What is NBI Form No. 5? A Guide for Overseas Applicants 

If you are a Filipino living or working abroad and need to get a new NBI Clearance, the NBI Form No. 5 is the most important document to start your application.

This form, also known as the Fingerprint Card, is the official document used by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to capture the personal details and fingerprints of applicants who are outside the Philippines. This guide will explain exactly what it is, who needs it, and how to complete it correctly.

Who Needs to Use NBI Form No. 5?

You will need to use NBI Form No. 5 if you are:

1. A first-time applicant for an NBI Clearance who is currently living abroad.
2. An applicant whose last NBI Clearance was issued before 2014.

(Note: If your clearance was issued from 2014 onwards, your data is likely in the NBI’s digital system, and you may be eligible for a simpler online renewal process.)

Where to Get the Official NBI Form No. 5

You can obtain this form from two official sources:

1. At any Philippine Embassy or Consulate. This is the most common and recommended method. They provide the form for free.
2. Through a representative in the Philippines. Your authorized representative can secure the form for you from the Mailed Clearance Section at the NBI Main Office in Manila.

How to Complete Your NBI Form No. 5: A Step-by-Step Guide

Carefully follow these steps to ensure your form is filled out correctly and will be accepted by the NBI.

Step 1: Fill Out Your Personal Details

• Use a black pen and write clearly and legibly in the appropriate boxes.
• Avoid any erasures or corrections, as this may invalidate the form.
• For Married Women: You must follow the specific naming format required by the NBI:
  1. Maiden Surname (your father’s last name)
  2. Husband’s Surname
  3. First Name (your given name)
  4. Mother’s Maiden Surname

Step 2: Attach Your 2×2 Photo

• Paste one (1) recent 2×2 inch photograph with a white background onto the designated box on the form.
• The photo must have been taken within the last three months.

Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints Taken (The Right Way)

This is the most critical part of the form. The NBI requires “ROLLED IMPRESSIONS” of your fingerprints. This means each finger must be carefully rolled from one side to the other to capture the entire fingerprint pattern.

• This must be done by an authorized officer, either at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or at a local police station that they approve of.
• The officer who takes your fingerprints must sign the form and state their name and official title/designation.

Step 4: Have the Form Authenticated by the Embassy or Consulate

After your fingerprints are on the card, you must have the form authenticated (or “consularized”) by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

• They will verify the document and affix an official stamp or seal. This authentication is required for the NBI to accept the form.
• There is a fee for this consular service. Check with the Embassy for the current rate.

What to Do After Your Form is Authenticated

Once your NBI Form No. 5 is completed and authenticated, it is ready to be sent to the Philippines for processing by the NBI. This involves either mailing it directly or sending it through an authorized representative.

For the next steps of the process, please see our complete Guide to Getting an NBI Clearance from Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

While it requires careful attention to detail, properly completing the NBI Form No. 5 is a straightforward process. It is the essential first step that enables Filipinos all over the world to successfully apply for the NBI Clearance they need for work, immigration, and other legal purposes.