Police Clearance Online in the Philippines

In the Philippines, every person needs to secure a police clearance in one way or another. Some of us need it for a new job, visa, or even handling bank transactions. The police clearance certificate (PCC) which is given after police clearance proves you’ve got a clean record, so you can get more opportunities. 

How to get police clearance?

 You can apply online! The Philippine National Police (PNP) made it so much easier with the National Police Clearance Online System (NPCS). Go to their main website, create an account, and book an appointment for your Clearance Application. On the appointment day, go to the police station with your ID and payment proof to receive it! 


That being said, we’ll guide you through these steps to apply for a National police clearance in the Philippines online. We’ve included info on the documents you need for the process and different types of police clearance. Let’s start! 

All About National Police Clearance

A National Police Clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP). It confirms that you don’t have a criminal record or any pending criminal cases in the Philippines. People need it as proof that their background is clean. 

In the past, getting a police clearance meant visiting local police stations and getting a date for an appointment. But now, you can just apply online to get an appointment. Then, you can go to the nearest police station to pick up your national police clearance certificate. 

But why is it even needed? Police Clearance is important for the following reasons: 

  • Keeps Everyone Safe: Employers and organizations use it to make sure you have a clean background to keep everyone safe.
  • Building trust: This means you are truthful, and you regard the law. This is very useful when applying for jobs or other legal matters.
  • Required by Many Transactions: You may be obligated to submit a police clearance in connection with your application for employment, national ID, credit card, or passport.
  • One Place for All Records: The NPCS brings together criminal records from across the Philippines, so your background check is accurate and complete. This helps keep things legally secure for you and the organizations.

Note!

A police clearance can’t be used for everything. For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) does not allow it to be used for registering to vote with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Requirements and Documents for National Police Clearance

To get a National Police Clearance, you would need to meet certain requirements and bring in some documents. Here’s all you need to know:

Who Can Apply for a Police Clearance?

Here’s who is qualified for a Police Clearance in the Philippines

  • Filipino Citizens: A clearance may be required for adult Filipinos, 18 years old and above.
  • Foreign Nationals: Foreigners living in the Philippines can also apply for specific reasons like work or residency permits.
  • Applicants for Specific Transactions: Anyone applying for certain permits, business licenses, or even visas can apply. 
  • Students: Students can also apply as long as schools require Police Clearance for their enrollment.

Note!

Each city or town has its own rules, so it is always better to check with your local police stations and districts.

What Documents Do You Need?

Before starting the online application, have these 4 things ready:

Two Valid IDs: Here’s a list of acceptable IDs:

  • AFP ID
  • BFP ID
  • GSIS UMID
  • LTO Driver’s Licence
  • PRC ID/Licence
  • School ID with registration form
  • IBP ID
  • PCG ID
  • BJMP ID
  • Marina ID
  • Pag-IBIG ID
  • OFW ID
  • Alien Certificate of Registration
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • SSS ID/UMID
  • TIN ID
  • PWD ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • PhilHealth ID
  • PNP ID
  • Senior citizen ID
  • National ID

Active Email Address: You’ll need this for registering and getting updates.

Payment Method: Since you’ll be paying online, you’ll need access to a payment service like GCash, 7-Eleven, or Landbank.

Internet Access: You’ll need a good internet connection since the process is done online.

What to Bring to the Police Station

The above documents are just for online application. After applying online, go to the police station on your appointment date. Make sure you bring these 3 documents:

  • Two Valid IDs (from the list above)
  • Reference Number (You’ll receive this reference number once your application is submitted online)
  • Official Receipt (After paying, you’ll get a receipt. Bring this with you).

Note!

Filipinos who are applying for local police clearance need to bring two more documents with the above ones. Check the types of Police clearance section given below to see how to apply. In this, here’s the additional two docs you’ll need:

  • Barangay Clearance (This is a document issued by your Barangay Captain, showing that you have good moral character and live in that barangay (district). You can get this by paying the barangay clearance fee and visiting your Barangay Hall)
  • Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) (You will need to provide the original certificate for local police clearance)

7-Step Process for Applying Online for National Police Clearance

Follow these easy steps to apply for a police clearance online:

1. Visit the PNP Website

National Police Clearance System homepage featuring PNP logos

2. Register for an Account

  • Click the link to confirm your registration, you will be taken back to the police clearance login website.
  • Click the “Register” button and type in your basic information, such as your name, birth date, email address, and password.
  • You’ll get a confirmation email as you click done. 
  • Once you are done, head to your email to find the confirmation link ((don’t forget to check your spam folder if you can’t find it)
National Police Clearance System registration

3. Log In to Your Account

  • After verifying your email, log in using your registered email and password.
  • You’ll see your dashboard, where you can start the application. 
  • Make sure to complete your profile information, such as your address and other personal details. 
  • Double-check everything for accuracy, and then save your profile.
Login page for National Police Clearance System

4. Set an Appointment

  • Once your profile is complete, click on the Clearance Application option. 
  • Here, you’ll select the police station where you want to get your clearance.
  • Choose a station close to your location for convenience. 
  • After that, pick a date and time from the available slots that suit your schedule.

5. Pay the Fee

Police Clearance payment page with 'Pay Now' button
  • After scheduling your appointment, you will be directed to the payment section. The basic fee for the National Police Clearance is ₱150. But there’s an additional convenience fee of ₱30, bringing the total to ₱180 if you’re using a platform like Landbank or GCash. 
  • Choose your payment method.
  • You can make your payment via GCash, 7-Eleven (via the CLiQQ mobile app), and  Landbank. (If you’re paying through Landbank, click the “Pay to Landbank” button. This will take you to the Landbank ePayment Portal)
  • After paying, a reference number will be generated. Make sure to save this number as you will need it later.
  • Complete the payment at least two banking days before your appointment to avoid cancellation.
  • Remember to save the receipt or confirmation email for proof of payment.

6. Go to the Police Station for Biometrics 

  • On the day of your appointment, bring the above-mentioned documents. 
  • At the police station, they will take your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
  • Afterward, the police will check if you have any pending cases.

7. Receive Your Clearance

The police will check if you have any pending cases or criminal records, also known as a “hit.” The police Verification Process will give results as: 

  • For No “Hit” Applications: If your record is clear, you can receive your Police Clearance right after your biometrics are taken.
  • For Applications with a “Hit”: This means you have a possible match with a criminal record. The clearance certificate will take more time as you need to go through another detailed verification process. 

That’s all! Follow the above steps to get a police clearance certificate (PCC)!

Processing Time for National Police Clearance

Here’s how long it takes to get your Police Clearance in the Philippines:

  • Regular Processing: In this, your Police Clearance will be ready within 10-15 working days after you submit your application. This is the standard time frame, so be prepared to wait a bit before you can claim your clearance.
  • Express Processing: If you’re in a hurry, some stations offer express service. You can get it in about 24 hours. Check with your local station first, as not all offer this.

Additional Information on Phillipines’s Police Clearance Procedures 

If you want to learn more about the types of police clearances, how to apply for local police clearance, and the differences between police clearance procedures, read on! Let’s begin with the types of police clearances:

Types of Police Clearance in the Philippines

There are two main types of police clearance in the Philippines, namely National Police Clearance (NPC) and Local Police Clearance (LPC). Here’s what each type means:

National Police Clearance: The National Police Clearance covers almost the same range as that of an NBI Clearance. Meaning it checks if you have a criminal record across the entire country. We have given how to apply for national police clearance online above.

LPC or Local Police Clearance: Compared to NPC, this type is limited. It can only verify criminal records in the municipality or city that you are a resident of. This is often required upon application to jobs within your living area.

How to Get a Local Police Clearance

Here’s how you can apply for a Local Police Clearance:

  • Head down to your area’s police station, which is usually situated very near the municipal or city hall.
  • Go to the help desk and tell them you need a police clearance. They will give you a form to fill out.
  • Complete the form and attach any required documents before submitting it back to the officer. (Check above to see which documents you need to attach)
  • Go to the local treasurer’s office to pay the clearance fee.
  • Bring the payment receipt back to the police station and show it as proof.
  • They will take your fingerprints to check if you have criminal records and file cases against you. 
  • After clearing everything, you get to have your police clearance just in a few minutes depending on time and how busy the station is.

Local Police Clearance vs. National Police Clearance

Features LPCNPC 
ScopeOnly valid in the city it’s issued inValid anywhere in the Philippines
Why Do You Need It?For a specific reason (like work in your area)Can be used for any purpose
Documents needed More documents neededOnly requires two valid IDs
Processing SpeedSlow Fast 
How to Get ItMust go to your local police stationCan be applied online or in person

Difference Between National Police Clearance and NBI Clearance

National Police Clearance (NPC) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may seem similar but they are not. Both serve different purposes and are issued by different authorities.

A Police Clearance is provided by the local police department and shows if you have any local criminal records. On the other hand, an NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). It provides a broader check, covering nationwide criminal records. This type of clearance is often required for more sensitive jobs, government transactions, and legal processes. Here’s a table to understand their differences:

Features NPCNBI
Issued By Local police stationNational Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office 
Scope Local criminal recordsNationwide criminal records
Validity Usually 6 monthsUsually valid for 1 year, unless stated otherwise
How to Apply Apply online or at the local police stationApply online or at the NBI office

Final Words

Summit it up, getting your police clearance online in the Philippines is easy. Just follow the simple steps we’ve shared, and you’ll have your clearance in no time. Our tip is to arrive early at the police station, make sure your IDs are valid, and dress neatly, as some police stations require appropriate attire. And don’t forget to keep your payment receipt until you receive your clearance. 

Lastly, remember that your police clearance should be less than six months old when you submit it (to any type of organization) and it must be in English or translated officially. 

FAQs

No, you need at least one valid government-issued ID to get a police clearance in the Philippines. If you don’t have an ID, you can use a Barangay Residency Certification for a local clearance, but not for a national one.
Yes, you can walk in to apply for a local police clearance if you’re in a local area. You don’t need to sign up online first.
Police clearances are valid for six months. Once it expires, it’s no longer valid, and you’ll need to apply for a new one.