National Police Clearance | Police Clearance Online in Philippine 2024

The Philippine police clearance is a vital document for many Filipinos, used for job applications, government IDs, and even bank transactions. While the process itself has become more simple in recent years, there can still be a few challenges applicants face.

In this blog, we will explore the most common problems faced when applying for a police clearance in the Philippines. We’ll also provide solutions to help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process. So, whether you’re applying online or in person, this blog will provide you with the knowledge to get your police clearance easily.

What is National Police Clearance?

A National Police Clearance (NPC) is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that verifies an individual’s criminal record on a national level. It essentially certifies that you have no criminal or negative records based on the PNP database.

The Philippine National Police also offers an online system for processing NPC application status, making the process faster and more convenient. However, a personal appearance at a police station is still required for capturing biometric data.

National Police Clearance Online Registration 2024

The Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS) allows you to apply for a police clearance online, making the process faster and more convenient. 

If you’re a first-time applicant, click on “Register” and create an account by providing your personal information, email address, and a secure password. You’ll receive a confirmation email to activate your account.

Once logged in, complete your profile details to ensure correctness during processing.

Click on “Application of Clearance” and choose the police station where you’d like to pick up your clearance upon processing. Select a preferred date and time based on the station’s availability.

Go to the payment options, which is primarily through the Land Bank of the Philippines. Upon successful payment, a reference number will be generated.

On your appointment date, bring a valid government ID (two are recommended) and the payment receipt to the chosen police station for fingerprint capture and signature verification.

NOTE: The online system is for registration and appointment scheduling only. You'll still need to visit a police station to finalize the process.

National Police Clearance Login

To login national police clearance, enter the email and password that you used in registration. 

National Police Clearance Application

• When you sign in the other details related to your profile will be displayed on your screen.

Edit Profile:

• Select the edit profile button.
• Before clicking the save profile button, make sure and check all the information you put is correct.

Types of Police Clearance

There are two types of police clearances issued in the Philippines by the Philippine National Police (PNP):

National Police Clearance (NPC)

This clearance certifies that an individual has no criminal or negative records nationwide based on the PNP database and it is usually required for job applications, government-issued ID applications, NBI clearance requests, firearm registration, or bank transactions.

Local Police Clearance (LPC)

This clearance covers only the criminal and derogatory records of an individual in the specific area covered by the police station that issued it. It is typically faster and easier to obtain compared to an NPC. An LPC may be sufficient for some purposes, such as applying for a barangay clearance or opening a local bank account.

Both clearances are valid for six months from the date of issuance.

Police Clearance Online Payment

After registering, once you’ve chosen your preferred date and time, click on the “pay” button. This will redirect you to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) ePayment Portal. Save the reference number that was provided to you.

The LBP ePayment Portal offers various options:

Photo and Fingerprint Capture For Police Clearance

The Philippine National Police (PNP) requires applicants to appear in person at a police station to have their photo and fingerprints captured electronically during their scheduled appointment. You have to bring:

• A government-issued ID that proves your identity. This could be your passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
• Reference number
• Valid Receipt of payment

The entire process should only take a few minutes.

Release of Police Clearance

The release time for a Philippine National Police Clearance (NPC) depends on whether your application has a “hit” in the criminal database:

For applications with no “hit” (clean criminal record):

You can expect to receive your clearance immediately after completing the process at the police station on your appointment date. This process typically involves verification of your ID and captured biometrics (photo and fingerprints).

For applications with a “hit” (possible criminal record):

You will undergo a more extensive verification process to determine the type of the “hit.” This may take longer, and you might need to provide additional documentation.

Requirements for Getting Police Clearance

Following documents are required for police clearance:

• Valid ID: Bring at least two original valid IDs with your complete name, photo, and signature.
• Original Payment Receipt

Once you have submitted your application the NPCS will give you a reference number.

To obtain a PNP clearance, you’ll need:

• Government-issued: Passport, National ID, Driver’s License, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Birth certificate (with certified true copy receipt, accepted in some cases)
• 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

Who is Eligible for Police Clearance?

In the Philippines, there’s no specific eligibility requirement for applying for a police clearance. As long as you need the document for a legitimate purpose, you can apply. This applies to both Philippine citizens and foreign residents.

Here’s an overview of who typically applies for PNP clearances:

• Filipino Citizens: 

People needing a clearance for employment, travel visa applications, licensing applications, background checks, etc.

• Foreign Residents:

Foreigners residing in the Philippines who require a clearance for work permit applications, visa renewals, or other purposes.

• Students: 

Students often need PNP clearances for scholarships, school trips, special programs (like exchange programs), or as required by their school administration.

People who need clearance for legal purposes like licenses, or certifications are also eligible.

Key features of National Police Clearance

Here are the key features of a National Police Clearance in the Philippines:

Nationally Scoped:

The clearance verifies your 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 police clearance is that it’s primarily used for employment applications, visa applications, placement processes, gun licenses, 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

The Philippine National Police Clearance fee is typically ₱150 for regular processing. However, there might be additional charges depending on the chosen payment method.

• Base fee: ₱150
• Transaction fee: Some payment channels like online portals or convenience stores may charge a service fee on top of the base fee. This can range from ₱10 to ₱30.
• [First-time job seekers can get their clearance for free under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, but they need to show a Barangay Certificate and this benefit is only valid once.]

Processing Time of National Police Clearance

The processing time for a Philippines National Police Clearance (NPC) can vary depending on two main factors:

Online vs. Walk-in Application:

• Online Application: The Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS) allows for online registration, which can be completed in less than 10 minutes. However, you’ll still need to visit a designated police station for capturing your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
• Walk-in Application: Traditionally, applying in person at a police station could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

How to apply for NPC Online?

Applying for a National Police Clearance (NPC) in the Philippines follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website and register for an account or log in if you already have one.
2. Choose the purpose of your application (e.g., job application, immigration requirement).
3. Select your preferred date and time for an appointment at your chosen police station.
4. Print or save your appointment confirmation.
5. Go to the payment section. After successful payment, the reference number is given to you. 

Here you can check Police Clearance Sample of Philippines to get an idea about it.

How to Apply for Local Police Clearance?

Applying for a Local Police Clearance (LPC) process typically involves visiting your local police station and submitting the required documents in person.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Visit your local police station: Find the station with jurisdiction over your residence.
2. Inquire about requirements: Ask for the specific documents needed for an LPC application. These may generally include:
   • Application form (usually provided by the station)
   • Valid ID (CNIC, Passport)
   • Proof of residency (utility bill, barangay certification)
   • Fingerprint capture fee
3. Submit your application and documents: Follow the station’s procedures for processing your request.
4. Obtain your LPC: The processing time may vary depending on the station’s workload. You’ll be informed about the collection process for your LPC after the verification is complete.

LPC vs. NPC

Both types of police clearance are different in scope. The local police clearance is only to apply for a city or municipality while the national police clearance is to apply for the whole country.

Scope of Coverage:

• LPC: Covers only your criminal and negative records within the jurisdiction of the police station that issued it.
• NPC: Provides a nationwide check of your criminal and derogatory records based on the Philippine National Police (PNP) database.

Uses:

• LPC: Typically used for local purposes like applying for a barangay clearance, opening a local bank account, or employment within the same area.
• NPC: Generally required for more official purposes such as job applications outside your area, government-issued ID applications (e.g., passport), NBI clearance requests, firearm registration, or bank transactions nationwide.

Validity:

• Both LPC and NPC: Valid for six months from the date of issuance.

In short:

• You can choose an LPC for local purposes where a wider check isn’t necessary.
• You can apply for an NPC for nationwide background checks required for official purposes.
• If you’re from Police Clearance Cebu and planning to work in Manila, you don’t need to get a local police clearance Manila. You can simply apply for a national police clearance instead.

Difference between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance 

Both police clearance and NBI clearance are documents issued in the Philippines that verify a person’s criminal record. However, they differ in their scope:

NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation Clearance):

• This clearance provides a nationwide check of criminal cases filed against an individual. It covers the entire Philippines, making it more comprehensive. NBI clearance is typically required for purposes like immigration applications, major job applications, or certification applications.
• NBI Clearance is valid for six months to a year.
  

Police Clearance:

• On the other hand, a police clearance only checks for criminal records within the specific police station’s jurisdiction. So, if you lived or worked in different cities or provinces, you might need separate clearances for each location. Police clearance may be sufficient for local purposes like getting a barangay clearance or applying for a local permit, though sometimes the NBI clearance is required even for these.
• Police clearance typically has a six month validity. 

Contact Information

The hotline for the Philippine national police is 911.

In case of any questions or concerns regarding the National Police Clearance application process, you may reach out through the online website of NPCS [Philippine National Police Clearance System] . They might also have a dedicated help section for technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

The Philippine National Police Clearance (NPC) is an essential document for many Filipinos, used for various purposes such as job applications, government IDs, and even bank transactions. The process of applying for an NPC has become more simple in recent years, with the option to apply online. However, there are still some challenges that applicants may face, such as scheduling appointments and ensuring all the required documents are submitted. This blog has explored the most common problems faced when applying for a police clearance in the Philippines and provided solutions to help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can obtain your NPC quickly and easily.