Police Clearance Certificate in Philippines

The Philippine police clearance certificate is a crucial document for Filipinos applying for jobs, traveling abroad, or processing other legal matters. While the application process itself is efficient, there can be sometimes errors that cause delays.

In this blog, we will explore all the common problems you might face like mistaken identity, verification delays, and others when obtaining your police clearance certificate. We’ll also provide some helpful tips to ensure a smooth application process and avoid these issues completely.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A police clearance certificate, also known as a police character certificate, is an official document issued by the police that verifies your criminal history. It usually indicates whether you have a criminal record in the issuing country.

police clearance certificate

How to get a Police Clearance Certificate Online

Online Police clearance certificate process depends on the location (country or region) where you live. Here are few points that might help you:

Eligibility for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Currently, there are no specific restrictions on who can apply for a Philippine PCC online. However, the PCC will reflect your criminal record in the Philippines.

Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS)

Visit the official website of the PNP Clearance.

Create an Account

New users will need to register for an account on the NPCS website. This involves providing personal information and creating a username and password.

Online Application Process

  • Schedule an Appointment: Once registered, log in and schedule an appointment at your preferred police station.

Visit Police Station

On your appointment date, visit the chosen police station with the following:

  • Printed copy of your appointment confirmation
  • Reference number from your online payment
  • Two valid IDs for verification (e.g., passport, driver’s license)

PCC Release

The station will capture your photo and fingerprints to complete the process. Once processed, you will receive your physical copy of the PCC at the station.

Purposes of Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate is commonly required for various purposes, such as:

  • Employment:

Many employers in the Philippines and abroad request a police clearance certificate as part of the application process.

  • Immigration:

When applying for a visa or residency card in another country, a Police Clearance Certificate is often an essential document. It assures the immigration authorities that you don’t have a criminal history that could be a risk to their country.

  • Licensing:

Specific professions and licenses in the Philippines, like security guard or firearm licenses, might require a Police Clearance Certificate as part of the application or renewal process. This ensures individuals entering regulated fields have a clean criminal record.

  • Legal Matters:

In some legal proceedings, a police clearance certificate can be helpful in establishing your good character.

Required Documents for Police Clearance Verification

The required documents for Philippine police clearance verification fall into two categories: 

  • Documents needed for the online application
  • Documents needed during your visit to the police station.

Online Application

  • No document uploads are typically required for the police clearance certificate online application process.

Police Station Visit

  • Printed Appointment Confirmation: Bring a copy of your confirmation email showing your scheduled appointment.
  • Payment Reference Number: Have a copy of the reference number you received after paying the clearance fee online.
  • Two Valid IDs: Present two original and valid government-issued IDs that show your full name, photo, and signature. Here are some examples of accepted IDs:
    • Passport
    • Driver’s License
    • Postal ID
    • School ID with Registration Form
    • PhilID (National ID)
    • SSS ID/UMID
    • TIN ID
    • National Health Insurance ID
    • PAG-IBIG ID
    • Voter’s ID
    • And many others (check with your local police station for the full list if needed)

Police Clearance Certificate Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for a Police Clearance Certificate Philippines can vary depending on the application method and workload. It typically takes 4 weeks in normal working days, but it can be faster through online application. 

The fees for Police Clearance Certificate are set by the authorities and can be subject to change. To ensure you have the most up-to-date fee information, it’s best to check directly with the NBI or PNP website or inquire at the station where you apply.

Police Clearance Certificate Validity

Validity:

A Police Clearance Certificate is generally valid for six months from the date of issuance. Make sure to factor in this validity period when applying for purposes like immigration.

For Filipinos Abroad:

If you reside outside the Philippines, and want to get Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad then you can apply for it through Philippine embassies or consulates in your area. Contact them for specific requirements and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are actually two main issuing authorities for the Philippine Police Certificate and Clearance, depending on the application method you choose:

  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
  • Philippine National Police (PNP)

Yes, Philippines Police Clearance and Police Certificate are mostly used interchangeably. They both refer to the document issued by the Philippine authorities that verifies an individual’s criminal record.

You can get a national police certificate online and by registration and in-person by visiting the police station and fill-form.

For police clearance certificate online apply at NPCS website, Register, book appointment, pay online, then visit station for photo & fingerprints.

The requirements for police certificate philippines:

  • Valid ID (government-issued, e.g., passport, driver’s license)
  • Barangay clearance (in some areas)
  • Community tax certificate (CTC) (in some areas)
  • Appointment (may be online)
  • Fee 

No, you cannot download your Philippine police clearance certificate. After completing the application process and visiting the police station, you will receive a hard copy of your certificate.

The Philippines doesn’t actually issue separate international police clearance certificates. The document you’ll need is a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, which is already recognized in many countries. To get an NBI clearance (police certificate) in the Philippines: Visit an NBI office (in Philippines) or Philippine embassy/consulate (abroad). Fill out a form, provide ID, photo, and pay fees.

Conclusion:

A Philippine National Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a straightforward process, especially with the online application option. Whether you need it for employment, immigration, licensing, or legal purposes, a PCC verifies your criminal record in the Philippines. Remember to consider the processing time and validity period when planning your application. If you live abroad, Philippine embassies and consulates can assist you with the PCC process.