National Police Clearance 2025 Philippines | Online Registration and Appointment Guide

A police clearance certificate is one of the most essential documents for Filipinos frequently needed for employment, travel, government processes, and some financial transactions

The National Police Clearance System (NPCS), created by the Philippine National Police (PNP), brings all criminal records into one system. Now, you don’t need to get your clearance from your hometown or workplace—it’s all online and in one place!

Although NPCS has made the entire process quicker, it can still be confusing for first-time applicants or those unfamiliar with the requirements. Despite the advancements, it’s important to be well-prepared to ensure a seamless experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about police clearance online in Philippines 2025:

What is Police Clearance in Philippines?

Police Clearance is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as proof that you have no criminal record across the country. This document is an important for:

Getting employment in Philippines.
Performing different bank procedures, such as when you are opening an account, applying for a loan, or applying for a credit card.
Applying for Government ID card or passport.
Visa processing when you want to travel abroad.

Police Clearance Certificate also known as Police Character Certificate shows that you have a clean record and you meet the standards for integrity and conduct set by employers and various organizations, such as banks.

Note: You can apply for police clearance online or visit a police station for the purpose. The validity of the document lasts for 6 months.

Remember, a police clearance certificate is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a vital tool that opens doors to opportunities in Philippines. Thus, understanding the steps, preparing the necessary documents beforehand, and knowing how to address common challenges saves you from unnecessary delays.

Police Clearance Certificate Philippines

National Police Clearance Online Registration Method 2025

Here are the steps you need to follow for National Police Clearance registration system in 2025:

Visit the official National Police Clearance System website at https://pnpclearance.ph/
Create an account using a valid email address. Provide the requested details including your name, address, and birthdate.
Once the online registration process is complete, login to your newly created account.
Fill out the applicant information.
Select a police station near you for your application.
Choose a date and time for your police clearance appointment. This step ensures a smooth process when you visit the station.
After scheduling, pay the police clearance fee online. Do keep the receipt as proof of payment.

NOTE: On the day of your appointment, bring your government issued ID and your payment receipt. At the station, they will take your photo and fingerprints for verification. Once completed, your clearance will be processed.

The online PNP Clearance registration system saves you time and effort. It’s a simple way to get your police clearance record for job opportunities, travel, or other legal purposes.

Step-by-Step Police Clearance Online Registration and Appointment Guide

Here are the steps you need to follow for National Police Clearance registration system in 2025:

1. Open NPCS Official Website

Visit National Police Clearance System (NPCS) official website at https://pnpclearance.ph/

If you are applying for the first time, click on the “Register” button.

Once you click the button, a pop up will open with “Terms and Conditions”.

After reading all the Terms and Conditions carefully, checkmark the boxes, and click “Next”. Keep doing it until you see the “I Agree” button.

2. Fill Out the Registration Form

Enter the following registration details. The required fields are marked with asterisk (*).

Email Address – The one that is active and working
Password – Choose a strong password and save it somewhere
Confirm Password – Type your password again
Fist Name – Enter your fist name
Middle Name – Enter your middle name (optional)
Surname – Enter your last name
Qualifier – If your name includes a suffix like Sr, Jr, or III, make sure to select it here
Gender – Enter whether you are male or female
Birthdate – Select your birthdate in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Once you have filled the form, click the “Register” button.

A pop-up will appear “Do you want to save it? Please check all the information before you proceed. Editing is not allowed after saving.”

So, if you are sure you have provided the correct information, click “Save”. Otherwise, click “Cancel” and enter accurate information.

Congratulations! You have successfully registered with the National Police Clearance System (NPCS).

National Police Clearance Login

Now, it’s time to login to your profile and fill out the applicant form to proceed with the Police Clearance application and appointment.

Here’s how you can do it:

Go to the homepage of NPCS website and click the “Login” button.

Enter your Email address and Password. Click Sign in button.

You are logged in to your NPCS account.

National Police Clearance Applicant Profile

After logging in, you’ll see a form asking for Applicant information. Enter all the details. The required fields are marked with asterisk (*).

Gender: Your gender is pre-filled from registration but can be updated.
Civil Status: Select your marital status, such as “Married.”
Birth Date: Pre-filled during registration but editable.
Birth Certificate Number (Optional): Provide your birth certificate’s registration number if available.
Nationality: Choose “Filipino” if applicable.
Birthplace: Enter your place of birth. If born outside the Philippines, select “Other Country” and specify.

Address and Contact Details

Address: Include house/building number, street, province, city/municipality, and barangay.
Mobile Number (Optional): Provide an 11-digit cellphone number starting with “0.”
Telephone Number (Optional): Enter your landline number if applicable.

Physical and Personal Details

Height (cm): Provide your height in centimeters. Use the converter for feet/inches.
Weight (kg): Enter your weight in kilograms, using the converter if needed.
Complexion: Indicate your skin tone, such as “Brown.”
Identifying Marks (Optional): Note any visible marks like moles.
Blood Type: Select your blood type or “Unknown” if unsure.
Religion: State your religion, e.g., “Roman Catholic.”
Educational Attainment: Indicate the highest education level you completed.
Occupation: Choose your job title or “Unemployed” if applicable.

Family Information (Optional)

Father’s and Mother’s Names: Enter your parents’ first, middle, and last names, including suffixes if applicable.
Birthplaces: Provide their city/municipality of birth or select “Other Country” if born abroad.

Spouse Information (Optional)

Spouse’s Names: Fill in your spouse’s first, middle, and last names, including any suffix.

Complete all the information accurately to streamline your application process for Police Clearance and click “Save”.

How to Schedule Police Clearance Online Appointment

Now that you have filled out all the details, it’s time to apply for the National Police Clearance and set your online appointment date.

For this, perform the below-mentioned steps:

Click “Clearance Application” button.

1. Set the Appointment Schedule

Choose the purpose of your application, which is typically set to “General”.

Next, schedule your police clearance online appointment by selecting the police station where you’d like to process your clearance. Start typing the station’s location, and the system will suggest options.

Once you’ve chosen the station, pick a date and time for your appointment (AM or PM). The selected time slot will turn green to confirm your choice.

Finally, click “Next” to move forward.

2. Select Your Payment Option

On the screen, you’ll see police clearance fee and the “Land Bank of the Philis” button. Click it.

This will redirect you to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) ePayment Portal.

Click “Next” to continue.

Note: The amount of the police clearance processing fees is ₱150. In addition, there can also be extra service charges ranging from ₱10 and ₱30.

3. Save Your Apointment

This page will contain all the details of your appointment. Click “Save Appointment” to make the payment.

National Police Clearance Online Payment

To proceed with the payment, click the “Click Here to Pay for More Payment Options” button.

You’ll see Land Bank ePayment portal, where you can choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.

The LBP ePayment Portal provides several convenient payment options for settling fees:

LANDBANK/OFBank ATM Card: Payment using the Land Bank of the Philippines or Overseas Filipino Bank ATM cards.
Cash Payment and GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, and GrabPay via MYEG: A convenient option allowing payment through e-wallets like GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, or GrabPay, or through cash transactions facilitated by MYEG services.
Asia United Bank via PCHC PayGate: Online payment through Asia United Bank using the PCHC (Philippine Clearing House Corporation) PayGate system.
BPI via PCHC PayGate: Payment through Bank of the Philippine Islands using the PCHC PayGate system.
PSBank via PCHC PayGate: Payment via Philippine Savings Bank using PCHC PayGate.
RCBC via PCHC PayGate: Payment through Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation using the PCHC PayGate.
Robinsons Bank via PCHC PayGate: Payment option through Robinsons Bank with the PCHC PayGate system.
UnionBank via PCHC PayGate: Payment via UnionBank of the Philippines through the PCHC PayGate system.

Note: Ensure that payments are completed at least two banking days before your appointment to prevent cancellation.

Print/ Take Screenshot of the Receipt (Optional)

If you want to keep record of your transaction, you may go back to your NPCS account and click the “Transactions” button.

Once your payment is confirmed, the status of your application will update to “PAID”. If it still displays “PENDING”, wait for a few moments and refresh the page.

To save or view your receipt, click on the “Print Transaction Details” button. If printing isn’t an option, take a screenshot or photo for your records.

Go to Police Station on Scheduled Time of Appointment

Visit the designated police station on your scheduled date and time. Ensure you bring:

A valid ID (one piece).
Your reference number.
The payment receipt.

If you don’t have the receipt, simply provide the reference number to the officer-in-charge. They will verify your payment status directly in the system.

Capturing Photo & Fingerprint for Police Clearance

Police clearance online allows you to submit your application conveniently from your home. However, an important part of the clearance process is photo and fingerprint capture. You need to visit your nearest police station in person for this purpose.

Note: Photo and fingerprint capture are essential steps in obtaining your police clearance. These ensure accurate identification and verification for the issuance of the clearance document.

What to Bring:

Valid ID: Make sure your ID is government-issued and not expired.
Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for your clearance fee.

The Process:

Biometric Data Collection: At the police station, your fingerprints will be scanned using a biometric device.
Photo Capture: A digital photo of you will be taken onsite. Ensure you are presentable, as this will appear on your clearance document.

Useful Tips for a Smooth Process:

Arrive at the police station on time.
Follow instructions from the officers to complete the process quickly.
Confirm all captured data to avoid errors.

Release of Police Clearance

The release of your police clearance is the final step of the process. Once your photo and fingerprint data are captured and verified, the clearance can be issued.

Note: The release of your police clearance depends on whether your record is clean or not. In case a criminal record is found, further verification will be required.

Steps for Release in Case of Clean Record

When your record in the police database is clean, you are easily issued your police clearance through the following steps.

Document Printing: Your police clearance is printed onsite, complete with your personal details, photo, and unique QR code.
Verification: Check the printed clearance to ensure all information is accurate.
Issuance: The clearance is handed over to you.

Tips:

Double-check your details on the clearance before leaving the station.
Secure the document, as replacements may require starting the process over.

This step finalizes your application, making the clearance ready for use in job applications, government transactions, or travel requirements.

In Case of a “Hit”

A “hit” occurs when your name matches a record in the Philippine National Police (PNP) database. This may indicate one of the following:

You might have a pending case that is still undergoing police investigation.
You have a past criminal record.
A name similar to you is in the database requiring further verification.

Don’t, worry because you still have the following options to get your police clearance:

Further Verification: Your application is flagged and forwarded to the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Extended Processing: The clearance release is delayed while the PNP verifies whether the match is truly linked to you or is a coincidence.
Resolution: If the hit is a false match (e.g., a name similarity), the clearance is approved and issued.

Note: If there’s a valid case against you, you need to address it legally before receiving clearance.

Required Documents for Police Clearance in Philippines

In order to get your Philippine police clearance, you need to provide specific documents that verify your identity and eligibility.

Required Documents for Police Clearance Philippines

Here are the essential documents for police clearance:

Two Valid IDs – Bring two original IDs with your full name, photo, and signature. These can include: Government-issued IDs like passports, National IDs, or driver’s licenses. Special IDs such as a PWD ID, Senior Citizen’s ID, or Alien Certificate of Registration (for foreigners). Other options like school IDs (with a registration form), GSIS UMID, or PRC License.
Barangay Clearance – A document that proves a clean police record in a barangay (smallest administrative division in the Philippines). Original and photocopy are required to confirm your residence.
Community Tax Certificate – Proof that you have paid local taxes.
Recent 2×2 ID Photos – Clear, colored, and taken against a white background.
Original Payment Receipt – Proof of your application fee payment through NPCS-approved methods.
Reference Number – Automatically provided after you complete your online application via the National Police Clearance System portal.

Eligibility Criteria for National Police Clearance

There are no strict eligibility criteria in Philippines to meet while applying for Police clearance, renewing police clearance, and verifying police clearance.

Whether you’re a Filipino citizen or a foreign resident, you can request this document as long as it’s for a valid reason. The process is open to anyone needing it for official or personal purposes, making it accessible and convenient for all.

People who mostly apply for National Police Clearance in Philippines are:

Filipino Citizens – Anyone 18 years or older can apply for police clearance. It’s open to residents and non-residents of the barangay (the smallest administrative division in the Philippines) where they are applying.
Foreigners – Expats or foreigners living in the Philippines can apply, provided they meet specific requirements like a valid Alien Certificate of Registration.
Filipino Students – Students 18 years or above who wish to pursue studies abroad or want to apply for foreign scholarships can also apply for police clearance. They need a valid student ID and barangay clearance.

Remember to fulfil the following conditions so that your police clearance can be issued:

Clean Record – Applicants must not have any ongoing criminal cases.
Proper Documentation – You must bring two valid government issued IDs, a barangay clearance, and other required documents. Without these documents, your clearance will not be processed.
Complete Application – Fill out the online application form via the National Police Clearance System and schedule an appointment prior to visiting the station.
Pay the police clearance fee – Make the payment online at least 2 days prior to your scheduled appointment at the police station for clearance.

Types of Police Clearance

There are two type of police clearance in Philippines. Let’s explore the difference between these 2 types and what purpose does each one of them serves.

1. National Police Clearance (NPC)

This document provides clearance for your nationwide criminal record after a thorough background check. In simpler words, National Police Clearance shows that you have not been involved in any criminal activity in any part of Philippines.

What are the main features of NPC?

It is issued by the Philippine National Police.
It covers your nationwide record for a clean record across the entire country.
Your NPC has a broader range of uses as compared to local police clearance.

Why is National Police Clearance required?

For job applications.
Government ID and passport applications.
For bank applications when applying for new account, loans, or credit cards.
For registering your firearms.
For visa applications.
For obtaining business permits in Philippines.

2. Local Police Clearance (LPC)

This document verifies that you have no criminal record within your city or municipality. In simpler words, it provides your police clearance record for a specific region in the country.

What are the main features of local police clearance?

LPC is issued by Philippine Local Police.
It only covers records from your local area.
It is faster to obtain as compared to National Police Clearance.

How is LPC useful?

For local job applications.
To obtain local business permits.
To open an account in a local bank.

Processing Time of National Police Clearance

You may receive your clearance on the same day as your appointment if the police finds no criminal history in the database.

However, if there’s a “hit” (a name match in the police database), additional verification is required. This may take a few working days.

Here is how you can speed up the process:

Apply for the police clearance online and book your police clearance online appointment in order to reduce your waiting time at the police station.
Submit all the required documents.
Pay the clearance fees at least 2 days before your appointment.

Difference between LPC and NPC

Features	Local Police Clearance	National Police Clearance
Scope	Limited to the issuing city or municipality	Nationwide, covers all areas in the Philippines
Issuing Authority	Local Police Stations	Philippine National Police (PNP)
Purpose	Suitable for local needs like barangay-level transactions or small-scale job applications	Required for national and international purposes like government jobs, visas, or travel
Content	Reflects records only within the locality	Pulls data from the PNP’s centralized database for nationwide record checks
Requirements	Valid ID and basic information	Valid ID, online registration, biometrics, and payment confirmation
Ease of Access	Easier to acquire, no online process required	Requires online application, appointment scheduling, and payment
Biometric Screening	Not required	Includes fingerprinting and biometric registration
Validity	Recognized only within the jurisdiction of the issuing area	Valid across the Philippines and for formal applications

How to Apply for Local Police Clearance

Here are the steps you need to follow for Local Police Clearance (LPC):

Go to the nearest police station or the local police clearance office in your area.
Fill out the application form.
Bring valid IDs, proof of address, and any other documents the station requests. Some stations may ask for a Barangay Clearance as well.
Pay the processing fee at the station or a designated payment center.
You will be required to have your fingerprints taken and a photo captured on-site.
The clearance may be ready the same day or after a few days, depending on the station’s process and workload.

Online vs. Walk in Applications

Aspect	Online Application	Walk-in Application
Processing Time	Faster due to pre-registration and appointment	Slower due to unplanned queues and manual processing
Registration Process	Completed online in minutes, including appointment scheduling	Requires manual filling at the police station
Waiting Time	Minimal, thanks to pre-scheduled slots.	Can take hours, especially during busy times.
Biometrics & Photo	Only one visit required for fingerprinting and photo capture.	Handled during the visit, which may take additional time.
Same Day Clearance	Likely, unless there’s a “hit” on the record.	Dependent on the queue and staff availability.
Delays	Rare, with streamlined processing	Verification delays possible without pre-scheduling

Key Features of National Police Clearance

Let’s discuss the key features of the National Police Clearance.

1. Nationally Scoped

The National Police Clearance covers the entire Philippines and is recognized nationwide. It shows that you have a clean record in all parts of the country.

2. Criminal Record Check

Before you get your PNP clearance, the police performs a thorough background check on you through their database. This process reveals if you have any criminal record in Philippines. If not, you get the clearance document as proof of your clean history. It is trusted and accepted all over the country.

3. Official Document

The National Police Clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police. It is an authentic document that is widely recognized and accepted for job applications, legal matters, and travel purposes.

4. Validity Period

The National Police Clearance has a limited validity period. It is valid for six months from the date of issuance. This ensures that the information remains up-to-date and accurate. After this period, you need to renew it.

5. Purpose

The purpose of the document is to verify your criminal background. This clearance certificate plays an important part in job applications, visa processing, business permits, bank applications, and other legal matters that require to check your criminal history.

6. Accessibility

Police clearance online registration through the National Police Clearance System has made the application process widely accessible for all Filipinos.

7. Processing Time

The processing time for your police clearance varies. It may be issued within an hour or may take up to a week. It depends on the following factors:

Application method – online application processing is quicker than walk-in applications.
Record verification – If your name matches someone in the database, referred to as a “hit”, additional verification is required. This can extend the processing time.
Application Volume – High demand at certain police stations may lead to longer waiting times.

Difference between NBI Clearance & Police Clearance

Aspect	NBI Clearance	Police Clearance
Issuing Authority	National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)	Local Police Station or Philippine National Police (PNP)
Coverage	Nationwide background check	Jurisdiction-specific (local area only)
Validity Period	6 months to 1 year	6 months only
Purpose	Used for immigration, employment (local and international), and certifications.	Used for local transactions, job applications, or community purposes.
Criminal Record Check	Comprehensive background check across the entire country	Limited to records within the issuing police station’s jurisdiction
Additional Requirements	One document for all areas in the Philippines	Separate clearances needed for each area you’ve lived or worked in.

Police Clearance Contact Information

In case of queries regarding police clearance and application, use the following contact information:

Dial 911 to contact the Philippine National Police hotline.
Visit the official website for the National Police Clearance System.

Conclusion

Getting a Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines is a straightforward yet essential process for several legal and official purposes such as travel, employment and permits.

Whether you choose to apply in person at your local police station or conveniently through the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) online, the process ensures that individuals can provide proof of their background history efficiently. By understanding the requirements and steps, you can obtain this certificate without hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the website for National Police Clearance System, create an account, and fill the application form.

Visit your nearest police station for a walk-in clearance application or register online through the National Police Clearance System website.

There is a fixed fee amount of ₱150 and an additional amount ranging between ₱10 and ₱30 as transaction fee depending on your payment method.

For local police clearance, walk-in applications may be possible, but it’s best to check with your station first. On the other hand, obtaining a national police clearance requires scheduling an appointment online.

NBI clearance checks your background nationwide, making it suitable for things like immigration or big job applications. Police clearance only looks at your local area, which is good for things like barangay clearance or local approvals. Use NBI clearance if you need a broader background check, and choose police clearance for more local needs.

Processing times for police clearance in the Philippines can vary depending on the type of clearance and where you apply.

Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for a local police clearance, assuming no issues arise.

However, for national police clearance, the process might take longer, especially if the application is made through online systems or requires additional verification steps.

It’s important to check the latest updates from the specific police station or online portal to confirm the expected processing time.

If you’re living abroad, you can get a police clearance through the Philippine embassy or consulate.

You’ll need to submit an application form, a copy of your ID, passport-sized photos, a fingerprint card (available from the embassy), the required fee, and a purpose letter.

Processing takes several weeks, so plan ahead.