How to Get Your National Police Clearance Online in the Philippines (2025 Guide)
Are you applying for a job, traveling abroad, or fulfilling legal requirements in the Philippines? You’ll likely need a criminal background certificate — an official document proving you have no criminal record. Whether you’re applying for a National Police Clearance (NPC) or a Local Police Clearance (LPC), this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A background check document is an official record issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to verify if an individual has a criminal background. It is required for:
- Job applications (local and international)
- Visa and immigration processing
- Legal or court documentation
- Licensing or professional registration
To get this certificate, you can apply for it through local law enforcement agencies, to conduct a thorough background check. This official document serves as a crucial verification tool for employers, immigration officials, and legal authorities to know an individual’s suitability and maintain the safety and integrity of the country.
Types of Police Clearance in the Philippines
There are two primary types of police clearance documents:
1. National Police Clearance (NPC)
Issued by the PNP via the NPCS website, this certificate validates your criminal record nationwide. It is ideal for employment, visa applications, or government licensing.
2. Local Police Clearance (LPC)
Issued at the local municipal or city police station, it covers only the applicant’s local jurisdiction. It is commonly required for local bank applications, barangay services, or minor legal processes.
NPC vs LPC: What’s the Difference?
Feature | NPC | LPC |
|---|---|---|
Coverage | Nationwide | Local jurisdiction only |
Where to Apply | Online via NPCS | City/Municipal Police Station |
Use Case | Job, Visa, Firearms | Local requirements |
Validity | 6–12 months | Usually 6 months |
Biometrics | Required | Required |
NPC vs LPC: Comparison
How to Apply for a National Police Clearance
Applying for a NPC has become more accessible with the National Police Clearance System (NPCS). It is a nationwide clearance portal to streamline the process.
Step 1: Register on the NPCS Portal
- Visit pnpclearance.ph
- Create an account using your full name, birthdate, and valid email
- Confirm your email to activate the account
Step 2: Complete Your Profile and Book an Appointment
- Log in to your NPCS account
- Fill in personal details correctly (as they appear on your ID)
- Set an appointment at your preferred police station and choose a date/time
Step 3: NPC processing fee
- Fee: ₱150 + ₱10–₱30 service charge
- Pay via: GCash, Landbank, BancNet, 7-Eleven barcode
- Save the reference number and payment receipt
Step 4: Visit the Police Station for Biometrics
Bring:
- 2 valid government-issued IDs
- Payment receipt & reference number
Your photo and fingerprints will be taken on-site.
Step 5: Get Your Certificate
- No criminal record (“No Hit”)? You’ll receive it immediately.
- Record found (“Hit”)? It may take a few days for manual verification.
How to apply for Local Police Clearance Certificate (LPC)
- Visit your city or municipal police station
- Bring the required documents (see below)
- Pay the clearance fee at the local treasurer’s office
- Submit fingerprint and photo
- Wait for your document to be printed (same day or next)
Requirements for criminal record verification in the Philippines 2025(NPC & LPC)
Here’s what you’ll need to bring for both types of clearance:
Basic Requirements
- 2 Valid Government-Issued IDs
- Barangay Clearance (for LPC)
- Cedula (Community Tax Certificate)
- 2×2 ID Photos (white background)
- Payment Receipt (for NPC)
📌 Accepted Valid IDs
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- SSS/UMID
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN ID
- Postal ID
- PRC License
- National ID (PhilID)
- School ID (with registration)
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- Voter’s ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- PWD ID
- Pag-IBIG ID
Requirements For LPC
Who is Eligible for Police Clearance in the Philippines?
Any Filipino citizen or foreign national may request this certificate, provided they have a valid reason:
- Job seekers
- Visa applicants
- Students (for scholarships, events)
- Foreign nationals (residence/work permit)
- Legal, licensing, and travel documentation
National Police Clearance Certificate Fees
The fee structure is as follows:
Category | Amount |
|---|---|
NPC Base Fee | ₱150 |
Transaction Fee | ₱10–₱30 |
Local Clearance | Varies by city |
First-Time Job Seekers | Free (with barangay certification) |
What Happens If You Have a “Hit”?
If the system detects a match with a criminal record:
- Your application will be delayed
- Manual verification will be conducted
- You may be asked to return after a few days
Difference Between Police Clearance Certificate and NBI Clearance Certificate
Feature | PNP clearance | NBI Clearance |
|---|---|---|
Coverage | Local or National | National & Interpol |
Purpose | Job, travel, legal | Overseas work, immigration |
Where to Apply | PNP or Municipal | NBI Office or Online |
Validity | 6–12 months | 1 year |
When Is a Police Clearance Needed?
his official verification document may be required in the following circumstances to prove a non-criminal identity.
- Applying for a foreign permanent residency or visa
- For employment in sectors like finance, health department or education.
- To work with children or vulnerable populations (sick or old e.g. volunteering for any daycare or old house
- For any professional license or approval
- Adopting a child
Who is Eligible For Police Clearance?
In the Philippines, there is no specific requirement imposed for an individual willing to apply for a certificate of clearance. As far as the reason for acquiring the said document is logical, any applicant is free to lodge a request for its issuance. This applies to both Filipino citizens and foreign residents.
Here’s an overview of who can apply for PNP clearances:
Filipino Citizens
People need clearance for job agreements, the travel visa e-application, licensing, or for going through a background check, etc
Foreign Residents
Foreigners residing in the Philippines require it for applications for work permits, extension of visa, and other clearances.
Students
Students during their schooling years frequently require a PNP clearance for applying for school scholarship programs outside the country, school-organized tours, special events or activities, or wherever is required by the school.
- Legal requirements
Persons require the document so that they may apply for legal attestation and licensing etc.
Key Features of NPC Certificate in the Philippines
The Certificate is an important document in the Philippines, useful for multiple purposes basically to prove an individual’s clean criminal record. The main key features are:
Countrywide Verification
The NPC checks your criminal record across all law enforcement authorities in the Philippines, for a complete background verification nationwide and not only limited to the locality where you apply for it.
Criminal Record Check
It discloses any criminal cases, charges, or convictions associated with you within the country, making it useful for various legal and professional processes.
Official Document
The NPC is recognized as an official document, issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP). It is required for employment, visa applications, or other formal purposes.
Validity Period
Typically, the clearance is valid for 3 months to 1 year, depending on the applicant’s request. Once expires, a renewal is usually needed.
Purpose
This document is mainly used for employment, visa applications, firearms licensing, and other situations where verification of your criminal history is mandatory.
Accessibility
You can easily apply for NPC online through the clearance portal or visit designated police stations for in-person applications.
Processing Time
The processing time to clearance varies by application method and the number of applications already in the queue. Registering online is often quicker, taking less than an hour time in some cases, while walk-in applications might take a little longer time, usually between 30 minutes to an hour.
Cost
The base fee for obtaining the NPC is ₱150. Additional fees may apply depending on the payment method chosen, typically ranging from ₱10 to ₱30. First-time job seekers are exempt from this fee under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, on the provision of a Barangay Certificate. You can check First Time Jobseekers Guide here.
Processing Time of Clearance Certificate
The processing time for NPC varies depending on the application method:
- Online Application:
Registering online can take less than 10 minutes. However, biometric data (fingerprints and photos) must be captured in person at a police station.
- Walk-in Application:
Direct applications at police stations might take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the queue and volume of applicants.
Police Clearance Locations- Where to Apply
Municipal/city hall of your residence.
- Appointment Required
No online appointment is needed.
- Coverage
Criminal records only within the municipality.
Applying for a Local clearance certificate typically involves a more localized process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
- Visit the Police Station
Go to the police station with jurisdiction over your residence, typically located in the municipal or city hall compound.
- Obtain and Fill Out Request Form
Approach the help desk, request a Request Form, and submit the completed form with the required documents.
- Pay the Clearance Fee
Proceed to the local treasurer’s office to pay the fee and return to the police station with the official receipt.
- Fingerprinting and Records Check
Affix your fingerprints to the application form. The officer will check records for any pending cases or blotters.
- Receive Your Clearance
If cleared, your certificate will be issued.
Contact Information
- For inquiries, you can contact the Philippine National Police hotline at 911.
- For questions related to NPC applications, visit the NPCS website or check their help section for assistance.
Do’s and Dont’s for Police Clearance
Agreement and Privacy Policy
When applying for a Criminal record check, you agree with the Philippine National Police (PNP). By using the services provided by the PNP, including the NPCS website, you agree to the collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal information as specified in the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA No. 10173). The PNP maintains the safeguarding of your personal information, ensuring its privacy, accuracy, and security. Your contact information may be used to send updates regarding your clearance or for research and statistical purposes.
Your NPCS Account/Profile
To apply for a certificate of clearance, you must create an NPCS account. This account requires accurate and current personal information, which will be used throughout the application process. It is necessary to review the accuracy of your details, especially your name, email address, and birthdate, as these cannot be edited once saved. Incorrect information may lead to a penalty of payment and cancellation of your transaction, requiring you to reapply and go through the entire process again.
Loss of Payment and Transaction Cancellation
If you fail to pay the transaction fee within two banking days before your scheduled appointment, your transaction will be canceled. Additionally, if you miss your appointment date at the police station, your payment will be cancelled. In case of inaccurate information on the printed clearance, caused by incorrect data entry during account creation, the PNP will not reprint your clearance. You have to undergo the entire process again to update your account.
Clearance Printout, Validity & Renewal
The Certificate of clearance will show criminal records found in the PNP database, if any. This clearance document is valid for six months, after which you may need to renew it. The renewal process can be done without an appearance for three years from the last appearance. You need to update your NPCS account, upload a new 2×2 picture with a white background, and take a selfie holding a valid government-issued ID. Read in detail about Police Clearance Renewal here.
Want to learn about Business Clearance and Permits in the Philippines
Tips and Warnings
Missed Appointment
You have 15 days to claim your clearance before payment is forfeited.
Incorrect Data
Incorrect data on the printed clearance requires re-application.
Verification
Verify the authenticity of your clearance on the NPCS website.
Payment Options
You can pay the fee at Land Bank of the Philippines, GCash, BancNet, or other available methods. 7-Eleven using a pre-generated barcode if you don’t have a bank account.
Conclusion
Obtaining a this certificate in the Philippines is a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps and ensure all information is accurate. By understanding the requirements and procedures, you can avoid common pitfalls and secure your clearance efficiently, whether for employment, legal purposes, or personal reasons.
Start Your Application Now → pnpclearance.ph
FAQs About NPC Certificate
What is a National Police Clearance (NPC)?
The NPC is a document issued by the Philippine National Police that verifies an individual’s criminal record on a national level.
How long is the NPC Certificate valid?
The clearance is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
Can I renew my police clearance Certificate without appearing in person?
Yes, you can renew it without appearing in person for up to three years from the last appearance by updating your details online and uploading the required documents.
What should I bring to my appointment at the police station?
Bring two valid IDs, the payment receipt, and the reference number provided after online registration. If you want to read in detail about appointment you can read here Police Clearance Appointment.
What happens if I don’t pay the fee on time?
In case of Failure to pay the fee at least two days before your appointment will result in the cancellation of your transaction.
How do I know if I have a “hit” in the PNP database?
If there is a “hit,” you will be notified, and additional verification will be required.
Can I update my NPCS profile after registration?
Certain fields like your name, email, and birthdate cannot be edited after registration. Ensure all information is accurate before saving.
Do I need to pay for the NPC?
Yes, the processing fee is typically ₱150, with additional transaction fees.
Is online clearance registration available?
Yes, you can register and set an appointment online via the NPCS.
What IDs are accepted for police clearance?
Accepted IDs include a Passport, Driver’s License, National ID, SSS ID, and others as listed above
Can I use the same police clearance for multiple applications?
Yes, you can use a single police clearance certificate for multiple applications, as long as it’s within the validity period. However, each requesting organization may ask for a recent certificate, so it’s advisable to confirm with them beforehand.
Is it possible to apply for a police clearance without going to the police station?
While the initial application and payment can be done online through the NPCS, applicants still need to visit the designated police station to complete biometrics, including photo and fingerprint capture. This step is essential for the background verification process
Can I expedite the processing of my police clearance?
Generally, there is no official expedited service for police clearance. However, if there is no “hit” (i.e., no matching record in the criminal database), the clearance is often issued the same day. For cases with a “hit,” additional processing may be needed, and the clearance could take longer.
What should I do if I receive a “hit” notification on my police clearance?
A “hit” means there may be a match in the criminal records database. When this happens, the police will conduct further verification, which can delay the issuance of your clearance. If you have no criminal record, this delay should resolve automatically. However, if issues persist, visit the police station to inquire about the verification status.
Can foreigners apply for a police clearance certificate in the Philippines?
Yes, foreign nationals who have lived or worked in the Philippines can apply for a police clearance. They should follow the same online process on the NPCS website and provide identification documents such as an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or passport during their appointment.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my police clearance application?
Unfortunately, police clearance fees are generally non-refundable. If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, you may reschedule it without an additional fee, but refunds are not provided, even if the application is not completed.
How can I verify if my PNP-issued document is valid?
The National Police Clearance System (NPCS) provides an online verification service. You can verify a clearance certificate by entering the reference number and surname on the NPCS website. This feature is especially useful for organizations or employers that need to validate the document’s authenticity