How To Get a Police Clearance Certificate From Your Nearest Police Station?

In any process of international movement, police clearance is an integral step. It sounds like a daunting and scary task to get done with, but do not worry! Obtaining a Police clearance certificate for your passport or visa is a very simple step. We will guide you with everything you need to know and what you must do to get this certificate. 

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is documented proof of your clean criminal record. It demonstrates your clean record as a citizen of the country. 

In general, the PCC is done for two things. It is an important part of getting your passport approval. This is generally known as the Passport PCC. Otherwise, when you apply for a visa to another country or move for a job, you may have to submit a PCC specifically for that purpose. 

Documents Required for Police Clearance Certificate

You need to submit the following documents to obtain the police clearance certificate. All of these documents are mandatory, and you will generally need to bring the original and copies of these documents. 

• Application form for PCC - you can get this at any police station close to you.

• At least two passport-size photographs 

• Identity proof, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Drivers license, Ration Card, or a valid passport 

• Address Proof, such as rent agreement, electricity bill, bank statement, etc 

• Copy of previously issued police clearance certificates (if any)

You will also have to provide your biometric data. Your fingerprints will be taken directly at the police station. 

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The Process Of Obtaining PCC

You must go through the following steps to get your police clearance certificate. 

1. Register at the Passport Seva Portal

The first step is to create an account on the Passport Seva portal. You can make an account using your email address. Once this is done, you can log in to your account and click the Apply for PCC tab. 

2. Submit Your Application

The first step in this process is submitting your application for a PCC. You can submit this application to the police station nearest to where you live, i.e. the police station with jurisdiction over where you currently live. 

3. Verify Your Personal Information

The authorities at the designated police station will now verify your personal information. These include your name, address, date of birth, how long you’ve been living here, and so on. 

4. Take Your Fingerprints 

Your biometric data is required to verify your identity and check for any past run-ins with the police. To verify that you have no criminal record, you must submit your fingerprints to them, too. Your fingerprints will be taken at the police station itself. 

5. Background Check

The authorities at the police station that has jurisdiction over where you currently live will conduct a background check to determine whether you have a criminal record or if any delinquent behaviour has been recorded in the past. 

6. Receive Your Police Clearance Certificate

If you clear the background check, face no issues with the police, and have no criminal record- the police will issue you a PCC. 

Check The Status Of Your PCC

You can check the status of your police clearance certificate with a few easy steps. 

• Go to the Passport Seva portal and log in to your account. 

• Click on the PCC tab. 

• Click on Check Status. 

• You will be taken to a new page where you must fill in your application details to log in. 

• The status will then be visible. You must wait a bit longer if it is pending or being processed. If it is issued, then you can download it from the website. 

• You can always contact the helpline if you face any issues.

Read More: Migration and Immigration: Differences, Meaning & More 2024

Conclusion 

Obtaining the police clearance certificate is a hassle-free process for the most part. It is not as difficult as people assume it to be! You just need to have all your documents in order and ensure you have no criminal record! The issuance of PCC can be anywhere between 10 days to 8 weeks, depending on the state it is being issued in. It differs in every location, so make a timeframe and apply accordingly to get your PCC on time!

For an expert opinion and to help you through this process, TerraTern can be there for you throughout!