What are the IDs Accepted in Police Clearance?

What are the IDs Accepted in Police Clearance? If you’re planning to apply for a police clearance in the Philippines whether for employment, travel, or other official purposes, understanding what constitutes a Valid ID is crucial. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has strict verification requirements to ensure applicants’ identities are authentic. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the accepted IDs for police clearance, ensuring a hassle-free application process.
What is a Police Clearance?
A police clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that certifies an individual has no derogatory record or criminal background within the Philippine jurisdiction. It is commonly used for job applications, business permits, immigration requirements, and more.
What Are the Accepted Valid IDs for Police Clearance?
To ensure your identity is correctly verified, the PNP requires applicants to present government-issued IDs that are current and bear accurate personal information. Below are the commonly accepted Valid IDs when applying for a police clearance:
1. Passport
The Philippine Passport is one of the most reliable and globally recognized forms of identification. Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), it contains your photograph, signature, nationality, and date of birth. It is highly recommended for those applying for police clearance, especially if you plan to use the clearance for international purposes.
2. National ID (PhilSys ID)
The Philippine National ID, also known as PhilSys, is part of the government’s initiative to unify identification systems across the country. This ID is equipped with biometric data and serves as a single identification document for all Filipino citizens and resident aliens. It is increasingly becoming one of the most accepted IDs for official transactions, including police clearances.
3. Barangay ID
Issued by the barangay hall, the Barangay ID is typically used to identify residents of a specific community. While not always accepted for high-level financial transactions, many local police stations recognize the Barangay ID for police clearance applications, especially in rural or small-town areas. However, it is advisable to pair this with another form of ID for smoother processing.
4. SSS ID or UMID
The SSS ID (SSS Online Registration), or its updated version the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID ID)—is issued by the Social Security System (SSS). It contains your SSS number, photo, and signature, and is widely accepted for various government and private transactions. Its inclusion in the accepted Valid ID list makes it a dependable document for those applying for police clearance.
Important Reminders When Presenting a Valid ID
When submitting any of the above Valid IDs for your police clearance application, keep the following in mind:
- The ID must be original and not expired.
- Your personal details (name, birth date, and photo) must be clear and accurate.
- Photocopies may be required, but originals must be presented for verification.
- If your ID has conflicting or outdated information, you may be asked to submit additional documents or choose a different form of identification.
Can You Use Other IDs?
Some police stations may also accept other government-issued IDs such as:
- Driver’s License
- Voter’s ID
- PRC ID (for professionals)
- Postal ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- School ID (for students, provided with proof of enrollment)
However, the four mentioned above Passport, National ID, Barangay ID, and SSS ID are among the most commonly recognized and recommended for the police clearance process.
Conclusion
Obtaining a police clearance is a necessary step for many personal, legal, and professional activities. Ensuring you present a Valid ID—such as a Passport, National ID, Barangay ID, or SSS IDwill help streamline the process and reduce the risk of delays or rejections.