How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Philippines
Police clearance is a document that proves that you have no criminal history. Most of the work is done with the police clearance certificate, like job applications, visa processing, and legal matters. The requirements of some employers and government jobs are a police clearance certificate. This document helps you build trust with high authorities because this proves your clean background. Having all the documents can help you get the police clearance without any delay.
In this blog, we will discuss how long does it take to get a police clearance certificate, application process, and required documents to get the police clearance certificate.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A police clearance certificate is an official document that describes your moral character and clean criminal record. This document also shows that the person has no pending legal matters. It is necessary for many life purposes, such as applying for a visa, applying for a job, applying for legal matters, for permits, and applying for a license.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate?
A police clearance certificate is needed for many purposes. One of these is explained below:
- Employment: A police clearance certificate is needed for jobs that involve security issues. This document lets the industry or company know that the person has a clean criminal record and good character, which increases the moral values of the company.
- For travel purposes: Required to get a visa for any country. The countries with strict immigration rules also require this document as part of their application process.
- Legal requirements: This document is required in legal matters, like when you are applying for a license or when you are adopting a child.
Processing time and factors affecting the Processing time of PCC
The standard processing time to get the police clearance certificate from the local police station is about 3 to 7 business or working days. The processing time to get the police clearance certificate online via the web portal can take 1 to 3 business days. However, the police clearance certificate may be delayed due to the following factors:
- Volume of applications: One main reason for delaying the PCC is the large number of applications during the seasonal period.
- Incomplete documentation: The other main reason for delaying the PCC is the incomplete documentation or the incorrect information that you fill in the application form.
- Criminal record checks: Another factor for the delay of PCC is that the person has some records with the criminal law, so they need more proof to show their character, which causes a delay.
- Police station functionality: due to the less number of employees, the process may be slow to get the police clearance certificate.
- External factors: Some external factors like due to public holidays, unexpected situations, and natural disasters, can cause the process of obtaining the police clearance certificate.
Required Documents for Police Clearance Certificate
The documents required to apply for the police clearance certificate are as follows:
- Valid ID, Passport, or driving license
- Application form
- Passport-size photo
- Sometimes, Barangay clearance is required
Application Process for PCC
You can apply for the police clearance certificate online as well as offline. Following simple steps, you can apply for the police clearance certificate:
Apply through the National Police Clearance certificate:
Follow these simple steps to apply for the police clearance certificate through the online web portal:
- Visit the NPCS website: Visit the official NPCS website
- Create an account: Register and create an account by signing up, or if you already have one, log in.
- Fill the application form: fill the application form with correct information and upload the required documents.
- Schedule an appointment: If required, book an appointment for biometrics.
Once the application is submitted, the system processes your application and updates you on the application status. The process will be faster as compared to the local police station.
Apply through the local police station:
Follow these simple steps to apply for the police clearance through the local police station:
- Visit the local police station: Visit the nearest local police station to apply for police clearance.
- Submit the required documents: submit the required documents, like a valid ID and proof of address.
- Pay the required fee: Pay the required fee, which depends on the location.
- Fingerprinting: Some stations require a fingerprint for verification.
- Processing time: Usually, you get the police clearance within a few days, however, the time may vary according to the situation.
Fee structure and validity period:
Usually, the fee structure for getting the police clearance varies according to the location, but generally, it charges about PHP 100 to PHP 200. If you need the police clearance urgently, then you have to pay extra charges ranging from PHP 200 to PHP 500, depending on the processing time. The validity period for the police clearance certificate is from 6 months to 1 year.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
If you want a smooth application process or to avoid any delay, follow these simple steps
- Complete documents: To avoid any delay, make sure to ensure that you have all the required documents.
- Arrive early: Arriving early at the local police station can save you precious time.
- Double-check documents: Double-check your documents and ensure you have all the documents that are needed for submitting the police clearance certificate.
- Fill out the correct information: Make sure to check all that you have filled with all the information that is correct to avoid any delay and to make the process smoother.
- Book your appointment: If your police station allows appointments, then book your appointment online to avoid waiting in line.
- Follow up: Check for your certificate if the application meets the deadline.
FAQs
Conclusion
Getting the Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines is an easy and simple process if you have the required documents. If you know the simple steps of how to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate, you can save your valuable time and avoid many delays. You can save time by applying online through the web portal, or you can apply for the police clearance certificate through the local police station.
