How to Apply for a Police Clearance
A police clearance is a certification issued by your local police station confirming that you have no pending criminal case or derogatory record at the station level. It is different from an NBI Clearance, which checks your record against the national-level database maintained by the National Bureau of Investigation. Police clearance is one of the most commonly requested government documents in the Philippines, often required for employment applications, business permit processing, scholarship applications, travel visa requirements, and other legal or administrative purposes. The process is relatively quick and straightforward — you can typically get your clearance within the same day of application.
Police Clearance vs. NBI Clearance — What's the Difference?
Many people confuse a police clearance with an NBI clearance, but they are two completely different documents issued by different government agencies. Understanding the distinction will help you determine which document you need for your specific requirement:
| Feature | Police Clearance | NBI Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | Local Police Station (PNP) | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) |
| Scope | Local station level records only | National-level criminal database |
| Fee | PHP 100–150 | PHP 155 |
| Processing Time | Same day (30 min – 2 hours) | Same day if no "hit"; may take longer if with "hit" |
Requirements
Primary Documents
- Valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy) — e.g., PhilSys National ID, Driver's License, Passport, Voter's ID, or any valid government ID
- 2x2 ID photos (2 copies, recent, white background)
Additional Documents (Some Stations)
- Barangay clearance (some police stations require this as proof of residency)
- Cedula / Community Tax Certificate (some stations require this; can be obtained at city hall or barangay hall)
Note: Requirements may vary slightly per police station. It is always best to call or visit your local police station first to confirm the exact requirements before going through the application process. Some stations may also require additional documents depending on the purpose of your clearance (e.g., certificate of employment for work-related clearances). Bring extra photocopies of all documents just in case.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for a Police Clearance
Step 1: Go to your local police station during office hours
• Visit the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence
• Office hours are typically Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Some stations also accept walk-ins on Saturdays (half-day)
• Bring all your required documents with you
Step 2: Present your valid ID and state your purpose
• Go to the clearance section or front desk
• Inform the officer that you are applying for a police clearance
• Present your valid government ID for verification
Step 3: Fill out the police clearance application form
• The officer will provide you with the application form
• Fill in your personal information (full name, address, date of birth, etc.)
• Indicate the purpose of the clearance (employment, business, travel, etc.)
Step 4: Pay the processing fee (PHP 100–150)
• Pay at the designated cashier or payment window
• Keep your official receipt — you will need it to claim your clearance
• The exact fee may vary per station
Step 5: Undergo fingerprinting and photo capture
• Your fingerprints will be taken and recorded
• Your photo will be captured for the clearance document
• Some stations use digital systems; others still use ink-based fingerprinting
Step 6: Receive your police clearance (same day)
• Wait for the clearance to be processed and printed
• Processing usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Check all details for accuracy before leaving the stationExample Explained
Step 1: Go to the police station that covers your area of residence. Police clearances are issued on a jurisdictional basis, meaning you must apply at the station responsible for the area where you live. Arrive during office hours — ideally early in the morning — to avoid long queues.
Step 2: At the police station, approach the clearance section or the front desk and tell the duty officer that you are applying for a police clearance. Present your valid government-issued ID for identity verification. The officer will confirm whether you are within their jurisdiction.
Step 3: The officer will hand you the police clearance application form. Fill it out completely and accurately. You will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, civil status, and the purpose of the clearance (e.g., employment, business permit, travel visa, or scholarship).
Step 4: Proceed to the cashier or payment window to pay the processing fee. The fee typically ranges from PHP 100 to PHP 150, depending on the station. Some stations also charge a documentary stamp fee. Always ask for and keep the official receipt — you will need it when claiming your clearance.
Step 5: After payment, you will be directed to the fingerprinting and photo capture area. Your fingerprints will be recorded (digitally or with ink), and your photo will be taken for the clearance document. This step is quick and usually takes just a few minutes.
Step 6: Wait for your police clearance to be processed and printed. Processing time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the station and the number of applicants. Once ready, the officer will call your name. Review the document for accuracy (correct name spelling, address, date of birth, and other details) before leaving the station. If you spot any errors, report them immediately to the clearance officer so they can be corrected on the spot. Your police clearance will bear the official PNP dry seal and the station commander's signature, making it a valid government-issued document.
Complete Example: Applying for a Police Clearance
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Ana needs a police clearance for her new office job.
Her employer requires it as part of the pre-employment requirements.
She lives in Quezon City and decides to go to QC Police Station 6.
What Ana Prepares:
• Valid government ID: PhilSys National ID
• 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background)
• Cash for the processing fee
Ana's Timeline:
8:30 AM — Ana arrives at QC Police Station 6
8:35 AM — Approaches the clearance section and presents her ID
8:40 AM — Fills out the police clearance application form
8:50 AM — Pays PHP 150 at the cashier (processing fee + documentary stamp)
9:00 AM — Undergoes fingerprinting and photo capture
9:10 AM — Waits for the clearance to be processed
10:00 AM — Name is called; police clearance is ready!
Result: Ana receives her police clearance in about 1.5 hours!
She can now submit it to her new employer along with
the rest of her pre-employment requirements.
What Ana's Clearance Contains:
• Full name and address
• Photo and fingerprint on file
• Certification of no derogatory record
• Station commander's signature
• Official PNP dry seal
Total Cost: PHP 150 (processing fee + documentary stamp)
Total Time: About 1.5 hours (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
Validity: 6 months from date of issuanceFees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | PHP 100–150 | Main clearance fee; varies per station |
| Documentary Stamp | PHP 30–50 | Required by some stations |
| Cedula (Community Tax Certificate) | PHP 50–200 | Only if required by the station; amount depends on income |
| Total Estimated Cost | PHP 100–400 | Depending on station requirements |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on your local police station. Always ask for an official receipt for every payment you make. Do not pay any amount without receiving an official receipt. If you are asked to pay an unusually high fee or to pay without a receipt, you may report this to the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) or the local government unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is a police clearance valid?
A police clearance is typically valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance. However, the validity period may vary depending on the requesting institution or agency. Some employers may require a clearance that is no older than three (3) months, while others may accept one that is up to six months old. For travel visa applications, embassies and consulates may have their own specific requirements regarding validity. Always check with the entity requiring your clearance for their specific validity requirements before applying.
Q: Can I get a police clearance from any police station?
No. You must apply at the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. The police clearance certifies that you have no derogatory record at the local station level, so it must come from the station responsible for the area where you live. If you are unsure which station covers your area, you can ask your barangay hall or check the PNP website.
Q: How long does the application process take?
The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of applicants and the station's processing capacity. Most applicants receive their clearance on the same day. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid long queues, especially in busy urban stations.
Q: What if I have a criminal record?
If you have a pending criminal case or derogatory record at the station level, the police clearance may reflect this information. The issuance of the clearance depends on the status of the case — if the case has been dismissed or resolved, the station may still issue the clearance with a notation. If the case is still pending, the clearance may not be issued or may include a remark about the pending case. Consult with the station's clearance officer for guidance specific to your situation.
Q: Do I need a barangay clearance first before getting a police clearance?
Some police stations require a barangay clearance as proof of residency before issuing a police clearance, while others do not. It is best to check with your local police station in advance to confirm whether a barangay clearance is required. If it is, you can obtain one from your barangay hall, usually for a minimal fee of PHP 50–100.
Q: Is a police clearance the same as an NBI Clearance?
No, they are two entirely different documents issued by different government agencies. A police clearance is issued by your local PNP police station and only checks records at the station level within the station's jurisdiction. An NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and checks your name against the national criminal database, which includes records from courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government bodies nationwide. Some employers and agencies accept either one, while others specifically require one or the other. For most local employment and business permit applications, a police clearance is sufficient. For overseas employment, immigration, and certain government transactions, an NBI Clearance is usually required.
Important Reminders
- Always apply at the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence — clearances from other stations may not be accepted
- Bring original documents plus photocopies — the station will keep the photocopies and return your originals
- Ask for an official receipt for every payment you make — do not pay any amount without receiving a receipt
- Beware of fixers or individuals offering to "expedite" your application for an extra fee — the process is straightforward and does not require any middleman
- Police clearance is typically valid for 6 months — check with the requesting institution if they have a different validity requirement
- Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) to avoid long queues, especially at busy police stations in urban areas
- If you need a clearance urgently, call the station ahead of time to ask about their processing schedule and any tips for faster processing
- Double-check all details on your clearance (name spelling, address, date) before leaving the station — errors are easier to correct on the spot
- A police clearance is not a substitute for an NBI Clearance — if the requesting institution specifically requires an NBI Clearance, a police clearance will not be accepted
- Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your police clearance for your personal records — in case you need to present it again before the validity expires
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the police station you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest police station first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.