The long line in getting an NBI clearance has been a problem since I can remember. I got my first NBI clearance in 2006 and had to be in line for two hours. I was recently hired by a new employer, therefore, it’s time for me to renew my NBI clearance.  To my surprise, I only waited for about 10 minutes for them to capture my image and fingerprints. Impossible? Here’s how:

Step 1

Pay the transaction fee through your GCash account. Just text “Amount <space> MPIN” and send to 28829175638053.

Example: For local employment Php 115 “115 1234” and send to 28829175638053

You will then receive a text message with a unique reference number. DO NOT DELETE IT.

For those who don’t have a GCash account,  you can send the payment through any Globe Payment Center near you. No need to include the additional Php 20.00 (convenience fee). NBI already waived that. Not knowing this, I paid it, but was then forfeited. You will see the reference number in your receipt. KEEP YOUR RECEIPT.

As of this writing, here is the list of fees according to https://nbi-online.com/:

ACR REQUIREMENT – P415.00
ADOPTION – P165.00
BID REQUIREMENT – P115.00
BUSINESS REQUIREMENT – P165.00
CANCELLATION OF ACR – P415.00
CHANGE OF NAME – P165.00
CUSTOMS PASS ID – P115.00
DOT REQUIREMENT – P115.00
ENLISTMENT PHIL AIRFORCE – P115.00
ENLISTMENT PHIL ARMY – P115.00
ENLISTMENT PHIL NAVY – P115.00
ENLISTMENT PNP – P115.00
ID PURPOSES – P115.00
IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENT – P115.00
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT – P115.00
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENT – P115.00
NATURALIZATION – P415.00
NFA – P165.00
OTHER REQUIREMENT – P115.00
PERMIT TO CARRY FIREARM – P165.00
PNP REQUIREMENT – P115.00
POEA REQUIREMENT – P165.00
PRA REQUIREMENT – P165.00
PROMOTION – P115.00
REPATRIATION – P415.00
SEC REQUIREMENT – P165.00
SSS REQUIREMENTS – P115.00
STUDENT VISA – P115.00
TBC – P165.00
TBC FOR RTO – P165.00
TRAVEL ABROAD – P115.00
TRAVEL AFRICA – P115.00
TRAVEL ASIA – P115.00
TRAVEL AUSTRALIA – P115.00
TRAVEL CANADA – P115.00
TRAVEL CENTRAL AMERICA – P115.00
TRAVEL DIEGO GARCIA – P115.00
TRAVEL EUROPE – P115.00
TRAVEL HONGKONG – P115.00
TRAVEL LIBYA – P115.00
TRAVEL MICRONESIA – P115.00
TRAVEL MIDDLE EAST – P115.00
TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND – P115.00
TRAVEL PALAU – P115.00
TRAVEL PAPUA NEW GUINEA – P115.00
TRAVEL QATAR – P115.00
TRAVEL SAIPAN – P115.00T
RAVEL SINGAPORE – P115.00
TRAVEL SOUTH AMERICA – P115.00
TRAVEL TAIWAN – P115.00
TRAVEL U.S.A. – P115.00
VISA AUSTRALIA – P115.00
VISA CANADA – P115.00
VISA CHINA – P115.00
VISA NEW ZEALAND – P115.00
VISA SEAMAN – P115.00
VISA SEAWOMAN – P115.00
VISA U.S.A. – P115.00

Step 2

Fill in the information needed at https://nbi-online.com/. For GCash Payments, you will need to put both reference and your mobile number. For over the counter payment, you will need to put the date of transaction. If successful, you should get a QR code. Print it as a proof of application.

To schedule an appointment to get your fingerprints and picture taken, text “BOOK <space> Reference# <space> Location  <space>  MMDDYYYY  <space>  HHMM <space>  Name”  and send to 09175638054.

Example: BOOK 012345 NCR 03152012 1300 Juan Dela Cruz

Step 3

Go to Main NBI Clearance Center in UN Ave. on confirmed booking date. Don’t be overwhelmed by the line that you will see. You can pass them all and go straight to the eClearance lane at the 4th floor. Make sure to bring the printed QR code, receipt of payment and a government issued ID to verify your information i.e., Voters ID, Postal ID SSS, GSIS, Passport, Drivers License, Original NSO Birth Certificate, PRC. Wait for your name to called for fingerprinting and capturing your image. Wait for the receipt and advise on when to pick up your NBI clearance.

A few but important things to remember in getting an NBI Clearance

If you prefer the old way, wait in your line patiently. Beware of fixers. Don’t be surprised on the people who will offer to “process your NBI Clearance faster” in exchange for money. (wink wink)

Shorts, short pants, slippers, sandals, sleeveless shirts and sando ARE NOT ALLOWED. Jeans are allowed but closed shoes is  a must.

At the moment, eClearance is available in NCR only.

For more information you can contact:

NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Telephone numbers: 523-8231 to 38

Email Address:
director@nbi.gov.ph

NBI Clearance Center
NBI Clearance Building
United Nations Avenue, Ermita
Manila, Philippines 1000
email: nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph

To send questions via text message, type “HELP” Send to 09175638053. Texts can be sent in English or Tagalog but will only reply to local numbers. You can also visit http://www.nbi.gov.ph/online_application.html for more information.

You can still go to satellite centers if you wish. Just make sure to call NBI first for updates on which satellite centers are still open. The one in SM Megamall was apparently moved in Robinsons Galleria. Also be sure to be there as early as possible as they limit the number of applications to be processed.

To end my story, they advised me to go back after 3 days to pick up my NBI clearance. Believe me, that’s a whole lot better than spending a day waiting in line only to be advised that you can get your NBI clearance two weeks after payment. I’ll surely give you an update once I got mine.