Easy Guide to Get Police Clearance Certificate Online in Philippines

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate online in the Philippines has become faster and convenient than ever. Whether you need it for a job, travel, the new online system simplifies the process, saving you time and effort.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has improved accessibility through the National Police Clearance System (NPCS), allowing you apply, pay, schedule appointments and renew police clearance — all from the comfort of your home. This innovation eliminates long queues and speeds up the entire procedure even for clearance verification.

What is Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP). It confirms that a person has no criminal record or pending cases within the country.

This certificate verifies your character and legal standing. It is proof of your clean record, helping you build trust and credibility in situations that require legal or professional verification.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is responsible for issuing a PNP clearance certificate after performing your background check in their database. The certificate is processed at local police stations that are equipped to handle clearance requests.

A clearance certificate is important for these reasons:

Employment: A requirement for jobs, especially in government or private sectors.
Visa Applications: Necessary for migrating or working abroad.
Business Purposes: Needed to secure permits or business licenses.
Personal Record: It is a helpful document to maintain for future needs.

How to Get Police Clearance Certificate Online Philippines

What is NPCS?

The Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS) is an online platform that simplifies the process of getting a PNP Clearance Certificate in Philippines.

The NPCS connects all police stations nationwide, ensuring accurate and reliable background checks. It uses advanced technology, including biometrics, to verify your identity.

Here are the main features of NPCS website:

Ensures secure and centralized records.
Convenient and easy-to-use.
Reduces processing time.

Who is Eligible for PNP Clearance Certificate?

In order to apply for a PNP clearance certificate in Philippines, you must ensure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for PNP clearance, you must:

Be a Filipino citizen
Be 18 years or above
Have no criminal history pending criminal cases in Philippines
Present valid government-issued identification and other required documents during the application process

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals

Staying in the Philippines – The applicant must have lived or stayed in the Philippines long enough for a background check to be conducted. This applies to both short-term and long-term stays.
Valid ID – The applicant needs to show a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa that proves legal entry into the Philippines.
Proof of Stay – Documents showing the applicant’s duration of stay in the Philippines are necessary. Long-term residents may need an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) from the Bureau of Immigration.
Fingerprints – Foreign applicants might need to submit their fingerprints for the clearance process. his helps authorities check if the person has a criminal record in the Philippines.
Application and Fees – Applicants must fill out an application form and pay a fee, which usually ranges from PHP 100 to PHP 300, depending on the location or agency issuing the clearance.

How to Get Police Clearance Certificate Online?

1. Open NPCS Website

One of the PNP clearance requirements is that you need to create an account on the NPCS website and submit your application.

So, visit NPCS website and click the “Register” button.

2. Create an Account

Follow these simple steps to create your account:

Provide your personal details, such as name, birthdate, and contact information. Make sure the information matches your valid IDs.
Once registered, set a strong password to secure your account.
Verify your email address to activate your profile.

Creating an account allows you to access the NPCS anytime so that you can get updates and track your application status.

3. Schedule an Appointment

Log in to your account and select “Apply for Clearance”.
Fill out the required forms with accurate details, such as your name and address. These are PNP clearance requirements.
Choose your preferred police station for clearance processing.
Select a convenient appointment date and time.
Pay the processing fee online.

After payment confirmation, you’ll receive a reference number. This reference number is crucial for tracking your application.

4. Visit Police Station

You need to visit the police station in person for the following:

Fingerprint verification
Picture capture
Verification of your background in the police database

Once done, your Clearance Certificate is usually issued on the same day if your record is clean.

5. Issuance of Clearance Certificate (PCC)

After fulfilling the PNP clearance requirements at the station, you can receive your Clearance Certificate.

Your personal details
A unique QR code for authenticity
Confirmation of no criminal record

The certificate includes the following contents:

Police Clearance Certificate Philippines

Required Documents for Police Clearance Certificate?

The required documents for police clearance are:

While Applying Online

Online application for PNP clearance does not require document uploads. However, according to NPCS requirements, you must provide your correct personal details, such as name, age, and address. This information should be the same as the details on your government issued ID.

While Visiting Police Station

When you visit the police station for the clearance process, you must bring the following documents as part of the requirements:

Printed Copy of Appointment Confirmation: A copy of the confirmation email you receive when you schedule your police clearance online appointment on the NPCS system.
Payment Receipt or Reference Number: As proof that you have paid the clearance fee.
Two Government Issued IDs: Any government-issued identification.

The Government Issued IDs may include:

Passport
Driver’s License
Voter’s ID
PhilHealth ID
SSS/UMID Card
Postal ID
PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) ID
School ID (for students, if applicable)
Barangay Clearance with a photo
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or ACR I-Card (for foreign residents)

PNP Clearance Certificate Processing Time and Fees

The processing fee for the Clearance certificate include the following charges:

A basic fixed fee of ₱150.
Additional services charges or transaction fee ranging from ₱10 to ₱30.

The processing time for the certificate may take from 1 day up to 4 weeks.

It depends on these factors:

Application Method – online applications are processed quicker as compared to walk-in applications.
Criminal Record – if your record is clear, you can get your certificate on the same day. However, if there is a match against your name in the police database, further verification can delay the process.
Document Sumbission – all requirements, including the required documents should be complete for faster processing.

Police Clearance Certificate Validity Period

Your PNP clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. You need to renew your clearance after this period.

The validity period for Filipinos abroad is also 6 months. They also need to contact the Philippines embassy for the renewal process. Make sure to renew before the expiry date to avoid any delays or issues.

PNP Clearance Certificate Issuing Authority

The Clearance Certificate (PCC) in the Philippines is issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

You can visit the official website of NPCS to submit an application for your clearance. The website allows you to apply online and choose a local police station for biometrics and verification. This system ensures accuracy and convenience.

The issuing authorities for your clearance certificate are:

Philippine National Police Headquarters
Regional and Provincial Police Offices
City and Municipal Police Stations

Address of Philippines Embassy in Different Regions

As a Filipino living abroad, you can get a PCC from the Philippine Embassy in your country of residence. Here are the addresses of Philippines Embassies in different regions of the world:

Philippines Embassy in the United States

Address: Bataan Street, Corner 1600, Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20036 USA
Phone: 202 467 9300 (trunkline)
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Website: https://philippineembassy-dc.org/

Philippines Embassy in Canada

Address: 7th Floor, 160 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 3B5
Phone: (416) 922.7181
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM to 4 PM (Except for Philippine and Canadian Holiday)
Website: https://www.philcongen-toronto.com/

Philippines Embassy in India

Address: 50-N Nyaya Marg. Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021 India
Phone: (9111) 2688-9091; 2410-1120
Office Hours: 09.00-12.00 and 13.30-17.00
Website: https://www.philembassynewdelhi.com/

Philippines Embassy in Pakistan

Address: Zhou-Enlai Avenue, Plot Nos. 3, 4 and 5, Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad
Phone: +92-333-1509891
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 AM to 5 PM
Website: https://www.isdpe.com.pk/

Police Clearance Certificate for Visa

You need a clearance Certificate when applying for a visa. Here is why:

It proves you have no criminal record.
It helps visa authorities assess your suitability for travel or residency.
This certificate is important for countries that want to ensure applicants are law-abiding and have a good character before they enter their country.

Police Clearance Certificate for Green Card

If you are applying for a US Green card, you must fulfill all clearance requirements to get your certificate.

It confirms that you have no criminal history and supports your application by proving good moral character.
The certificate is part of the background check process, which helps immigration authorities assess your eligibility.
Depending on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements, you may need to provide a PCC from the country where you have lived for a significant period.

Tip: Ensure your PCC is recent, issued within the last 3 to 6 months, to avoid delays in your Green Card application.

Police Clearance Certificate for Immigration

You need to get your clearance for immigration due to the following reasons:

It shows that you have no criminal record, which is a key requirement for many countries when applying for visas, residency, or citizenship.
The certificate helps immigration authorities determine your eligibility and character.
It is a mandatory when moving to another country for work, study, or family reunification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Visit NPCS website for an online application. Book an appointment and visit your selected police station for the biometric verification and document submission.

Visit the station with your valid ID and other required documents to complete the application process.

It costs ₱150.

Yes, If the status of your police clearance certificate shows as “issued,” you can download the certificate directly from the NPCS website.

Yes, the terms Philippines Police Clearance and Police Clearance Certificate are commonly used interchangeably. Both refer to the official document provided by Philippine authorities that verifies an individual’s criminal history.

To get a Philippine Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) while living abroad, you can contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

They will give you the necessary forms and instructions. You may need to provide your fingerprints, passport copies, and other required documents.

Another option is to send your application directly to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines, but this process may take longer.

Easy Guide to Get Police Clearance Certificate Online in Philippines

What is Police Clearance Certificate?

What is NPCS?

Who is Eligible for PNP Clearance Certificate?

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals