National or Local Police Clearance? Know The Key Differences In The Philippines 2024
When applying for certain jobs, government documents, or even traveling abroad, you may be asked to provide a National or Local Police Clearance. In the Philippines, two police clearances are commonly issued: the National Police Clearance and the Local Police Clearance. At the same time, both documents aim to show that a person has no criminal record.
They differ in scope, issuing authority, usage, and other aspects. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the National Police Clearance and the Local Police Clearance so you can better understand which one you need for specific purposes.
What is Police Clearance?
Before we dive into the differences, let’s first clarify what a police clearance is. A police clearance is an official document issued by a police authority that certifies an individual has no pending criminal cases or records. It serves as proof of good moral character and is often required for employment, government transactions, or visa applications.
Key Differences Between National and Local Police Clearance
1. Issuing Authority
- National Police Clearance :
The Philippine National Police issues the National Police Clearance through a centralized system. The PNP uses its nationwide database to check whether a person has any criminal records, ensuring that the clearance covers all regions of the country. - Local Police Clearance:
The Local Police Clearance is issued by the local police station of the city or municipality where the person resides. This clearance only checks for criminal records within the jurisdiction of that specific locality.
2. Scope
- National Police Clearance:
The NPC has a nationwide scope, meaning it checks for criminal records across the entire Philippines. It pulls data from a central database that contains information from various cities and regions, making it more comprehensive than the Local Police Clearance. - Local Police Clearance:
As the name suggests, the Local Police Clearance only covers criminal records within a specific locality, such as the city or municipality where it was issued. It does not account for criminal cases or records outside that local area.
3. Purpose and Usage
- National Police Clearance:
The NPC is required for more formal and nationwide purposes. For instance, it is commonly needed for:
- Government employment
- Visa applications and immigration purposes
- National and international job applications
- Other transactions requiring a more thorough criminal background check
- Because of its broader scope, the National Police Clearance is preferred or required when applying for positions or opportunities with national or international significance.
- Local Police Clearance:
The Local Police Clearance is typically used for local purposes, such as:
- Local employment (especially in smaller businesses)
- Applying for local business permits
- Clearance for minor local government transactions
- It is usually sufficient for less formal or smaller-scale transactions that do not require a nationwide background check.
You Can Also Read This Blog: PNP New Online Registration Process To Get Police Clearance Latest Update 2024
4. Application Process
- National Police Clearance:
Applying for the National Police Clearance involves a more structured process:
- Applicants must register and schedule an appointment online through the PNP Clearance System.
- Personal details and required documents are submitted during the online registration.
- Fingerprints, photos, and signatures are collected at the police station on the appointment day.
- The results, including a background check from the national criminal database, are then processed and issued within a few days.
- Local Police Clearance:
The process for obtaining a Local Police Clearance is usually simpler and quicker:
- You can apply directly at your local police station.
- Only basic personal information and documents are required, such as a barangay clearance (a clearance from the local barangay stating that you have no pending issues or cases within that community).
- Since it only covers local records, the clearance is typically issued the same day or within a short period.
5. Validity
- National Police Clearance:
The National Police Clearance is generally valid for six months from the date of issue. Because it covers a nationwide background check, it may be accepted for a longer duration, but reapplication is needed after six months to ensure updated records. - Local Police Clearance:
The Local Police Clearance is often valid for a shorter period, ranging from three to six months. Since it only reflects local records, the validity tends to be shorter, and the clearance may not be recognized outside of the issuing locality.
Also Read This Blog: How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in the Philippines 2024
6. Fees
- National Police Clearance:
Because the NPC involves a nationwide database check, it typically costs more than the Local Police Clearance. The fee can range from PHP 160 to PHP 180, depending on the location where it’s processed. - Local Police Clearance:
The Local Police Clearance is less expensive, with fees typically ranging from PHP 100 to PHP 150, depending on the city or municipality.
7. Processing Time
- National Police Clearance:
The processing time for NPC can take a few days due to the need for biometric data collection and the nationwide database check. However, once you’ve completed your biometric appointment, the results can often be issued within 24-48 hours. - Local Police Clearance:
The Local Police Clearance is generally processed much faster, often on the same day or within a few hours, since it only involves checking records within a specific locality.
Also Read: New Process To Get Police Clearance/ Requirements Procedure
Which One Should You Get?
Choosing between a National Police Clearance and a Local Police Clearance depends on the specific requirements of the organization or transaction you are dealing with.
- If you’re applying for jobs at a national or international level, or if you need clearance for government or immigration purposes, the National Police Clearance is the better option. Its broader scope makes it more reliable for these types of applications.
- For local employment, business permits, or minor government transactions, a Local Police Clearance is usually sufficient. Since it’s easier to obtain and covers the local area, it’s more suitable for smaller, local matters.
Common Documents Needed for Both Clearances
Whether you’re applying for a National or Local Police Clearance, you will generally need the following documents:
- Valid ID; government-issued like a passport, driver’s license, or national ID
- Barangay Clearance; (for local police clearance applications
- Payment Receipt; after paying the required fees
- Online Appointment Confirmation; for NPC applications
Read This Blog: The Importance of Police Clearance in the Philippines 2024
FAQs About Police Clearance
What Is the Difference Between National Police and Local Police Clearance?
In the Philippines, two police clearances are commonly issued: the National Police Clearance and the Local Police Clearance. At the same time, both documents aim to show that a person has no criminal record.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a National Police Clearance and a Local Police Clearance is essential when deciding which one you need. The National Police Clearance offers a nationwide check and is more comprehensive, making it suitable for more formal, large-scale purposes.
On the other hand, the Local Police Clearance is focused on local criminal records and is more convenient for local-scale, local applications. By knowing the differences, you can ensure you get the right type of clearance for your specific needs.
