Police Clearance Lost Certificate Replacement

Losing an important document like your Philippine police clearance certificate can be stressful, especially if you urgently need it for employment, travel, visa application, or government requirements. Many Filipinos experience this situation, and the good news is that replacing a lost police clearance is possible as long as you follow the proper process.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to replace a lost police clearance certificate in the Philippines, what requirements you need, how much it costs, and important tips to avoid delays. Whether your document was misplaced, accidentally thrown away, or stolen, this article covers everything you need to know to get a replacement quickly and smoothly.

What is a Police Clearance in the Philippines?

A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the PNP National Police Clearance System. It verifies that an individual does not have any criminal records or pending cases based on the PNP database.

This document is often required for:

• Job applications
  
• Government transactions
  
• Visa processing
  
• Business permits
  
• School or training enrollment
  
• Overseas employment requirements (OFW)
  
• Personal identification and verification
  

If your police clearance is lost, you will need a replacement to continue these processes.

Can You Replace a Lost Police Clearance Certificate?

Yes. You can request a replacement, but note that the PNP does not issue duplicate copies of old clearances. Instead, you will go through the re-issuance process, similar to applying again online.

This means you must:

1. Register or log in to the National Police Clearance System (NPCS)
   
2. Make a new appointment
   
3. Pay the fee
   

Visit the police station for verification and biometrics (if required)

Reasons Why Your Police Clearance May Be Lost

People lose important documents for different reasons. Some common scenarios include:

• Misplacing the certificate during travel
  
• Losing it while transferring house or office
  
• Flood or fire damage
  
• Stolen documents or bag theft
  
• Forgetting where it was placed after job applications
  
• Accidentally throwing it away with paper files
  

Regardless of the reason, you can still request a replacement.

Requirements for Police Clearance Lost Certificate Replacement

Here are the updated requirements when replacing a lost police clearance certificate:

Primary Requirements

You must present one valid ID from the list below:

• Passport
  
• UMID
  
• Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate
  
• SSS ID
  
• GSIS e-Card
  
• Driver’s License
  
• Postal ID
  
• PRC ID
  
• PhilHealth ID
  
• Senior Citizen ID
  
• OFW ID
  
• School ID with registration form (students)
  

Tip: If your ID was also lost or stolen, apply first for a new valid government ID before visiting the PNP station.

Optional Supporting Documents

(Not always required but useful)

• Barangay clearance
  
• Birth certificate
  
• Police blotter (if certificate was stolen)
  
• PSA documents for identity verification

Steps to Replace a Lost Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Go to the Official NPCS Portal

Visit the official PNP Police Clearance website:

Step 2: Log in or Create an Account

• If you applied online before — log in
  
• If you lost an old manual clearance — create an account
  

You must register using:

• Full name
  
• Birth details
  
• Address
  
• Email
  
• Mobile number
  

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Select:

• Preferred date
  
• Nearby police station
  
• Available time slot
  

Step 4: Pay the Police Clearance Fee

Standard fee: ₱150 + system fee
Payment options include:

• GCash
  
• PayMaya/Maya
  
• Landbank LinkBiz
  
• 7-Eleven/CLiQQ
  
• Debit/Credit cards
  
• Bayad Center
  

TIP: Take a screenshot of the payment receipt for proof.

Step 5: Visit the Police Station

Bring:

• Valid ID
  
• Appointment QR code
  
• Proof of payment (optional but recommended)
  

Step 6: Biometrics & Verification

Your photo, fingerprints, and information will be captured again.

If you already registered before, the system may skip some steps, depending on your records.

Step 7: Printing of New Police Clearance

After verification and if no “hit” record appears, your new certificate will be printed and released the same day.

Processing time:

• No “hit”: 15–30 minutes
  
• With “hit”: 3–7 working days for verification

What if Your Lost Police Clearance Gets a “HIT”?

A HIT means the system found a name similarity or potential record match. This does not always mean you have a criminal record. It could simply be:

• Someone has the same name as you
  
• Your records need manual verification
  
• If you get a hit, you must visit again after clearance.

Police Clearance Validity for Replacement

Police clearance is valid for six (6) months. If your lost certificate was already expired, you will be issued a new one with a new validity period.

Cost of Replacing Lost Police Clearance

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Police clearance fee	₱150
Convenience/system fee	₱10 – ₱30 depending on payment method
Printing (if self-print not supported)	₱5 – ₱10 (optional)

Total Cost: ₱150 – ₱190

Police Clearance Replacement for OFWs & Filipinos Abroad

If you’re abroad and lost your clearance, you may:

• Ask a trusted representative in the Philippines to apply for you
  
• Visit the nearest Philippine consulate/embassy
  
• Apply online and return for biometrics when back home
  

Some countries accept a copy of your online police clearance.

What To Do if Your Police Clearance Was Stolen

If stolen, do this immediately:

1. File a police blotter in your local barangay or police station
   
2. Bring a copy when applying for a replacement
   
3. Monitor your identity and credit accounts for fraud
   

This protects you in case someone tries to use your lost clearance illegally.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Police Clearance Again

• Save a scanned copy on your phone or email
  
• Store one photocopy at home
  
• Laminate after receiving (optional)
  
• Take a picture of the QR Code for emergency retrieval
  
• Keep all government documents in one secure folder
  

Digital backup is very important.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions