Police Clearance Fee in the Philippines: Guide 2026
Most people expect to pay ₱150 for a police clearance and then get surprised by a higher total in the final payment. The gap usually comes from convenience fees, local government add-ons, or payment channel service fees. This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect to pay in 2026, by payment channel and by city.
The Base Police Clearance Fee
The National Police Clearance System sets the standard processing fee at ₱150. This single rate applies nationwide, regardless of which city or province you apply in.
On top of that base fee, online payments carry a small convenience charge. This charge goes to the payment provider, not the PNP itself.
| Payment Channel | Convenience Fee | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|
| GCash | ₱10 to ₱30 | ₱160 to ₱180 |
| Maya | ₱10 to ₱30 | ₱160 to ₱180 |
| Credit or Debit Card | ₱15 to ₱30 | ₱165 to ₱180 |
| Over-the-Counter (7-Eleven, Bayad Center) | ₱10 to ₱20 | ₱160 to ₱170 |
| BancNet Online Banking | ₱10 to ₱25 | ₱160 to ₱175 |
Why Some Cities Charge More
The ₱150 figure covers the national processing fee only. Several local government units add their own charges on top, often without making this obvious during booking.
Makati is the clearest example. As per reports from applicants in the city, Makati bundles a local government ID fee into the transaction. This pushes the total close to ₱800. The system gives you no option to skip the extra ID and pay the base fee alone.
Common Mistake: Many applicants assume the ₱150 to ₱180 range applies everywhere. Always check your specific city’s add-on fees before your appointment, especially in Metro Manila, where local government charges vary widely.
Other cities may add smaller local processing charges, typically ranging from ₱20 to ₱100. These vary by local ordinance and can change from year to year. Confirm the current rate with your city hall or the station handling your appointment.
How First-Time Jobseekers Get It Free
Republic Act No. 11261, the First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, waives the police clearance fee entirely for qualified applicants. This is one of the most overlooked savings available to fresh graduates and first-time workers.
To claim this waiver, bring a barangay certification confirming you are a first-time jobseeker. You can get this from your barangay hall, often alongside a free barangay certificate.
Important Tip: Apply for your free barangay certification first, since you will need to present it at your police clearance appointment to skip the fee entirely. Bring your school ID or diploma as supporting proof.
The waiver covers the standard processing fee. Local government add-ons in certain cities may still apply, depending on the ordinance in place.
Express Processing and Other Add-On Fees
Some police stations offer same-day or priority processing for an additional charge. This is not standard nationwide and depends entirely on the specific station’s local policy.
If express processing is available at your station, expect an add-on fee that the staff will disclose at booking. There is no fixed national rate for this service, since it falls outside the standard NPCS fee schedule.
Fee Comparison: Online vs. Walk-In
Paying online through the NPCS portal and pnpclearance.ph keeps you within the standard ₱150 to ₱180 range in most cities. This route also lets you pick the most convenient channel, whether that is GCash or a bank transfer.
Walk-in applicants typically pay the same base fee, plus any local add-ons charged directly at the station’s cashier. The main difference is convenience, not the underlying rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The real police clearance fee in the Philippines comes down to three numbers. There is the ₱150 base rate, a small convenience fee for online payment, and whatever your specific city adds on top. Metro Manila applicants, especially in Makati, should expect the highest totals.
If you qualify as a first-time jobseeker, the savings are worth the extra trip to your barangay hall. Bring your certification, skip the fee, and use those savings elsewhere.
Whichever channel you choose, keep your receipt until you have your printed clearance certificate in hand.