Detailed Comparison of Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance
In the Philippines, the person’s verification is essential for any legal process. Like, if the Filipinos have to apply for a job, go abroad, or do any transaction, they have to verify themselves. So, for this verification, the Government of the Philippines has designed a clearance system.
This system verifies the person’s identity, previous records, and then issues a certificate. There are two types of clearance, one is the Police Clearance and another is the NBI Clearance Online.
However, Filipinos often get confused about which clearance certificate to provide for local jobs and for international travel. So, for this it is extremely important to understand the difference between Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance.
In this article, you will find a detailed comparison of Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance and steps to apply for them. So continue reading this guide!
What is the Police Clearance and NBI Clearance?
However, both NBI and Police certificates are essential to prove that the person has no criminal records. Their clear differences, scope, and issuance are mentioned below:
NBI Clearance
NBI stands for “National Bureau of Investigation”. It is a special department in the Philippines that verifies a person’s personal and criminal records and issues an NBI Clearance certificate.
This certificate shows a person’s record in the National and international level. Filipinos can use it for foreign visits and more. And if there is any issue in the person’s records, this certificate has a hit on it.
Police Clearance
The Police Clearance certificate is issued by the local police station. The local police check the person’s record in a specific area and then issue this certificate.
Filipinos can’t use it for international purposes. It is because it is only useful within specific areas and outdoors. For example: Barangy employee and local businesses application.
Requirements to Apply for NBI and Police
Here is a list of all documents which are required for the NBI and Police certificates.
| Clearance Type | Documents Required |
| NBI Clearance | – Valid government-issued ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, UMID, PhilHealth ID, SSS ID, Postal ID, PRC ID)- Online application reference number- Old NBI Clearance (for renewal, if available) |
| Police Clearance | – Two (2) valid government-issued IDs- Police Clearance application form (available at the police station or online)- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)- Payment receipt for clearance fee |
How to Apply for NBI Clearance?
The application process to apply for the NBI Clearance certificate is mentioned below. You must follow these steps:
How to Apply for Police Clearance?
Steps to apply for the Police Clearance certificate are mentioned below. You must follow these steps:
When NBI Clearance Certificates are Required?
Here is a list where you can use your NBI certificate:
When Police Certificates are Required
You need to have the Police certificate for following reasons:
Fees Comparison of Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance
The fees to get both certificates are different. These fees vary according to condition and requirements. A detail of basic fees, additional charges, and more is mentioned below:
Comparison Table of Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance
A table comparing all details and differences of both clearance certificate is mentioned below:
| Criteria | NBI Clearance | Police Clearance |
| Issuing Authority | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) | Local Police Station under the Philippine National Police (PNP) |
| Coverage | Nationwide. checks records across the Philippines | Local. checks records within the city or municipality where it’s issued |
| Purpose | Employment (local & abroad), travel abroad, visa application, legal requirements | Local employment, personal records, minor transactions |
| Validity | Usually valid for 6 months to 1 year | Usually valid for 6 months |
| Application Method | Online application & appointment, followed by biometric verification at NBI office | Walk-in at local police station or via online Police Clearance System |
| Processing Time | 1–3 working days (longer if there is a “hit” on the record) | Same day (in most cases) |
| Cost | Around ₱130–₱170 (depending on location) | Around ₱150–₱200 (depending on location) |
| Requirements | 1 valid government-issued ID, online reference number, old clearance for renewal | 2 valid IDs, Community Tax Certificate (Cedula), application form |
| Scope of Criminal Check | Comprehensive check from all courts and law enforcement agencies nationwide | Limited to records in the local police database |
| Ideal For | Applying for jobs abroad, immigration, passport application, high-level legal documents | Local job applications, barangay clearance requirements, quick proof of good conduct locally |
Conclusion
For all Filipinos, it is essential to have both clearance certificates. It is because NBI and Police certificates work as proof that this person has no criminal record or ongoing cases.
Most people think that they can use these certificates anywhere. But it is not true, each certificate has special requirements and scope. So you must understand and learn the clear difference between Police clearance vs NBI clearance.
