Police Clearance Online | National Police Clearance in Philippines
In this blog, we will discuss the most common problems encountered when applying for a police clearance in the Philippines. Furthermore, we will provide solutions for avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth application process. Whether you apply online or in person, this blog will provide you with the knowledge you need to get your National police clearance.
The Philippine police clearance is a vital document for many Filipinos, used in job applications, government identification cards, and even bank transactions. Despite recent improvements, applicants can still encounter a few challenges during the application process.
What is National Police Clearance?
A National Police Clearance (NPC) verifies a person’s criminal records on a national level through the Philippine National Police (PNP). On the basis of the PNP database, you are essentially certified that you have no criminal or negative records.
The Philippine National Police also offers an online system for tracking NPC application status, which makes the process quicker and more convenient. For the capture of biometric data, a personal appearance is still required at a police station.
National Police Clearance Registration Online 2024
Through the Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS), you can apply for a police clearance online, making the process faster and easier.
If you’re a first-time applicant, click on “Register” and enter your email address and password to create an account. Your account will be activated once you receive a confirmation email.
Complete your profile details once you have logged in to ensure that the information is accurate during the processing process.
After processing your clearance, click on “Application of Clearance” and select the police station where you would like to pick it up. Based on the availability of the station, choose your preferred date and time.
Click on the payment options, which are primarily made through the Land Bank of the Philippines. A reference number will be generated upon successful payment.
To obtain your fingerprints and verify your signature, bring a valid government ID (two are recommended) and the payment receipt to the police station of your choice on the day of your appointment.
National Police Clearance Login
Login using the email address and password you used when you registered for national police clearance.
National Police Clearance Application
- The other details related to your profile will appear on your screen after you sign in.
Edit Profile:
- Click on Edit Profile.
- Make sure all the information you enter is correct before clicking the save profile button.
Types of Police Clearance
Two types of police clearances are issued in the Philippines by the Philippine National Police (PNP):
National Police Clearance (NPC)
According to the PNP database, this clearance certifies an individual has no criminal or negative records in the nation and is typically required for job applications, government ID applications, NBI clearance requests, firearm registrations, or bank transactions.
Local Police Clearance (LPC)
A police clearance only covers criminal and derogatory records of an individual within the jurisdiction of the police station that issued it. The process is usually faster and easier than getting an NPC. For some purposes, such as applying for a barangay clearance or opening a local bank account, an LPC may suffice.
Police Clearance Online Payment
Once you’ve registered, click the “pay” button after choosing your preferred date and time. You will be directed to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) ePayment Portal. Please keep the reference number that was provided to you.
In the LBP ePayment Portal, you can choose from the following options:
Photo and Fingerprint Capture For Police Clearance
Applicants must appear in person at a police station to have their photo and fingerprints captured electronically during their scheduled appointment with the Philippine National Police (PNP). Bring the following:
- A government-issued identification card that proves your identity. It could be a passport, driver’s license, or national identification card.
- The reference number
- Valid Payment Receipt
You should only need to spend a few minutes on the entire process.
Release of Police Clearance
It depends on whether your application has a “hit” in the criminal database when releasing a Philippine National Police Clearance (NPC).
For applications with no “hit” (clean criminal record):
On your appointment date, you can expect to receive your clearance immediately after completing the process at the police station. In this process, your ID is verified and biometrics (photo and fingerprints) are captured.
For applications with a “hit” (possible criminal record):
There will be a more extensive verification process to determine the type of “hit.” This might take longer, and you may need to provide more documentation.
Police Clearance Requirements for Getting
For police clearance, the following documents are required:
- Valid ID: You must bring at least two original valid identification cards with your complete name, photo, and signature.
- Receipt of original payment
You will receive a reference number from the NPCS once you have submitted your application.
You will need the following to obtain a PNP clearance:
- Government-issued: Passport, National ID, Driver’s License, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, Birth certificate (with certified true copy receipt, acceptable in some cases)
- Company/Organization: GSIS UMID, SSS ID/UMID, Pag-IBIG ID, and PRC License
- Special: Alien Registration Certificate, School ID, PWD ID, Senior Citizen ID, and School ID with registration form (if applicable
- Clearance from the barangay (original and photocopy)
- Certificate of Community Tax (Original)
- Photographs of two 2×2 IDs
Who is Eligible for Police Clearance?
A police clearance is not subject to any specific eligibility requirements in the Philippines. You can apply as long as you need the document for a legitimate reason. Foreign residents as well as Philippine citizens are affected by this.
PNP clearances are typically applied for by the following people:
- Filipino Citizens:
A clearance may be required for employment, travel visa applications, licensing applications, or background checks.
- Foreign Residents:
Work permit applicants, visa renewals, and other foreigners residing in the Philippines who require clearance.
- Students:
PNP clearances are often required by students for scholarships, school trips, exchange programs, or other special programs.
Key Features and Benefits of the National Police Clearance System
Police clearance processes can be made more efficient and accessible with the NPCS.The following features are included:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Accessibility online: | It is now possible for applicants to apply for police clearances from the comfort of their own homes or offices.It eliminates the need for physical visits to police stations, making the process more convenient. |
| Efficiency and Speed: | Processing times are significantly reduced by using the online platform.Online applications, appointments, and payments make the application process faster and easier. |
| Nationwide Coverage: | NPCS coverage extends across all regions and provinces in the Philippines, making it available to all citizens. |
| Transacting securely: | Using advanced encryption and authentication protocols, the system safeguards personal information and payment details. |
| Streamlined Application Process: | Through its user-friendly interface, the NPCS makes the application process simple and straightforward for applicants. |
National Police Clearance Fees
Typically, the Philippine National Police Clearance fee is ₱150 per application. There may, however, be additional charges depending on how you choose to pay.
- Base fee: ₱150
- Transaction fee: Some payment channels, such as online portals or convenience stores, charge a service fee. Typically, this ranges from ₱10 to ₱30.
- First-time job seekers can receive their clearance for free under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. However, they must show a Barangay Certificate, and this benefit is only valid once.
Processing Time of National Police Clearance
There are two main factors that can affect the processing time for a Philippines National Police Clearance (NPC):
Online vs. Walk-in Application:
- Online Application: Registration for the Philippine National Police Clearance System (NPCS) can be completed in less than 10 minutes online. However, you’ll still need to visit a police station to capture your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Walk-in Application: In the past, applying in person at a police station could take between 30 and 60 minutes.
How to apply for NPC Online?
Follow these steps to apply for a National Police Clearance (NPC) in the Philippines:
- Register for an account on the official website or log in if you already have one.
- Decide on the purpose of your application (for example, job application, immigration requirement).
- Select your preferred date and time for an appointment at a police station.
- Your appointment confirmation can be printed or saved.
- Click on the payment section. You receive a reference number after successful payment.
How to Apply for Local Police Clearance?
Typically, you must submit the required documents to your local police station in person in order to proceed with the Local Police Clearance (LPC) process.
You can do the following:
- Visit your local police station: Locate the station that has jurisdiction over your area.
- Inquire about requirements: Inquire about the documents needed for an LPC application. Generally, they include:
- Station application form (usually provided by the station)
- Identification (CNIC, passport)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, barangay certificate)
- Fees associated with fingerprint capture
- Submit your application and documents: Follow the station’s procedures for processing your application.
- Obtain your LPC: Processing times may vary depending on station workload. Once your LPC has been verified, you will be notified about the collection process.
Difference between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance
In the Philippines, both police clearance and NBI clearance are issued to verify a person’s criminal record. They differ, however, in their scope:
NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation Clearance):
- Using this clearance, you can check the status of criminal cases filed against a person throughout the country. This map covers the entire Philippines, making it more comprehensive. A NBI clearance is typically required for immigration, major job applications, or certification applications.
- An NBI clearance is valid for a period of six months to a year.
Police Clearance:
- Conversely, a police clearance only checks criminal records within the jurisdiction of the specific police station. Therefore, if you lived or worked in different cities or provinces, you might need separate clearances for each. Sometimes the NBI clearance is required even for local purposes like getting a barangay clearance or applying for a local permit.
- The validity of a police clearance is typically six months.
Contact Information
The hotline for the Philippine national police is 911.
Conclusion:
A Philippine National Police Clearance (NPC) is an essential document for many Filipinos, used for everything from job applications to government identifications to bank transactions. In recent years, applying for an NPC has become easier with the option to apply online. There are still some challenges applicants face, such as scheduling appointments and making sure all documents are submitted. We have discussed 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. Follow the steps outlined in this blog to obtain your NPC quickly and easily.