Below is a comprehensive, Philippine-context guide in the style of a legal article, focused especially on how to obtain and download a DAR Clearance application form, and what you need to know around it.

I. What Is a DAR Clearance?

In practice, “DAR Clearance” is a generic term used for several agrarian-related authorizations or certifications issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform. Depending on the transaction and the local practice, it may refer to:

Clearance for the transfer or registration of agricultural land – often required by the Registry of Deeds or BIR before they allow registration of a sale, donation, or other transfer involving agricultural land.
DAR Land Use Conversion Clearance – approval to convert agricultural land to non-agricultural use (e.g., residential subdivision, industrial estate).
Certifications on CARP coverage/exemption – a statement that the land is:
- not covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP),
- or exempt/converted, or
- covered and subject to certain restrictions.

Regardless of the exact label, the core function of a DAR clearance is to confirm that the proposed transaction or use of land does not violate agrarian reform laws and existing agrarian rights.

II. Legal and Policy Framework (Philippine Context)

The DAR clearance regime is anchored on:

Republic Act No. 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, or CARL), as amended by RA 9700 (CARPER) – which covers acquisition, redistribution, retention limits, and protection of agrarian reform beneficiaries.
DAR Administrative Orders and Memorandum Circulars – which provide detailed procedures on:
- land use conversion,
- retention/exemption,
- sale or transfer of agricultural lands,
- and issuance of clearances and certifications.

The overarching policy is to protect agricultural lands and agrarian reform beneficiaries, ensure that transfers do not circumvent CARP, and regulate conversion from agricultural to other uses.

III. When Is a DAR Clearance Required?

While exact requirements can vary per locality and per transaction, DAR clearance (or an equivalent certification) is commonly required:

For sale, donation, or other transfer of agricultural land
- Registry of Deeds may require a DAR clearance before registering a Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) in the buyer’s name.
- BIR may ask for related DAR certifications before issuing a Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) involving agricultural land.
For mortgages or loans involving agricultural land
- Banks, government financing institutions, or private lenders may require a DAR clearance to ensure the land is bankable and not subject to agrarian restrictions.
For land use conversion
- When you want to convert agricultural land to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, or other non-agricultural use, DAR land use conversion clearance or approval is required.
For development projects involving agricultural land
- Subdivision projects, ecozones, infrastructure, or commercial plantations may need DAR clearance or other DAR certifications as part of their permitting and due diligence.
For LGU permits and zoning approvals
- Some LGUs require DAR certification or clearance before granting reclassification, zoning clearance, or building permits over lands that are still classified as agricultural.

IV. Offices Involved in DAR Clearance

Understanding the DAR structure helps you know where to get the application form and file it:

Central Office (Quezon City) – handles policy-making and certain high-impact cases (e.g., large or sensitive conversion applications).
Regional Office (DARRO) – supervises provincial offices, may process or review certain clearances.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Office (PARO) – typically the main processing level for clearances relating to registration, transfer, or local projects.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) – often your first stop for forms, initial guidance, and preliminary requirements.

The exact office that processes your clearance depends on the type of clearance and the land’s location and area. However, the form itself is usually available at the MARO or PARO (physically) and often also via DAR’s official website (digitally).

V. How to Obtain and Download a DAR Clearance Form

Even though procedures evolve, the ways to obtain the application form are quite stable. There are generally two tracks:

A. Downloading the Form Online

DAR typically makes many of its forms accessible via its official channels. While the exact layout and navigation can change over time, you can generally:

Visit the official DAR website
- Go to the official website of the Department of Agrarian Reform.
- Look for sections usually labeled “Downloads,” “Forms,” “Public Assistance,” or “Services”.
Navigate to Forms Related to Land Transfer, Certification, or Conversion Depending on your purpose, you may find:
- Application form for DAR clearance for transfer/registration of agricultural lands;
- Application form for land use conversion;
- Request form for CARP coverage/exemption certification, etc.
Download the Form
- Forms are generally in PDF, sometimes in fillable PDF or Word format.
- Download and save a copy, then either:
  - print and fill it out by hand, or
  - type into a fillable digital form (if supported) and then print/sign.
Check for Accompanying Checklists or Guidelines
- Often, the form is accompanied by:
  - a checklist of documentary requirements,
  - a summary of applicable fees,
  - and processing timelines.
- Download these as well; they are often as important as the form.

Practical tip: Always make sure you are downloading from the official DAR site or an official DAR-approved portal. Forms obtained from unofficial sources could be outdated or incomplete.

B. Getting the Form from a DAR Field Office

If you prefer a face-to-face approach or cannot access the form online:

Go to the MARO or PARO where the land is located
- For smaller transactions (e.g., transfer of one agricultural lot), the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office is usually the closest and most accessible.
- For larger or more complex applications (e.g., large-area conversion), go to the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office.
Proceed to the Public Assistance or Records Section
- Inform the staff that you need the “application form for DAR clearance” and describe your transaction:
  - Sale/transfer,
  - Land use conversion,
  - Certification of CARP coverage/exemption, etc.
Receive the Form and Initial Guidance
- The staff may:
  - provide a printed blank form,
  - explain which part of DAR handles your application,
  - give you a checklist of supporting documents and fees,
  - flag any obvious issues (e.g., the land is known to be CARP-covered, under CLOA, etc.).
Ask if They Have a Soft Copy
- Some local offices can email or provide a USB copy of the form, which you can later print or fill out electronically.

Practical tip: Bring basic land documents (e.g., photocopy of title, tax declaration, lot plan) on your first visit. Staff can give more accurate guidance if they see the actual details.

VI. Contents of a Typical DAR Clearance Application Form

The precise layout varies per clearance type and per administrative order, but most DAR clearance application forms will ask for:

Applicant’s Details
- Full name, address, contact number, email;
- Status (landowner, buyer, developer, agrarian reform beneficiary, etc.);
- Identification details (may require TIN or government-issued ID).
Land Description
- Title details: OCT/TCT No., lot and block numbers;
- Location: Barangay, Municipality/City, Province;
- Area (in hectares or square meters);
- Tax Declaration details;
- Name(s) of registered owner(s).
Nature of the Transaction
- Sale, donation, exchange, partition, mortgage, lease, or other dispositions;
- For conversion: proposed use (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, etc.), project name, and project description.
Agrarian Status of the Land (as known to the applicant)
- Whether the land is:
  - tenanted,
  - with agrarian reform beneficiaries,
  - under a CLOA/Emancipation Patent,
  - previously covered by CARP,
  - previously converted or reclassified.
Supporting Documents Checklist The form may have a section listing required attachments, such as:
- Certified true copy of the title;
- Latest tax declaration and real property tax clearance;
- Location map or vicinity sketch;
- Survey plan or lot plan (duly approved by DENR/LMB/LGU, as applicable);
- Copy of Deed of Sale, Deed of Donation, or other instruments;
- Zoning/land use classification from the LGU;
- For conversion: feasibility study, development plan, proof of project viability, etc.
Declarations and Undertakings
- An oath or declaration that:
  - information is true and correct,
  - no agrarian beneficiaries’ rights are being violated,
  - applicant agrees to abide by DAR rules and conditions.
Signatures and Jurat
- Signature of applicant or authorized representative;
- In some forms, notarization or sworn declaration before a barangay or municipal official, or a notary public.

VII. Step-by-Step: From Downloading the Form to Filing

Once you’ve obtained or downloaded the form, the typical process looks like this:

Step 1: Preliminary Due Diligence

Before filing:

Gather copies of:
- title (or titles),
- tax declarations,
- existing contracts (e.g., Deed of Sale),
- any prior DAR documents (e.g., previous conversion orders, certification of non-coverage).
Verify:
- names of registered owners,
- encumbrances annotated on the title,
- whether the land is in a known CARP area or has existing agrarian cases.

This will make it easier to fill out the form accurately and avoid red flags later.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Typewritten or clearly printed entries are preferred.
Make sure:
- names in the form match exactly the names in the title and other documents,
- land area and descriptions are consistent across documents.

If an item is not applicable (e.g., there are no tenants), some forms allow you to write “N/A” but avoid leaving important fields entirely blank.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Attachments

Using the checklist attached to or mentioned in the form:

Secure certified true copies from:
- Registry of Deeds (title),
- Municipal/City Assessor (tax declaration),
- Treasurer’s Office (tax clearance).
Obtain zoning or land use classification from the LGU when required.
For conversion applications, prepare:
- development plans, site development plans,
- environmental compliance documents (if needed),
- proof of project or corporate existence (SEC/DTI registration).

Arrange documents according to the checklist and label them.

Step 4: Pre-Assessment at MARO/PARO

Before formally filing:

Visit the MARO or PARO with your filled-out form plus attachments.
Request a pre-assessment:
- Staff will see if your application is complete on its face,
- Point out missing documents,
- Clarify whether your application should be filed at the municipal, provincial, or regional/central level.

This step helps avoid multiple rejections for incomplete requirements.

Step 5: Official Filing and Payment of Fees

Once your documents are complete:

File your application at the designated DAR office.
Pay the required fees, which may include:
- filing/processing fee,
- inspection or investigation fees,
- documentary stamps, where applicable.
Obtain:
- Official Receipt,
- Documentary Reference Number or docket number.

Always safekeep the receipt and stamping page; you’ll need them for follow-up.

Step 6: Evaluation, Investigation, and Endorsements

DAR will then:

Examine documentary completeness and correctness.
Conduct field inspections, verification of actual land use, and validation of:
- presence of tenants or ARBs,
- ongoing agrarian cases or claims.
Request comments or endorsements from:
- Barangay and LGU officials,
- other agencies (e.g., DENR, HLURB/HSAC, DOH, DPWH), depending on project type and size.

For land use conversion, there may also be public postings or notices, and in some cases, public hearings or consultations.

Step 7: Decision and Issuance of DAR Clearance

After evaluation:

If approved, DAR will issue:
- A written DAR Clearance or Order; and/or
- A Certification specifying the status of the land vis-à-vis CARP and any conditions.
If denied, DAR will issue a written denial, often indicating:
- legal or factual grounds (e.g., land is CARP-covered and not eligible for the requested transaction),
- possible remedies, if any.

The issued clearance usually states:

its scope (which land, which transaction),
conditions (e.g., obligations to respect existing ARB rights),
validity period, if applicable.

VIII. Using the DAR Clearance After Issuance

Once you have the DAR clearance:

Submit it to the relevant agency:
- Registry of Deeds, for registration of the deed and issuance of new title;
- BIR, for CAR issuance;
- Bank, for loan or mortgage approval;
- LGU, for zoning, subdivision, or building permits.
Check Validity and Conditions
- Some clearances have a limited validity (e.g., often one year or specific to a transaction).
- If the transaction is not completed within the validity period, you may need a new clearance or renewal.
Keep Certified Copies
- Keep both the original (or owner’s copy) and multiple certified copies in case agencies ask for their own file copies.

IX. Common Issues and Practical Tips

Outdated or Wrong Form
- Always ensure your form is the latest version. Using old forms can delay processing.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documents
- Discrepancies between the title, tax declaration, and application form often result in:
  - clarificatory letters,
  - additional requirements,
  - longer processing time.
Unknown agrarian conflicts
- There might be pending agrarian cases filed by tenants or farmer-beneficiaries which you are not initially aware of.
- DAR’s field verification will surface these, which can lead to denial or conditions.
Local Variations in Practice
- Some Registries of Deeds or LGUs may demand certain specific DAR certifications rather than a general “DAR clearance.”
- It’s wise to coordinate not only with DAR but also:
  - the Registry of Deeds,
  - the BIR office,
  - and the LGU involved.
Engaging Professionals
- For complex matters (e.g., large-scale conversion, overlapping agrarian claims), it may be helpful to consult:
  - a lawyer with agrarian or land use experience,
  - a licensed geodetic engineer,
  - or a professional project consultant.

X. Data Privacy Considerations

When you fill out and submit a DAR clearance application form:

You provide personal and property data (names, addresses, TIN, project details).
DAR and other agencies are expected to process these in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, but you should:
- avoid unnecessary personal information in attachments,
- secure your copies of the form and supporting documents,
- be careful when sharing scans or copies electronically.

XI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the DAR clearance form the same nationwide? Not always. The core information is similar, but layout and labels can vary depending on:

the type of clearance,
the applicable DAR Administrative Order,
and sometimes local formatting. Always ask the local DAR office which form to use for your specific transaction.

2. Can I reuse a downloaded form for multiple transactions? Normally, each transaction and property should have its own separate application form and set of attachments. Reusing one printout for multiple properties may not be acceptable unless the form expressly allows it.

3. Is electronic filing (online submission) allowed? Some programs and regions may experiment with online or email submissions, but in many cases, at least one hard-copy filing with original signatures is required. Always confirm with the DAR office that will process your application.

4. Does having a DAR clearance guarantee that no agrarian problem will ever arise? No. A DAR clearance is based on the information available and verified at the time of processing. New facts, later disputes, or previously hidden issues can still give rise to agrarian cases, though the clearance is a strong indication of compliance at the time of its issuance.

5. Is there a standard processing time? DAR issuances usually prescribe indicative timelines (e.g., a certain number of days from filing), but real-world processing can be longer due to:

verifications,
investigations,
hearings,
or volume of applications. It is best to ask your MARO/PARO about realistic expectations for your specific type of application.

XII. Final Notes and Practical Advice

Start with the form and checklist. Whether you download it online or obtain it from a DAR office, the form itself is your roadmap for the clearance process.
Always validate with the local DAR office. Laws and general rules are national, but implementation details can differ slightly per region or province.
Be honest and thorough. Misrepresenting the status of tenants, agrarian cases, or land use may lead to denial of the application, or even legal liability later.
Consider legal guidance for complex cases. Particularly when large areas, multiple co-owners, or prior agrarian disputes are involved, professional advice can save significant time and risk.

This guide is meant for general informational purposes within the Philippine legal context and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. For a concrete situation, always coordinate directly with the Department of Agrarian Reform office that has jurisdiction over your land, and consult a lawyer if needed.