Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is a Philippines Police Clearance Certificate?

A Philippines Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the Philippines National Police (PNP) that certifies whether an individual has any criminal record in the Philippines. It serves as proof that the bearer has no derogatory record or has disclosed past incidents in accordance with Philippine law. This document is often required for employment, visa applications, immigration purposes, professional licensing, and adoption proceedings.

How is a Police Clearance different from NBI Clearance?

While both documents verify criminal background status, they differ in scope and issuing authority:

• Police Clearance: Issued by the Philippines National Police (PNP) and verifies criminal records at the local or municipal level where the applicant resides or previously resided.
• NBI Clearance: Issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and conducts a nationwide check across all jurisdictions in the Philippines. The NBI database is more comprehensive and includes records from various law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

Some international applications may require both documents, while others specify one or the other. We recommend confirming the exact requirements with the requesting institution.

How long is a Philippines Police Clearance valid?

The validity period of a Philippines Police Clearance Certificate is typically six (6) months from the date of issuance. However, certain institutions, embassies, or foreign governments may impose their own validity requirements. We advise verifying the specific validity requirements with the organization requesting the document.

Who needs to obtain a Philippines Police Clearance?

Individuals who may need to obtain this document include:

• Filipino citizens applying for overseas employment
• Foreign nationals who have resided in the Philippines seeking clearance for visa or immigration purposes
• Individuals applying for certain professional licenses
• Applicants for international adoption processes
• Current or former Philippines residents requiring background verification for employment or legal purposes

Our Services

What services does Philippines Police Clearance provide?

Our company offers comprehensive assistance with obtaining Police Clearance Certificates from the Philippines National Police. Our services include:

• Document preparation assistance and application review
• Representation services for applicants unable to appear in person
• Application submission and follow-up
• Authentication and apostille services
• International courier delivery of completed certificates
• Guidance for complex cases or applications with special circumstances

Are you affiliated with the Philippines government?

No. Philippines Police Clearance is a private service provider specializing in facilitating document processing. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official representative of any Philippines government agency. We function as a third-party facilitator that assists applicants in navigating the official procedures established by the Philippines National Police.

Can you guarantee that my Police Clearance will be approved?

We cannot guarantee approval of any Police Clearance Certificate, as the final determination rests solely with the Philippines National Police based on their verification of your background. What we do guarantee is professional handling of your application, ensuring all documentation is properly prepared and submitted according to current requirements, and diligent follow-up throughout the process.

How do your services expedite the process?

Our services help expedite the process through:

• Expert review of your documentation to prevent common errors that cause delays
• Established channels for efficient submission and processing
• Regular follow-up with relevant offices to monitor application status
• Knowledge of current requirements and procedures that may not be widely published
• Direct representation that eliminates the need for applicants to navigate the process personally

Application Process

What documents do I need to apply for a Philippines Police Clearance?

The basic requirements include:

• Completed application form
• Valid government-issued photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• Birth certificate
• Recent passport-sized photographs (typically 2×2 inches with white background)
• Proof of address in the Philippines (for local applications)
• Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances

For international applications, additional requirements may include:

• Proof of previous residence in the Philippines
• Authorization letter for representation (if applicable)
• Other supporting documents depending on the purpose of the clearance

We will provide a detailed checklist specific to your situation after initial consultation.

How long does it take to process a Philippines Police Clearance?

Standard processing time for a Police Clearance Certificate is typically 7-10 business days after submission of a complete application. However, actual processing times may vary based on:

• Current volume of applications being processed by the PNP
• Complexity of the background check required
• Need for additional verification in certain cases
• Administrative factors within the government offices

Through our expedited service options, we can generally facilitate faster processing in urgent situations, though additional fees may apply for priority handling.

Can I apply for a Philippines Police Clearance if I’m outside the Philippines?

Yes. We specialize in assisting applicants who are outside the Philippines. The process for overseas applicants typically involves:

1. Initial consultation to determine your specific requirements
2. Submission of necessary documentation electronically
3. Preparation of your application by our team
4. Representation at the relevant PNP offices in the Philippines
5. Processing of your application through official channels
6. Authentication of the document if required
7. Secure international delivery of your completed certificate

What if I have a previous criminal record in the Philippines?

Having a previous record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate. The certificate will typically note any existing records, but this transparency allows the requesting party to make their own determination based on the nature and timing of the record.

For applicants with previous records, we offer specialized consultation to:

• Understand the nature of the previous incident
• Determine if the record may have been expunged or is eligible for clearance
• Advise on additional documentation that may be helpful
• Explain how different types of records may be reflected on the certificate

Authentication and Legalization

What is authentication/apostille and when is it required?

Authentication (or apostille in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention) is the process of certifying that a document is genuine and properly issued. This additional step is typically required when your Police Clearance Certificate will be used in another country.

The authentication process typically involves:

1. Verification by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines
2. For countries requiring apostille, the DFA applies the apostille certificate
3. For non-Hague Convention countries, additional authentication by the embassy of the destination country may be required

Our services include handling the complete authentication process when required.

Which countries require authentication of Philippines Police Clearance?

Authentication requirements vary by country and purpose. Generally:

• Most Western countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention accept the apostille certification
• Many Middle Eastern, African, and some Asian countries require authentication by their embassy in the Philippines after DFA certification
• Some countries have specific bilateral agreements with the Philippines regarding document recognition

We provide country-specific guidance based on your destination and the purpose of your Police Clearance Certificate.

Payment and Processing

What are your service fees?

Our service fees vary depending on the specific services required. Current pricing is as follows:

• Basic Application Processing: [Fee range]
• Expedited Processing: [Fee range]
• Authentication/Apostille Services: [Fee range]
• International Courier Delivery: [Fee range]

All applicable fees will be clearly communicated before you commit to using our services. Please note that these fees do not include government-imposed fees, which must be paid directly to the relevant agencies.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment through:

• Major credit and debit cards
• Bank transfers
• Secure online payment platforms

All payment transactions are processed through secure, encrypted systems to protect your financial information.

What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy is as follows:

• If you cancel before we begin processing your application, a full refund minus a small administrative fee will be issued.
• Once we have begun processing your application, partial refunds may be issued based on the stage of completion.
• No refunds are provided for completed services or in cases where the application is rejected due to factors beyond our control, such as undisclosed criminal records or incomplete information provided by the applicant.

Delivery and Security

How do you deliver completed Police Clearance Certificates?

We offer several delivery options for completed certificates:

• International courier service with tracking capabilities
• Local delivery within the Philippines
• Pick-up options at our office for local clients

All deliveries include appropriate protective packaging to ensure your documents arrive in pristine condition.

How do you protect my personal information?

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure, encrypted electronic systems for storing documentation
• Strict access controls limiting staff access to sensitive information
• Confidentiality agreements with all personnel
• Physical security for paper documents
• Data retention policies that limit storage of your information to the minimum necessary period
• Compliance with relevant data protection regulations

Contact and Support

How can I check the status of my application?

Once your application is submitted, you will receive regular updates regarding its status. Additionally, you can:

• Contact your assigned case manager directly via email
• Log into your account on our secure client portal
• Email our customer support team at support@philippinespoliceclearance.com

We typically provide updates at key milestones in the application process, including submission confirmation, processing updates, and completion notification.

What should I do if I have additional questions?

If you have questions not addressed in this FAQ, please:

• Email us at support@philippinespoliceclearance.com
• Use the contact form on our website
• Check our blog for informational articles about the police clearance process

Our customer service team strives to respond to all inquiries within one business day.