National Police Clearance System
If you’re a Filipino citizen, student, or resident, and you need a police clearance for a job, visa, business permit, or government service, this simple guide is all you need. You don’t have to stand in long lines anymore—you can apply online in just a few minutes!
National Police Clearance Guide: Steps & Certificate 2025
Are you applying for an online job, buying a new home, or planning a trip? In all these legal matters, you need a National Police Clearance Certificate from the Philippines National Police. It is an official document that PNp issues to the Philippines citizens after checking their records and criminal history.
It shows that the individual has no criminal history and is not involved in any other activities. It will help you easily get your dream job, house, or travel. However, the process of getting the clearance is simple and easy. You can apply for the application online or at your nearest PNP office.
In this guide, you will find a complete step which includes online application, fees, documents required, and more. So keep reading!
What is National Police Clearance?
The national police clearance certificate is a type of authority and trust that the PNP issues. Basically, you will need this clearance in case of a legal matter, government transactions, or starting a business. It proves that you are not involved in criminal or other illegal activities.
To make your process simple and easy, PNP provides an online platform where you can submit your online application and get your clearance quickly. This system has made the process easy. Moreover, you also need this clearance certificate when you apply for a driver’s license or a visa.
About Police Clearance Application Online
First, the police clearance application process was available in person only. That means citizens have to visit the nearest PNP station, apply for a clearance, and wait for their turn.
It was a time-consuming and hectic process. Therefore, PNP improves its National Police Clearance System to make the process easier. They launched an online application process on August 10, 2018. It was first launched in five police stations only.
However, with time and improvements, the system became available all over the country. The benefits of online police clearance include:
- Fast and quick
- Less time-consuming
- No need to stand in long queues
Note:You have to submit all essential documents and details online. But just for photographs and fingerprints, you have to visit the PNP police station.
How to Apply for National Police Clearance Online?
Here are the complete steps to apply for the NPC application online. Follow these steps for a quick process.
Open the Official NPC website.
If you are applying for the clearance for the first time, then you have to first register your account on the official NPCS website. All essential steps are mentioned below:
- From your search browser, you should open the NPCS official website and then click on the register button.
- A message box will appear, select your preferred language to continue the process.
- Next, various pop-ups will open, read them, and click on okay.
- Lastly, click on the “I Agree” button.
Fill out the new applicant Registration form.
- A new applicant form will appear on your screen. You have to fill out this form with your accurate details. The details required are:
- Name
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Valid Aisa
- Password
- Now accept the “Terms and Conditions” and then click on register.
- A new bar will open with a message to confirm the details you have entered. You must check your information and click on the save button.
Log In to NPC Account
Now, as you are registering on the official website, log in to your account using your registered email and password.
Edit Your Profile
When you log in to your account, you will see the option to “edit profile.” Click on this button.
Fill out the Applicant Information Form
A detailed application form will open. You should fill in all the required information carefully to avoid mistakes. The information required is:
- Name
- Qualification
- Nationality
- Id card
- Contact address
- Other information (height, weight, complexion, birthmarks, religion, and more)
After providing all information, click on the save button.
If you are a first-time job seeker, click on the box at the top of the website to avail yourself of a full fee concession.
Click on the Clearance Application button.
In the next step, you must click on “clearance application” to start the process and book an appointment with your nearest police station.
Book Your Police Clearance Online Appointment
- You will get a message to schedule your appointment. So from the drop-down Menu, you can select your preferred time and date.
- You can also select a police station location to get a biometric verification.
After that, click on the next button.
Fee Payment for NPC
- You will receive a challan for clearance. Select your preferred bank account or payment option and then pay your fees. A complete list of steps is mentioned below:
- When you open the payment section a reference code in red color will appear on your screen. You must save it because when you will go for biometric verification you have to provide this code as a proof of fees payment.
- Next, submit the National Police clearance fees, which are 150.
- To pay your fees, click on the “Pay to LANDBANK” option. It is because the NPC system supports Land Bank payments for online payments.
- The banks or payment options NPC supports are:
- Land bank account
- GCash
- BancNet
- 7-eleven
- You should save your receipt after paying your fees.
Note!
In case of issues in fees submission or your fees are not received at the NPC till your appointment, then they will cancel your appointment. So, you have to follow the complete process and again submit an application to book an online appointment.
Photo and Fingerprint Verification
- When you go for the biometric verification, you should bring your essential documents. Also, make sure to reach the selected station on time to avoid issues. The documents you must carry with you include:
- Two valid IDs
- Receipt of fees
- Reference number
- Email and password
- Go to the relevant desk. And ask for photo and fingerprint verification.
- Now, submit your documents and follow the instructions for photo and fingerprint verification.
Police Clearance Certificate Release by PNP
- After biometric verification, you should remain at the station for some time. The staff will check your information and call your name for clearance.
- However, if no criminal record is found with your information, you will quickly get your clearance. But if a hit is found, you have to follow more verification steps.
Fees for National Police Clearance Certificate
The fee for the Police Clearance is 150. However, with additional charges and online fees, it becomes 160. This fee is only applicable when you apply online. Moreover, PNP does not receive cash payments, so you have to submit them using online banking apps.
Fee for First-Time Job Holder
According to the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (RA 11261), the person who is applying for a job for the first time will not have to pay a fee. The national police clearance is free for him. To get this offer, a person has to submit their Barangay Certificate.
Why is there a Need for Police Clearance?
The eligibility criteria or need to apply for police clearance varies according to the need of the applicant. Some are residents of the Philippines, and some only work there so the needs and requirements will be different for everyone.
Here is a detail of the eligibility criteria:
Filipino Citizenship
The citizens of the Philippines have to get a clearance certificate to improve their living standards and enjoy many other opportunities in life. The list for which they must have clearance is mentioned below:
- New job application
- Buying new property
- Starting business
- Passport or visa
- Drivers license
- Applying for government service
Students
As the issues and criminal activities are increased in students, so they must have a clear lance from police to apply for foreign studies or scholarships.
- Inter-school tournaments
- Applying for scholarships
- Planning trips
- Applying to a new school or college
Expatriate Residents (Foreign Citizens)
Those who are not Filipinos but are working there also need NPC to continue their jobs. When they apply for work renewal, they have to provide an NPC certificate as proof of their behaviour and character.
Documents Required for Police Clearance
The complete list of documents required for applying for the National Police Clearance (NPC) is given below:
For Online Application:
- Valid Email ID
- Verified and active mobile number
- National Identity Card or Student Card
For Walk-in or Final Application:
You must present two original and valid IDs from the list below. Ensure the IDs display your photo, full name, and address clearly.
- AFP ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- BFP ID
- BJMP ID
- Birth Certificate
- GSIS UMID
- IBP ID
- LTO Driving License
- Marina ID
- National ID
- OFW ID
- Pag-IBIG ID
- Passport
- PCG ID
- PhilHealth ID
- PNP ID
- PRC License
- PWD ID
- School ID with Registration Form
- Senior Citizen ID
- SSS ID
- TIN ID
- Voter ID
In-Station Biometric Verification
For your biometric verification, you have to visit the nearest PNP station. For this process, you must have the following things with you:
- Application reference number
- Fee payment receipt
- Two valid IDS
Processing Time for National Police Clearance
The purpose of the NPC was to create a friendly and safe environment for everyone. That’s why the Philippines police created this system. Moreover, to make it easy and accessible for everyone, they designed an online national police Clearance system. This will make the application process fast and easy.
Here is the processing time for the NPC application:
Online Application Processing
The online application process for NPC will take less time. Moreover, you also don’t have to make extra efforts as everything is available online. It will only take you 10 minutes to open the website, log in, fill out the application form, and submit it.
After the application is received and approved, you will be called for biometric verification. So, according to the decided time and date, you have to reach your nearest Philippine police station.
They will verify your fingerprints and take a photo. This will take 10 minutes only. The total time for the online application and verification is 20 minutes.
Walk-in NPC Application Processing
If for any reason you can’t apply online, then you have to walk into your nearest NPC station. Make sure to visit a station that supports the online NPC system.
Also, take your essential documents, ID, and application fees with you. In the physical application submission process, you have to wait in a long queue for the staff to become free.
When you turn, they will fill out your form, verify your identity, pay fees, and complete other steps. So, the walk-in process can take you 1-2 hours to complete and submit the application.
Validity and Renewal of Police Clearance
The validity period of the National Police Clearance certificate is only six months. After this period is over, your clearance will expire. So you have to reapply for a new NPC by following completely new steps. It is because PNP doesn’t have any option for clearance renewal. You have to apply for a new clearance after it expires.
Where to Get a National Police Clearance or Verification?
You can get or verify your NPC in the Philippines from your nearest station or sites that support this system. Here is a list of sites from which you can get a clearance:
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Stations Nationwide
- Police Clearance Desks in SM Malls
Types of Police Clearance
My friend! The Philippines police provide two types of police clearance. Both are used for different purposes. Let’s have a look at them:
Local Police Clearance (LPC)
This clearance provides a record and proof within a local city or municipality. It is ideal for small-scale matters such as local jobs and transactions.
It is available in areas where the National Police Clearance (NPC) system is not present.
National Police Clearance (NPC)
This system performs a thorough background check across all cities and municipalities. It covers a wide scope including law enforcement and national records.
Required for employment abroad, travel, and business. Valid for six months.
If you are still confused about the NPC and LPC, then here are more details about both of these. If you are a Philippine resident, then you must have both a clear management certificate, as they are both helpful in different situations:
| Feature | National Police Clearance | Local Police Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | PNP via NPC System | Local city/municipal police |
| Application Process | Online + personal appearance | Walk-in only |
| Requirements | Valid ID, registration, fingerprint | Valid ID, sometimes Barangay Clearance |
| Processing Time | 1–2 days | Same day (few hours) |
| Purpose/Use |
– Employment (local & abroad) – Government applications – Business permits – Visa applications – Firearm license, travel clearance |
– Local jobs – Barangay clearance – Opening bank account – Basic ID checks |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide | Only in issuing city/town |
| Verification System | Digital QR Code Verification | Manual verification |
| Security Features | Photo, QR code, digital record | Photo and dry seal |
| Cost | ₱150–200 + small fees | ₱100–150 |
| Validity | 6 months | 6 months (may vary) |
Have you heard about both terms: NBI Clearance and NPC? But you are confused about their scope, work, and other processes. So here are the details of both to remove your confusion. NBI clearance is proof of a person’s criminal records and character by the National Bureau of Investigation. It is a high-authority proof compared to NPC, as the person’s record is checked across the world and in other countries. Every Filipino can apply for it from the National Bureau of Investigation’s clearance centre. Here is a comparison table of NPC and NBI for your better understanding:
| Feature | National Police Clearance (NPC) | NBI Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Philippine National Police (PNP) | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) |
| Scope of Record Check | Local & national police blotter checks | Court cases, criminal databases, national scope |
| Coverage | Police records across Philippines | Wider background: courts & agencies |
| Application Method | Online + in-person via PNP portal | Online + in-person via NBI portal |
| When to Use | Local jobs, gov’t docs, quick clearance | Visa, immigration, overseas jobs, legal use |
| “Hit” Process | Possible further check if name matches | Thorough court-level match check |
| Security Features | QR Code, barcode, photo, station stamp | QR Code, biometric, digital verification |
| Validity | 6 months | 6 months to 1 year |
| Cost | ₱150–200 | ₱130–170 |
What happens if you get “Hit” in the Police Clearance Process?
During the clearance process, police thoroughly examine your data and analyze it. If during the NPC process in the Philippines, you receive a “hit,” that means your name matches with some criminal records or other persons in the Philippines National Police database. Don’t worry! This does not always mean that you have a criminal record; it can happen due to similar names or faces.
Here is a process that follows after you get “Hit”:
- The PNP deeply analyzes your data and records and does manual verification to know if it is correct or just because of errors.
- During their manual verification, you have to wait for 5 to 10 days to complete the process.
- In some situations, you often need to visit the police station, provide additional documents, and undergo interviews.
- If the results are clear, PNP will provide you with a clearance certificate. But if the hit is real and you were involved in any criminal activity, you must follow more procedures.
Conclusion
In the modern world, don’t waste your time standing in long queues for a National Police Clearance. It is because with the online and fast NPCS, you can easily fill out the form. Apply for it, and get the clearance in just a 20-minute process.
A complete guide about the NPC, including required documentation and other steps is mentioned above for you. You must read it to avoid confusion.