI Clearance Validity Period for 2025 remains one year from its release date.
But remember agencies, employers, and embassies may ask for a clearance issued within the last 3–6 months for accuracy.

To avoid rejection, always renew before your expiration date.
When ready, you can book your online appointment instantly through NBIappointment.com the easiest and most reliable way to manage your NBI Clearance online.

Frequently Asked Questions