How to Clear NBI Record

If your NBI Clearance shows a “hit” or a possible criminal record you might be wondering how to clear it.
This guide will help you to understand what is an NBI record means, why a “hit” appears, and How to Clear NBI Record with your name to National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines.

What Is an NBI Record?

An NBI record is information stored in the NBI’s database that shows your name is connected to a case or complaint filed in a court or by the police.

It may include:

• Criminal cases that are still open or already dismissed

• Administrative or civil cases

• Name matches with other people who have records

Even if you did nothing wrong your name might still appear in the NBI system if it is the same or similar to someone else’s name. This is called a “name hit.”

What is NBI Clearance “Hit” Mean?

When your NBI Clearance shows a “HIT,” it means your name is similar to someone else’s name that already exists in the NBI records.

Here are some possible reasons why this happens:

• You have the same or similar name as someone who has a criminal case.

• You once had a case that is already settled but it still appears in the NBI system.

• The NBI record has old or missing information that hasn’t been updated yet.

When you get a “HIT,” your clearance will not be released right away. You will need to go through a verification process so the NBI can check and confirm that you have no criminal record.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clear NBI Record

Here is how you can clear or fix your NBI record:

Step 1: Visit the NBI Clearance Office

Go to the NBI Main Clearance Center or the nearest NBI regional office where you got your clearance.
Bring these items with you:

• Your valid ID

• Your NBI Clearance receipt or reference number

• Any court documents (if you have them)

Step 2: Go to the HIT Verification Section

When you arrive in NBI Office tell the officer that your clearance showed a “HIT” and you want to verify it.
You will be scheduled for an interview with a Verification Officer who will check your record carefully.

Step 3: Attend the Personal Verification Interview

During the interview the officer will ask questions to make sure you are not the same person in the record.
They may ask about:

• Your full name, Date of Birth and address

• Any past cases you were involved in

• Names of relatives or nicknames (aliases)

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents (If Needed)

If the officer finds a record with a name similar to yours. You may need to show documents such as:

• Certificate of Finality of Case (if your case was already dismissed)

• Court Clearance from the trial court

• Police Clearance or Barangay Certificate of Good Moral Character

These papers help prove your innocence or show that your case was already settled.

Step 5: Wait for the Verification Process

The NBI will take about 5 to 10 working days to finish checking your record.
You will get a claim slip that tells you when to come back for your updated clearance.

Step 6: Claim Your Cleared NBI Clearance

Go back to the NBI office on the date written on your slip to get your new clearance.

• If your name is cleared it will say “No Record on File.”

• If a record still exists it will show the case type and status such as “Dismissed,” “Acquitted,” or “For further verification.”

Can You Clear an NBI Record Online?

Right now you cannot fully clear or verify your NBI record online. You still need to go to an NBI office in person so they can check your identity.

However you can set an appointment online before going to the office to save time. Just visit https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph and schedule your appointment there.

How to Clear Your Name if You Were Falsely Accused

If your name appears in the NBI record by mistake or because of a false case. You can fix it by following these steps:

1. Get a Court Clearance that says you were not involved in the case.

2. Ask for a Certification of No Pending Case from the court or the prosecutor’s office.

3. Submit these papers to the NBI office so they can correct your record.

After checking your documents the NBI will update your file and remove the wrong record linked to your name.

How Long Does It Take to Clear an NBI Record?

Usually it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to clear your NBI record. The time depends on a few things such as:

• How complicated your record is

• How fast the court can check your case

• How complete and correct your documents are

If your case needs to be checked by the court it might take a little longer. But most NBI record checks are finished within 10 working days.

How to Request for Correction or Update of Your NBI Record

If you already cleared your name but your record still shows a “hit” when you renew your NBI Clearance follow these steps:

1. Go to the NBI main office or send an email to nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph.

2. Attach copies of your old NBI Clearance and the court order that cleared your name.

3. Ask the NBI to update your record or remove the old data from their system.

The NBI will check your request and update their database once everything is verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I clear my NBI record without going to the main office?

Yes You can go to any NBI regional office but the process is usually faster at the NBI Main Office in Manila.

Q2: Is there a fee for clearing an NBI record?

No there is no extra fee. You only need to pay the regular NBI Clearance fee (₱130 plus service charge).

Q3: What if my case was already dismissed?

Bring a Certificate of Finality or Court Clearance that proves your case was dismissed. The NBI will then mark your record as cleared.

Q4: How can I know if my record is already cleared?

Check your NBI Clearance result. If it says “No Record on File,” that means your name is already cleared.

Q5: Can an old or dismissed case still appear?

Yes Sometimes old data stays in the system. That’s why you need to request manual verification or correction to fix it.

Conclusion

Clearing your NBI record helps make sure your name is free from false matches or old cases. Always go through official NBI offices and provide complete documents to make the process smooth. Once you finish the verification and your record is updated you can proudly use your NBI Clearance for jobs, travel or legal needs knowing that your name is officially clean.