Police Clearance Certificate Application

The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), issued by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) in Pretoria, is an essential document. It’s basically an official check that confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in South Africa. You typically need it for things like emigration, visa applications, or international employment.

If you want to emigrate or work abroad, you must apply for police clearance certificate at your nearest South African police station. The certificate confirms whether you have a criminal record or not. You must provide your full name, surname, date of birth and identity document or passport to the police at the police station where your finger prints will be taken.

If you are outside the country, you may apply at any police station in that country or at the South African Embassy.

Police Clearance Certificate Application

Gathering Your Application Essentials

Think of this as your pre flight checklist. Missing even a small detail can lead to major delays!

  1. Fingerprints are Key: You need full set of your fingerprints.
    • In South Africa: Visit your nearest SAPS police station to have your fingerprints taken the official SAPS 91(a) form.
    • Outside South Africa: You can go to any police station in your current country of residence or the nearest South African Embassy/Consulate. They will take your fingerprints, usually on the official form of that country (or the SAPS 91(a) if they have it). The person taking the prints must sign the form.
  2. Application Form: The official SAPS application form needs to be fully and accurately completed.
  3. Identification: A certified copy of your valid South African ID or passport. If you are abroad, present your ID/passport to the official taking your fingerprints, and send a certified copy with your application.
  4. Proof of Payment (The Fee): The prescribed fee is currently R190.00 per application (as of the latest SAPS updates). It’s advised not to send cash.
    • Payment Methods: Bank guaranteed cheque, banker’s draft, or an electronic payment (EFT) into the SAPS bank account.
    • Crucial Reference: If paying electronically, use the reference “PCC” followed by your initials and surname (e.g., PCC JSMITH).
  5. Other Surnames: If you need a maiden name, married surname, or other names to appear on the certificate, you must mention this in your application and attach a certified copy of the relevant document (like a marriage certificate).

Submitting Your Application

The certificate only issued by the Criminal Record Centre (CRC) in Pretoria, regardless of where you submit your application.

If you are in South Africa:

  • Submit at a Police Station: The police station where you took your fingerprints can send the application to CRC on your behalf.
  • Mail/Courier Directly: You can also courier or mail the completed package directly to the CRC:
    • Courier Address (Recommended): The Head of the South African Criminal Record Centre (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates) Bothongo Plaza West, CRC Client Service Centre, 1st Floor, Room 14 271 Frances Baard Street, PRETORIA
    • Postal Address: The Head of the South African Criminal Record Centre (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates) Private Bag X308 PRETORIA 0001

If you are outside South Africa (Abroad):

  • Mail or courier the complete application (fingerprints, forms, certified ID/Passport copy, and proof of payment) directly to the CRC using the postal or courier addresses above. South African Embassies or Consulates can only assist with taking your fingerprints, they generally won’t process the application for you.

Application Fee (Tariff)

Fee: The prescribed fee is currently R190.00 per application (though fees are subject to change, so confirming with SAPS is advisable).

Payment Methods:

  1. Cash: Paid at the nearest police station (if applying in person in South Africa).
  2. Electronic Transfer (EFT): Paid directly into the SAPS bank account:
    • Bank: ABSA Bank
    • Account No.: 4054522787 (Cheque Account)
    • Branch Code: 632005
    • Swift Code: ABSAZAJJXXX
    • Reference: PCC followed by the initials and surname of the applicant (e.g., PCC JSmith).

Processing Time and Tracking

This is where you need a little patience, though things are getting faster!

Official Processing Time: SAPS officially states a finalisation time of approximately 15 working days from the date a complete application is received at the CRC. However, you must factor in the postal/courier time to reach them and the return time.

Real-World Delays: Historically, processing times have varied widely (sometimes up to 6-8 weeks or longer, especially if there’s a backlog or if you have a criminal record). It’s always best to start your application early.

Tracking

Once your application is received, if you provided a South African cell number, you should receive an SMS acknowledgement with a reference number.

You can monitor the progress of your application on the official SAPS website using the provided reference number.

Collection: Completed certificates can be collected in person, by a nominated person, or by a courier service (which you must arrange and pay for). The certificate will not be scanned and emailed for security reasons.

Pro Tip

Apostille: If you are using the PCC abroad (for a visa, job, etc.), the receiving authority may require it to be Apostilled (legalised) by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Timing: To save time, it’s often best to find out before you receive the PCC if you need this step, as you may need to submit the original certificate to DIRCO immediately after it issued by SAPS.

I hope this breakdown makes the process much clearer for you!

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