Applying for an NBI Clearance Online has made the process faster and more convenient compared to the old manual system. But many applicants still face issues when they accidentally create a new account despite already having a previous NBI Clearance.

This simple mistake can result in an NBI Clearance HIT, which can delay your clearance for several days or even weeks. Below, we’ll explain what a HIT is, why it happens, and how you can avoid it.

When your NBI Clearance application is tagged with a HIT, it indicates that either you or your namesake (someone who shares the same name as you) is linked to records that might be under investigation, involved in a case, or associated with a possible criminal record in the NBI database.

This doesn’t automatically mean you’ve committed a crime. In fact, most HIT cases happen because of name similarities. For example, if your name is Juan Dela Cruz, and there happens to be another Juan Dela Cruz who has a pending case, the system may flag both records. The verification process is then triggered to make sure you are not the same person as the one in the record.

An NBI Clearance HIT happens when the system detects a possible match in your records. This may be caused by:

When this happens, the NBI will hold your clearance for manual verification, which may take 5–15 working days (or longer).

Please note that the NBI clearance doesn’t cover civil cases, such as annulments, ejectments, and fund claims, and therefore is not included in the database.

The NBI Criminal Database can be a collection of criminal offender records extracted from the following:

• Courts (MTC, MTCC, MCTC, and RTC).
• Prosecution Service (City and Provincial Prosecution Offices).
• Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan.
• Police and AFP records.
• Others.

Needless to say, no fugitive with pending criminal cases can escape the watchful eyes of the NBI.

In fact, the “NBI Clearance Hit” status remains instrumental in helping the NBI catch criminals who may have been hiding for years.

Of course, don’t assume all applications with “hit” status find themselves in jail.

To ensure that you do not have a “hit” or “duplicate account”, follow these instructions for NBI Clearance Renewal

The NBI system is designed to maintain one record per applicant. When you register again despite having an old clearance, the system may see it as a duplicate record.

Even small differences—like using a nickname, middle initial, or alternative spelling—can trigger a HIT.

👉 Example:

• Old Clearance: Juan Dela Cruz Santos
• New Account: Juan D. Santos

The system may treat these as two separate identities, which then requires verification.

Maria got her NBI Clearance in 2022. When she needed a new one in 2025, she forgot her login details and created a fresh account.

At her scheduled appointment, staff informed her that her application had a HIT. Instead of claiming it that day, she had to wait 10 more working days while her identity was verified.

This is a common problem for applicants who don’t realize they can still log in to their old account.

Applicants with an “NBI Clearance Hit Status“ status receive a five- to some ten-day waiting period when NBI researchers meticulously see if the “derogatory records” are part of you or a namesake.

Once proven, the “NBI Clearance Hit” is the consequence of a namesake who committed or is suspected of a crime. A criminal record can be returned to the NBI office as soon as the waiting period is over, and the clearance can be claimed with no additional fee.

In case the “derogatory records” have been proven actually to be related to you, the NBI will demand that you attend an “NBI Clearance Quality Control Interview.”

The purpose of the interview is always to permit the NBI Agents to experience a closer examination of your identity. Unless you’re a fugitive, you don’t have to be worried mainly for those who have been absolved of one’s past criminal case/s.

1. Always log in with your existing account.
   Use the email and password from your old NBI application.
2. Recover your account details.
   If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” option.
3. Choose the Renewal option.
   Renewal ensures that your data matches your old record.
4. Keep your personal details consistent.
   Always use your full name, same spelling, and same birthdate format.
5. Contact NBI Help Desk if necessary.
   If you lost access to your old email, ask for assistance instead of creating a duplicate account.

If your application is flagged with a HIT, here’s what you should do:

• Be patient. Wait for the NBI to finish their manual verification.
• Bring valid IDs. You may be asked to confirm your identity.
• Follow up as instructed. Return to the branch on the date given by NBI staff.

⚠️ Reminder: You cannot bypass a HIT once it appears. The only solution is to wait for clearance.

• ✅ If you already have an NBI Clearance → Click Sign In
• ❌ Only first-time applicants should click Register

Using “Register” when you already have an account is one of the fastest ways to get a HIT.

Related Article: NBI Clearance Online Registration 2025

Before you attend the job interview, don’t forget to bring the following requirements:

• You must have 2 valid IDs or documents that prove your identity.
• Original and photocopy with the Court Decision/Certification from your Court showing the criminal case has already been resolved.
• NBI Clearance Official Receipt and print-out of NBI Clearance online registration/application form.

After proving that this case is dismissed, your NBI clearance will be issued immediately for your requirements.

On the other hand, applicants with pending cases in Courts have also been issued a clearance; however, these cases will likely be reflected in their clearances upon release.

1. How long does an NBI HIT take to clear?

   It usually takes 5–15 working days, but in some cases, it can be longer.

2. Will I lose my payment if I have a HIT?

   No. Your payment remains valid, but you need to wait for verification.

3. Can I apply again while waiting for my HIT?

   No. You must wait for the HIT verification before reapplying.

4. What if my name is common?

   Applicants with common names are more likely to get a HIT. This is why it’s important to always bring valid IDs.

5. Can I use a new email for my NBI Renewal?

   It’s better to stick to the email linked to your old account. Using a new email may create another record, increasing the risk of a HIT.

Creating a new account when you already have a previous NBI Clearance may look like a shortcut, but it can cause delays due to a HIT. By logging in with your old account, choosing renewal, and keeping your information consistent, you’ll avoid this problem and get your clearance faster.

Remember: one applicant = one account. Follow this rule, and you’ll save time, money, and effort.