NBI Clearance Centers in Philippines, Best Guide 2026
What is an NBI Clearance Center?
NBI centers are the public service offices and sub-branches controlled by the government under the Department of Justice. It issues an NBI Clearance document that clarifies no criminal record of the individuals with recognition through photos, fingerprints, and personal details (name, birthdate, address, etc.). In 2011, NBI opened the clearance centers and mall-based sub-branches. Later in 2014, online clearance appointments were introduced. For the easy and faster service, digital processing, home delivery and quick renewal are added.
List of NBI Centers for Clearance
Metro Manila (NCR) National Capital Region
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| Main Office | NBI Main Clearance Center | UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila |
| Regional Office | NBI NCR | Quezon Ave, Quezon City |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM North EDSA | SM North EDSA, QC |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM Mall of Asia | Pasay City |
| Satellite | NBI Makati | Makati Central Square |
Cebu City (Visayas)
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| Regional Office | NBI Cebu Regional Office | Capitol Site, Cebu City |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM City Cebu | SM City Cebu |
| Mall Branch | NBI Ayala Center Cebu | Cebu Business Park |
Davao City
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| Regional Office | NBI Davao Region XI | Bajada, Davao City |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM Lanang | SM Lanang Premier |
| Mall Branch | NBI Gaisano Mall | Bajada, Davao |
Iloilo City
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| Regional Office | NBI Iloilo | General Luna St., Iloilo City |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM City Iloilo | Mandurriao, Iloilo |
Bacolod City
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| District Office | NBI Bacolod | Lacson St., Bacolod City |
| Mall Branch | NBI SM Bacolod | Reclamation Area |
Cagayan de Oro
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| District Office | NBI CDO | Corrales Ave, Cagayan de Oro |
| Mall Branch | NBI Limketkai Center | CDO |
Baguio City (Luzon)
| Center Type | Name | Address |
| District Office | NBI Baguio | Session Rd, Baguio City |
Service Hours of NBI Centers
| Center Type | Day | Time |
| Main Offices / Regional Offices | Monday to Friday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| NBI Mall Branch | Monday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Note: Main offices have more crowds from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and mall-based centers are crowded from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Visit the center at the best time to avoid delays.
Services of NBI Clearance Centers
For the public facilitation, Clearance centers offer several types of services. From personal guide to document delivery, NBI centers provide the following services:
Identity Verification:
Verifies the applicant’s identity with a valid ID card.
Biometric Enrollment:
By proceeding with E-payment receipt confirmation, it captures biometrics (fingerprints, photo, signature).
Record Checking:
Checks the personal record of the customer from the NBI database.
“HIT” Verification:
Checks the name validation.
Clearance Approval and Printing:
After the confirmation process, clearance to print.
Clearance Renewal:
Quick online renewal of the NBI certificate.
Home Delivery Service:
Through delivery partners like couriers, NBI delivers the clearance to the customer’s address.
Guidelines for an Effective Experience at an NBI Center
To get served smoothly without delays by the NBI centers, follow these guidelines:
Book Online NBI appointment:
For NBI Clearance, the NBI center does not offer walk-in. To avail this service, you have to get an online appointment and pay your dues online to schedule your preferred date and time to visit the center.
Select Convenient Center:
Select the early time slot in the less crowded center to reach on time to avoid any trouble.
Bring Valid IDs:
For verification, you must carry one of your UMID, passport, or driving license.
Bring Reference Number:
When you pay online, a reference number of your payment is generated by GCash or your bank. Note the number and bring it with you for faster proceedings.
Bring Payment Receipt:
For the proof, bring a printed or digital receipt of your dues payment.
Follow the Guidelines:
Ensure the steps and instructions of the staff for efficient processing.
Receive Your Clearance Document:
After verification, collect your clearance in printed form. Generally, it takes 5 to 30 minutes with no HIT status and 5 to 10 days with HIT.
Importance of NBI Clearance Centers
NBI Clearance Centers play a vital role in civilian recognition in the Philippines. These centers provide services for:
Civilians: People have fast and easy access to the clearance process for employment, travel and financial and legal transactions.
Employers: Employers in both government and private sectors seek help to verify background from the NBI Clearance.
Government Agencies: For national security checks, agencies get verification that an individual has no pending criminal case.
Immigration Authorities: To confirm the applicant’s criminal record status.
Conclusion
NBI Clearance Centers play a vital role in the secure, efficient, and confidential verification of an individual’s identity and record whether he’s a citizen, employer, or businessman.
