Get Your National Police Clearance Certificate Online – NPCS Application and Renewal
The National Police Clearance is a crucial document for the Philippines People and foreign nationals residing in the Philippines. Obtaining a police clearance in the Philippines is an essential requirement for various official transactions, such as employment, business permits, visa applications, and even credit card approvals. In the past, the process of getting a police clearance involved long queues and time-consuming paperwork.
Now, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has introduced a new way called the National Police Clearance System (NPCS), which allows you to apply for police clearance online. This post will explore the step-by-step process of applying for a National Police Clearance online Philippines, the eligibility criteria, required documents, payment options, and the final steps to obtain your clearance.
What is National Police Clearance?
A National Police Clearance, also known as the Police clearance certificate, is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that verifies an individual has no criminal or derogatory record in their database. This clearance is different from a local police clearance, which only covers the applicant’s record within a specific municipality. The purpose of obtaining a national police clearance is usually for employment screening, visa applications, immigration, or other situations where a person’s criminal history needs to be verified. The Police Clearance Process typically involves registering & submitting an application form with required documents like a passport, address proof and employment contract details.
You have to pay the process fee of $150 to get your police clearance certificate between 10 to 15 working days. Suppose you need the certificate within 24 hours, then the express processing option is also available. If all the requirements are met, then the application will verified by the relevant authorities, and finally, they will issue the police clearance certificate.
5 Importance of Police Clearance in the Philippines:
- Ensures Public Safety: The police clearance helps employers, organizations, and authorities verify an individual’s integrity and character, promoting public safety.
- Facilitates Trust and Confidence: The clearance enables trust to be built across various contexts, from employment to legal transactions.
- Requirement for Official Processes: Many official processes, such as applying for a job, national ID, credit card, or passport, require a valid police clearance.
- Protects Legal Security: The thorough background check conducted for the clearance helps safeguard legal security and appropriate vetting.
- Centralized Criminal Record Database: The National Police Clearance System (NPCS) consolidates criminal records from across the Philippines, providing a comprehensive and accurate background check.
How to Register for National Police Clearance Online Philippines 2024?
The PNP (Philippine National Police) has introduced the NPCS (National Police Clearance System), an online platform that allows Filipinos to apply for police clearance conveniently and efficiently.
Here’s how to register:
- Visit the official website of National Police Clearance at pnpclearance.ph.
- You need to create a new account on NPCS. Click on the “Register” button and fill in the required personal information, including your full name, email address, and a secure password.
- Check your email for a verification link and click on it to activate your account.
- Log in to your account and navigate to the “My Profile” section to fill out the additional details, such as your residence address, educational background, and employment history.
- Your registration is now complete, and you can proceed to apply for your National Police Clearance.
Check :
- Police Clearance Renewal Online
- Police Clearance Online Registration
- police clearance online appointment
- pnp clearance online
How to Apply for National Police Clearance Online?
After successful registration, you can now apply for National Police clearance online. Here are the steps to apply for police clearance online Philippines, Police Clearance Sign-in:
- Sign in to your NPCS account and Click on the Clearance Application option to apply for police clearance
Police Clearance Appointment:
- Select the PNP station where you want to claim your police clearance.
- Choose your preferred appointment date and time slot and Click Next.
Police Clearance Payment:
- Now, Select the Pay to Landbank option
- Note the reference number generated after selecting Land Bank for payment
- Now, Click on the Pay option to Pay the police clearance fee of ₱150 online
- You can pay via LBP ATM, GCash, or BancNet.
National Police Clearance Valid ID’s Capture:
- Proceed to your selected police station on your scheduled appointment
- You need to bring your valid ID, reference number, and official receipt of payment
- Your biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) will be captured
Police Clearance Claim:
- It would help if you waited for your name to be called to claim your police clearance
- If your application has a “hit”, you’ll undergo further verification first
- The police clearance is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
- The entire process can be completed in less than 10 minutes online, compared to 30-60 minutes for walk-in applications previously.
Also Check :
Police Clearance Eligibility & Requirements:
To apply for a police clearance online in the Philippines, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have resided in the Philippines for at least 12 months
- Need the clearance within the next 6 months
Need to provide at least two valid government-issued IDs, such as:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- National ID card
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- GSIS UMID
- IBP ID
- OFW ID
- PhilHealth ID
- PRC License
- Senior Citizen ID
- SSS ID/UMID
- TIN ID
- Voter’s ID (or Barangay Residency Certification if no voter’s ID)
The IDs must be original, not expired, and bear the applicant’s complete name, clear photo, and signature. The police clearance can be obtained through an online application process via the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) website. Applicants must still make a personal appearance at a police station to have their biometrics captured after completing the online application process.
Key Features of National Police Clearance:
Here are the key features of the National Police Clearance in the Philippines,
- Nationally Scoped: The clearance verifies the criminal record across all Philippine law enforcement jurisdictions, not just the one where you apply.
- Criminal Record Check: It reveals any criminal cases, charges, or convictions you may have in the Philippines.
- Official Document: It’s issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and serves as an official document for various purposes.
- Validity Period: The clearance typically has a validity period ranging from 3 months to 1 year, depending on the requesting entity. After that, a new clearance may be required.
- Purpose: The main purpose of the police clearance is that it’s primarily used for employment, visa applications, placement processes, and other situations where verification of your criminal background is necessary.
- Accessibility: You can apply online through the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) or in person at designated police stations.
- Processing Time: Processing time varies depending on the application method (online vs. direct) and current application volume. It can range from under an hour to several days.
- Cost: There’s a base fee for the clearance, typically ₱150, with potential additional charges for chosen payment methods. Exemptions might apply for first-time job seekers.
National Police Clearance Fees & Processing Time:
The fees for a National Police Clearance in the Philippines are as follows:
- Regular Clearance: $150 processing fee to get the clearance in the standard time frame.
- Express Processing (if available): Additional fees may apply to get clearance as quickly as possible.
The processing time for a National Police Clearance can vary, but generally - Regular Processing: Expect your clearance to be ready for pickup within 10 to 15 working days. It is a standard timeframe.
- Express Processing: Your clearance may be available for pickup sooner, depending on the PNP station’s capacity.
Types of Police Clearance in the Philippines:
In the Philippines, there are two main types of police clearances:
- National Police Clearance: Issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and covers the applicant’s criminal record nationwide.
- Local Police Clearance: Issued by the local police station and only covers the applicant’s record within the specific municipality.
How to Apply for Local Police Clearance?
To apply for a local police clearance in the Philippines, you need to visit the nearest police station in the municipality where you reside. The process typically involves: Fill out an application form provided by the police personnel.
- Presenting a valid ID.
- Paying the required fee.
- Waiting for the clearance to be processed and issued.
Local Police Clearance vs. National Police Clearance:
The main differences between a local police clearance and a national police clearance in the Philippines are:
- Scope: A local clearance only covers the applicant’s record within a specific municipality, while a national clearance covers the entire country.
- Acceptance: A national police clearance is more widely recognized and accepted for official transactions, while a local clearance may have limited acceptance.
- Centralized Database: The national clearance is issued through the NPCS, which consolidates criminal records from across the Philippines, providing a more comprehensive background check.
How To Police Clearance Renewal Online Philippines:
There is no police clearance renewal process in the Philippines. The National Police Clearance is valid for six months from the date of issuance. To get a new police clearance after the previous one expires, you must apply for a new clearance. The steps are:
- Visit the official website at pnpclearance.ph and log in if you are a registered applicant.
- If you are new, create an account and log in.
- After login, Select “Police Clearance Renewal.”
- Choose an appointment scheduled at the police station.
- Fill out the required information.
- Sometimes, the National Police Clearance System asks to pay the renewal fee.
- Pay the cost with a valid payment option.
- Attend the appointment at the police station on the scheduled date.
- Provide the required documents like previous police clearance, valid ID, photos, etc.
- Finally, follow the instructions as per the Police Station to complete the renewal process.
The good news is that the NPCS makes it easy to track your clearance’s expiration date and receive reminders to renew it in a timely manner.
Common police clearance user questions and answers:
Here’s a detailed table with full topic descriptions on how to obtain a police clearance in the Philippines:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get police clearance PH | You can apply for a police clearance online via the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) or visit a police station offering clearance services. |
| Police clearance online application | Register on the NPCS website, fill out the form, and book an appointment at your preferred police station. |
| Police clearance requirements PH | The requirements include a valid ID, personal information, and payment of the clearance fee (around PHP 150). |
| Police clearance renewal PH | For renewal, you can apply online through the NPCS and book a new appointment at a police station. |
| Validity of police clearance PH | A police clearance in the Philippines is valid for 6 months. |
| Police clearance for employment PH | Employers often require police clearance as part of the background check process when hiring. |
| Police clearance processing time PH | The processing time for police clearance is typically 30 minutes to 1 hour after biometrics capture at the police station. |
| Police clearance vs NBI clearance PH | Police clearance covers local records, while NBI clearance checks for national-level records. |
| How to check police clearance status | You can check the status of your police clearance through the NPCS website or by visiting the police station where you applied. |
| Police clearance fee PH | The fee for police clearance is around PHP 150, excluding any additional transaction or service fees. |
| How to cancel police clearance PH | Log in to your NPCS account to cancel or reschedule your police clearance appointment if needed. |
| Police clearance appointment PH | You can book your appointment on the NPCS website after registration, and select your preferred police station for biometrics. |
| Requirements for police clearance abroad | For police clearance abroad, you will need a valid ID, passport, and clearance from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. |
| Police clearance express service PH | There is no official express service for police clearance, but certain police stations may offer faster processing based on availability. |
| Police clearance for travel PH | A police clearance may be required for travel, especially for visa applications or immigration purposes. |
| Online police clearance verification PH | Use the NPCS portal to verify the authenticity of your police clearance. |
| Lost police clearance PH | If you lose your police clearance, you can request a duplicate by visiting the police station where the original was issued, along with your ID and payment. |
| How to request duplicate police clearance | Visit the police station where your original police clearance was issued and request a duplicate after providing identification and paying the necessary fee. |
| Police clearance for government job PH | Government job applicants may need to present a police clearance as part of their background check process. |
| Police clearance barangay PH | Barangay clearance is different from police clearance; police clearance is issued by police stations, while barangay clearance is issued by barangay offices. |
| Police clearance for visa application PH | Police clearance is often required when applying for visas to verify that the applicant has no criminal record in their local area. |
| How to update police clearance details | To update any details on your police clearance, you will need to apply for a new clearance by repeating the application process. |
| How long is police clearance valid PH | Police clearance is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. |
| Police clearance walk-in application PH | While some police stations allow walk-in applications, it is recommended to book an appointment online through NPCS to ensure faster processing. |
| Where to get police clearance PH | You can obtain police clearance from police stations offering clearance services or by applying online through the NPCS portal. |
| How to expedite police clearance PH | While there is no official expedited process, some police stations may offer faster clearance processing depending on their workload and capacity. |
| Police clearance for OFWs PH | Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may need police clearance as part of their overseas employment processing or visa applications. |
| Steps to obtain police clearance PH | Register on NPCS, book an appointment at a police station, pay the required fee, and visit the station for biometrics and processing. |
| Police clearance processing centers PH | Police clearance processing centers are typically located at major police stations across the country, including city and provincial police offices. |
| Police clearance renewal fee PH | The fee for renewing a police clearance is generally the same as the initial fee, around PHP 150. |
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in the Philippines:
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in the Philippines Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Required Documents :
- Two valid IDs (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, SSS ID, Voter’s ID)
- Barangay Clearance
- Recent 2×2 ID photo
Visit the Local Police Station :
- Go to the police station with jurisdiction over your residence.
- If unsure, visit the nearest police station for guidance.
Fill Out the Application Form :
- Request and fill out the PCC application form at the police station.
Pay the Required Fees :
- Submit your documents and pay the processing fee (PHP 100 – PHP 200).
Biometrics and Photograph :
- Undergo fingerprinting and photograph.
Wait for Processing :
- Processing time can take a few hours to a few days. You’ll receive a claim stub with the collection date.
Claim Your Certificate :
Return on the given date, present your claim stub, and receive your PCC.
Tips:
- Arrive Early : To avoid long queues.
- Complete Requirements : Ensure all documents are ready.
- Follow Instructions : Listen to police personnel for smooth processing.
- Keep Copies : Make copies of your PCC for future use.
comparison of police clearance and NBI clearance:
NBI clearance and police clearance are two important documents in the Philippines that serve as proof of an individual’s criminal record status, but they have distinct differences in terms of scope, authority, and usage. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:
| Police Clearance | NBI Clearance |
|---|---|
| Issued by local police departments | Issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) |
| Proof of good conduct within a specific locality | Proof of good conduct nationwide |
| Used for local purposes like employment or permits | Used for national and international purposes like visas and job applications |
National Police Clearance Validity:
- As mentioned earlier, the National Police Clearance is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
- After 6 months, the clearance expires and is considered invalid, requiring the individual to apply for a new one.
- It is important to note that the validity is calculated from the date the clearance was issued, not the application date. You will get the remainder before the validity expires.
- It’s important to note that the clearance is not renewable, and you’ll need to apply for a new one once the previous one expires.
How Can I Get Police Clearance Without a Valid ID?
Actually, it is not possible to get a police clearance in the Philippines without presenting at least one valid government-issued ID. The key points are:
- If you do not have any of the accepted valid IDs, you can present a Barangay Residency Certification instead. However, this is only for getting a Local Police Clearance, not a National Police Clearance.
- There is no option to get a police clearance without providing any valid ID.
- ID verification is a strict requirement to prove your identity and check for any criminal records.
- The Philippine National Police has an online system for applying for police clearances.
- However, you still need to provide valid ID documents during the in-person appointment at the police station.
How To Contact Police Clearance Customer Support:
If you have any questions or need assistance with your National Police Clearance application, you can contact the PNP Clearance Information team:
- Address: Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Crame, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- General Inquiries: (02) 8723-0401
- Website: https://pnpclearance.ph
Conclusion:
In Summary, the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) by the PNP is a simple & easy way to obtain police clearance Philippines. With its online application process, convenient scheduling, and efficient processing, the NPCS has made it easier than ever to secure this essential document. Whether you’re applying for a job, a visa, or any other official transaction, the National Police Clearance is a must-have, and the NPCS makes the process seamless and stress-free.