National Police Clearance | Police Clearance Online Registration in Philippines 2025
A Police Clearance Certificate is a necessary document for Philippine residents and foreigners coming to work or on a study visa, which is issued by the Philippine National Police. It is required for bank transactions, renting a house, government programs, and getting a job. Without it, you may face many difficulties. Remember, this is required for both Filipino residents and foreigners.
In this blog, we will explain in detail how to apply online for a Police Clearance Certificate. Complete guidance on everything from submitting an application through the PNP online system to processing time, fees, online appointment, and online fee payment. By following the given instructions, you can avoid the common issues during the online application process and easily apply for an NPC from home.
What is National Police Clearance?
A Police Clearance Certificate is a document issued by the Philippine National Police that certifies your criminal record. It shows that you have not committed any crimes in the past. This certificate is also commonly known as a character certificate. This certificate is usually required to start a new business, to get a driving license, obtain a government or private job, process a Visa, government loans, and for students.
The Philippine Police provides an online system to speed up and simplify the application process for obtaining a National Police Clearance Certificate. Your application will be processed in a very short time. However, you will have to visit the police station once for biometric and other verifications.
Police Clearance Online
In the past, people faced many challenges in obtaining a police clearance certificate. Applying for NPC was only possible through a walk-in process. Considering these challenges, the Philippine National Police introduced the National Police Clearance (NPC) online system.
Through this system, the application process has become faster and easier. After completing the registration, you only need to visit the police station to verify your photo and biometrics. Choosing the online option also saves you a lot of time and effort. The entire process takes just 15 to 20 minutes.
National Police Clearance Online Registration 2025
How to submit an online application for a National Police Clearance Certificate: Let Me Explain to You.
Visit the NPCS official website
Visit the official website to submit an online application. https://pnpclearance.ph/
Register for an Account
If you are applying for the first time, click on the Register button and create your account by providing the required personal information, email, and password.
Confirm email address
and confirm the verification email to activate the account.
Complete your Profile
Once the account is active, log in and complete any missing information to avoid any processing errors.
Choose type of Clearance
The Philippine National Police provides two types of clearance certificates: National Police Clearance Certificate and Local Police Clearance Certificate. The NPCC is for the entire country, while the LPCC is for a specific area only. Select Your Clearance Certificate
Schedule an Appointment
Click on Application of Clearance and select your nearest police station where you want to get the police clearance certificate, and book your police clearance appointment online on an available date.
Pay the Processing Fee
To pay the processing fee, click on the payment option and pay the fee. After paying the fee, a reference code is generated. Save it for further processing.
Proceed to Police Station
Go to the police station on your chosen day for biometric verification and a photo. Bring two copies of your government ID and payment receipt with you.
National Police Clearance Login
To log in to the Police Clearance Portal, enter the email address and password you used during registration.
National Police Clearance Application
When you sign in, your profile details will be displayed on the screen.
Diffrent Types of Police Clearance
There are five types of police clearances issued by the Philippine National Police:
National Police Clearance (NPC)
The National Police Clearance is a document issued by the Philippine National Police that verifies an individual’s criminal record nationwide. It is used for several important purposes, such as official identification requests, legal proceedings, and government-issued ID applications.
Local Police Clearance (LPC)
A local police clearance is issued by the local police station for a specific area. It confirms the criminal record of the person in that area. It is easier and faster to obtain than an NPC. It is also used for a few purposes, such as opening a bank account or getting a job.
Barangay Clearance
The Barangay Clearance applies to people living in small areas or villages and is issued by the local small government unit. This certificate confirms that a person has good character in the community and has not committed any crime, and is valid only for that rural area.
Police Clearance Certificate for Overseas employment (PCC-OE)
This certificate is for Filipinos who want to go to another country for a residence, business, or study visa. This certificate confirms that the person does not have any criminal record in the Philippines. This certificate is also used internationally and is accepted by many countries.
National Bureau of Investigation Clearance (NBI)
The NBI is a government investigative agency in the Philippines. It issues clearance certificates through its central online web portal and also conducts investigations into individuals’ criminal records and government affairs. It also verifies the background of an individual through its clearance certificate.
Police Clearance Online Payment
After successfully applying, click on the Pay via Land Bank option to submit the fee. For National Police Clearance, the PNP Clearance Portal also provides the facility to pay the fee online through Land Bank e-payment, where you can pay the fee from different options. After paying the fee, a code will be generated. Save this code; it is your reference code, and also print your payment receipt, which is required for verification and appointment.
- Landbank account
- GCash
- BancNet online banking (partner banks)
- Cash payment via 7-Eleven (requires CLiQQ mobile app)
Note: You can also pay the fee in cash. If you fail to pay the fee before your appointment, your appointment may be cancelled, and in case of cancellation, you will have to book the appointment again.
Photo and Fingerprint Capture For Police Clearance
As per the requirements of the Philippine National Police, visit the police station on the day of your scheduled appointment for photo capturing, signature verification, and fingerprints and bring the following documents with you:
- Email you used for registration
- Two Valid IDs from National ID Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, and Other equivalent IDs
- Fee Payment Receipt
- Your Reference Number
Note: Get your original documents back after the entire process is complete.
Release of Police Clearance
The online release time of the Philippine Police Clearance Certificate depends on your status on the criminal database.
With no “hit” (clean criminal record):
If your name appears on the Philippine Police Clearance Criminal Database without a hit, it means you have no criminal record, and a clearance certificate is issued immediately.
With a “hit” (possible criminal record):
If you have committed any criminal act in the past or your name is found to be similar to a criminal in the PNP database, then it is called a “With hit”. Police officers may summon you to verify, and for this, you may have to go to the police station repeatedly. They will ask you for the required documents for police clearance.
After taking the documents, the verification will take place, and if the verification shows that you are not a criminal or that you have not committed any criminal act in the past, then you can receive your PNP Clearance Certificate from the police station.
Requirements for Getting Police Clearance
To obtain a police clearance and a National Police Clearance Certificate, you will need the following documents:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
FOR FILIPINOS:
- Must be 18+ years old
- No pending arrest warrants
- Not a fugitive
FOR FOREIGNERS:
- Must have Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Valid work/study visa
REQUIRED REQUIREMENTS
A. FOR ONLINE APPLICATION:
- Two (2) valid government-issued IDs from:
- Passport
- UMID
- Driver’s License
- PRC ID, etc
- Active email address
- Payment method (GCash/7- Eleven/Landbank)
B. FOR POLICE STATION VISIT:
- Printed reference number
- Payment receipt
- Original IDs used in application
Required Documents for Police Clearance
- Valid ID: Provide at least two original IDs that include your full name, photograph, and signature.
- Official Payment Receipt
- A Valid Mobile Number
- A Valid Email Address
Required Documents for National Police Clearance
Valid IDs: Submit any two original and valid identification documents from the list below.
- Official Government Document: National ID, Passport, Postal ID, Driver’s License, Voter’s ID, PhilHealth ID, IBP ID, TIN ID, BFP ID, Barangay Residency Certificate, PAG-IBIG ID, GSIS UMID, Birth Certificate.
- Firm or Institution: GSIS UMID, SSS ID/UMID, Pag-IBIG ID, PRC License
- Special Document: Alien Certificate of Registration, School ID with registration form, PWD ID, Senior Citizen’s ID
You can also go through this a guide on the documents you need and how do you apply online for the RTC clearance in Philippines.
Who is Eligible for Police Clearance?
No special eligibility is required to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. It is needed for specific purposes, and it is a necessary document for both Philippine residents and foreigners.
Filipino citizens
Police clearance is required for residents of the Philippines who want to obtain a permit for a new business, apply for a new job, driver’s license, government programs, or visas.
Foreign Residents
Police clearance is required for foreign residents in the Philippines for work permits, visa renewals, residency, and other purposes.
Students
A student requires a PNPC to enroll in a specific program, for scholarships, fellowships or exchange programs, and hostel accommodation.
Note: A police clearance certificate can also be issued to a student as per the university’s requirements.
Key features of National Police Clearance
Here are some key features of National Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines
Countrywide Verification
Not only the specific area where you have applied, but also law enforcement agencies across the country can check your criminal history.
Criminal Record Check
It shows your past criminal cases, charges, or convictions, which can help you take necessary action.
Official Document
This is a special document issued by the Philippine National Police that is used as an official document for various purposes.
Validity Period
Clearance is usually valid for three months to a year and then has to be renewed.
Purpose
Police clearance is usually required to apply for a job, obtain a gun license, or where verification of your criminal record is necessary.
Accessibility
You can apply for NPC from home through the PNP online system or by visiting your nearest police station.
Processing Time
The processing time depends on the application you have made, whether you have applied online or by going directly to the police station, and in some cases, there may be a delay due to existing applications. Generally, the processing time is from 30 minutes to an hour.
Note: If the number of requests is high, processing may take several days.
Cost
The basic fee for NPC is 150 ₱, but additional charges may apply for payment through different methods. There is also a special discount for first-time employees.
National Police Clearance Fees
The basic fee for a Philippine Police Clearance Certificate is 150₱, however, you may have to pay more due to taxes in different payment methods.
Processing Time of National Police Clearance
There are two different ways to apply for police clearance: online and walk-in. The processing time depends on the method of application.
National Police Clearance Renewal
How to Apply for National Police Clearance Online?
Follow the steps below to apply online for police clearance.
- Visit the PNP official website.
- Create your account. If you already have an account, log in.
- Choose your certificate
- Book an appointment by selecting the day and police station for biometric verification.
- Save or print the confirmation of your appointment
Pay the fee by clicking on the payment session. - Save your reference number and print or download the payment receipt.
How to Apply for Local Police Clearance?
To apply for local police clearance, you have to visit the police station and submit your application.
Follow the steps below to apply for local police clearance.
- Visit local police station: Find the police station that has jurisdiction over your residential area.
- Necessary Documents: Bring the necessary documents with you for the LPC application.
- Application form (usually provided by the station)
- Valid ID (CNIC, Passport)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, barangay certification)
- Biometric Capture Fee
- Follow the official steps at the police station to submit your application.
- Obtain your LPC
LPC vs. NPC
Both LPC and NPC are types of police clearances that have different functions. LPC is for a specific area only, while NPC is for the entire country.
| Feature | LPC | NPC |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Details | It only verifies your criminal and negative record in the specific area under the jurisdiction of the police station where it the issued. | This certificate verifies your criminal record based on the Philippine National Police database and is used nationwide. |
| Use | Commonly used for local purposes such as barangay clearance applications, opening a local bank account, or applying for a job in the same area. | Commonly used for government purposes such as applying for a job anywhere in the country, a passport, NBI clearance, and firearms registration. |
| Validity | Valid for six months from the date of issuance. | Valid for six months from the date of issuance. |
Difference between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance
Both the NBI and the Police Clearance are documents issued by the Philippines to verify a person’s criminal record. But their purposes are different.
NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation Clearance)
- NBA Clearance is used throughout the Philippines to check the criminal history of any person. It is required for immigration, major jobs, or government IDs.
- NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation.
- NBI Clearance is renewable.
- NBI Clearance is valid for six months to a year from the date of issue
- TBase fee 130₱, online Transaction fee 165₱, express processing 230₱, Same Day Processing Fee 330₱.
Police Clearance
- Police clearance verifies the criminal record of an individual within the jurisdiction of a particular police station. If you want to work in another city or state, you will need a police clearance from that city or state, but for some areas, NBI approval is required.
- Valid for six months from the date of issue
Contact Information
- The hotline for the Philippine national police is 911.
- Phone: (02) 8723-0401
- If you have questions about your MPC application, visit the MPCSP website and contact their support team.
Do’s and Dont’s for Police Clearance
Agreement and Privacy Policy
When you apply for a National Police Clearance, you must agree to the Philippine National Police Privacy Policy. Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA No. 10173), you may store all your personal information on the MPC. The PNP is responsible for the confidentiality and security of all your information. This information is used only for updating police clearance and investigations
Clearance Printout, Validity & Renewal
The National Police Clearance shows the criminal record of a person on the PNP database, and its validity is three months, and its fee is 150₱. You can also get it renewed when the certificate expires, for which you need these documents: 2×2 ID-size photographs and government ID cards. You will have to take a photo with your hand.
Your NPCS Account/Profile
To apply for NPC, you have to create a new account. Creating an account requires all your personal information, which is used throughout the application process, including your name, email, date of birth, and mobile number. While entering all the information, check its accuracy because once saved, you cannot change the information again. Entering incorrect information may also result in you having to pay a fine. Your application will also be canceled, and you will have to go through the entire process again
Loss of Payment and Transaction Cancellation
If you are unable to pay the fee before your appointment, your appointment will be cancelled. If you are unable to reach the police station on time, your application will also be cancelled, and you will have to repeat the entire process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Philippine National Police Clearance Certificate is a necessary document for Filipino residents and foreigners that verifies an individual’s criminal record. It is used for official and private purposes such as employment, government ID, and bank transactions.
The option to apply online to obtain this certificate has made the process easier and faster, but people still face some problems, including reaching the appointment on time and submitting all the required documents for police clearance. We have explained how to solve these common issues in this blog. By following the steps provided, you can get your clearance certificate easily and quickly.