If you need a police clearance certificate in South Africa for a visa, overseas job, immigration application or residency process, knowing where to start can save you time. The official certificate is issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) through its Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management division.
You generally begin your police clearance certificate application through SAPS, including fingerprint collection and submission of the required documents. However, the certificate itself is processed and issued by the relevant SAPS division in Pretoria.
Need help with the process? Contact Global Visa Management Group for assistance with your police clearance requirements and application.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by SAPS confirming whether criminal convictions have been recorded against an individual. It is commonly requested for emigration, international employment, travel, immigration and other overseas applications.
If you are preparing a police clearance certificate for visa application, check the requirements of the destination country or organisation before applying. Requirements can differ depending on where the certificate will be used.
Where to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa
So, where to get police clearance certificate documents depends on which part of the process you are completing.
You can generally start your application at a local SAPS police station. This is where applicants living in South Africa can have their fingerprints taken and receive assistance with the application process. SAPS states that the official certificate is issued by its Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management division in Pretoria.
Applying at Your Local SAPS Police Station
When visiting SAPS, you will generally need to:
- Present your South African identity document or passport.
- Have a full set of fingerprints taken.
- Complete the required application information.
- Provide proof of payment.
- Submit the application according to the applicable SAPS procedure.
SAPS advises applicants to ensure that applications are complete, as incomplete submissions will not be processed.
If you are searching for a police clearance certificate near me, contact your local SAPS station before visiting to confirm its current procedure and fingerprinting arrangements.
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate
The basic process for how to get a police clearance certificate is:
- Prepare your identification: Have a valid South African ID or passport available.
- Take your fingerprints: SAPS requires a full set of fingerprints for applicants in South Africa.
- Complete the application: Provide accurate personal details and the reason for requesting the certificate.
- Pay the applicable fee: Confirm the current SAPS fee and accepted payment method before submitting.
- Submit your application: Keep your reference or enquiry information for follow-up.
- Track the application: SAPS provides an online enquiry facility for checking application progress.
- Receive the certificate: Collection, courier or delivery arrangements depend on the selected option.
What Are the Police Clearance Certificate Requirements?
The main police clearance certificate requirements include identification, fingerprints, completed application information and proof of payment. SAPS also requires supporting documentation in certain circumstances, such as documentation relating to a maiden or previous surname.
Requirements can vary according to your circumstances, particularly if you are applying from outside South Africa. Checking the requirements before submitting can help prevent avoidable delays.
How Much Does a Police Clearance Certificate Cost?
The police clearance certificate cost South Africa applicants pay is subject to the current SAPS tariff. SAPS currently lists the prescribed application fee as R190 per application. Additional expenses may apply for fingerprinting, courier delivery or professional assistance.
Fees can change, so confirm the current government charge before making payment.
How Long Does a Police Clearance Certificate Take?
The police clearance certificate processing time can vary. SAPS currently advises that finalisation takes approximately 15 working days from the date all required documents reach Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management. This excludes postal time. SAPS also currently warns of a backlog that has extended waiting periods.
For this reason, apply well before your visa, employment or immigration deadline rather than relying on a fixed turnaround.
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate From Overseas
South Africans living abroad can also apply for a South African PCC. SAPS states that applicants outside South Africa may have their fingerprints taken at a police station in the country where they live or at a South African embassy. The fingerprints must be taken on the appropriate official form.
International applicants should allow additional time for fingerprint collection, document preparation, courier arrangements and delivery.
Do You Need an Apostille?
If your PCC will be used overseas, you may need authentication or an apostille. The requirement depends on the destination country.
DIRCO states that original South African Police Clearance Certificates no older than six months can be submitted to its Legalisation Section. The correct process depends on whether the destination country is party to the Apostille Convention.
How GVM Can Assist With Your Police Clearance
If you are unsure where to apply for police clearance certificate services or need help coordinating the process, Global Visa Management Group can assist.
GVM provides police clearance assistance for clients in South Africa and abroad, including application guidance, fingerprint assistance, application monitoring, and collection and delivery support.
The official PCC remains a SAPS document. GVM assists with the administrative process but does not issue the certificate or control SAPS processing decisions.
Need a police clearance certificate for your next visa, job or international move? Contact Global Visa Management Group to discuss your requirements and get help with the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a police clearance certificate in South Africa?
You can generally begin the process at a local SAPS police station. The official certificate is issued by SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management in Pretoria.
Can I apply for a police clearance certificate online?
The official process still involves physical fingerprint collection. SAPS does provide an online service for checking the status of an existing application.
How long is a police clearance certificate valid?
There is no universal acceptance period for every application. DIRCO states that a PCC submitted for legalisation must be no older than six months. Always check the requirements of the organisation or country requesting your certificate.
Can I get a South African police clearance certificate while overseas?
Yes. SAPS allows applicants outside South Africa to have fingerprints taken through an appropriate police station or South African diplomatic mission before submitting the application.
