Types Of Philippines Police Clearance – Detailed Guide 2026

There are a total of four kinds of clearances, including local (LPC), national (NCP), Barangay Clearance, and Clearance Certificate for Overseas Employment (PCC-OE). Each type serves distinct purposes and has its own application process. Below is a clear breakdown of PNP clearance types, their importance, and why it matters.

Types Of Police Clearances 

There are several types of clearances in the Philippines, each with its own specific purpose. You must apply for police clearance to get the clearance certificate. Here are the details about each type:

National Clearance (NPC)

The NPC is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that certifies an individual’s clean criminal record nationwide. It verifies that a person has no criminal records in the Philippines. The Philippines Police deny the clearance if the citizen has a hit status. The denial will remain until the citizen profile becomes clear.

The NPC is used for the following purposes:

1. Employment
2. Government ID applications
3. Visa processing
4. Firearm registration
5. Banking transactions

The Clearance is valid for six months from the date of issue. After this period, a new clearance must be obtained through clearance renewal.

Local Clearance (LPC)

Local Clearance (LPC) in the Philippines is a type of clearance issued by the local police station within a specific city or municipality. It is a verification that a citizen has no criminal record or pending cases within that local jurisdiction only. Unlike the NPC, the LPC is limited to the specific region of the issuing police station.

LCP is commonly used for the following purposes:

1. Securing barangay clearances
2. Opening local bank accounts
3. Applying for local employment
4. Processing various permits or licenses within the same city or municipality
5. Proving good standing for businesses within the immediate community
6. Proving good standing for residents within the immediate community

The validity period of this certificate is also six months. It will expire after 6 months and needs to be renewed.

 Barangay Clearance

A Barangay Clearance is an official document issued by the Barangay Captain or barangay officials in the Philippines. It verifies that a person is a resident of a specific barangay and is considered a law-abiding citizen with no pending criminal cases and a negative record within that community. This clearance acts as proof of good moral character and residency. 

Here is why this certificate is required:

The barangay certificate is free for first-time job seekers. Discounts or fee waivers for senior citizens, PWDS, and students are also available. 

NBI Clearance

Many people consider the NBI and NPC the same, but there is a difference between the NBI and police clearance. The NBI Clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines. It is a verification that the citizen has no criminal record or pending cases at the national level. 

It serves for the following purposes: 

1. Employment
2. Travel abroad
3. Visa applications
4. Business permits
5. Government exams

This clearance certificate remains valid for six months to one year from the date of issuance. Renewals are possible online for applicants who have an existing clearance issued from 2014 onwards, provided no data changes have occurred.

PCC-OE

The Clearance Certificate for Overseas Employment (PCC-OE) is a type of clearance issued to overseas Filipinos who are looking for a job abroad. Many foreign employers demand this certificate as part of the background verification process. The certificate helps the employer ensure the applicant has no criminal record in the Philippines.

This certificate remains valid for six months after issuance and becomes invalid after that. You must complete the certificate renewal once it expires.

Comparison Of Clearance Certificate

Here is a quick comparison of all the clearance certificates that would help you to understand the certificate easily: 

FAQs

Conclusion

Philippine clearances come in four types, each serving unique purposes like employment, permits, travel, or local business requirements. These clearances are valid for six months and must be renewed on time. Each certificate serves its own specific purpose and is required in different fields.