A National Police Clearance is issued through the Philippine National Police and is commonly used for employment and other transactions that ask for a police clearance. The normal workflow begins online, then continues at the selected police clearance center for identity checking, biometrics, and release.
What to prepare
- An active email address and mobile number.
- Correct personal information for your online account.
- An acceptable valid ID for presentation at the clearance center.
- Your online appointment/reference details.
- Proof of payment or electronic receipt generated through the system.
Step-by-step National Police Clearance application
- Open the official National Police Clearance System. Go directly to pnpclearance.ph.
- Create an account or log in. New applicants should register using accurate personal information. Existing applicants should use their existing account instead of creating unnecessary duplicate profiles.
- Complete your profile. Review your name, birth details, address, and other information before proceeding.
- Choose a police clearance center and appointment. Select an available location and schedule shown by the system.
- Pay through the available official channel. Save the reference number, confirmation, and electronic receipt.
- Go to the selected center. Bring your valid ID, reference number, and proof of payment. Arrive early enough for document checking and queueing.
- Complete biometrics and verification. The police clearance center will capture or verify the required identifying information and check the application against the system.
- Follow the release instruction. If additional verification is needed, follow the instructions given by the PNP personnel handling the transaction.
How much does it cost?
A PNP Citizen’s Charter for National Police Clearance lists a total fee of ₱180. Payment arrangements and service charges can change, so treat the amount displayed by the official portal during your transaction as the current amount.
NBI Clearance vs. National Police Clearance
These are different documents issued by different agencies. An NBI Clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation, while a National Police Clearance is issued through the PNP National Police Clearance System. If an employer or agency specifically asks for one, do not substitute the other unless that organization confirms it is acceptable.
Safety reminders
- Use the official PNP clearance portal, not a social-media seller.
- Do not share your password, OTP, or full ID images with strangers offering paid assistance.
- Keep your payment and appointment reference until the clearance is released.
- Review your personal information before final submission.
Official sources
CitizenGuide.ph does not issue police clearances, collect PNP fees, or access police records.
Which clearance is the requesting office actually asking for?
Before creating an appointment, read the requirement literally. A National Police Clearance, a local police clearance, and an NBI Clearance are different documents. The safest approach is to match the document name stated by the employer, school, visa processor, or government office instead of assuming one clearance can replace another.
| If the requirement says | Start with | Why this matters |
|---|---|---|
| National Police Clearance | The official PNP National Police Clearance System | This is the nationwide PNP clearance process covered by this guide. |
| NBI Clearance | The official NBI clearance service | NBI and PNP clearances are separate records and application systems. |
| Local/municipal/city police clearance | The police office or LGU channel specified by the requesting institution | A local clearance can have a different issuing authority and purpose. |
Before you lock in an appointment
Compare the name, birth details, and other personal information in your online account with the IDs you will bring. If your records use different spellings, name order, or civil-status information, resolve the discrepancy before the appointment where possible. A mismatch discovered at the clearance center can turn a quick biometric transaction into a manual verification case.
Choose a center and schedule you can realistically attend, then keep the official appointment and payment reference. If a payment status is still pending, verify it through the official system before paying again.
If your application is sent for verification
A verification step does not automatically mean that the applicant has a criminal record. It means the system or clearance center needs additional confirmation before release. Follow the instructions of the authorized PNP clearance center, bring the requested identity documents, and avoid anyone offering to “remove a hit” or bypass verification for a private fee.
