Philippine Police Clearance Certificate & Validity – Expiry & Renewal Process

A Philippine Police Clearance Certificate is a crucial document issued by the authorities to verify an individual’s clean criminal record. Since it has a limited validity period, renewal is necessary to ensure it remains up to date.

Here, we will discuss why the certificate and renewal are important. It is the official documents which certifies that you don’t have any criminal record in Philippines. It is required, when you travel or other legal purposes.

Police clearance Validity

Police clearance Certificate is valid for six month. The date of issuance is mentioned on your Police clearance Certificate document. If your clearance expires, you will need to apply for a new one, as expired certificates are not accepted for official transactions.
I will Explain you;
If your Police clearance Document is issued on 3 January 2025, Then it will be expire on 4 June 2025. Your Police clearance is valid from 03-01-2025 to 04-06-2025.

Police Clearance Renewal Importance

Police clearance is only valid for six months. You have to renew it in to continue your legal transitions.
such as you are using it for;

  • Job Applications (local and abroad) : Many employers, both in the Philippines and abroad, require a police clearance to ensure that job applicants have no criminal background.
  • Business permits and government transactions : It may be required for certain legal matters, such as adoption, name changes, or securing government-issued licenses.
  • Visa and immigration purposes : A police clearance is often necessary when applying for visas, work permits, or permanent residency in other countries.
  • Personal identification and verification : A police clearance serves as an added layer of identification and security, helping individuals prove their good standing in society.
  • Scholarships and Education : Some educational institutions ask for a police clearance, especially for scholarships or foreign student applications.
  • Government and Military Applications : Those applying for government jobs, military service, or law enforcement positions often need to present a police clearance.

How to Know Police clearance is Expired

If you want to check whether your Police Clearance Certificate has expired, you need to look at your police clearance document. The expiration date will be mentioned on the right middle side.
Every police clearance has its own issuance and expiration date, which are mentioned on the police clearance document.

What to do if Police clearance is expired

If your Police Clearance is expired, You need to apply for new one by following same process as you have followed for new one. Make sure to schedule your appointment in advance and bring the required documents to avoid delays. Always check the validity of your certificate before submitting it for any official transaction.

National Police Clearance : You can apply by visiting the official website PNP Police Clearance portal and scheduling an appointment, You can also go with offline or walk-in Process.

Local Police Clearance : You can apply by visiting your nearest police station and applying through the walk-in process from your nearest Police Station.

Can I renew Police Clearance in Philippines

If your police clearance has expired and you are thinking of renewing it, you absolutely cannot do so because it is non-renewable. You must apply for a new one.
Police clearance is only valid for six months, and new renewals come after every six months. Always get updated about the validity to avoid delays.

How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate

If you want to get a new one follow the same process as applying for a new one. Police Clearance Certificate PCC is necessary for abroad or immigration, Visa and legal purposes. Must follow these steps;

Online Renewal Process

If you want to know the detailed process of applying for a Police Clearance Online Appointment, click on this link. I have explained the complete process here.

  • Go to the official website, Register yourself, and login in the portal.
  • You have to give your personal information. It will take between 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Pay the fees of ₱150
  • Book an appointment at your nearest police station for your biometric verification. It will take between 30 to 45 minutes, If there is no any queue.
  • If you do not have any criminal record, your Police Clearance Certificate will be issued immediately.

Walk-in Renewal Process

I have discussed this process in detail in my article. Click on the link for the Walk-in Application Process

  • Visit your nearest police station that provides offline Police Clearance services.
  • Get the form, fill it out, and provide all the asked personal information. It will take between 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Pay the fees of ₱150
  • Book an appointment for your biometric verification. It will take between 30 to 45 minutes, If there is no any queue.
  • After completing verification process, your Police Clearance Certificate will be issued immediately. Collect it from your nearest police station.

Payment Methods for Police Clearance in the Philippines

You can pay for your Police Clearance Certificate through multiple payment methods.

  • Landbank (LBP ePayment Portal) – Online banking transfer
  • GCash – Mobile wallet payment
  • PayMaya – Digital wallet transaction
  • Banco de Oro (BDO) – Over-the-counter or online banking
  • Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – Online transfer or deposit
  • Metrobank – Online banking or branch deposit
  • UnionBank – Internet banking payments
  • 7-Eleven (via CliQQ App) – Cash payment through kiosks
  • Bayad Centers – Over-the-counter payments
  • M Lhuillier / Cebuana Lhuillier – Pawnshop payment services

Make sure to save your Payment Receipt as proof for verification during your appointment.

Required documents for renewal

You renew your Clearance with required documents

  • Two valid ID cards
  • Reference number
  • Official receipt

The reference number is the one given to you by the National Police Department when you submitted your application.
The official receipt is the one generated when you made your Online payment.

List of Valid IDs for Police Clearance Appointment in the Philippines

To apply for a National Police Clearance Appointment, you must present at least two (2) valid IDs from the list below:

  1. Philippine Passport
  2. Driver’s License (LTO)
  3. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
  4. PhilSys National ID (Philippine Identification System)
  5. Social Security System (SSS) ID
  6. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID
  7. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  8. Voter’s ID (COMELEC)
  9. Postal ID
  10. Barangay ID
  11. Senior Citizen ID
  12. OFW ID (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – OWWA)
  13. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) ID
  14. Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
  15. School ID (for students, must be valid and with school year indicated)
  16. Company ID (if employed, must be government-recognized)
Police Clearance Certificate

Conclusion

Getting and renewing a National Police Clearance Certificate is very important for various legal, employment, and travel purposes. It is only valid for six months from its issuance date. You need to stay updated to ensure the expiration date does not pass, avoiding any delays in renewal. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your clearance, Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your clearance, following the proper process, whether online or walk-in, ensures a easy process for obtaining your certificate.

FAQs

A Philippine Police Clearance Certificate is typically valid for six months from the date of issuance.

No, most institutions and employers require a valid police clearance. You need to renew it once it expires.

You need to apply for a new police clearance through the PNP online portal or by visiting the nearest police station.

Yes, for each renewal, you must go through the fingerprint and photo verification process again.

The standard fee for renewal is ₱150, but additional charges may apply depending on the police station.

Yes, foreign nationals residing in the Philippines can apply for and renew their police clearance.

No, most employers and agencies require a valid police clearance. If it has expired, you need to apply for a new one.

There is no direct renewal process. You must apply for a new police clearance once your previous one expires.

Yes, you can verify the authenticity and validity of your police clearance through the PNP online verification system using the QR code provided on your document.

Yes, many embassies require a police clearance certificate issued within the last six months for visa processing.

If lost, you will need to apply for a new police clearance, as duplicate copies are not issued.