RTC Clearance Online 2025 | Requirements, Application & Validity

Applying for government documents used to mean spending hours in long lines. But with the RTC Clearance Online system, that hassle is finally gone. You can now register, set an appointment, and pay from your phone or laptop in just a few minutes.

It confirms that you have no pending cases within a Regional Trial Court. It is often required for jobs, business permits, visa applications, and other legal purposes.

This 2025 guide explains the complete process, including RTC clearance requirements, online registration, payment, validity, and renewal. It helps you complete your clearance quickly and correctly without any confusion.

What is RTC Clearance?

An RTC Clearance is a legal document issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) that confirms a person has no pending or decided civil or criminal cases under its jurisdiction. In simple terms, it serves as a court clearance, proving your name is clear from any active or recorded legal issues in that court.

This document is often needed for employment, business licensing, visa applications, or any process that requires background verification.

While NBI Clearance checks your record nationwide and Police Clearance verifies cases at the city or municipal level, the RTC Clearance focuses on specific court cases. It’s an important part of confirming your legal standing and identity.

Who Needs an RTC Clearance?

Here are the most common situations where you might need:

Job Applicants and Professionals

Employers often require an it to verify that applicants have no pending or decided court cases. It helps confirm a clean legal background before hiring.

Business Owners Applying for Permits

Many local government offices ask for RTC Clearance when issuing business permits or licenses to ensure the applicant has no active legal disputes.

OFWs and Visa Applicants

Embassies and overseas employers may request an it to prove that the applicant is legally cleared in the Philippines before deployment.

Individuals Involved in Court Cases

People who have faced or settled a case may need this to verify that no active cases remain under their name.

Legal Name Change or Firearm License Applicants

Courts and law enforcement agencies require this when approving a name change, firearm license, or other legal processes.

Government or Private Verification Requests

Some companies and government offices request RTC Clearance as an added verification of good legal standing.

Benefits of RTC Clearance

Below are a few benefits of RTC clearance in the Philippines:

Proof of Clean Legal Record

It confirms that you have no pending or decided cases within a Regional Trial Court. It acts as official proof of good legal standing.

Secondary ID for Background Checks

Although not a primary ID, it is often accepted as a supporting document for identity and background verification.

Required for Employment, Business, and Immigration

Employers, business regulators, and embassies use it to verify that applicants meet legal and moral standards.

Builds Trust and Legal Credibility

Having a valid RTC Clearance shows transparency and reliability, helping you build trust with organizations or authorities.

RTC Clearance Requirements 2025

Knowing the RTC clearance requirements helps you prepare the right documents and avoid repeat visits to the court. The list varies slightly depending on your purpose and applicant type.

For First-Time Applicants

• Valid government-issued ID (Passport, Driver’s License, PhilID, or UMID)
  
• Barangay Clearance
  
• Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
  
• Recent 2×2 photo with white background
  
• Completed application form from the Regional Trial Court
  
• Doc Stamp worth ₱30–₱50, available at the Clerk of Court’s office

For Renewal Applicants

• Original copy of your previous RTC Clearance
  
• Valid government-issued ID

For Court-Related Requests

• Copy of Police or NBI Clearance
  
• Affidavit of No Pending Case signed and notarized.

 Tip: Always bring both the original and photocopies of your documents. Some courts require photocopies for verification, while others will need originals for authentication.

How to Apply for RTC Clearance Online

Applying for your RTC Clearance Online is now faster and easier. The process can be done through a mix of online registration and in-person verification, depending on your location. Follow these steps to complete your court clearance online registration smoothly.

Step 1: Identify Your RTC Branch

Locate the Regional Trial Court (RTC) that covers your area of residence or where your case was filed. You can check this using the Judiciary ePayment System (JEPAY) or the eCourt portal on the Supreme Court website.

Step 2: Secure Required Documents

Prepare all documents before scheduling your RTC clearance online appointment. Bring your valid ID, Barangay Clearance, Cedula, 2×2 photo, and any supporting documents like NBI or Police Clearance.

Step 3: Visit or Register on the Official RTC Portal

Go to the official website of your selected RTC branch or send your documents via email if online registration is supported. Fill out the court clearance online registration form completely and correctly.

Step 4: Schedule Your RTC Clearance Online Appointment

Choose your preferred branch, date, and time for submission or biometric verification. Some RTC branches only accept appointments through their online system, so always confirm before visiting.

Step 5: Pay the RTC Clearance Fee

Fees vary depending on purpose:

• Local employment: ₱100–₱200
  
• Foreign or visa use: ₱200–₱300
  
• Certified true copies: ₱50–₱75 per page

Payments can be made through GCash, PayMaya, LandBank Link.Biz, or directly at the RTC cashier.

Step 6: Submit Requirements In-Person or Online

Present your valid ID, payment receipt, and reference number (if booked online). If applying in person, proceed to the designated counter for verification and submission.

Step 7: Claim or Receive Your Clearance

Processing usually takes 1–5 working days, depending on the court’s workload. Once approved, you can pick it up at the RTC office or choose delivery through LBC, Grab, or J&T, if your branch offers this service.

RTC Clearance Sample Format

An RTC Clearance sample usually includes important details that verify your identity and confirm your legal record. The document shows the applicant’s full name, case number (if applicable), and the Regional Trial Court branch that issued the clearance. It also contains the signature of the Clerk of Court, the official court seal, and a QR code for online verification.

To confirm authenticity, you can scan the QR code or verify the clearance directly at the issuing RTC office. Some courts also allow checking via their online database or email confirmation.

RTC Clearance Validity

The RTC clearance validity depends on the issuing court and its local guidelines. Most branches set the validity period between one to three months from the date of issuance. For example, the Quezon City RTC clearance is valid for one month, while the Parañaque RTC clearance is valid for three months.

Once expired, the clearance can no longer be used for employment, visa, or business purposes. Applicants must reapply or renew to obtain an updated copy. Renewal timelines vary, but it’s best to secure a new clearance before the old one expires.

This limited validity ensures that your background information is always current and verified. Employers and agencies rely on recent clearances to confirm that there are no new or pending court cases under your name.

RTC Clearance Fee

The total cost of obtaining a court clearance varies depending on the purpose and location of the Regional Trial Court. For local employment, the fee typically ranges from ₱100 to ₱200, while clearances intended for foreign or visa use cost around ₱200 to ₱300.

You’ll also need to pay a Doc Stamp fee of ₱30 to ₱50, which can be purchased at the Clerk of Court’s office. If you need a certified true copy, the charge is ₱50 to ₱75 per page.

For online transactions, a small service fee may apply when paying through platforms like GCash, PayMaya, or LandBank Link.Biz. Always keep your receipt as proof of payment when claiming your clearance.

RTC Clearance Contact Information

For inquiries or assistance you can reach out through the following official channels:

Hotline: +63 2 8552-9644
Email: chiefjusticehelpdesk@judiciary.gov.ph
Official Website: sc.judiciary.gov.ph

Contact the helpdesk for issues related to appointments, payment confirmation, or case verification.