National Police Clearance – Police Clearance Online 2025 (Updated)

The National Police Clearance System (NPCS), introduced by the Philippine National Police (PNP), offers a streamlined, efficient way for individuals to secure police clearance. Obtaining a police clearance is essential for many Filipinos, whether for employment, securing government IDs, or fulfilling various legal requirements.

The process has improved over the years, especially with online registration, but there are still some challenges applicants might face. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a police clearance in the Philippines, including the online and offline procedures, required documents,common issues and and how it compares to other clearance systems to watch out for.

What is National Police Clearance?

A National Police Clearance (NPC) is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that confirms an individual’s criminal record status at the national level. The Philippine National Police provides an online system to check the status of NPC applications, making it quicker and easier. However, you still need to visit a police station for biometric data collection.

national-police clearance

It serves various purposes:

  • Job applications: Frequently required by local employers.
  • Bank transactions: Accepted for credit card applications, national IDs, and NBI Clearance. However, it is not valid for voter registration at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
  • Official Transactions: Used for visa applications, government permits, and more.

Unlike local clearances, the NPC pulls data from a centralized database, providing a nationwide check of criminal records.

LPC vs. NPC

Feature (LPC) (NPC)
ScopeLocal jurisdiction onlyNationwide
Purpose Local job, permitsEmployment, travel, licenses
Processing Time6 months6 months

Types of Police Clearance

  • There are two types of police clearances issued by the by the Philippine National Police (PNP):
  • National Police Clearance (NPC)
    • Scope:Nationwide coverage, checking criminal records across the entire country.
    • Uses: Required for job applications, government-issued IDs, and background checks.
    • Validity: 6 months.
  • Local Police Clearance (LPC)
    • Scope: Limited to the jurisdiction of the issuing police station.
    • Uses: Suitable for local employment, barangay clearance, or local permits.
    • Validity: 6 months.

Requirements for Getting Police Clearance

Following documents are required for police clearance:

  • Government-issued 
    • Passport
    • National ID
    • Driver’s License
    • Postal ID
    • Voter’s ID
    • Birth certificate.
  • Company/Organization
    • GSIS UMID
    • SSS ID/UMID
    • Pag-IBIG ID
    • PRC License
  • Special
    • Alien Certificate of Registration
    • School ID with registration form (if applicable),
    • PWD ID
    • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Two Valid IDs: Make sure the IDs are original and include your full name, photo, and signature.
  • Official Payment Receipt: Keep the receipt after making your payment.
  • Reference Number: After submitting your application, the NPCS will give you a unique reference number.
    • Barangay clearance (for first-time job seekers)
    • Community Tax Certificate (cedula)
    • Two 2×2 ID photos
  • Make sure your documents are complete to avoid delays.
valid-ids
Valid IDs

National Police Clearance Online Registration 2024

The Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS) allows for online applications, making the process quicker. Here’s how to get your NPC in 2024:

Register an Account

  • Visit the official NPCS website.
  • Create an account by providing your email, personal details, and a password.
  • Activate your account via a confirmation email.(check your spam folder if necessary).
register-an-account
Register an Account

Complete Your Profile

  • Log in and fill in your profile information accurately.
complete-your-profile
Complete Your Profile

Schedule an Appointment

  • Go to “Application of Clearance” and select a police station where you want to pick your clearance.
  • Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
schedule-an-appointment
Schedule an Appointment

Pay the Processing Fee

Payments can be made online via:

  1. Landbank account
  2. GCash
  3. BancNet (partner banks)
  4. 7-Eleven (using CLiQQ app)
how to get police clearance schedule online how much police clearance payment requirements 2024 6 9 screenshot 673e0beeb95bd
Pay the Processing Fee

The base fee is 150 Pesos, Additional transaction charges are 10 to 30 Pesos (depending on the payment channel)

how to get police clearance schedule online how much police clearance payment requirements 2024 8 54 screenshot 673e0c3025e76

Note: First-time job seekers are exempt from the fee if they present a Barangay Certificate.

Visit the Police Station

On your scheduled date, bring the following:

  • Two Government issued valid IDs are Recommended (passport, driver’s license, national ID, etc.)
  • Proof of payment (Printed Slip)
  • Appointment confirmation with reference number from your online application.

Photo and Fingerprint Capture

Even if you register online, a physical visit to the police station is mandatory for biometric data collection. The process usually takes just a few minutes if there are no issues.

Police Clearance Processing Time

  • If there’s no criminal record (“no hit”) Clearance is issued immediately.
  • If there’s a possible record (“hit status”) Additional verification is needed, which may take a few days.
MethodAverage Time
Online ApplicationLess than 10 minutes (registration), additional time at the police station for biometrics
Walk-in Application30 minutes to 1 hour depending on station workload

Differences Between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance

FeaturePolice ClearanceNBI Clearance
ScopeLocal or nationalNationwide
Issued byPhilippine National PoliceNational Bureau of Investigation
Typical UseLocal jobs, barangay permitsImmigration, high-level job applications
Validity6 months6 months to 1 year

Who is Eligible to Apply for Police Clearance?

Anyone in the Philippines, including:

  • Filipino citizens for job applications, visas, or legal certifications.
  • Foreign residents needing work permits or visa renewals.
  • Foreign residents needing work permits or visa renewals.

How to apply for NPC Online?

Here’s how to apply for a Police Clearance in the Philippines:

  1. Go to the official website and create an account or log in if you already have one.
  2. Specify the reason for your application, like for a job or immigration.
  3. Pick a police station, then choose a date and time for your appointment.
  4. Save or print your appointment details.
  5. Proceed to payment, and once completed, you’ll receive a reference number.
  6. You can also view examples of Police Clearance in the Philippines for reference.

How to Apply for Local Police Clearance?

To apply for a Local Police Clearance (LPC), follow these steps:

  1. Go to your local police station: Visit the one responsible for your area.
  2. Ask about the requirements: Check what documents you need to prepare. These usually include:
  • Application form (available at the station)
  • A valid ID (like a passport or national ID)
  • Proof of address (e.g., a utility bill or barangay certificate)
  • Payment for fingerprinting
  1. Submit your documents: Hand over your application and follow the instructions for processing.
  2. Receive your LPC: Processing times vary, so the station will inform you when and how to collect it once it’s ready.

Contact Information

Philippine national police Hotline number is 911.

If you have questions or need help with your Police Clearance application, visit the NPCS website. They may also have a help section for technical support.

Conclusion

The Police Clearance System is a game-changer in simplifying clearance applications, saving time, and reducing the need for long queues. Whether you need a clearance for employment, legal, or official purposes, the NPCS ensures a seamless experience. By understanding the process, requirements, and key differences between NPC and LPC, applicants can navigate the system confidently and efficiently.

What is the National Police Clearance (NPC)?

The NPC is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to verify if an individual has any criminal record.

Who can apply for a National Police Clearance?

Any Filipino citizen or foreign national residing in the Philippines can apply, as long as they meet the requirements.

What are the requirements for applying for an NPC?

Applicants typically need two valid IDs with full name, photo, and signature, proof of payment, and a reference number from the NPCS system.

How do I apply for a National Police Clearance?

Applications are done online through the NPCS portal. After scheduling an appointment and paying the fee, you must visit your chosen police station for biometrics.

Can I apply for an NPC without an appointment?

No, you need to book an appointment online before going to the police station. Walk-in applications are not accepted.

How much does the National Police Clearance cost?

The fee is usually around PHP 150, excluding additional charges for convenience fees or fingerprint services.

How long does it take to get the clearance?

If there are no issues or hits in the background check, the clearance is usually issued on the same day.

What is a “hit” in the NPC process?

A “hit” occurs when the system finds a record matching your personal information. Additional verification will be conducted, which may take a few days.

Is the NPC valid for international use?

No, the NPC is intended for local use. For international purposes, you may need an NBI Clearance instead.

How long is the National Police Clearance valid?

The NPC is valid for six months from the date of issuance.

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