Congratulations on graduating! As you begin your job search, you’ll find that one of the most common requirements from employers is an NBI Clearance.
Don’t worry, getting one is a straightforward process. This guide is designed specifically for fresh graduates and will show you everything you need to know, including how you might be able to get your first NBI Clearance completely FREE.
How to Get Your NBI Clearance for FREE (First-Time Jobseekers Act)
Thanks to Republic Act No. 11261, the “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act,” you can get your first NBI Clearance for free. This is a huge benefit, and you should absolutely take advantage of it.
Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Get a Barangay Certification Go to your Barangay Hall and request a Barangay Certification that proves you are a first-time jobseeker and have been a resident for at least six months. This document is the primary requirement for the law.
Step 2: Sign the Oath of Undertaking The Barangay will also provide you with an Oath of Undertaking, which you must sign. This oath confirms that you are, in fact, a first-time jobseeker.
Step 3: Bring These to Your NBI Appointment When you go to your NBI appointment, you will present these two documents (Barangay Certification and Oath of Undertaking) along with one other valid ID. The NBI personnel will then waive the fee.
NBI Clearance Application: The Online Process
Whether you’re applying for free or paying the fee, the application process starts online.
Step 1: Register on the NBI Clearance Website
Go to the official portal: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph/.
- Click to register a new account.
- You’ll be asked if you have a previous NBI clearance. Check the “NO” box.
- Fill out the form with your personal details accurately.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Log in and complete the online application form. Double-check everything, especially your full name and birthdate, as these cannot be easily corrected later.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment
- Click on “APPLY FOR CLEARANCE.”
- You will now see a dropdown menu to select an NBI Branch. Choose the one most convenient for you.
- After selecting a branch, a calendar will show you the available dates and times (AM or PM). Pick your preferred slot.
Step 4: Handle the Payment Section
- For Free Applicants: When you select “Local Employment” as your purpose, you should see information regarding the First-Time Jobseeker option. You will still generate a reference number, but you will not need to pay. Simply bring your Barangay documents to the appointment.
- For Paying Applicants: If you are not eligible for the free clearance, the fee is
₱155
(₱130
+₱25
service fee). Choose a payment method (GCash, 7-Eleven, Bank, etc.), get your reference number, and pay the fee. Keep the receipt.
Step 5: Attend Your NBI Appointment
Go to your chosen NBI branch on your scheduled date and time.
- What to Bring (Free Applicants):
- Your Barangay Certification
- Your signed Oath of Undertaking
- One (1) Valid ID
- Your application reference number
- What to Bring (Paying Applicants):
- Two (2) Valid IDs
- Your payment receipt
- Your application reference number
At the branch, you will have your photo and fingerprints taken (biometrics).
Step 6: Claim Your Clearance
After biometrics, an NBI staff member will process your application.
- If you have no “HIT”: You’ll get your printed NBI Clearance on the same day, often within minutes.
- If you have a “HIT”: This just means your name is similar to someone with a record. It’s a common issue. You’ll be asked to return in 5-10 working days to claim your cleared document.
What Valid IDs Can a Fresh Graduate Use?
Presenting valid IDs can be tough for fresh grads. You need to bring the original copy. Here are your best options:
- School ID (often accepted if presented with your Diploma or Transcript of Records)
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification
- Postal ID (Digitized version is easy to apply for)
- Philippine Passport
- Driver’s License
- TIN ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Police Clearance (can also serve as a valid ID in some cases)
- PSA-Authenticated Birth Certificate (often used as a supporting document)
Tip: If you have no valid IDs yet, the Postal ID is generally one of the fastest and easiest to obtain.
Top Tips for a Smooth Application
- Dress Appropriately: Wear presentable clothes for your appointment. Avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, or slippers.
- Be on Time: Arrive at the NBI branch a little earlier than your scheduled time.
- Double-Check Everything: Ensure your name and birthdate on the application match your documents exactly.
- Keep Your Receipts: Always keep your payment receipt (if applicable) and the claim stub the NBI provides.
NBI Clearance Branches List
- NBI Clearance Center – U.N Avenue, Ermita. Manila
- Quezon City Hall – Makatarungan St, Diliman, QC
- Montalban Rizal – Ground Flr., Municipal Hall
- Muntinlupa City – Victory Shopping Center, Alabang
- Mandaluyong City Hall – Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City
- Las Pinas City – Las Pinas City Hall or SM Center Las Pinas (near and in front of Las Pinas City Hall)
- Robinson’s Place – Basement 1 Ermita, Manila
- Robinson’s Otis – Level 2 Guanzon St., Paco, Manila
- Robinson’s Galleria – Basement 1 Ortigas Ave., QC
- Robinson’s Metro East – Level4 Marcos Hi-way Pasig
- Robinson’s Cainta – Level 2 Junction Cainta, Rizal
- Robinson’s Novaliches– Novaliches, QC
- Ever Gotesco Recto – 3″‘ Flr Cinema 3 Recto Ave., Manila
- Duty-Free Fiesta Mall – Ninoy Aquino Ave., Paranaque City
- Empire Mall – Edsa, Pasay City
NBI Clearance Centre Outside Metro Manila
- Marilao Municipal Hall – Beside PNP Station, Marilao, Bulacan
- Lipa City Hall – Lipa City, Batangas
- Robinson’s Dasmarinas – Dasmarinas, Cavite
- Ormoc Gaisano – Gaisano Capital Mall
NBI Field Offices
- Cordillera Administrative Region – Upper Session Road Baguio City
Region I
- Ilocos Regional Office – Aguila Road Sevilla Norte San Fernando City
- Dagupan District Office – A. B. Fernandez West Dagupan City
- Laoag District Office – Brgy 10 P Gomez St, Laoag City
Region II
- Cagayan Valley Regional Office – Government Center Carig Sur Tuguegarao City
- Bayombong District Office – Capitol Compound Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya
- Isabela District Office – National Highway Brgy Osmena Ilagan Isabela
Region III
- Central Luzon Regional Office – Capitol Compound City of San Fernando Pampanga
- Bulacan District Office – Capitol Compound Guinhawa, City of Malolos, Bulacan
- Cabanatuan District Office – Llanera St Old Provincial Capitol Cmpd Cabanatuan City
- OlongapoDistrict Office – 17 Kentucky Lane Upper Kalaklan Olongapo City
- Tarlac District Office – Brgy Macabulos Drive San Roque Tarlac City
Region IV-A
- CALABARZON – Capitol Site Capitol Hills Batangas City
- Cavite District Office – J.P. Rizal St. Kaybagal South Tagaytay City
- Lucena District Office – NIA Compound Genes Aguilar St., Lucena City
- Laguna District Office – Rizal Blvd Brgy. Tagapo City of Sta Rosa, Laguna
Region IV-B
- MIMAROPA – Sitio Cuadro Aguas Brgy Sta Isabel, Calapan City
- Puerto Princesa District Office – Taft St., Brgy Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Region V
- Bicol Regional Office – Maria Cristina St., Naga City
- Legazpi District Office – Quezon Avenue Legazpi City
Region VI
- Western Visayas Regional Office – Duran St., Fort San Pedro Iloilo City
- Bacolod District Office – Aguinaldo St. Bacolod City
Region VII
- Central Visayas Regional Office – Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
- Dumaguete District Office – Capitol Area Daro Dumaguete City
Region VIII
- Samar District Office – Old Health Bldg., Capitol Site Catbalogan City
Region IX
- Western Mindanao Regional Office – 19 Corcuera St. Zamboanga City
- Dipolog District Office – Quezon Ave Sta Isabel, Dipolog City
- Pagadian District Office – BALGU Bldg., Capitol Compound, Pagadian City
Region X
- Northeastern Mindanao Regional Office – Capitol Compound Cagayan de Oro City
- Iligan District Office – IBP Bldg., Badelles St. Pala-o Iligan City
Region XI
- Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office – J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
- Tagum District Office – Door 5 Duson Apt. National Highway Visayan village Tagum
Region XII
- Central Mindanao Regional Office – 2nd Floor South Cotabato Gymnasium Koronadal City
- Sarangani District Office – San Petco St. lagao, General Santos City
- ARMM – Governor Gutierrez Avenue. Cotabato City
Region XIII
- CARAGA – 2nd Floor FCB Bldg., J Rosales Ave Butuan City
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