The three clearances
| Clearance | Issued by | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| RTC clearance | Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court | Cases filed in that RTC's area |
| MTC clearance | Office of the Clerk of Court of the MTC, MeTC, MTCC or MCTC | Cases filed in that lower court's area |
| Prosecutor's clearance | Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor (DOJ) | Complaints pending before that prosecutor's office |
Unlike the NBI clearance (nationwide), these clearances usually only cover the area of the office that issues them. That's why they're typically requested together with an NBI clearance.
When are they required?
They're commonly asked for:
- Government jobs, appointments and promotions
- Firearm licenses and permits to carry
- Some visa, immigration and overseas employment applications
- Retirement and other benefit claims
- Local employment where the employer wants extra checks
DOJ citizen's charters describe the prosecutor's clearance as issued for local or foreign employment, foreign travel, firearm licenses, permits to carry firearms and retirement.
How to get one
Find the right office
For RTC or MTC clearance, go to the Office of the Clerk of Court of the court covering the city or municipality where you live. For a prosecutor's clearance, go to the Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor.
Call or check their notice board first
Each office sets its own requirements, schedule and fee.
Bring the usual documents
Commonly a valid government ID (original and photocopy), and sometimes a community tax certificate (cedula), a photo, or your NBI or barangay clearance.
Fill in the request and pay
The office checks its records for pending cases.
Claim your clearance
Many offices release it the same day if there's no record to verify.
Fees and requirements differ by office. We don't list a single fee because each court and prosecutor's office sets its own. First-time job seekers may be able to claim these free under RA 11261, which covers government documents required by employers. Ask the office.
Frequently asked questions
Is an NBI clearance enough instead of a court clearance?
Not always. The NBI clearance is nationwide, but some offices specifically ask for RTC, MTC or prosecutor's clearance too. Get exactly what the office lists.
Can I get an RTC clearance online?
Processes differ by court. Most still require you to request it at the Office of the Clerk of Court. Check with your local court.
How long is a court clearance valid?
The office that asks for it decides. Many want one issued within the last few months.