NBI Clearance vs Police Clearance in the Philippines: What's the Difference?

NBI Clearance is a national-level clearance issued by the National Bureau of Investigation - commonly required for employment (especially abroad), immigration, and some government jobs. A Police Clearance is a local clearance issued by the Philippine National Police (through local police stations or PNP offices) - usually requested for local employment, barangay requirements, or specific local permits.

Why this matters:

• Employers, government agencies, and foreign embassies usually ask for an NBI Clearance.
• Local businesses, schools, or barangay-level transactions sometimes accept or require a Police Clearance.
• Some applications specifically state which one is needed - follow the instruction to avoid delays.

Key differences at a glance

• Issuer:
  • NBI Clearance: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
  • Police Clearance: Local police station / PNP office (may be called "Police Clearance" or "Community Police Clearance").
• Scope:
  • NBI: Nationwide database check for criminal records and matches (used for national/international purposes).
  • Police: Local police records and community-level checks.
• Common uses:
  • NBI: Overseas employment, visa processing, national government jobs.
  • Police: Local employment, barangay or city permits, school or local volunteer requirements.
• Validity:
  • Typically both are accepted for up to 6–12 months, but confirm with the requesting agency.
• How to apply:
  • NBI: Online booking and payment (eNBI), then biometrics at an NBI center.
  • Police: Walk-in or appointment at the local police station or PNP clearance center; procedures vary by local government.

Who should get which?

• Applying abroad, joining national-level government work, or when the employer/agency specifically asks for "NBI Clearance": get NBI.
• Applying for local jobs, permits, or when a barangay/school asks for "Police Clearance" or "Barangay/Police Certification": get Police Clearance.
• Sometimes both are requested - check the requirement list before applying.

How to Get an NBI Clearance

1. Go to the official eNBI site (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) and create an account.
2. Fill in personal info, select a center, and book an appointment.
3. Pay online (follow payment options) and save your confirmation.
4. Go to the NBI center on appointment day with valid IDs and your reference number.
5. Have your biometrics taken; wait for release. If "NO HIT" you usually get the clearance that day; if "HIT" follow instructions for further processing.

Checklist - What to bring for NBI

• Valid IDs (bring at least 1–2 government-issued IDs).
• Reference number / eNBI confirmation.
• Payment proof (if applicable).
• For first-time applicants: bring additional supporting docs if asked (e.g., PSA record).

How to Get a Police Clearance

1. Visit your local police station or the PNP website/contact center to confirm their process (some LGUs use appointments).
2. Fill out the application form at the station or online if available.
3. Present valid IDs and any required supporting documents.
4. Pay the local processing fee (amount varies by LGU).
5. Get photographed/fingerprinted (if required) and collect the clearance - many local offices issue same-day.

Checklist - What to bring for Police Clearance:

• Valid IDs (bring at least 1–2 government-issued IDs).
• Community Tax Certificate (cedula) or other local requirements, if requested.
• Proof of payment (if applicable).

Tips to avoid delays

• Always check the exact document name requested (e.g., "NBI Clearance" vs "Police Clearance").
• Confirm acceptable IDs and fees on the official NBI or local PNP/LGU pages before going.
• Use the eNBI system to book NBI appointments to avoid long queues.
• If you get a "HIT" (for NBI) or additional verification request (for Police), act quickly - follow the instructions from the issuing office.

When both are requested

Some employers or agencies require both clearances. If so:

• Apply for NBI via eNBI first.
• Apply for Police Clearance at your local police station or PNP center.
• Keep digital and physical copies; most agencies accept scanned or printed originals, but confirm.

FAQs

• Can I use a Police Clearance abroad? Usually not - embassies and foreign employers commonly require NBI or a police certificate authenticated by the DFA. Check the embassy's specific requirements.
• Which is faster? Local Police Clearances often process same-day; NBI can be same-day for "NO HIT" but may take longer if additional verification is needed.
• Do both require fingerprints? Yes - NBI requires biometrics through its process; Police may require fingerprint capture depending on the station.

Need-to-know: Always use official sites (eNBI and PNP/LGU pages) for appointments, fees, and up-to-date requirements.

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