Required Documents for Police Clearance in the Philippines [2025 Guide]
Before you go to the police station or start your online application, it’s important to understand the police clearance requirements. Police clearance is often needed when applying for a job, starting a business, renewing a license, or even traveling abroad.
You must bring the correct documents to avoid delays or repeat visits. This guide will help you know exactly what you need, whether you’re a Filipino citizen, a foreign resident, or applying for a minor.
Let’s review the complete requirements list so your application goes smoothly.
Police Clearance Requirements
- Valid Government-Issued ID
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill / Barangay Certificate)
- 2×2 Passport Photo (White Background)
- Application Reference Number
- Payment Receipt
Table of Contents
Required Documents for Police Clearance
Before applying, it’s important to understand the exact police clearance requirements to avoid any delays or rejection. Whether you’re going for the online process or visiting the police station directly, make sure to carry the correct documents that are valid and clearly show your full name, photo, and signature.
Requirements for Police Clearance Online Application
If you’re applying through the PNP online portal, here are the basic requirements for police clearance online:
- Email Address – Required to register and log in to the portal
- Full Name – Must match your ID details
- Date of Birth and Gender – For identity confirmation
- Educational Background – Optional but included in form
- Mobile Number – For notifications and reference
- 2×2 Photo – With white background (recent and clear)
Once your online application is complete, you must go to the police station for biometrics, photo capture, and ID validation. Remember your reference number for appointment confirmation.
Requirements for Police Clearance Walk-in
After you register and set an online appointment through the PNP online system, you’ll still need to go in person for biometrics, photo capture, and document checking.
Here’s what you typically need:
1.Valid IDs (any 2 government-issued)
These are required for on-site verification at the police station (e.g., Passport, UMID, Driver’s License, SSS, Voter’s ID)
2.Barangay Certificate or Certificate of Residency
This proves you are living in the area. It must be recently issued within the last 6 months.
3.Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
Often required depending on the city or municipality. You can get it from your barangay or city hall.
4.Personal Appearance
For fingerprinting and official photo capture.
The police clearance requirements for walk-ins may vary slightly depending on the location, so it’s always a good idea to call your local police station first or check their official page for any special instructions.
Police Clearance Requirements for Foreign Nationals
If you’re a foreigner living or working in the Philippines, you’ll need to provide the following documents to apply for a police clearance:
- Valid Passport
- ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration)
- Proof of Address in the Philippines (such as utility bill, lease contract, or barangay certificate)
- Letter of Request or Stating the Purpose of Clearance (for job, visa, immigration, etc.)
Foreigners applying for immigration or employment may also be asked to provide additional documents, depending on the rules of the local police station. It’s a good idea to call ahead or visit their website before applying.
Police Clearance Requirements for Minors
For minors (under 18), these documents are usually required:
- Birth Certificate (PSA or NSO issued)
- School ID or Any Valid ID (if available)
- Valid ID of the Parent or Guardian
- Notarized Letter of Consent from the parent or guardian
- Barangay Certificate (to confirm the minor’s address)
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the application process. Some police stations may also ask for extra requirements depending on the age of the child.
Police Clearance Requirements for Students
Students who need a police clearance for internship, scholarship, part-time work, or any school-related purpose should prepare the following documents:
- Valid School ID with the student’s photo and name
- Birth Certificate issued by the PSA or NSO
- Proof of Enrollment such as a certificate of registration or enrollment slip
- Barangay Clearance to confirm the student’s current address
- Parent or Guardian’s Valid ID (if the student is below 18)
- A letter stating the purpose for which the police clearance is needed, like internship or application submission
Some police stations might request extra documents, so it’s a good idea to check with the nearest NPCS-linked station before applying.
What to Check Before Visiting the Police Station for Police Clearance
Once you’ve finished the online registration, you still need to go to the police station to complete the rest of the process. But before you visit, here are some important police clearance requirements you must review to avoid delays or issues:
Valid Identification
Bring at least two original valid IDs. These should:
- Be unexpired and government-issued
- Clearly show your full name, photo, and signature
It’s always a good idea to check with your local police station or ask a legal advisor if you’re unsure whether your ID will be accepted. You may also call the PNP Police Clearance Helpline at (02) 723-0401 for confirmation.
Application Details & Payment Receipt
Don’t forget to bring your:
- Application reference number (from your online application)
- Official payment receipt
These are required for the biometrics process, identity verification, and final approval of your application.
Accepted IDs for Police Clearance
Below is a list of valid IDs commonly accepted for the police clearance process in the Philippines. These meet the police clearance requirements for both online and walk-in applications:
- Passport
- National ID (PhilSys)
- Driver’s License (LTO)
- Voter’s ID
- UMID (SSS or GSIS)
- Postal ID
- School ID with Registration Form
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN ID
- PRC License
- OFW ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Barangay Certificate
- Senior Citizen ID
- PWD ID
- and other government-issued IDs
⚠️If you do not have a government ID, you may be allowed to submit a Barangay Residency Certificate. However, this depends on your local station’s rules.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
Bring one recent colored photo that meets the following guidelines:
- Size: 2 x 2 inches
- White background
- No shadows
- Taken within the last six months
This photo is uploaded during online registration or submitted in-person for walk-in processing.
Police Clearance Application Form
To get your police clearance, one of the basic police clearance requirements is to fill out the official application form. This form collects your personal information and helps the police verify your identity and background.
Where to Get the Form?
You can get the Police Clearance Application Form in two ways:
Online:
If you’re applying for police clearance online through the PNP Clearance Portal, you don’t have to fill out a physical form manually. The form is automatically generated based on the details you enter when:
- You create your account.
- Fill in your personal details.
- Choose your preferred police station.
- Book your appointment and pay the fee.
Once you have completed all this, the system will create your application reference number, and the police at your chosen station will access your form during your walk-in visit.
Walk-In:
If someone goes directly to a local police station without using the online portal (in rare or rural cases), they may be asked to manually fill out the Police Clearance Application Form using pen and paper.
Online vs Walk-In Police Clearance Process
| Step | Online Applicant | Walk-In Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Account creation | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Fill out personal info | ✔️ (online) | ✔️ (paper form) |
| Appointment booking | ✔️ | ❌ (depends on station) |
| Pay the fee | ✔️ (GCash, 7-Eleven, etc.) | ✔️ (cash at station) |
| Visit police station | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Bring printed reference # | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Fill out form manually | ❌ | ✔️ |
Steps for Police Clearance Online Application:
- Create an account on the PNP Clearance Portal
- Verify your email address
- Fill out the application form
- Choose a preferred police station
- Select your appointment date and time
- Pay the clearance fee via available options
- Go to the police station on your appointment date
- Bring valid IDs and required documents
- Complete biometrics and photo capture
- Wait for clearance release or hit status verification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion:
Getting a police clearance in the Philippines is a simple process if you know what’s required. Whether you’re applying online or walking in, make sure your documents are complete and valid. Double-check your IDs, keep copies, and arrive early to avoid delays. Check the official site of the PNP Clearance System for updates, guidelines, or changes in police clearance requirements.