Last reviewed: October 2, 2026 by the NBI Clearance Online Editorial Team
An NBI clearance is valid for one year from its date of issue. After that it expires and you need a new one. Many employers, schools and embassies are stricter, though, and only accept a clearance issued within the last six months, so always check what the receiving office requires.
Use the checker below to see exactly when your clearance expires and whether it’s still under six months old.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. NBI Clearance Online is an independent guide, not the NBI or a government agency. To confirm that a clearance is genuine, use the NBI’s online verification page, as explained in our NBI clearance verification guide.
Find your NBI clearance route in 30 seconds
Answer a few questions to get your steps, document checklist, cost and processing time.
Is my NBI clearance still valid?
Enter the date of issue printed on your clearance. An NBI clearance is valid for one year.
Independent guide tool. Fees and rules last checked October 2026; always confirm on the official NBI Clearance website (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) before you pay.
NBI clearance validity at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | One year from the date of issue |
| Where to see the date | The date of issue printed on your clearance |
| Common stricter rule | Some employers, schools and embassies want a clearance issued within the last 6 months |
| After it expires | Get a new clearance; offices don’t accept expired ones |
| Free jobseeker clearance | Same one-year validity as a paid clearance |
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
An NBI clearance is valid for 12 months from the date printed on it. For example, a clearance issued on March 15, 2026 can be used until about March 15, 2027.
Validity is the same no matter how you got it: a first-time application, a free first-time jobseeker clearance, online delivery or the eGovPH app.
Why some offices want one under 6 months old
The one-year validity is the NBI’s rule. Employers and government offices can set their own, stricter rule, because they want the most recent record check possible. You’ll often see the six-month requirement for:
- overseas employment and visa or immigration applications;
- some government jobs and licensing exams;
- schools and training programs.
Always read the requirements list. If it says “issued within the last six months”, an older clearance will be rejected even if it hasn’t expired.
When to get a new clearance
Plan ahead so you’re never without a valid clearance when you need one:
- Note your date of issue as soon as you receive your clearance.
- Set a reminder for month 10 or 11.
- Choose the fastest route you qualify for. The eGovPH app or online delivery can save a branch visit. See our NBI clearance renewal guide.
- Allow extra time for delivery to the Visayas or Mindanao, or if you usually get a HIT.
Checking the dates on your clearance
Look for the date of issue on your clearance and count one year forward, or use the validity checker above. If you’re an employer checking someone else’s clearance, also confirm it’s genuine on the NBI’s verification page using the NBI ID number.
Common validity mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using an expired clearance | Get a new one first; an expired clearance won’t be accepted. |
| Ignoring the 6-month rule | Check the receiving office’s requirements, not just the expiry date. |
| Waiting until the last week | Start at month 10 or 11, especially if you need delivery. |
| Assuming eGovPH copies last longer | Digital copies follow the same one-year validity. |
FAQs about NBI clearance validity
How many months is an NBI clearance valid?
Twelve months, or one year, from the date of issue.
Can I use an NBI clearance after it expires?
No. Offices won’t accept an expired clearance. Get a new one before you apply.
Is the free jobseeker clearance valid for a year too?
Yes. A clearance issued free under RA 11261 has the same one-year validity. Learn more about the free NBI clearance for first-time job seekers.
Why does my employer want a clearance under 6 months old?
It’s their own policy, to make sure the record check is recent. The NBI’s validity is still one year.
Can I get a new clearance before my old one expires?
Yes. You don’t have to wait, and the new one is valid for one year from its own date of issue.
Does the validity change if I had a HIT?
No. Once released, a clearance that went through a HIT check is valid for one year like any other.
Spotted something that changed?
If an office or the NBI told you something different about validity, please let us know so we can check and update this guide. See how we verify our guides in our editorial policy.