Obtaining a police clearance in the Philippines can be handy for anyone who needs to verify their identity and legal status. In addition, you can use the document to apply for a job, travel abroad, or other official requirements. Fortunately, getting a police clearance is straightforward as long as you have complete requirements.

Plus, the Philippine National Police (PNP) now lets you process the clearance online, making the application more convenient. To help you get started, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know on how to get a police clearance.

What is a Police Clearance?

A police clearance is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that confirms you don’t have a criminal record on the police database. It’s often a requirement where you need to establish good moral character, such as: 

• Applying for a job
• Obtaining a government ID (i.e. passport, driver’s license)
• Applying for a business permit
• Opening a bank account

Although a police clearance functions similarly as a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance, they are two different documents. An NBI clearance confirms if you have a criminal case filed in the courts of the Philippines, while a police clearance verifies if you have a criminal case in a certain locality.

Also Read: Getting Your NBI Clearance: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Types of Police Clearance

There are two types of police clearances in the Philippines: local and national. Understanding the differences between the two will help you determine which steps to take when obtaining one.

Local Police Clearance

This document is issued at your local police station and only confirms if you have a criminal record within a specific locality or city. It’s often required for local employment, barangay requirements, or other local transactions.

Obtaining a local police clearance is often easier because you can walk-in to your local police station with the following requirements:

• Two pieces 2×2 ID photo
• Original and photocopy of barangay clearance
• Original copy of community tax certificate
• Valid ID with address

National Police Clearance

As discussed above, this clearance is issued by the PNP and involves a more extensive background check using their database. To obtain a national police clearance, you’ll need to set an appointment online – which we’ll discuss the steps below.

Requirements for Police Clearance

To get a police clearance, you’ll need to prepare the following requirements and fees:

Essential Documents

The PNP doesn’t require a lot of documents when obtaining a police clearance. All you need are two valid IDs that contain your complete name, address, clear photo, and signature. The PNP accepts the following IDs:

• AFP ID
• Alien Certificate of Registration
• BFP ID
• BJMP ID
• Birth Certificate
• GSIS UMID
• IBP ID
• Driver’s License
• LTOPF ID
• Marina ID
• OFW ID
• PAG-IBIG ID
• PCG ID
• PNP ID
• PRC License
• PWD ID
• Passport
• National health insurance ID
• Philippine Identification (PhilID)
• Postal ID
• SSS ID/SSS UMID
• School ID with Registration Form
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• TIN ID
• Voter’s ID

Also Read: Top 3 Easiest valid IDs you can get as a Fresh Graduate in the Philippines

Fees and Costs

The national police clearance costs ₱150. Note that you can be charged additional fees depending on the payment option you select.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for National Police Clearance

Here’s a quick guide on how to get the national police clearance:

How to Get Police Clearance Online

Step 1: Online Registration

• Go to the National Police Clearance System and register for an account.
• Confirm you’re human by clicking on the ‘Begin’ button
• Complete the captcha, read the Terms and Conditions, and check all the checkboxes to continue
• Input all the necessary information in the registration form, and click ‘Register’

Step 2: Online Appointment

• Select the purpose of your police clearance between General, LTOPF, or SOSIA
  • General – for general purposes (i.e. employment or going abroad)
  • License to Own a Firearm (LTOPF) – when registering for a license for a firearm
  • SOSIA – only for an investigation agency that’s working on a case

• Choose the nearest precinct where you will get your police clearance
• Select the date of your appointment

Step 3: Payment

• Pay the police clearance fee by selecting a payment option between:
  • Landbank
  • GCash
  • 7-Eleven
  • Maya
• Click ‘Save Appointment’ to get a reference number

Step 4: Appointment Day

• Go to the police station on your appointment date,
• Bring your two valid IDs, a copy of your reference number, and the receipt of your payment.
• Wait for your turn, and follow the instructions of the authorities for registration.
• Expect the PNP in charge to collect your fingerprints and take a picture of you

Step 5: Receiving the Clearance

• If you don’t get a hit, you can receive your police clearance immediately
• Otherwise, you’ll need to wait longer and undergo the process again

Tips and Warnings

To help make the process easier, here are additional tips you can keep in mind:

• Make sure to pay the police clearance fee within 15 days, otherwise your application will be revoked.
• Don’t forget to screenshot or print your reference number and payment receipt. 
• If you can’t come to the police station on your appointment date, you’ll need to set another appointment online.
• The police clearance is only valid for six months. If you need to use it beyond that period, you’ll need to get another one by going through the same process.

Final Thoughts

Securing a police clearance in the Philippines is simple as long as you’re aware of the steps and requirements. Obtaining the document is also now more convenient, thanks to PNP’s online appointment system. Hopefully, this guide will help you through the process, ensuring that you’re ready for your next job, travel, or legal requirement without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For further information on police clearance, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Is NBI clearance same as police clearance?

An NBI and police clearance function similarly, but they’re different documents. An NBI clearance verifies if you have a criminal case in the courts of the Philippines, while a police clearance confirms if you have a record within a locality or city.

Can I walk in to get police clearance?

You can walk into your local police station if you only need to obtain a local clearance. However, you’ll need to set an online appointment if you need to get a national police clearance.

What is the purpose of the police clearance?

A police clearance has several purposes, but mainly it’s to confirm whether you have a criminal record in a specific city.

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)

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