Download Police Clearance Application Form
What is police clearance?
Police clearance in South Africa provides confirmation on the criminal status of a person. People who want to emigrate or work abroad require a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Once an application for police clearance is finalised, a certificate will be issued stating whether any criminal offences are recorded against the applicant. The issuing of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is the sole responsibility of the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. Applicants will receive their clearance certificate via post or can arrange for it to be couriered at their own expense. The certificate can be reissued within six months of the original application at additional cost.
How to get a Police Clearance Certificate
SAPS police clearance is obtained by providing fingerprints. Applicants must complete the SAPS Fingerprints Form 91a at their nearest Police Station. A copy of the applicant’s Identity Document or passport must accompany the application. A fee in support of the police clearance application is payable to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service and proof of payment must be sent to the head of the South African Criminal Record Centre.
South Africans living abroad can apply for South African police clearance at any Police Station in the foreign country or at the South African Embassy. In this case, the applicant may use the official fingerprint forms of the specific country, which must be signed by the person who took the fingerprints. A copy of the applicant’s Identity Document or passport must accompany the application.
How long does it take to get a Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa?
From the day on which the complete application is received by the Criminal Record Centre, it takes approximately 14 working days for a Police Clearance Certificate to be issued.
Tracking the police clearance certificate status
In order to obtain a reference number, the applicant needs to provide a South African cell phone number on the application. Once the application is received by the Criminal Record Centre, the applicant will receive a confirmation sms along with a reference number. The applicant can then check whether the Police Clearance Certificate has been finalised on the SAPS website.
Also see Vehicle Police Clearance (RPC)
Also see other SAPS Police Forms