Police Clearance Certificate Application in South Africa

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the South African Police Service confirming an individual’s criminal record status, essential for emigration, travel, or employment abroad.

Police Clearance Certificate South Africa 2025

Table of Contents

Overview

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in South Africa is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that confirms whether an individual has a criminal record. It’s often required for various purposes, especially when traveling or working abroad, for immigration, or for certain types of employment within South Africa.

For the most current details, visit the official SAPS website (www.saps.gov.za) or contact the Criminal Record Centre at Tel: 012 393 3928 or E-mail: [email protected].

Eligibility

  • Available to anyone who needs to prove their criminal status for emigration, travel, or work abroad.
  • Both South African residents and non-residents can apply, with processes adapted for those abroad.
  • Note: If an applicant is identified as “Wanted” by SAPS, a PCC will not be issued.

Requirements

  • A full set of fingerprints taken on the official SAPS 91(a) form (for South African residents) or an equivalent form (for those abroad).
  • Completed application form (available for download on the SAPS website).
  • Certified copy of your South African ID document or passport (original must be presented for verification if applying in person).
  • Documentary proof of any maiden or other surnames (e.g., marriage certificate) if required to be included on the certificate.
  • Proof of payment.
  • For applicants abroad, fingerprints can be taken at a local police station or South African Embassy.

How to Apply (Summary)

Prepare Documents: Gather all required items, including fingerprints, completed form, ID copy, and proof of payment.

Submit Application:

  • In South Africa: Visit your nearest police station to submit and have them forward it to the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) in Pretoria (no extra cost), or deliver it directly to the CR & CSM office.
  • From Abroad: Send the application via mail or courier directly to CR & CSM.

Track Status: Use the online enquiry system on the SAPS website with your reference number. SMS updates are sent if a South African cell number is provided.

Collect Certificate: Once ready, collect in person, nominate someone, or use a courier. Certificates not collected within 3 months are destroyed.

Processing time is approximately 15 working days from receipt of complete documents, excluding postal time, but delays are expected due to the 2025 backlog.

Fees & Payment

  • R190 per application (non-refundable).
  • Payable in cash at a police station or via electronic transfer to the SAPS ABSA account (Account No: 4054522787, Branch Code: 632005, Swift Code: ABSAZAJJXXX). Reference: “PCC” followed by your initials and surname.

What does a PCC show?

The certificate will state one of two things:

  1. “No criminal record” or similar wording, indicating that the individual has no recorded criminal convictions in South Africa.
  2. Details of any previous convictions, including the offence, date of conviction, and sentence received.

When is a PCC typically required?

  • International Travel/Visas: Many countries require a PCC for long-term visas, work permits, or permanent residency applications.
  • Immigration: For those emigrating from South Africa.
  • Employment: Certain job sectors (e.g., education, finance, security, working with vulnerable persons) may require a PCC.
  • Adoption: As part of the screening process for prospective parents.
  • Professional Registrations: For certain professional bodies or licenses.

Detailed Submission Process

Applicants living abroad (Submission & Collection)

Applicants living abroad may forward the application and required documents directly to CR & CSM for processing. Applications received from abroad will not be returned to the applicant. The applicant must monitor progress via the SAPS website and upon completion arrange for collection as indicated on the application form. For security purposes the certificate will only be handed over to the person nominated by the applicant or chosen courier service. Note that certificates not collected within three months after finalisation will be destroyed.

Applicants living in South Africa (Submission & Collection)

Applicants living in South Africa may, at no additional costs to the applicant, request the police station to forward the applications to CR & CSM in Pretoria. The applicant may also in person deliver the application to CR & CSM in Pretoria or use the service of a postal or courier service at his/her own cost. For security purposes the certificate will upon completion only be handed over to the applicant or person nominated by the applicant or chosen courier service as indicated on the application form. Where the applicant requested the certificate to be returned to the police station, the responsible person at the police station must ensure that the certificate is handed over to the applicant in person. Proof of identity must be presented when the certificate is collected. Note that certificates not collected within three months after finalisation will be destroyed.

Key Details, Tips & Status

Status Tracking & Security Notes:

If the applicant provides his/her cell number (currently only available in South Africa) on the application for a Police Clearance Certificate, he/she will be provided with a sms acknowledging receipt of the application and the reference number allocated to his/her certificate. A follow-up sms will be sent upon completion of the application. While the application is being processed, the applicant can establish the progress on the status of the application by enquiring on the SAPS’s website. Click here to do an online enquiry.

Incomplete applications will not be processed and a sms will be send to the applicant in this regard. For security purposes no copies of fingerprints or scanned versions of fingerprints will be processed. Completed certificates will also not be scanned and e-mailed to applicants. Finalisation of applications take approximately 15 working days from the date when all required documents are received at Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management. This time frame exclude postal time.

It is highly recommended to visit the official SAPS website or contact the Criminal Record Centre directly for the most up-to-date information, forms, fees, and submission addresses.

Other Important Tips:

  • Processing times can vary significantly, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications and whether there are any complexities. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of when you need the certificate.
  • A PCC does not have an expiry date as such, but the validity period is often determined by the requesting institution (e.g., an embassy might only accept a PCC issued within the last 3 or 6 months).
  • There is generally no official expedited service, although some third-party agencies claim to assist with faster processing (be cautious and verify their legitimacy).
  • If you have a minor criminal record and meet certain criteria, you might be able to apply for expungement of your record before applying for a PCC. This is a separate legal process.

Police Clearance Report (PCR)

A Police Clearance Report (PCR) is available to people who require confirmation of their criminal status for the purpose of expungement of a criminal record. This report can be issued by any Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). The prescribed fee is R95,00 per report. The Police Clearance Report issued must be handed to the applicant in person upon collection. Proof of identity must be presented when the report is collected.