National Police Clearance

Applying for a police clearance in the Philippines is an important step for many activities, such as job applications, travel requirements, local employment, business permits, and legal documents.

Get Police Clearance

The process has become easier over the years, especially with the rollout of the PNP National Police Clearance System (NPCS). However, many Filipinos still get confused about the exact steps, requirements, locations, and fees.

What Is a Police Clearance?

A police clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that certifies you have no criminal record or no pending case based on the PNP database nationwide. It is commonly required for employment, business applications, school requirements, or local transactions.

The PNP has two types of clearances:

Local Police Clearance – Issued by your city or municipal police station. It only checks records within the local area.
National Police Clearance (NPC) – Issued through the National Police Clearance System. It checks records from all PNP stations nationwide.

If you need a document for job applications, government transactions, or official use, National Police Clearance is preferred because it is more complete and widely accepted.

Who Needs a Police Clearance?

Many institutions require a police clearance for verification and identity checking. Here are the common reasons:

Local and overseas job applications
Business permit applications
Government job requirements
Marriage license applications
School and scholarship requirements
Visa requirements
Firearm license applications
Barangay clearance requirements
Legal and court documents

If you are unsure whether you need a police clearance, ask the organization directly. Most employers now prefer a National Police Clearance for accuracy and reliability.

Requirements for Police Clearance in the Philippines

Before applying, prepare the following:

Valid Primary ID (at least 1). Here are the accepted IDs:

UMID
DFA-issued passport
PhilSys ID / National ID
PRC ID
Driver’s License
Voter’s ID
Senior Citizen ID
OFW ID
Postal ID
School ID (for students only)

If you don’t have a primary ID, you can bring two secondary IDs, such as:

Birth certificate
Barangay clearance
Company ID
Police clearance from previous year
PhilHealth ID
TIN ID

Make sure your ID is not expired, clear, and readable. The police station will not accept damaged or invalid IDs.

Clearance Fee

As of 2025, the standard fee is:

₱150 to ₱200, depending on the station.

You can pay through:

GCash
PayMaya
Landbank
BancNet
Counter payment at the station (selected locations only)

How to Apply for Police Clearance Online (Step-by-Step)

Below is the full updated procedure for 2025.

Step 1: Create an Account on NPCS

Go to the PNP National Police Clearance System website at https://pnpclearance.ph.

Click Register.
Select Register as New Account.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Fill out your personal information:
- Full name
- Complete address
- Birthday
- Gender
- Mobile number
- Email
Upload a recent ID photo.
Verify your email.

Use accurate details because these will appear in your clearance.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Enter your email and password to log in. Once inside, update your Profile Information if needed.

Step 3: Set an Appointment Schedule

On your dashboard:

Click Clearance Application.
Select your preferred police station.
Choose your appointment date and time slot.
Confirm the schedule.

Make sure the police station is near your home to avoid travel delays.

Step 4: Pay the Clearance Fee

You will be redirected to the payment options page. Choose your preferred method:

GCash
Debit card
Credit card
Online banking

After payment, save the receipt or payment reference number.

Step 5: Go to the Police Station on Your Appointment Day

Bring your:

Valid ID
Appointment reference number
Payment receipt (if needed)

Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early.

Step 6: Biometrics and Photo Capture

At the police station:

Present your documents.
Wait for your turn.
The officer will take your:
Fingerprints
Photo
Digital signature

This will take around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 7: Records Verification

Your information will be checked in the national PNP database. There are two possible results:

1. No Hit

This means you have no pending criminal case.
Your clearance will be released within 10–15 minutes.

2. With Hit

This means the system found a record that needs further checking.
Reasons for a hit:

Same name as someone with a case
Past complaint (even if resolved)
Previous blotter report

The verification process usually takes 5–7 working days. Once cleared, you can return to get your police clearance.

Step 8: Release of Clearance

Once approved, the police station will print your clearance. It includes:

Your full name
Photo
QR code
Clearance number
Purpose of clearance
Date of issue

Check all details for accuracy.

Police Clearance vs. NBI Clearance: What’s the Difference?

Both documents are often requested, but they are not the same.

Police Clearance:

Database only from the PNP
Faster to get
Usually for local requirements
Valid for 6 months
Uses NPCS for national verification

NBI Clearance:

Database from all courts, agencies, and law enforcement
More thorough checking
Preferred for travel and foreign applications
Valid for 1 year

Many people apply for both depending on the requirement. For employment, some companies ask for NBI Clearance, while others accept Police Clearance.

Validity of Police Clearance in the Philippines

A National Police Clearance is valid for 6 months.

You can apply again anytime if needed. If your employer asks for a more recent document, simply renew your clearance following the same process.

For more information, see the official source at Police clearance online Appointment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Police Clearance

Here is the typical time frame:

Online registration: 10 minutes
Biometrics at station: 10–30 minutes
Release (no hit): Within the same day
Release (with hit): 5–7 working days

The total time depends on how busy the station is.

Cost of National Police Clearance in the Philippines (2025)

Here is the updated cost range:

Item	Fee
National Police Clearance	₱150–₱200
Printing & processing	Free
Online convenience fee	₱10–₱20 (varies)

The final amount may vary depending on your payment method.

Where to Get Police Clearance in the Philippines?

You can get a police clearance at:

City police stations
Municipal police stations
PNP Women and Children Protection Desks
PNP Regional Offices
Mall-based PNP clearance centers (selected malls)

Stations with heavy traffic include:

Quezon City Police District
Manila Police District
Cebu City Police Office
Davao City Police Office

If possible, choose a less busy station to save time.

Tips to Avoid Delays and Rejections

Here are helpful reminders:

1. Bring the correct ID

Rejected IDs cause the biggest delays. Make sure your ID is not expired.

2. Wear proper attire

Some stations do not allow sleeveless shirts or short shorts.

3. Double-check your online schedule

A wrong date or location means you must book again.

4. Pay online to avoid long lines

This saves you a lot of time at the station.

5. Come early

Some stations limit the number of applicants per day.

6. Make sure your photo is clear

Your clearance will show your uploaded picture.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

1. You forgot your login password

Use the Forgot Password option on the NPCS website.

2. You got a “hit”

Wait for the PNP to finish verifying your records. This is automatic.

3. You need the clearance urgently

Go to a station that offers same-day verification (selected cities).

4. The system shows an error

Try again later or switch to a different device or browser.

5. The police station is fully booked

Select another nearby station with available time slots.

Is Walk-in Allowed for Police Clearance?

Most stations no longer accept walk-ins for National Police Clearance because everything is processed online. Only a few small-town stations allow walk-ins for local police clearance.

To avoid problems, always book an appointment online.

Can You Apply for Police Clearance Without an ID?

No.
You must present a valid ID. If you don’t have one, prepare these alternatives:

Barangay certificate
Birth certificate
School ID (if student)
PhilSys transaction slip (for National ID applicants)

Some stations allow combination of secondary IDs, but bring at least two.

Police Clearance for OFWs

Many OFWs need police clearance for:

Visa applications
Employment abroad
POEA requirements

For OFW purposes, it is recommended to get both NBI Clearance and National Police Clearance.

Police Clearance Renewal Process

Renewing your police clearance is faster. You only need to:

Log in to your NPCS account.
Apply again.
Schedule a new appointment.
Go to the station for biometrics.

Your old data is already saved in the system.

How to Verify a Police Clearance

Every Police Clearance issued has a QR code.
To verify:

Scan the QR code using a mobile phone.
It will show the applicant's official record.
This confirms the clearance is authentic.

Employers can use this to check the document.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for police clearance in any city?

Yes. You can apply at any PNP station nationwide as long as it is listed in the NPCS appointment system.

2. Can foreigners apply for police clearance?

Yes. Foreign residents in the Philippines can apply as long as they present valid IDs such as a passport or ACR card.

3. Is National Police Clearance accepted for government jobs?

Yes. Most agencies accept it. However, some may still require NBI Clearance.

4. Can I still apply without registering online?

No. Online registration in the NPCS system is required for National Police Clearance.

5. How long is police clearance valid?

It is valid for 6 months.

Conclusion

Applying for a police clearance in the Philippines is now easier thanks to the online National Police Clearance System. By preparing the correct IDs, scheduling your appointment ahead of time, and knowing the complete process, you can get your clearance quickly and without any issues. Whether you need it for employment, business, travel, or legal purposes, this guide provides all the essential information to help you apply smoothly.

If you follow the steps carefully, you can finish the process in less than an hour, especially if you arrive early and choose a less crowded police station.