How to Register on NBI Clearance Online Portal 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Registering on the NBI Clearance Online Portal is the first step to getting your clearance in 2026. Whether you need it for employment, travel, visa processing, business registration, or other legal purposes, the online system makes the process faster and more convenient.

This step-by-step guide explains how to create an account, book an appointment, pay the fee, and complete your NBI clearance application without confusion.

Why Register Online for NBI Clearance?

Registering online with the National Bureau of Investigation makes the process easier and faster.

No Long Lines

• No need to wait for hours at the branch
• Register from home or office
• Available anytime (24/7)

Choose Your Appointment

• Pick your preferred branch
• Select date and time
• Book in advance for better planning

Faster Processing

• Your details are already in the system
• Less typing at the branch
• Faster photo and fingerprint capture

Easy Payment Options

• Pay using GCash, online banking, 7-Eleven, and more
• Pay before your appointment
• Get payment confirmation instantly

Track Your Application

• Check your status online
• Get email or SMS updates
• Know when your clearance is ready

Before You Start: What You Need

Prepare these details before registering:

Personal Information

• Full legal name (as on birth certificate)
• Date and place of birth
• Civil status (Single, Married, etc.)
• Gender
• Citizenship

Contact Information

• Active email address (for login)
• Mobile number (for updates)
• Complete home address

Physical Details

• Height (cm)
• Weight (kg)
• Eye color
• Hair color
• Complexion (Fair, Light Brown, Medium Brown, etc.)
• Visible marks like scars or tattoos (optional)

Purpose of Application

• Employment (local or abroad)
• Visa
• Travel
• Business
• Other

Valid ID

You don’t need it during online registration, but bring a government-issued ID on your appointment day.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register on NBI Clearance Online Portal (2026)

This simple guide will help you create an account, book an appointment, and complete your NBI Clearance application without confusion. Follow each step carefully and double-check your details before submitting.

Step 1: Go to NBI Official Website

Website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

⚠️ IMPORTANT – Verify Official Website:

• Must end with .gov.ph (NOT .com, .net, .org)
• Look for https:// (secure connection)
• Check for government seal/logo

Beware of Fake Sites:

• Many scam sites copy NBI design
• They steal your personal information
• ONLY use clearance.nbi.gov.ph

On Homepage You’ll See:

• “Sign In” button (for existing accounts)
• “Register” button (for new accounts)
• Application status checker
• FAQs and announcements

Step 2: Click “Register” for New Account

Are You a First-Timer or Renewal?

FIRST-TIME APPLICANT:

• Never had NBI clearance before
• OR: Last NBI clearance was before 2014
• → Click “Register” → Select “NO” when asked about old clearance

RENEWAL APPLICANT:

• Had NBI clearance issued 2014 or later
• Have old NBI clearance number
• → Click “Sign In” → Select “YES, I have old clearance”
• System will find your old record

For This Guide: We’ll focus on FIRST-TIME registration. If renewing, the process is similar but with pre-filled information.

Step 3: Fill Out Registration Form

Section 1: Account Information

Email Address:

• Use a valid email you check regularly
• This becomes your username for logging in
• You’ll receive confirmation email here
• Example: yourname@gmail.com

Password:

• Create a strong password (8+ characters)
• Must include: letters, numbers, special characters
• Example: MyNbi2026!
• Write this down! You’ll need it to log in

Confirm Password:

• Re-enter your password exactly
• Must match the first password field

Mobile Number:

• Format: 09XXXXXXXXX (Philippine number)
• You’ll receive SMS updates about your application
• Example: 09171234567

Section 2: Personal Information

Full Name:

• First Name: As written in birth certificate
• Middle Name: Full middle name (or mother’s maiden surname)
• Last Name: Surname/family name
• Suffix: Jr., Sr., II, III (if applicable)

Example:

• First: Juan
• Middle: Santos
• Last: Dela Cruz
• Suffix: Jr.

⚠️ IMPORTANT:

• Use EXACT spelling from birth certificate
• No nicknames (not “Jun” if birth cert says “Juan”)
• Include all middle names if you have multiple
• Suffix matters (Jr. vs Sr.)

Date of Birth:

• Select from calendar or type
• Format: MM/DD/YYYY
• Example: 02/19/1995
• Must be accurate (checked against birth certificate)

Place of Birth:

• City/Municipality: Where you were born
• Province: Province of birth city
• Country: Philippines (or foreign country if born abroad)

Example:

• City: Quezon City
• Province: Metro Manila
• Country: Philippines

Civil Status: Select from dropdown:

• Single
• Married
• Widowed
• Separated
• Divorced (if applicable)

Gender:

• Male
• Female

Citizenship:

• Filipino
• Foreign (if dual citizen or foreigner)

Section 3: Current Address

Complete Residential Address:

• House/Unit Number: Your house/building number
• Street Name: Complete street name
• Subdivision/Barangay: Subdivision or barangay name
• City/Municipality: Your current city
• Province: Province of your city Zip Code: Postal code
• Country: Philippines (or current country of residence)

Example:

• House #123
• Street: Avenida Street
• Barangay: Barangay Milagrosa
• City: Quezon City
• Province: Metro Manila
• Zip: 1109
• Country: Philippines

⚠️ TIP: This address should match your valid ID if possible.

Section 4: Physical Description

Height:

• Enter in centimeters (cm)
• Example: 165 cm (5’5″), 170 cm (5’7″), 180 cm (5’11”)
• If unsure, estimate closely

Weight:

• Enter in kilograms (kg)
• Example: 60 kg (132 lbs), 70 kg (154 lbs), 80 kg (176 lbs)
• Approximate is fine

Eye Color:

• Black
• Brown
• Blue
• Green
• Gray
• Hazel
• Other

Hair Color:

• Black
• Brown
• Blonde
• Red
• Gray/White
• Other

Complexion: Select from 7 options:

• Fair (very light skin)
• Light Brown (light tan)
• Medium Brown (mid-range brown)
• Dark Brown (deeper brown)
• Very Dark (deep brown to very dark)
• Black (darkest skin tone)
• Yellow (yellowish undertone)

Most Filipinos select: Light Brown or Medium Brown

Identifying Marks (Optional):

• Visible scars, moles, birthmarks, tattoos
• Location and description
• Example: “Scar on left forearm, 2 inches”
• Leave blank if none

Section 5: Purpose of Application

Select primary reason for getting NBI clearance:

Common Options:

• Employment (Local)
• Employment (Abroad)
• Visa Application
• Travel Abroad
• Business Permit/Licensing
• School Requirements
• Immigration
• Adoption
• Firearms License
• Government Requirements
• Other (specify)

Choose the most relevant purpose. If multiple purposes, select the primary one.

Step 4: Review and Verify Information

CRITICAL – Double-Check Everything:

• Name Spelling: Matches birth certificate exactly?
• Date of Birth: Correct month, day, year?
• Address: Complete and accurate?
• Email: Correct and active?
• Mobile Number: Philippine number, 11 digits?
• Physical Details: Reasonable estimates?

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Typos in name (very hard to correct later)
• Wrong birthdate (causes “hit” issues)
• Inactive email (you won’t get confirmation)
• Wrong mobile number (no SMS updates)

If Everything is Correct: Click “Submit” or “Register”

Step 5: Verify Your Email Address

What Happens Next:

After clicking Submit, you’ll see: “Registration successful! Please check your email to verify your account.”

Check Your Email Inbox:

1. Look for email from: clearance@nbi.gov.ph or noreply@nbi.gov.ph
2. Subject: “NBI Clearance Online – Email Verification” (or similar)
3. Check SPAM/JUNK folder if not in inbox!

Email Will Contain:

• Welcome message
• Verification link (clickable)
• Your registered email address
• Instructions to complete verification

Click the Verification Link:

• Opens browser
• Confirms your email is valid
• Activates your account
• You’ll see: “Email verified successfully!”

⚠️ Verification Link Expires:

• Usually valid for 24-48 hours
• If expired, request new verification email
• Go to NBI portal → “Resend Verification Email”

Step 6: Log In to Your Account

Return to: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

Click “Sign In”

Enter:

• Email Address: The email you registered with
• Password: The password you created
• Verification Code: Type the CAPTCHA shown

Click “Log In”

You’re Now Logged In!

• You’ll see your Dashboard
• Welcome message with your name
• Options to: Apply for Clearance, View Applications, Check Status

How to Schedule NBI Clearance Appointment Online

Once logged in, continue with your application:

Step 7: Start New Application

Click “Apply for Clearance”

Your Information Pre-Filled:

• Name, birthdate, address (from registration)
• Review and confirm it’s correct
• Update if anything changed

Select Application Type:

• New Application (first time)
• Renewal (if you indicated old clearance)

Step 8: Choose Appointment Details

Select NBI Branch:

Dropdown Menu Shows:

• All NBI main offices and satellite branches
• Organized by region (NCR, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao)

Popular Branches:

• NBI Main Office (Taft Avenue, Manila)
• Quezon City Regional Office
• SM North EDSA (mall-based)
• SM Manila
• SM Megamall
• Provincial offices (Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, etc.)

Choosing a Branch:

• Choose nearest/most convenient
• Mall branches: parking, AC, but more crowded
• Government offices: faster but basic facilities
• Saturday available only at select mall branches

Select Appointment Date:

Calendar View:

• Green dates = Available
• Gray dates = Fully booked
• Red dates = Holidays/Closed

Date Selection Tips:

• Book 2-3 weeks in advance (best slots)
• Tuesday-Thursday = least crowded
• Avoid Monday (busiest day)
• Avoid Friday afternoon
• Saturday = very crowded (limited branches)

Select Time Slot:

Morning Session:

• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (government offices)
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (mall branches)

Afternoon Session:

• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (government offices)
• 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (mall branches)

Best Time Slots:

• 8:00-9:00 AM (first batch, fastest)
• 2:00-3:00 PM (after lunch, moderate)
• 10:00-11:00 AM (mid-morning, okay)

Worst Time Slots:

• 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (lunch time, slow)
• 4:00-5:00 PM (nearing cut-off, rushed)

Confirm Appointment:

Review Screen Shows:

• Your name
• Branch selected
• Date and time
• Application reference number

Click “Confirm Appointment”

You’ll Receive:

• Appointment confirmation on screen
• Email with appointment details
• SMS reminder (if mobile provided)
• Reference number (SAVE THIS!)

Reference Number Format:

• Example: NBI-2026-02190001
• You’ll need this for payment

Step 9: Proceed to Payment (Optional Now)

Two Payment Options:

Option A: Pay Now (Recommended)

• Secure your appointment
• No risk of forgetting
• Confirm booking immediately

Option B: Pay Later

• Pay up to 24-48 hours before appointment
• Flexible but risky (you might forget)
• Unpaid appointments may be canceled

Payment Methods Available:

• GCash (₱155)
• Maya/PayMaya (₱155)
• Online Banking (₱150-160)
• 7-Eleven (₱140-145 cash)
• Bayad Center (₱140-150)

See our guide: [How to Pay NBI Clearance Online (All Methods) →]

What Happens After Registration?

Immediate (Same Day):

• Account created and verified
• Application submitted
• Appointment scheduled
• Reference number generated

Before Appointment (1-3 Days):

• Pay the ₱155 fee (if not paid yet)
• Prepare requirements (ID, receipt, proper attire)
• Note branch location and appointment time

Appointment Day:

• Bring: Valid ID, appointment slip, payment receipt
• Arrive 30-60 minutes early
• Complete biometrics (photo, fingerprints)
• Takes 30-90 minutes total

After Appointment (1-10 Days):

• Wait for processing
• No hit: 1-3 days
• With hit: 5-10 days
• Claim clearance at same branch

Common Registration Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: “Email Already Registered”

Cause: You (or someone) already used this email

Solutions:

1. Try logging in (maybe you forgot you registered)
2. Use “Forgot Password” to reset
3. Use a different email address
4. Contact NBI if you think someone used your email

Problem 2: “Invalid Date of Birth”

Causes:

• Selected future date
• Format incorrect
• Too young (under 15) or too old (over 100)

Solutions:

• Double-check you selected correct year
• Use MM/DD/YYYY format
• Must be at least 15 years old to apply

Problem 3: “Email Verification Link Not Working”

Causes:

• Link expired (24-48 hour limit)
• Already used
• Browser/connection issue

Solutions:

1. Check if you already verified (try logging in)
2. Request new verification email
3. Try different browser
4. Check spam/junk folder
5. Wait 5 minutes and try again

Problem 4: “Registration Form Not Submitting”

Causes:

• Internet connection lost
• Browser timeout
• Missing required fields
• Special characters in text fields

Solutions:

1. Check internet connection
2. Refresh page (data usually saved)
3. Ensure all required fields (*) are filled
4. Remove special characters (é, ñ, etc.) if causing issues
5. Try different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Problem 5: “No Available Appointment Slots”

Causes:

• Booking too close to desired date
• Popular branch fully booked
• Peak season (January-February, May-June)

Solutions:

1. Book 3-4 weeks in advance
2. Check different branch
3. Check daily for cancellations
4. Try weekday instead of Saturday

Tips for Successful NBI Online Registration

Before You Start:

• Use computer/laptop (larger screen, easier)
• Stable internet connection
• Have birth certificate ready (for exact name spelling)
• Have 30 minutes of uninterrupted time

During Registration:

• Use Chrome or Firefox browser (best compatibility)
• Enable cookies (required for website to work)
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi (security risk)
• Save your password somewhere secure

After Registration:

• Screenshot/print appointment confirmation
• Save reference number (text file, note app)
• Set calendar reminder 1 day before appointment
• Verify email address immediately

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Rushing through the form (leads to errors)
• Using nickname instead of legal name
• Not verifying email (account won’t activate)
• Booking too close to needed date (no slots)
• Forgetting to pay before appointment

Frequently Asked Questions