Complete Guide to Police Clearance Certificates in South Africa 2025
Everything you need to know about obtaining your PCC for employment, visas and more
2025 Update
Police Clearance Certificates remain essential for employment, immigration and licensing in South Africa. Processing times average 6-8 weeks domestically and 8-12 weeks for international applications.
1 What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by SAPS that confirms your criminal record status in South Africa.
Key Uses:
- Employment in sensitive sectors (education, healthcare, government)
- Visa and immigration applications
- Professional licensing (security, firearms)
- Adoption and legal processes
Validity: PCCs are valid for 6 months from issue date. Some countries require certificates to be less than 3 months old.
2 Eligibility & Requirements
Who Needs a PCC?
- South African citizens and residents
- Foreign nationals who lived in SA for 12+ months
- Former residents applying from abroad
Required Documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Identification | Certified copy of ID/passport (within 6 months) |
| Photos | Two passport-sized (35x45mm) |
| SAPS 91(a) Form | Completed application form |
| Fingerprints | Taken at police station or embassy |
| Payment | R150 fee (2025 rate) |
3 Applying Within South Africa
Step-by-Step Process:
- Step 1: Gather documents (certified ID, photos, completed SAPS 91(a) form)
- Step 2: Visit SAPS station with CR & CSM section
- Step 3: Submit application and pay R150 fee
- Step 4: Have fingerprints taken
- Step 5: Wait 6-8 weeks for processing
- Step 6: Collect certificate with ID and receipt
Tip: Check load shedding schedules before visiting as power outages may affect station operations.
4 Applying From Abroad
Process for International Applicants:
- Get fingerprints taken at local police or SA embassy
- Complete SAPS 91(a) form
- Certify copies of passport/ID
- Pay R150 fee via bank transfer
- Mail documents to SAPS Pretoria with prepaid return envelope
- Processing takes 8-12 weeks
Mailing Address:
The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management
South African Police Service
Private Bag X308
Pretoria, 0001
South Africa
5 Costs & Processing Times
| Item | Cost (2025) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| PCC Application Fee | R150 | 6-8 weeks (SA) 8-12 weeks (abroad) |
| Document Certification | Free-R20 | Immediate |
| Passport Photos | R50-R100 | Immediate |
| International Courier | R500-R2000 | 1-5 days |
| Apostille | R150-R500 | 1-3 days |
6 Criminal Records & Expungement
If You Have a Criminal Record:
- PCC will show offenses, dates and sentences
- Minor offenses may not appear
- Can apply for expungement after 10 years if eligible
Expungement Process:
- Submit Form J165 to Department of Justice
- Include motivation letter and SAPS clearance
- Takes 3-6 months (free)
Note: Always disclose criminal records honestly on applications as misrepresentation can have serious consequences.
7 Apostille & Legalization
For International Use:
- Apostille: Required for Hague Convention countries (Canada, Australia, UK)
- Legalization: Required for non-Hague countries (UAE, China)
Process:
- Get original PCC from SAPS
- Submit to DIRCO in Pretoria for apostille (R150-R500)
- For non-Hague countries, additional embassy legalization required
Tip: Use a courier service to submit documents to DIRCO if you can’t visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a PCC valid?
6 months from issue date, though some countries require it to be less than 3 months old.
Can someone else collect my PCC?
Yes, with signed authorization letter, certified copy of your ID and their ID.
What if I lose my PCC?
You must reapply as duplicates aren’t issued.
Can I apply online?
Not in 2025 – applications must be submitted in person or by mail.
Do I need a PCC if I never lived in SA?
No – only required for residents of 12+ months.
Tips for Success
- Apply 3-4 months before you need the certificate
- Double-check all documents are certified and complete
- Use trackable couriers for international applications
- Check load shedding schedules before visiting police stations
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Confirm apostille/legalization requirements for your destination country
Key Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| SAPS CRCMS | [email protected] +27 12 393 1000 |
| DIRCO (Apostille) | www.dirco.gov.za +27 12 351 1000 |
| Department of Justice (Expungement) | www.justice.gov.za |
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa requires patience and attention to detail, but following this guide will help ensure a smooth process. Remember to apply well in advance of your deadline, especially if you need the certificate for immigration purposes. Keep copies of all documents and use trackable mail services for international applications.
For the most current information, always check the official SAPS website: www.saps.gov.za