National Police Clearance 2025: Online Registration & Appointment in the Philippines
Applying for a national police clearance in the Philippines can feel confusing, especially with the online process that requires registration, scheduling an appointment, and preparing documents.
A national police clearance certificate, also known as a PNP clearance, is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) online proving that you have no criminal record. It is commonly required for jobs, valid IDs, business permits, rentals, and other important transactions.
In this guide, we will walk you through the registration and police clearance online appointment step by step, using simple language and screenshots of each stage. This way, you can confidently complete your 2025 application without confusion.
What is a National Police Clearance in the Philippines?
It is an official certificate issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that proves the holder has no criminal record, unlawful activities, or pending case. This certificate is also called a PNP clearance or a police clearance certificate (PCC) in the Philippines.
You will need it while applying for a job, valid ID, credit card, government-issued documents (such as a birth certificate), opening a bank account, large financial transactions, business permits, rentals, or when specifically requested by an employer or government agency.
The clearance certificate in the Philippines serves as proof of trust and transparency, playing an important role in background checks and maintaining law and order.
To make the process easier, the PNP uses the National Police Clearance System (NPCS), which integrates criminal records from different towns and cities into a single nationwide database. This allows any police station to quickly access an applicant’s record and issue a clearance on the spot. It also enables instant online verification of certificates, ensuring faster authentication and fewer delays.
Want to know what the certificate looks like? check out our guide on the police clearance certificate sample.
How to Apply for a National Police Clearance Online(2025 Step-by-Step Guide):
Now, you can get the national police clearance certificate online in the Philippines. It is a fast, efficient, and convenient process. You can apply from anywhere and any time. All you need is to understand how to apply for it.
The online application process consists of 4 major steps:
I have explained each step in simple words and attached screenshots of every step for your convenience.

Step 1: 🖥️ Online Registration on the PNP Website(Create Your Account):
To apply online, you must first complete the registration process on the official PNP clearance portal at pnpclearance.ph.
Access the NPCS Official Website:
Click the following link to go to the official NPCS website https://pnpclearance.ph/. You will get to the home page as shown below.

Register for an Account:
Now, if you are a first-time applicant you need to click on the REGISTER button and sign up with your credentials.
However; if you had already completed the online registration process, then click on the LOGIN button and provide your registered email and password to login to your account.
Check mark ✔ the boxes for the Agreement, Privacy Policy, you will get multiple such popup pages. Check mark all of the them. You will get an I agree button at the last page. Click it. You will get a New Applicant Registration form.

Fill out the online registration form with accurate personal information. Make sure to provide an active email address, as you will receive a confirmation message through it.
After entering all your information correctly, click on the Register button.
Online Registration Verification:
Once you click the Register button, the NPCS system will send a verification message to your email. Check your inbox or spam folder. The email will contain a verification link that you need to open to continue the application process.

Click on “Click here to verify” and you will be directed to the login page of the NPCS website.
National Police Clearance Login:
You will get the below login page.

Provide your registered email and password and click the Sign in button to log in to your account for the police clearance online application process.
Once you logged in successfully, your online registration for the police clearance certificate is completed.
Step 2: 🗓️ Police Clearance Online Appointment & Profile Completion:
After the online registration process, the next step is profile completion and schedule police clearance online appointment.
When you login to your account, you will get the following page.

Edit and Complete Your Profile:
Before booking the police clearance online appointment, click the 👤Edit Profile button. You will get an Applicant Information page.


Fill out the applicant profile with correct and updated details. Please take the important data from your original documents at the time of filling out the profile to avoid any issues later. Because, if there is an error, spelling mistakes, or outdated information in your profile. You have to revise the application process again to correct it.
Fill out all the sections in your applicant profile. Provide all pieces of information like nationality, birth date, birth certificate registration number, birthplace, full address, educational attainment, mobile number, telephone number, height, weight, complexion.
Provide family background details(parents’ name, place of birth, etc), and then click the Save Profile button. Here the profile information step is completed.
If you are a PWD(Person with Disabilities) applicant, mark the check box ” Please check if you are a PWD” and write your PWD ID number in the specific section. (You will be entitiled to certain discounts and proviliges under Republic Act No. 10754. But you need the PWD certificate as proof from the concerned department).
The PNP clearance is free for applicants who are First-time Job Seekers. Mark the check box “please check if you are a first time job seeker (RA 11261 First Time Job Seeker Assistant Act)” You can avail of this offer only once in a lifetime. You will also need a barangay clearance certificate because it is compulsory to avail of this offer.
Now click on the Clearance Application button.

When you click this button, another page will appear. On that page, you need to select your preferred police station, with the name and address shown below.
Select a Police Station for the Appointment:
Scheduling of an online appointment means, select the police station(name and address of the preferred police station) and time(select from the working days and specific time, either AM or PM) for the police clearance online appointment process to go to the police station for the biometrics and to collect the clearance certificate.
First select a police station of your choice. When you select it, the name and address of the police station will be displayed for your confirmation.

Choose Date and Time for the Appointment:
Then select a day and time (either AM or PM). Every day has a specific number of slots. Choose a specific day, and then click a time slot from the available time slots with AM or PM. Then click the Next button.

Save Appointment:
After the selection of the police station, day, and time, the next step is to save the clearance appointment. Click on the LandBank of the Phils button, and then click the Next button.

On the next page click the Save Appointment button. Here your appointment is scheduled for the police clearance ID.
After saving the appointment for the national police clearance, a page will be displayed on the screen. It will contain the transaction summary including your selected police station, appointment date, a reference number, payment and fee amount.

Note down or save the generated reference number of the fee payment slip as you will need it for fee payment and at the police station to secure the clearance certificate. Review all the details and then Click the Click here to pay button.
Step 3: 💳₱ Police Clearance Online Fee Payment:
You have the reference number. Now you can proceed with fee payment process. Click on the Click here to pay button and You will be taken to the LBP ePayment portal page where you can pay the police clearance fee through Land Bank, G-cash, BancNet cards, or the 7-Eleven payment option.
On the homepage of the LBP ePayment portal:
- Select your preferred payment option.
- Complete the captcha challenge(if any).
- Click Continue
- selected your preferred payment method(Over-the-Counter or Mobile)
- Follow the onscreen instructions to pay the clearance fee.
- Save the fee receipt with yourself.
If you want to pay the clearance fee online, you can use GCash for a quick and hassle-free transaction. We’ve explained the process step by step in simple language and included screenshots for every stage to guide you. Check our full guide on how to pay police clearance fee via GCash.
If you prefer paying in cash instead of online, you can settle your fee through over-the-counter (OTC) payment methods like 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, Landbank, and more. For details, see our guide on OTC police clearance payment methods.
Step 4. 🛡️Police Station Visit for Biometrics and Final Processing:
On your scheduled date and time, go to your choosen police station. You must have the following three requirements:
- Your reference number(proof of police clearance online appointment),
- Two valid IDs(proof of identity),
- Original fee receipt(proof of clearance fee payment).
Photo and Fingerprint Capture for the National Police Clearance:
The biometrics process, including photo capture and fingerprinting, will be performed at the police station. After this, your application will go through a verification process.
Release of National Police Clearance Certificate:
During verification, a police officer will check your biometrics against the NPCS database. If no derogatory records are found, your clearance certificate will be issued immediately. If there are flagged results, further verification may be required, but issues are usually resolved quickly unless you have an active arrest warrant.
Police Clearance Validity (2025):
A PNP clearance is valid for only six months. After this period, it automatically expires and cannot be accepted. To continue using it, you need to apply for renewal of the national police clearance online. We’ve explained the online renewal process (with and without personal appearance) step-by-step in a separate guide, read the full renewal guide here.
₱Police Clearance Cost (2025):
Do you want to know how much the national police clearace costs? here is the answer, it costs ₱150. It’s the standard fee for the PNP clearance processing. Besides, you will also need to pay about ₱10 to ₱30 as a transaction fee to the company. To sum up, it will costs you ₱180.
Police Clearance Processing Time Duration:
Securing a police clearance certificate online consists of two steps: online application, and visit the police station.
The online process is fast and secure. You can apply anytime and from anywhere. All you need is a mobile or laptop with a good internet connection. This process can take upto 10 minutes.
The second step which is to visit the police station for biometric verification and collection of clearance certificate can take time. But you will get the certificate on the same day if your application don’t get a HIT.
Types of Police Clearance Certificates in the Philippines:
There are two types of Police Clearance certificates in the Philippines: Local Police Clearance(LPC) and National Police Clearance(NPC) or PNP clearance.
Local Police Clearance:
Local clearance is issued by the local municipality or police station. You can visit the nearest police station in your area to apply for it to secure it.
National Police Clearance:
The National Police Clearance (NPC) is an official certificate issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the National Police Clearance System (NPCS). It serves as proof that the holder has no criminal record or pending case nationwide. Unlike a local police clearance, the NPC integrates records from all cities and municipalities, making it more reliable for employment, business, government transactions, and other legal purposes
Difference Between them:
| Comparison | Local Police Clearance | National Police Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Limited scope, limited to only area where it is issued | Nationwide in the Philippines |
| Issuing Authority | PNP(Philippine National Police) | Local Police Station or Municipal Hall |
| Mode of Application | Walk-in to the local police station or municipal hall(Manual application) | Online Application for registration, appointment, and fee payment. Go to the selected police station for photo capture and biometrics. |
| Purpose | For local domestic needs | Official purposes |
| Validity | 6 months | 6 months |
📄 Police Clearance Requirements in 2025?
The requirements for a police clearance certificate depend on whether you are applying for a local or a national police clearance.
Documents Requirement For Local Clearance(LPC):
1. Cedula or Community Tax Certificate(original + copy):
You can get this certificate from the municipal or city treasurer’s office. This certificate is compulsory for getting a barangay certificate, which is a must for getting local police clearance.
2. Original and Photocopy of Barangay Certificate:
You can get it from the barangay where you reside for at least three months.
3. 2 Passport-sized Photos(2*2):
Take two printed photos of yourself before going to local police station.
4. One Valid Government- Issued ID:
You need a valid ID to prove your identity and residency. Take two photocopies of valid IDs with yourself as well.
Documents requirement for National Clearance Online:
To apply online for the NPC or PNP clearance, the NPCS doesn’t require too many documents. You also don’t need a barangay certificate. You needs the following:
The IDs must fulfil the following requirements:
- Not expired
- Original ID card (not photocopied)
- clearly shows your original full name, photo, and your signature.
The two IDs should be from the below list of valid IDs:
- AFP ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- BFP ID
- BJMP ID
- Birth Certificate
- GSIS UMID
- IBP ID
- Driver’s License
- LTOPF ID
- Marina ID
- PAG-IBIG ID
- PCG ID
- PNP ID
- PRC License
- PWD ID
- Passport
- National Health Insurance ID
- Philippine Identification (PhillD)
- Postal ID
- SSS ID/SSS UMID
- School ID with Registration Form
- Senior Citizen’s ID
- TIN ID
- Voter’s ID
If you have mentioned in the online form that you are a PWD(A Person with Disabilities), please bring your PWD ID on the appointment day.
If you are a first-time job seeker and you have applied for the free PNP clearance certificate, you have to bring your first-time job seeker barangay certificate.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines?
It is an essential requirement for the people of the Philippines, students, and foreigners residing in the Philippines. There is no eligibility criteria for it. They can apply for it whenever they need it. Here is, why they need to secure the PNP clearance:
Why do Filipino Citizens Need it?
Filipinos need it for the following purposes:
- Job application(Jobs applicants are often asked for a PNP clearance).
- International travel
- Visa applications
- Business transactions
- Licensing purposes
- Renting a house/shop
Why do Students Need it?
- Admission
- Scholarship
- Hostel accommodation
Why do Foreigners Residing in the Philippines Need it?
They need to secure a police clearance certificate for the following purposes:
- To stay in the Philippines for study, work, or business
- For visa renewal to continue their stay in the Philippines.
Application Process for Police Clearance Certificates in the Philippines (2025):
There are two ways to apply for police clearance certificates in the Philippines depending on its types: apply online at the PNP website to get the national police clearance, or do a walk-in to get the local police clearance from the local municipal hall or police station.
1. How to Get a Local Police Clearance(LPC)?
2. How to Get a PNP/National Police Clearance Online:
It is issued by the PNP’s National Police Clearance System(NPCS) which provides a fast, efficient, and convenient system for Filipinos to get the certificate in about 10 minutes. It was launched in 2018.
The process includes creating an account, scheduling an online appointment, paying the fee, and visiting the police station for biometrics and verification. For a complete step-by-step guide with screenshots, see our detailed section on how to apply for national police clearance online.
Is the National Clearance Considered a Valid ID?
No, a National Police clearance certificate is not considered a valid ID. However, it is considered one of the important requirements in fulfilling multiple tasks in the Philippines. It helps you in your personal, professional, and legal matters. It is also useful in your identity verification and acts as proof that you don’t have a shady or derogatory past. it’s a Philippine police background check certificate.
Verify Police Clearance Status:
You can quickly verify the status of your PNP clearance online through the official PNP website. This ensures your clearance certificate is authentic and valid. For step-by-step instructions, see our detailed guide on how to verify police clearance online?
⚖️Police Clearance vs Other Official Clearances in the Philippines?
There are three types of clearances in the Philippines:
- PNP clearance or police clearance
- Barangay clearance,
- and NBI clearance.
Everyone has their requirements, purpose, scope, and mode of application. There is a comparison table to get an overview of them.
| Comparison | Barangay Clearance | Police Clearance | NBI clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Limited to the respective barangay, where issued. | Accepted nationwide in the Philippines | Accepted nationwide and abroad in the Philippines and abroad for the overseas Filipinos. |
| Issuing Authority | Barangay Administrative Units | Philippine National Police(PNP) | National Bureau of Investigation(NBI) |
| Mode of Application | In-person | Online | Online |
| Purpose | Job application, travel, apply for police clearance, NBI clearance, etc. | Local domestic needs and official purposes. | Official purposes, high security clearances, passport, and visa applications, etc. |
| Validity | Six months to one year | Six months | One year |
FAQs:
Conclusion
Getting a national police clearance certificate in the Philippines is now faster and more convenient with the online system. From online registration and appointment scheduling to fee payment and biometrics, the process can be completed in just a few simple steps. As long as you follow the procedure, you can secure your PNP police clearance quickly and use it for job applications, valid IDs, and other official transactions.
