How Long Does It Take to Get Police Clearance?
Waiting for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can feel like forever—especially when you’ve got deadlines for a job, visa, or big life plans. The good news? In most cases, it takes around 3 to 10 business days. But here’s the catch: the timeline isn’t always the same for everyone.
Factors like system processing times, verification requirements, and the volume of applications can all speed things up—or slow them down. Let’s break down what really affects the wait, and how you can get your Police Clearance without unnecessary delays.
How Many Days to Get a Police Clearance?
The processing time for getting a PNP clearance certificate is not very long. How long to get police clearance depends on the method through which you apply.
- Police clearance through NPCS: Usually, it takes 1 – 3 business days to get the clearance.
- Local Police Station: Usually, it takes 3 – 7 business days to get clearance through the local police station.
Estimated Processing Time By Region
Depending on the police station and region, the processing time can vary significantly.
- Metro Manila and Major Cities: 1 to 2 business daysif you are applying through NPCS. 3 – 4 business days if you are applying at the local police station.
- Small Towns and Rural Areas: 3 – 4 business days if you are applying through NPCS and 7 – 10 business days if you are applying in the local police station.
- Large Towns and Provincial Capitals: 2 – 3 business days if you are applying through NPCS and 5 – 7 business days if applying through a local police station.
How to Get Police Clearance Fast
By following the below mentioned tips, you will be able to get your police clearance on time.
- Applying online will save you time in visiting the police station.
- Choose the earliest appointment spot.
- Try avoiding the major police stations in the city like Quezon, Manila etc. Generally, they have longer lines.
- Remember to check whether the police station offers a first-come-first-serve option. You can come hours before the opening time to secure the first slot.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents. Remember to carry photocopies and attested documents.
Where to Get Police Clearance From?
There are three ways in which you can apply for the police clearance certificate. Have a look at them:
1. Apply Online on the Website
Firstly, you can apply online on the NPCS official website. You can download the form and fill it out.
2. NPCS – National Police Clearance System
To make the process even easier, the PNP has come up with a National Police Clearance System to which you can apply. You can register for an account in a matter of seconds and fill out the application form once you are registered.
3. Visit the Local Police Stations
For people who don’t have internet access or want to do the registration in person, you can visit the nearest local police station. Depending on the station, the requirements and procedure may vary.
How to Apply for Police Clearance 2025?
Getting the clearance online and in person requires different steps. However, the documents that you require are mostly the same in both cases. You will see that the steps in securing police clearance or getting a police clearance are simple. The important documents to prepare for police clearance are:
- A valid government ID can include a passport, postal address, driver’s license etc.
- The complete application form is obtained from the local police station or can be downloaded online.
- Proof of address like a barangay certificate, copy of the lease agreement in case you are living on rent or any utility bill proving your residency
1. Process of Applying at a Local Police Station
Are you planning to get the police clearance certificate from a local police station? If yes, do the following:
- Visit a local police station and ask them for a clearance application form
- Submit the valid documents with the filled application form.
- Submit the fee.
- Give your fingerprints for verification
- You will be informed when the certificate comes and you can go and collect it.
Pro Tip: Try to take your documents along with you to fill out the clearance application form. In this way, you will save valuable time and can submit the filled form there and then.
2. Process of Applying through NPCS
Applying online saves you time and hassle. All you need to do is:
- Visit the official NPCS portal.
- Register your account as shown above.
- Download and fill out the application form.
- Upload the filled form.
- Schedule an appointment to get your biometrics done.
Conclusion
Getting a police clearance certificate in the Philippines is easy if you know the process. Moreover, it takes anywhere from 1 to 15 business days depending on several factors explained above. So, if you were waiting to apply for the police clearance certificate, now is a good time to do so.
