The Philippine Police Clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that certifies a person has no criminal record in a particular locality or, if applicable, specifies any criminal record found in the database. This document is widely used for local employment, business transactions, personal identification, and even some international applications.

What Is Police Clearance?

Police clearance serves as proof that the holder has no derogatory record or pending criminal case within the jurisdiction where it is issued. It is often compared to the NBI Clearance, but the two are different:

• Police Clearance is local in scope — it covers only the police records of the city or municipality where it is issued.

• NBI Clearance is national in scope — it covers records from all over the Philippines.

For many purposes, especially for local employment or community-related requirements, a Police Clearance is enough.

Common Uses of Police Clearance

People may be asked to obtain a Police Clearance for various reasons:

1. Local Employment – Many employers require applicants to submit Police Clearance to ensure they have a clean record.

2. Business Permits – Some local government units (LGUs) require it when applying for or renewing business permits.

3. Government Transactions – Certain agencies request it for verification purposes.

4. Identification – Since it has a photo and fingerprints, it can be used as a valid government-issued ID.

5. Other Legal or Personal Matters – Examples include school requirements, volunteer work, or community-based activities.

Requirements for Police Clearance

While requirements may vary slightly by municipality or city, the most common include:

• Two valid government-issued IDs (e.g., passport, driver’s license, postal ID, voter’s ID, PhilHealth ID, SSS/UMID card, etc.)

• Barangay Clearance (some LGUs require it as proof of good moral character)

• Cedula or Community Tax Certificate (usually issued by the barangay or city hall)

• Application form (available at the police station or online in some areas)

• Payment of processing fee (usually ranges from ₱100 to ₱200)

It is important to bring original and photocopies of the documents.

Steps to Apply for Police Clearance

The process is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour, depending on the queue.

1. Prepare the Requirements
   Gather your valid IDs, Barangay Clearance, and Cedula before going to the police station to save time.

2. Go to the Police Station or PNP Clearance Center
   Some cities have a designated Police Clearance Center separate from the main police station.

3. Fill Out the Application Form
   Provide accurate details such as your full name, birthdate, address, and other personal information.

4. Submit Requirements and Pay the Fee
   The officer will check your documents and direct you to pay at the cashier.

5. Fingerprinting and Photograph
   Your fingerprints will be scanned digitally. A photo will also be taken for the clearance.

6. Record Check
   The police will verify your details against their criminal database. If there’s no record, you’ll be cleared.

7. Releasing
   If no issues are found, your Police Clearance will be released within the same visit.

Validity and Renewal

A Police Clearance in the Philippines is usually valid for six months from the date of issuance. If you need it again after it expires, you will have to apply for a new one following the same process.

Online Police Clearance Application

To make the process more efficient, the PNP launched the National Police Clearance System (NPCS), which allows Filipinos to apply online for a National Police Clearance. Unlike the traditional local clearance, the national version checks records nationwide and is accepted for broader purposes.

How to apply online:

1. Visit the NPCS website: https://pnpclearance.ph

2. Register for an account and provide the required personal details.

3. Schedule an appointment at your preferred police station.

4. Pay the fee online or through payment partners.

5. On your appointment date, bring your reference number and valid IDs for verification, fingerprinting, and photo capture.

Police Clearance vs. NBI Clearance

While both serve as proof of having no criminal record, here are key differences:

For overseas employment or immigration purposes, NBI Clearance is usually required, but for local employment and other domestic purposes, Police Clearance is often enough.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Bring multiple valid IDs in case one is not accepted.

• Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially in high-traffic police stations.

• Double-check your personal details before submission to prevent errors.

• Keep photocopies of your clearance for records.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Philippine Police Clearance is a straightforward process that serves as an important verification tool for employment, business, and legal purposes. Whether you apply for the local version or the National Police Clearance, it’s essential to prepare the requirements, follow the correct process, and keep track of its validity. In a society where trust and security are paramount, having a Police Clearance not only fulfills legal requirements but also demonstrates personal integrity and responsibility.