Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): South Africa
South African Police Service · Verified 6 September 2026
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A Police Clearance Certificate confirms whether you have a criminal record in South Africa: needed for work abroad, visas, emigration, and adoption.
Key facts (5)
- Official source
- saps.gov.za
- Application fee
- R190 per application
- Additional copies
- Each copy requires a new application at R190
- Processing time
- Approximately 15 working days official standard, but actual times are 2–6 months due to backlogs at the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria
- Submit to
- Any South African Police Service (SAPS) station: fingerprints must be taken at the station
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WhatsApp me this linkSouth African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Guide
A South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by SAPS confirming whether you have a criminal record in South Africa. It is required for employment, emigration, visa applications, adoption, firearm licences, and studying abroad. You need two forms to apply: the Police Clearance Application Form (your personal details and delivery preference) and the SAPS 91(a) Fingerprint Enquiry Form (completed at the police station when your fingerprints are taken). This guide covers everything: documents required, the fee, the SAPS 91(a) fingerprint process, processing times, and how to collect or receive your certificate.
A Police Clearance Certificate confirms whether you have a criminal record in South Africa: needed for work abroad, visas, emigration, and adoption. Apply at any police station with the application form, the SAPS 91(a) fingerprint form, your ID, and the R190 fee. Each copy needs its own R190 application.
What does a police clearance certificate cost?
| Application fee | R190 per application |
|---|---|
| Additional copies | Each copy requires a new application at R190 |
What documents do I need for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
0 of 6 documents ready
How to complete the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Step 1: Determine why you need a police clearance certificate
Before applying, confirm why you need the certificate and how many copies you require. Common reasons include employment, emigration, visa applications, adoption, firearm licence applications, and studying abroad. Some countries require the certificate to be apostilled by DIRCO after issue: confirm the specific requirements with the requesting party before applying.
Step 2: Visit your nearest SAPS police station with your ID
Take your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or ID book) to your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) police station. Foreign nationals must bring their passport. The police station will verify your identity and provide you with a SAPS 91(a) application form to complete. Some stations have dedicated fingerprint desks: ask at the front desk for the correct queue or office.
Step 3: Complete the police clearance application form
Fill in your surname, full names, maiden name, 13-digit ID number (or passport), date of birth, country of birth, and the reason for your application. Add your cellphone number and preferred delivery method. Print and take the completed form to the station. Also fill in the personal details section of the SAPS 91(a) fingerprint form: both forms are submitted together.
Step 4: Have your fingerprints taken at the police station
A SAPS official will take a full set of your fingerprints using an ink pad and fingerprint card (or digital scanner at equipped stations). Ensure your hands are clean and dry. Fingerprint quality is critical: smudged or faint prints are the most common cause of delays. The Criminal Record Centre will ask you to retake poor-quality prints. The official will attach the fingerprint card to your application.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Pay R190 per application. Pay in cash or via electronic transfer to SAPS (ABSA account 4054522787, branch 632005). Use "PCC" followed by your initials and surname as the reference. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Step 6: Wait for processing at the Criminal Record Centre
The police station forwards your application and fingerprints to the Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. The official standard is 15 working days. In practice, backlogs mean many applicants wait 2 to 6 months: apply well in advance of any deadline. You will receive an SMS when your application is received and another when the certificate is ready. Certificates not collected within 3 months of completion will be destroyed.
Step 7: Collect or receive your police clearance certificate
Once processed, the certificate is posted to your self-addressed envelope, or returned to the police station where you applied. The certificate states whether you have any criminal convictions in South Africa. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If you need it apostilled for international use, take the original to DIRCO for authentication.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Unclear or smudged fingerprints: this is the most common cause of delays. Ensure your hands are clean, dry, and free of cuts or skin conditions that affect fingerprint quality.
- Incorrect ID number: transposing digits in your 13-digit South African ID number causes the application to be rejected or matched to the wrong person.
- Not providing previous addresses: if you have lived at your current address for less than 5 years, you must provide details of all previous addresses.
What tips will help my application succeed?
- Apply at least 3 to 6 months before you need the certificate. The stated standard is 15 working days but current backlogs at the Criminal Record Centre mean many applicants wait 2 to 6 months.
- Use FillMeIn to fill both forms before visiting the station: fill the Police Clearance Application, then fill the SAPS 91(a) separately. Bring both printed forms to the police station.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before fingerprinting: clean, dry fingers produce the clearest prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a police clearance certificate and who needs one?
A police clearance certificate (also called a criminal record check or police clearance) is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that confirms whether you have a criminal record in South Africa. It is commonly required for employment (especially positions of trust in finance, education, security, and government), emigration to another country, visa applications, adoption, firearm licence applications, and studying abroad. Many employers and foreign governments require this certificate as part of their background check process.
What forms do I need for a police clearance certificate?
You need two forms: (1) The SAPS Police Clearance Application Form, which captures your personal details, reason for application, and how you want the certificate returned. (2) The SAPS 91(a) Fingerprint Enquiry Form, used by the police station to record your rolled and plain fingerprints. Both forms are submitted together to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria for processing. You can download both from FillMeIn.
How much does a police clearance certificate cost in South Africa?
A police clearance certificate costs R190 per application. If you need multiple copies (for example, one for your employer and one for an embassy), you must pay R190 for each at the time of application. Payment can be made in cash at the police station or via electronic transfer to SAPS (ABSA cheque account 4054522787, branch code 632005: use "PCC" followed by your initials and surname as the reference). Keep your receipt as proof of payment. The fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted.
How long does it take to get a police clearance certificate?
The official stated standard is approximately 15 working days from the date all documents are received at the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. However, due to significant backlogs, with tens of thousands of pending applications, actual processing times in 2024–2025 are commonly 2 to 6 months. Apply well in advance of any deadline. SAPS will send you an SMS when your application is received and another when the certificate is ready. You can check your application status online at the SAPS website. Important: certificates not collected within 3 months of completion will be destroyed.
Where do I apply for a police clearance certificate?
You apply at any South African Police Service (SAPS) police station. The process cannot be done online. You must visit a police station in person because your fingerprints need to be taken physically. The police station will provide the SAPS 91(a) form, take your fingerprints, and forward the application to the Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. If you are outside South Africa, you can apply through the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
What are the requirements for a police clearance certificate in South Africa?
The requirements for a police clearance certificate are: you must be 18 or older, you must apply in person at a SAPS police station (fingerprints cannot be done online), and you must provide your original ID document for identity verification. Foreign nationals must bring their passport. You also need R190 per application and a self-addressed A4 envelope for postal delivery. If your name has changed (through marriage or deed poll), bring documentation of the name change so the clearance covers both your current and previous names.
What documents are required for a police clearance certificate application?
Documents required for a police clearance certificate application include: your original South African ID document (Smart ID card or valid ID book), payment of R190, a self-addressed A4 envelope, and optionally proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months). Foreign nationals need their passport instead of an SA ID. If your name has changed through marriage or deed poll, bring the supporting documentation so the clearance covers both names.
What happens during the fingerprinting process?
A SAPS official will take a full set of your fingerprints at the police station. This is done using an ink pad and fingerprint card, or a digital scanner at equipped stations. All ten fingers are printed. The quality of the prints is critical: smudged, faint, or incomplete fingerprints are the most common reason for applications being returned, which adds weeks to the process. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before the appointment, and avoid activities that may damage your fingertips (such as heavy manual work) in the days before.
How long is a police clearance certificate valid for?
A South African police clearance certificate is generally valid for 6 months from the date of issue. After 6 months, most requesting parties (employers, embassies, government departments) will require a new certificate. Some institutions may accept certificates up to 12 months old. Check with the specific organisation that requires it. If your certificate expires before you use it, you will need to apply and pay for a new one.
Can I apply for a police clearance certificate from outside South Africa?
Yes. South African citizens and former residents living abroad can apply for a police clearance certificate through the nearest South African embassy or consulate. The process is similar. You complete the SAPS 91(a) form and have your fingerprints taken at the embassy or consulate, which forwards the application to the Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. Processing times are typically longer (8 to 12 weeks or more) due to the postal delays between the embassy and Pretoria.
What if my fingerprints are rejected or unclear?
If the Criminal Record Centre determines that your fingerprints are unclear, smudged, or incomplete, they will return the application to the police station where you applied. You will need to visit the station again to have your fingerprints retaken and resubmitted. This adds 4 to 6 weeks to the process. To minimise the risk: ensure your hands are clean and dry, avoid cuts or blisters on your fingertips, and ask the officer to check the quality of the prints before you leave the station.
Do I need to apostille my police clearance certificate?
If you are using the certificate for international purposes (emigration, foreign visa, overseas employment, or study abroad), the requesting country may require the certificate to be apostilled or authenticated. An apostille is a form of international certification. In South Africa, apostilles are issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). You must take the original police clearance certificate to DIRCO in Pretoria for apostilling. This is an additional step that takes extra time. Allow at least 1 to 2 weeks for the apostille process.
Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the SAPS 91(a)?
Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal information, ID number, address history, and all form data never leave your phone or computer. Nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive personal information stays under your control at all times. Filling in the form and generating the PDF happens entirely on your device. Your data is never uploaded, even after you download.