How to Get a Police Clearance in the Philippines (2026 Guide)
Paano Kumuha ng Police Clearance sa Pilipinas (2026 Guide)
Quick Summary
Mabilis na Buod
Table of Contents
Talaan ng Nilalaman
What Is a Police Clearance?
Ano ang Police Clearance?
A police clearance is a document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that certifies you have no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the police blotter within your area of jurisdiction. It is one of the most commonly required government documents for employment, business permits, and other legal transactions.
Ang police clearance ay isang dokumento na inilalabas ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na nagpapatunay na wala kang pending na criminal case o derogatory record sa police blotter sa iyong lugar ng nasasakupan. Isa ito sa mga pinaka-karaniwang kinakailangang government document para sa employment, business permit, at iba pang legal na transaksyon.
Unlike the NBI clearance (which checks a nationwide criminal database), the police clearance is issued at the local level — specifically at the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. This makes it faster and easier to obtain, kaya madalas ito ang unang hinihingi ng employer.
Hindi katulad ng NBI clearance (na nag-che-check ng nationwide criminal database), ang police clearance ay inilalabas sa local level — partikular sa police station na may nasasakupan sa iyong tirahan. Dahil dito, mas mabilis at mas madali itong makuha, kaya madalas ito ang unang hinihingi ng employer.
Most police clearances are released on the same day, usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour. The fee ranges from ₱100 to ₱150 depending on the municipality or city. Some areas charge slightly more for rush processing or additional certifications.
Karamihan ng police clearance ay nire-release sa parehong araw, karaniwan sa loob ng 30 minuto hanggang 1 oras. Ang bayad ay mula ₱100 hanggang ₱150 depende sa munisipalidad o lungsod. Ang ilang lugar ay may dagdag na singil para sa rush processing o karagdagang sertipikasyon.
Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance: When Do You Need Which?
Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance: Kailan Mo Kailangan ang Bawat Isa?
These two documents are often confused, but they serve different purposes and come from different agencies. Here is a clear breakdown:
Ang dalawang dokumentong ito ay madalas na nagkakalituhan, pero magkaiba ang kanilang layunin at nanggagaling sa magkaibang ahensya. Narito ang malinaw na pagkukumpara:
Police Clearance (PNP)
Police Clearance (PNP)
- Issued by: Local police station (PNP)
- Scope: Checks local police blotter only (your area of residence)
- Fee: ~₱100–150
- Processing: Same day (30 min – 1 hour)
- Best for: Local employment, business permits, barangay requirements, school enrollment, firearms license application
- Inilalabas ng: Local na police station (PNP)
- Saklaw: Nag-che-check ng local police blotter lang (sa iyong lugar ng tirahan)
- Bayad: ~₱100–150
- Proseso: Same day (30 min – 1 oras)
- Pinaka-angkop para sa: Local employment, business permit, barangay requirements, school enrollment, aplikasyon ng firearms license
NBI Clearance
NBI Clearance
- Issued by: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Scope: Checks nationwide criminal database
- Fee: ₱130
- Processing: Same day if no "hit"; 10–15 business days if there is a hit
- Best for: Overseas employment (OFW), visa applications, professional licenses (PRC), government jobs, bank loans, major transactions
- Inilalabas ng: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Saklaw: Nag-che-check ng nationwide criminal database
- Bayad: ₱130
- Proseso: Same day kung walang "hit"; 10–15 business days kung may hit
- Pinaka-angkop para sa: Overseas employment (OFW), visa application, professional license (PRC), government jobs, bank loans, malalaking transaksyon
Rule of thumb: If the requirement says "police clearance," get it from the PNP. If it says "NBI clearance," go to the NBI. Some employers accept either one, pero always ask to be sure. Kapag overseas ang trabaho o visa ang kailangan, NBI clearance talaga ang hinihingi.
Panuntunan: Kung ang requirement ay "police clearance," kuhanin ito sa PNP. Kung "NBI clearance," pumunta sa NBI. Ang ibang employer ay tumatanggap ng kahit alin sa dalawa, pero palaging magtanong para sigurado. Kapag overseas ang trabaho o visa ang kailangan, NBI clearance talaga ang hinihingi.
Requirements Checklist
Checklist ng mga Kailangan
- At least one (1) valid government-issued ID — original copy, not expired. Accepted IDs include: Philippine passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys National ID, voter's ID, PRC ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Postal ID, or senior citizen's ID.
- Barangay clearance — most police stations require a valid barangay clearance from your barangay hall as proof that you are a resident of the area and have no derogatory record at the barangay level.
- Cedula (Community Tax Certificate) — available at your barangay hall or city/municipal treasurer's office. Some police stations issue this on-site, pero magdala na rin para sure.
- 2 pcs 1x1 or 2x2 ID photos — some police stations require photos, while others take your photo on-site. Call ahead to confirm. Bring photos just in case.
- Hindi bababa sa isang (1) valid na government-issued ID — original copy, hindi expired. Mga tinatanggap na ID: Philippine passport, driver's license, UMID, PhilSys National ID, voter's ID, PRC ID, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Postal ID, o senior citizen's ID.
- Barangay clearance — karamihan ng police station ay nangangailangan ng valid na barangay clearance mula sa iyong barangay hall bilang patunay na residente ka ng lugar at walang derogatory record sa barangay level.
- Cedula (Community Tax Certificate) — makukuha sa iyong barangay hall o city/municipal treasurer's office. Ang ilang police station ay nag-i-issue nito on-site, pero magdala na rin para sigurado.
- 2 pcs 1x1 o 2x2 ID photos — ang ilang police station ay nangangailangan ng larawan, habang ang iba ay kumukuha ng larawan mo on-site. Tumawag muna para malaman. Magdala ng larawan para sigurado.
Where to Get Your Barangay Clearance and Cedula First
Saan Kukuha ng Barangay Clearance at Cedula Muna
Before heading to the police station, you will most likely need to get your barangay clearance first (since it is a requirement). Visit your barangay hall — the process typically takes just 15–30 minutes and costs ₱50–200. You can also get your cedula there. Think of it as a quick pit stop before the main event. Check our Barangay Clearance guide for the complete process.
Bago pumunta sa police station, malamang na kailangan mo munang kumuha ng barangay clearance (dahil requirement ito). Bumisita sa iyong barangay hall — karaniwang 15–30 minuto lang ang proseso at nagkakahalaga ng ₱50–200. Pwede ka ring kumuha ng cedula doon. Isipin mo itong mabilis na pit stop bago ang main event. Tingnan ang aming gabay sa Barangay Clearance para sa kumpletong proseso.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Police Clearance
Hakbang-Hakbang: Paano Kumuha ng Police Clearance
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Prepare Your Requirements
Ihanda ang Iyong mga Requirements
Before going to the police station, gather all the required documents: your valid government-issued ID, barangay clearance, cedula, and ID photos (if required). Having everything ready beforehand will make the process much faster and smoother.
Bago pumunta sa police station, tipunin ang lahat ng kinakailangang dokumento: ang iyong valid na government-issued ID, barangay clearance, cedula, at ID photos (kung kinakailangan). Ang pagkakaroon ng lahat bago pumunta ay gagawing mas mabilis at mas maayos ang proseso.
If you do not have a barangay clearance yet, get that first. Most barangay halls are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pwede mo ring kunin ang cedula doon mismo. Two birds, one stone.
Kung wala ka pang barangay clearance, kunin muna ito. Karamihan ng barangay hall ay bukas Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 8:00 AM hanggang 5:00 PM. Pwede mo ring kunin ang cedula doon mismo. Dalawang ibon, isang bato.
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Go to Your Local Police Station
Pumunta sa Iyong Local na Police Station
Visit the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. This is usually the municipal or city police station nearest to your home. You cannot apply at just any police station — it must be the one covering your area.
Pumunta sa police station na may nasasakupan sa iyong tirahan. Karaniwan ito ang municipal o city police station na pinakamalapit sa iyong bahay. Hindi ka pwedeng mag-apply sa kahit anong police station — kailangan ito ang station na sumasakop sa iyong area.
Office hours are typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some stations in bigger cities are open on Saturdays as well. Best time to visit is early in the morning (8:00–9:00 AM) or after lunch (1:00–2:00 PM) when there are fewer applicants.
Ang oras ng opisina ay karaniwan Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 8:00 AM hanggang 5:00 PM. Ang ilang station sa mas malalaking lungsod ay bukas din sa Sabado. Pinakamagandang pumunta nang maaga sa umaga (8:00–9:00 AM) o pagkatapos ng tanghalian (1:00–2:00 PM) kapag mas kaunti ang mga applicant.
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Submit Your Documents and Fill Out the Application Form
I-submit ang mga Dokumento at Sagutan ang Application Form
At the police station, go to the clearance section or records division. Present your valid ID, barangay clearance, and cedula. You will be given an application form to fill out with your personal details: full name, address, date of birth, civil status, purpose of the clearance, and employer name (if applicable).
Sa police station, pumunta sa clearance section o records division. Ipakita ang iyong valid ID, barangay clearance, at cedula. Bibigyan ka ng application form na kailangang sagutan ng iyong personal na detalye: buong pangalan, address, petsa ng kapanganakan, civil status, layunin ng clearance, at pangalan ng employer (kung applicable).
Some stations may also take your photo and fingerprints at this point. Others have a separate station for biometrics. Just follow the flow — the staff will guide you through the process.
Ang ilang station ay maaaring kumuha na rin ng iyong larawan at fingerprints sa puntong ito. Ang iba ay may hiwalay na station para sa biometrics. Sundin lang ang daloy — gagabayan ka ng staff sa proseso.
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Pay the Clearance Fee
Magbayad ng Clearance Fee
The police clearance fee is typically ₱100 to ₱150, depending on the city or municipality. Some stations charge a flat rate, while others have separate fees for the clearance itself, the cedula (if you do not have one yet), and the documentary stamp.
Ang bayad sa police clearance ay karaniwang ₱100 hanggang ₱150, depende sa lungsod o munisipalidad. Ang ilang station ay may flat rate, habang ang iba ay may hiwalay na bayad para sa clearance mismo, cedula (kung wala ka pa), at documentary stamp.
Payment is made in cash at the station. Make sure to get an official receipt — keep it as proof of payment. Do not pay any amount without receiving a receipt, as all government fees should have proper documentation.
Ang pagbabayad ay cash sa station. Siguraduhing kumuha ng opisyal na resibo — itago ito bilang patunay ng pagbabayad. Huwag magbayad ng anumang halaga nang walang resibo, dahil lahat ng government fees ay dapat may wastong dokumentasyon.
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Wait for Processing and Claim Your Clearance
Maghintay sa Proseso at Kunin ang Iyong Clearance
After payment, the police staff will check your name against the police blotter. If you have no derogatory record, your clearance will be prepared and printed. The entire waiting time is usually just 15 to 30 minutes.
Pagkatapos magbayad, iche-check ng police staff ang iyong pangalan laban sa police blotter. Kung wala kang derogatory record, ihahanda at ipi-print ang iyong clearance. Ang buong oras ng paghihintay ay karaniwang 15 hanggang 30 minuto lang.
Once your clearance is ready, review the printed document carefully. Check your name, address, and other details for accuracy. If there is an error, ask the staff to correct it immediately before you leave.
Kapag handa na ang iyong clearance, suriin nang mabuti ang naka-print na dokumento. I-check ang iyong pangalan, address, at iba pang detalye para sa katumpakan. Kung may mali, hilingin sa staff na itama ito agad bago ka umalis.
Your police clearance will typically have the station's official stamp, the chief of police's signature (or the authorized signatory), and may include a dry seal. Some stations now use computerized clearances with QR codes for verification.
Ang iyong police clearance ay karaniwang may opisyal na stamp ng station, pirma ng chief of police (o ng awtorisadong pumirma), at maaaring kasama ang dry seal. Ang ilang station ngayon ay gumagamit ng computerized clearance na may QR codes para sa verification.
Online Appointment (If Available in Your Area)
Online Appointment (Kung Available sa Iyong Lugar)
Some cities and municipalities now offer online appointment systems for police clearance through the PNP E-Services portal or their local government website. This is not yet available nationwide, so it depends on where you live.
Ang ilang lungsod at munisipalidad ngayon ay nag-aalok ng online appointment system para sa police clearance sa pamamagitan ng PNP E-Services portal o sa kanilang local government website. Hindi pa ito available sa buong bansa, kaya depende sa kung saan ka nakatira.
To check if online scheduling is available in your area:
Para malaman kung available ang online scheduling sa iyong lugar:
- Visit eservices.pnp.gov.ph and check if your station is listed
- Check your local city/municipal government's Facebook page or website
- Call your local police station directly and ask if they accept online appointments
- Bisitahin ang eservices.pnp.gov.ph at tingnan kung naka-lista ang iyong station
- I-check ang Facebook page o website ng iyong local na city/municipal government
- Tumawag sa iyong local police station at tanungin kung tumatanggap sila ng online appointment
Even if online appointment is not available, don't worry — walk-ins are still accepted at most police stations. Ang advantage ng walk-in ay pwede ka pumunta anytime during office hours, wala nang kailangang i-schedule online.
Kahit hindi available ang online appointment, huwag mag-alala — tinatanggap pa rin ang walk-in sa karamihan ng police station. Ang advantage ng walk-in ay pwede ka pumunta anytime sa office hours, wala nang kailangang i-schedule online.
Validity Period of Police Clearance
Panahon ng Bisa ng Police Clearance
A police clearance is typically valid for 6 months to 1 year from the date of issuance, depending on the issuing police station and the purpose of the clearance. However, many employers and agencies require a clearance that is issued within the last 3 to 6 months.
Ang police clearance ay karaniwang valid sa loob ng 6 na buwan hanggang 1 taon mula sa petsa ng paglabas, depende sa nag-isyu na police station at layunin ng clearance. Gayunpaman, maraming employer at ahensya ang nangangailangan ng clearance na inilabas sa loob ng huling 3 hanggang 6 na buwan.
Always check with the requesting party (employer, government agency, school) about their specific validity requirements. Mas mabuting kumuha ng bago kung malapit na mag-expire kaysa i-risk na tanggihan ka.
Palaging i-check sa humihiling na partido (employer, government agency, school) tungkol sa kanilang specific na validity requirements. Mas mabuting kumuha ng bago kung malapit na mag-expire kaysa i-risk na tanggihan ka.
Pro Tips for Faster Processing
Mga Payo para sa Mas Mabilis na Proseso
- Get your barangay clearance and cedula first. These are almost always required, and getting them beforehand saves you from being sent away at the police station. Wala nang balik-balik.
- Go early in the morning. Most police stations open at 8:00 AM. Arriving right at opening time means shorter lines and faster processing. By 10:00 AM, the crowd usually picks up.
- Avoid Mondays and the first week of the month. These are peak periods when many people process documents. Mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) is ideal.
- Bring exact change. Having ₱100–150 in bills or coins ready saves time at the payment window. Hindi na kailangan ng sukli.
- Bring extra ID photos. Even if the station takes your photo on-site, some still require 1x1 or 2x2 photos. Having them ready prevents a trip to the nearest photo studio.
- Call ahead. A quick call to your police station can save you a wasted trip. Confirm their office hours, requirements, and fees before going. Some stations have half-day schedules or are closed for special events.
- Dress presentably. While there is no dress code, remember that your photo will be part of the clearance. Avoid sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, or overly casual attire — some stations are strict about this.
- Kumuha muna ng barangay clearance at cedula. Halos laging kinakailangan ang mga ito, at ang pagkuha nito nang maaga ay nag-iiwas sa iyo na paalisin sa police station. Wala nang balik-balik.
- Pumunta nang maaga sa umaga. Karamihan ng police station ay nagbubukas ng 8:00 AM. Ang pagdating nang eksakto sa oras ng pagbukas ay nangangahulugan ng mas maiikling pila at mas mabilis na proseso. Pagsapit ng 10:00 AM, karaniwan nang dumadami ang tao.
- Iwasan ang Lunes at unang linggo ng buwan. Ito ang mga peak period kung kailan maraming tao ang nagpoproseso ng dokumento. Ang gitna ng linggo (Martes hanggang Huwebes) ang ideal.
- Magdala ng eksaktong bayad. Ang pagkakaroon ng ₱100–150 sa bills o barya ay nakakatipid ng oras sa payment window. Hindi na kailangan ng sukli.
- Magdala ng extra ID photos. Kahit kumuha ng larawan ang station on-site, may ilan na nangangailangan pa rin ng 1x1 o 2x2 photos. Ang pagkakaroon ng mga ito ay nakakaiwas sa pagtakbo sa pinakamalapit na photo studio.
- Tumawag muna. Ang isang mabilis na tawag sa iyong police station ay makakaiwas sa nasayang na biyahe. I-confirm ang kanilang oras ng opisina, requirements, at bayarin bago pumunta. Ang ilang station ay may half-day na schedule o sarado para sa mga espesyal na okasyon.
- Mag-ayos nang presentable. Kahit walang dress code, tandaan na ang iyong larawan ay magiging bahagi ng clearance. Iwasan ang sleeveless shirts, tsinelas, o sobrang casual na damit — may ilang station na mahigpit tungkol dito.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mga Madalas Itanong
How much does a police clearance cost?
Magkano ang police clearance?
The standard police clearance fee ranges from ₱100 to ₱150 depending on your city or municipality. This includes the clearance fee and documentary stamp. Some stations may have additional minor fees for the application form or ID photo. Always ask for an official receipt for any amount you pay.
Ang standard na bayad sa police clearance ay mula ₱100 hanggang ₱150 depende sa iyong lungsod o munisipalidad. Kasama dito ang clearance fee at documentary stamp. Ang ilang station ay maaaring may karagdagang maliliit na bayarin para sa application form o ID photo. Palaging humingi ng opisyal na resibo para sa anumang halagang binayaran mo.
Can I get a police clearance from any police station?
Pwede ba akong kumuha ng police clearance sa kahit anong police station?
No. You must apply at the police station that has jurisdiction over your current place of residence. This is because the police clearance is based on the local police blotter, which only contains records for that specific area. If you recently moved, you may need to update your address with your barangay first, then get a new barangay clearance before applying for a police clearance in your new area.
Hindi. Kailangan mong mag-apply sa police station na may nasasakupan sa iyong kasalukuyang tirahan. Ito ay dahil ang police clearance ay batay sa local na police blotter, na naglalaman lang ng mga record para sa partikular na lugar na iyon. Kung kakalipat mo lang, maaaring kailanganin mong i-update muna ang iyong address sa iyong barangay, pagkatapos ay kumuha ng bagong barangay clearance bago mag-apply ng police clearance sa iyong bagong lugar.
How long does it take to get a police clearance?
Gaano katagal bago makuha ang police clearance?
Most police clearances are processed and released on the same day, usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, this depends on how busy the station is and whether they encounter any issues with your records. In rare cases where there is a pending case or blotter entry, the clearance may take longer or may not be issued until the matter is resolved.
Karamihan ng police clearance ay pinoproseso at nire-release sa parehong araw, karaniwan sa loob ng 30 minuto hanggang 1 oras. Gayunpaman, depende ito sa kung gaano ka-busy ang station at kung may natagpuan silang anumang isyu sa iyong mga record. Sa mga bihirang pagkakataon kung may pending na kaso o blotter entry, maaaring mas matagal ang clearance o hindi ito maibigay hanggang maayos ang usapin.
Is a police clearance the same as an NBI clearance?
Pareho ba ang police clearance at NBI clearance?
No, they are different. A police clearance is issued by the PNP and checks only the local police blotter. An NBI clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and checks a nationwide criminal database. For local employment, a police clearance is usually sufficient. For overseas work, visa applications, and government positions, an NBI clearance is typically required. Always check which one is specifically needed for your purpose.
Hindi, magkaiba sila. Ang police clearance ay inilalabas ng PNP at nag-che-check lang ng local na police blotter. Ang NBI clearance ay inilalabas ng National Bureau of Investigation at nag-che-check ng nationwide criminal database. Para sa local employment, karaniwang sapat ang police clearance. Para sa overseas work, visa application, at government position, karaniwang kinakailangan ang NBI clearance. Palaging i-check kung alin ang partikular na kailangan para sa iyong layunin.
Do I need a barangay clearance to get a police clearance?
Kailangan ko ba ng barangay clearance para makakuha ng police clearance?
In most cases, yes. The majority of police stations require a valid barangay clearance as one of the prerequisites for issuing a police clearance. The barangay clearance serves as proof of residency and confirms that you have no derogatory record at the barangay level. A few stations may waive this requirement, pero mas mabuting magdala na lang para hindi ka pabalik-balikin.
Sa karamihan ng kaso, oo. Ang karamihan ng police station ay nangangailangan ng valid na barangay clearance bilang isa sa mga prerequisite para sa pag-isyu ng police clearance. Ang barangay clearance ay nagsisilbing patunay ng paninirahan at nagkukumpirma na wala kang derogatory record sa barangay level. Ang ilan sa mga station ay maaaring tanggalin ang requirement na ito, pero mas mabuting magdala na lang para hindi ka pabalik-balikin.
What if I have a record on the police blotter?
Paano kung may record ako sa police blotter?
If there is a blotter entry involving your name, the police station may issue a clearance with a notation or "with derogatory record" remark, or they may withhold the clearance depending on the nature of the case. If the case has been resolved, dismissed, or you were cleared, you may need to present supporting court documents or case dispositions to have the clearance issued without any negative notation. Talk to the records officer at the police station for guidance on your specific situation.
Kung may blotter entry na kasangkot ang iyong pangalan, maaaring mag-isyu ang police station ng clearance na may anotasyon o "with derogatory record" na puna, o maaari nilang pigilan ang clearance depende sa uri ng kaso. Kung na-resolve na, na-dismiss, o na-clear ka na, maaaring kailanganin mong magpakita ng sumusuportang court documents o case dispositions para maibigay ang clearance nang walang negatibong anotasyon. Makipag-usap sa records officer sa police station para sa gabay sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon.