Side by side
| NBI Clearance | National Police Clearance | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | National Bureau of Investigation | Philippine National Police |
| Apply at | clearance.nbi.gov.ph | pnpclearance.ph |
| Fee | ₱130 + e-payment charge (~₱25–30) | ₱150 + convenience fee |
| IDs to bring | 2 valid IDs (originals) | 1 valid government-issued ID |
| Where you go | NBI clearance center | Police station you choose |
| If there's a HIT | Return after 5–10 working days | Manual verification at the station |
| Usual validity | Generally 1 year | Commonly 6 months |
| Renewal without a visit | Quick Renewal with delivery (if eligible) | Without appearance within 3 years of last visit |
| Free for first-time job seekers | Yes, once | Yes, once |
Show as a table
| Step | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| NBI clearance, no HIT | Same day | Released on the day of your branch visit |
| NBI clearance, with HIT | 5–10 working days | Return after 5–10 working days, no extra fee |
| Police clearance, no HIT | Same day | Usually released after verification on your visit |
| DFA apostille, expedited | Up to 2 working days | ₱200, released after 2 working days |
| DFA apostille, regular | Up to 5 working days | ₱100, released after 5 working days |
| NBI mailed clearance (abroad) | Up to 5 working days | Up to 5 working days after the NBI receives it, plus mailing |
Sources: nbi.gov.ph, pnpclearance.ph, apostille.gov.ph. Times start from your visit or submission.
The office asking for your clearance decides what it accepts. Many want one issued within the last 3–6 months.
Which one should you get?
Get exactly the one they named. That always wins.
NBI clearance, often with a DFA apostille
Local job or permit: a police clearance is often enough. Government jobs often ask for both.
A guide, not an official rule: the office asking always has the final say.
- Working abroad, visas, migration: almost always the NBI clearance. See NBI clearance for abroad.
- Government jobs: often both. Check the job posting.
- Local private jobs: either, depending on the employer. Many accept the police clearance, which only needs one ID.
- Business permits, loans and local requirements: usually the police clearance.
- Security guard licensing or firearm licensing: the police clearance with the right purpose (SOSIA or LTOPF). See police clearance form terms.
If the employer says "either", get both only if time allows. Otherwise, pick the police clearance for speed, or the NBI clearance if you'll also need it for other applications this year, since it's generally valid longer.
Other clearances you might be asked for
- Barangay clearance: from your barangay hall, often for business permits and proof of residence.
- RTC, MTC and prosecutor's clearance: local court and prosecutor checks, common for government jobs and firearm licenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is an NBI clearance better than a police clearance?
Neither is "better". The NBI clearance is a nationwide check that's widely required for travel and many jobs. The police clearance is accepted for many local purposes. Get the one the office asks for.
Can I get both on the same day?
They're separate processes on separate portals, but nothing stops you booking both for the same day if the locations and slots work for you.