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A Comprehensive Guide to Documents Required for Police Clearance Certificate

A Comprehensive Guide to Documents Required for Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate or PCC, is a legal document. This proves an individual’s criminal record history, if there is any in the jurisdiction where he or she comes from. Overall, it opens the door to visiting abroad for any reason. However, it is essential for someone who seeks employment, immigration, or has travel goals.

Every country has its own local regulations and process for issuing them. So, it’s advised to inquire with the authority, which can be a local administration where you live, about its issuance.  Here is a guide to help you determine which documents you should enclose to obtain them.

Checklist of the Documents Required for a Police Clearance Certificate

Again, it’s requested to check with the governing authority, such as https://pcc.delhipolice.gov.in/QUESTIONARY.pdf, as to what documents are to be enclosed. Typically, these papers are required.

        1.Identification Proof

The first and foremost requirement is a valid proof of your identification, which can be your passport, national identity card, or driving license. Any of these proofs can be helpful in discovering the true identity of the applicant.

       2. Residential Proof

Residential proof can be a document that states your current residential address. Simply put, you can enclose your utility bill, rental agreement (for tenants), or government-issued papers that have your current address.

       3.Passport

In the case of non-residents, a passport can be required. You can submit a copy of your passport. Focus on the pages that state your personal information, entry, exit stamps, and visa details. These pages will prove a milestone in verifying your travel history and also provide comprehensive background verification.

       4.Visa and Entry/Exit Stamps

The next one is a visa, consisting of entry and exit stamps. This document proves the legal status and how long the person stayed in a particular country.

        5.Fingerprint Cards

The impression of all ten fingers is also a must to submit while applying for a police clearance certificate. Many countries provide digital cards with these prints. And if there is no provision, the police authority asks for manual ink impressions so that the identity and conduct of the applicant can be verified.

         6.Application Form

Most authorities or agencies responsible for issuing PCCs require applicants to fill out a designated application form. This form typically includes personal details, contact information, and declarations regarding criminal history.

         7.Additional Documents

There may be certain cases where additional documents are required to be submitted to the issuing authority. These papers can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, employment letter, etc. These papers guide authority in discovering the background of the applicant.

         8.Consent Forms

This is again a rare case wherein the applicant may have to provide a consent form, stating the release of information to the relevant authorities that have conducted background checks. This type of document is essential for being in compliance with data protection regulations.

         9.Photographs

This is a must-have, as applicants have to enclose their recent passport-sized photographs in the requisite format with the PCC application form. It verifies their facial identities and is also affixed to the certificate.0.

       10.Processing Fees

This is actually not a document, but a way to obtain a receipt. There is a certain amount reserved for processing this application. You have to inquire about it beforehand or online from the official website of the authority in your jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Obtaining a police clearance certificate can be easier if you know the process beforehand. You should have your proof of identity, passport, photographs, birth certificates, and marriage certificates to apply. Enclosing these documents will ensure a hassle-free journey to obtain this certificate.

PCC Is Issued Upon Fresh Verification in India

PCC Is Issued Upon Fresh Verification in India

Renewal of Passport or Visa Requires PCC

Also called Police Clearance Certificate, the PCC is a document that non-residents of India often need to verify for temporary or permanent citizenship of a foreign country. Simply put, you can emigrate upon getting this certificate to show off for visa and passport verification.

This certificate is also essential to have for renewal of passport or visa for NRIs.

Besides, foreign affair authorities in some countries like UAE ask to submit it afresh in every six months. So, non-residents need it more often.

The natives may also need it for employment purpose. However, the other countries require you to show it up if you want to solemnize marriage, study and work there.

Documents to Get

  • Address Proof-Any of these are acceptable as a residential proof:
    • Aadhaar Card
    • Electricity Bill
    • Proof of Gas Connection
    • Telephone Bill
    • Water Bill
    • Rent Agreement
    • Dependent’s Passport Copy
    • Your Passport Copy
    • Passport of an Active Bank Account With Photo
  • Date of Birth Proof-Any of these documents you should have as an age proof:
    • PAN Card
    • Adhaar Card
    • Driving Licence
    • Voter ID Card
    • Life Insurance Policy (in the name of applicant)
    • Birth Certificate By Municipal Corporation
    • Transfer/ Matriculation/ School Leaving Certificate by a recognised school/ board

If you are abroad, call the consular office to get to know about the procedure, as it provides this document or PCC online from India. You may visit in-person to submit application together with supporting documents. This service is payable, which means that you need to pay out for it.

The fee may vary from country to country. You can call the competent authority to know about it.

Procedure to Apply in India

Those who have can come here can directly apply for it in the nearest police station to your residence. If you want, online facility is available that you can access by following these application steps:

  • First, get registered through the Passport Seva Online Portal by clicking on the Register Now link emerging on the Home page.
  • Login with your registered number or email id from the Passport Seva Online Portal.
  • Then, click on the Apply for Police Clearance Certificate
  • Fill up all details that are required to put there by the applicant.
  • Check the details twice and upload documents in support.
  • Submit your application thereafter.
  • Then, Pay and Schedule Appointment hyperlink on the View Saved/Submitted Applications screen to visit the office for physical verification.
  • You need to do online payment that is mandatory for booking appointments at all PSK/POPSK/PO. You can pay online using any of these modes of payment:
  1. a) Credit/Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa)
  2. b) Internet Banking (State Bank of India (SBI) Associate Banks and Other Banks)
  3. c) SBI Bank Challan
  • Get a receipt by clicking on the Print Application Receipt  You can its soft copy by printing the application receipt containing Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number.

Earlier, the printout of Application Receipt was required. At present, you can show your SMS with your appointment details that have been accepted as proof of appointment during your visit to the Passport Office.

What if Police Verification Fails?

There may have some possibilities of rejection. Your application may be rejected.

In that case, you need to check out the reason of its rejection. Ask from consular office. There may have some discrepancies in your application, such as incorrect or incomplete information provided.  Get to know about the exact reason and then, make sure that you have done rectifications.

Thereafter, reapply for the police clearance certificate (PCC) for passport or visa after three days.

How Can You Get PCC from Local Police Station in India?

How Can You Get PCC from Local Police Station in India?

Police clearance certificate (PCC) is issued for safeguarding the interest of non-residents of India and the country where you are emigrating to. If you consider the data of such emigrants in the USA, these are 85,000 applicants who apply to go there every year. The purpose can be tour or travel, study, job or some other reasons.

This kind of verification is essential for those who seek for a long-term visa. This is mainly asked for employment or job or research or higher studies in the foreign. Those who want to fly down there for touring abroad, they don’t need it.

Steps to Get PCC Online from Local Station in India

  • Browse the link of local police station in the name of the state, such as Delhi, Kerala etc.
  • Select Police Clearance Certificate from its services.
  • Get registered with the email id.
  • Receive & submit a verification code on the registered email id.
  • A “New User Register Here” option will be there to select.
  • Select from “individual” for a particular person and “organisation” for the whole firm.
  • Login with the email id and password.
  • Put your mobile phone number there.
  • Enter security code popping on the screen.
  • Sign up by clicking on the tab with the same caption.
  • Filter the option “Application Form For PCC By An Indian”. The form will pop up.
  • Read instructions carefully. For example, Delhi police website reads about field verification in 7 working days for emigration and 21 days for employment. It also shows warning that the certificate will be cancelled without any notice if found being misused.
  • Provide all details required in the fields of the form.
  • Select PCC type as Emigration (if you want to go abroad for any reason) or Employment (if you want to study abroad).
  • Upon filling all necessary details like name, address and many other ones, upload your photograph (applicant’s picture) in JPEG format. It should not be more than 20 KB.
  • Like picture, upload the scanned proof of your address and the letter of agency that requires PCC. The letter should be 200KB or less in JPEG format.
  • If you live on the rent, attach its agreement. This should also be under 200KB in the JPEG format.
  • Hit the “reviews” tab and save your online application.
  • Redirect to payment gateway, where you need to pay the requisite fee.
  • Now, you can have a PCC number, flashing on the screen. Save it for future reference.

Checklist of Documents to Support PCC Application

  • Photograph
  • Rent Agreement, if you live on the rent
  • Letter of Agency, if it is sought for employment
  • Address Proof, if you have any permanent address

The police department can ask for any other document, if needed to verify your identity and purpose.

Steps to Get PCC from the Local Police Station in India Physically or In-Person

  • Collect all documents in the checklist.
  • Visit the local police station near you.
  • The police officer will enquire about the purpose while running a brief background check.
  • He will ask for self-attested supporting documents.
  • Pay the requisite fee in cash or through a certified cheque.

NRIs to Follow This Procedure

If you are an NRI, it’s hard to come down here just to follow the procedure. In such a condition, you need to apply with the Embassy. These steps can help you to get off hassles:

  • Visit the consulate official.
  • Fill the police verification for to apply.
  • Show up all supporting documents, which have been self-attested.
  • Pay the requisite amount as a service charge to get it verified and attested by the police.
  • Upon verification, the application will be approved and the certificate will be issued from India.

How Long Should You Wait for Its Delivery?

If your application and supporting documents do not show any discrepancy, you can get it on the same day from the local police station. But if there are some, you have to get to the concerned authority of the document, like adhaar card or voter id, for correcting the mistakes in them. This correction can take a week or more. So, you should first check your documents and then, visit the station.

Embassy can deliver it in a fortnight or a month, depending on the accuracy of the form and documents.

Documents To Be Enclosed By NRIs For Getting PCC In India

Documents To Be Enclosed By NRIs For Getting PCC In India

Police Clearance Certificate is necessary for those who have Indian passport, especially NRIs if they are applying for residential status, employment or long term visa to live in abroad or for immigration. It is not necessary to get it for those who want to just visit somewhere on tourist visa.

Let’s move to know its application procedure.

Application Procedure

  • The applicant can visit Indian Mission website (i.e. https://mea.gov.in/indian-missions-abroad-new.htm) to download the PCC form and submit it together with the list of supporting documents.
  • Fill it up, providing requisite valid details.
  • Upon getting the receipt, the Indian Mission forwards it to the concerned Passport Issuing Authority (PIA) in India at the PSK.
  • Then, the Mission updates the status of the report from PIA on the same.
  • The foreigners need to get this certificate from the District Police or the FRRO at the place of residence in India. Its original copy should be attested by the Indian Mission.

Checklist of Documents To Be Enclosed With the PCC Application Form for Employment in ECR Countries

The applicant should, at first, consider if it is one of the ECR countries where he is going for employment. These countries are- United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Qatar, Afghanistan, Oman, Indonesia, Kuwait, Syria, Bahrain, Lebanon, Malaysia, Thailand, Libya, Iraq and Jordan.

Documents For Skilled/ Semi-Skilled Workers

Then, it comes to check the status if he is skilled/ semi-skilled worker.  Such applicants should enclose these documents:

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Self-attested copy of Employment Contract with foreign employer
  • Copy of Valid visa (in case visa is already obtained) along with Official English translation if the visa is not in English

Documents For Unskilled/Women Workers

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Employment contract from the foreign employer duly attested by the Indian Mission or Permission letter from the concerned Indian Mission/Post
  • Photocopy of Valid visa (in case visa is already obtained) along with Official English translation if the visa is not in English language

Documents For Skilled/ Semi-Skilled Workers Recruited Through Agents for Contract

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Photocopies of Original Employment contract, demand letter and power of attorney from the foreign employer duly attested by the Recruiting Agent (RA)
  • Photocopy of Valid registration certificate issued by the Protectorate of Emigrants, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India
  • Names of Licensed Recruitment Agents can be found at http://poeonpne.gov.in

Documents For Unskilled/ Women Workers Recruited Through Agents for Contract

  • Original old passport with Indian Mission-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Indian Mission attested proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Indian Mission attested photocopies of Original Employment contract, demand letter and power of attorney from the foreign employer duly attested by the Recruiting Agent (RA)
  • Indian Mission attested photocopy of Valid registration certificate issued by the Protectorate of Emigrants, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India
  • Names of Licensed Recruitment Agents can be found at http://poeonpne.gov.in

Checklist of Documents To Be Enclosed With the PCC Application Form for Employment in Non-ECR Countries

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Documentary proof of applying for Residential Status, Employment (Copy of Employment contract) or Long term visa or for immigration.

Checklist of Documents To Be Enclosed With the PCC Application Form for Dependent Family Members To Work in ECR & Non-ECR Countries

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Sponsorship declaration by the person who is sponsoring the emigration of the PCC applicant

How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate in India?

How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate in India?

Police Clearance certificate is to check your background if there is any criminal record or lawsuit associated with the applicant of the passport or visa or employment seeker.

Where to Apply

  • If you live here in India, obtain it from the Passport Seva Kendra (online) and police station (offline).
  • If you are abroad, you will be considered as a non-resident of India. Visit Indian embassy to get it from.

Online Process to Apply Police Clearance Certificate in India

This process is a combination of online and offline application to apply for PCC in India. The applicant, first, fills up the digital copy of the PCC form from the given website and then, schedule an appoint to get it verified offline.

  • Get registered with the Passport Seva Online.
  • If you’re already registered, log in.
  • Select “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate”.
  • If you want to get it online, fill up the form online and upload the supporting documents.

If you want to submit this application offline, you can download this form, fill it up and visit the passport office.

  • Select the country which you are applying it for like the USA, the UK or France etc..
  • Now, move to select the purpose to get it for — Citizenship/ Nationality Application, Education/ Research, Employment Visa/ Work Permit, Immigration Purpose other than Citizenship, Long Term Visa Stay, Residence Permit, Tourist Visa and Others.
  • Fill up your details as an applicant-Name, Surname, Gender, Place of Birth, Date of Birth, Citizenship of India by (Birth/ Naturalisation/ Descent), PAN (if have), Voter ID, Employment Type, Marital Status, Educational Qualification and Aadhaar Card.
  • Fill up family details –Father Name, Mother Name & Spouse Name (If married).
  • Fill up Current Address & select the Regional Passport Office to visit later, if intended to submit offline application. Be careful as you cannot re-select the Regional Passport Office.
  • For online applicants, click “Pay & Schedule Appointment” link given on the “View Saved/ Submitted Application”. This step is mandatory to book an offline appointment. Schedule it by paying the requisite fee online.

For payment option, you have credit card, debit card, internet banking from SBI & associated banks or bank challan.

Offline Process

  • Upon online application, print through Print Application receipt hyperlink and save Application Reference Number (ARN). This ARN would be used to check the status of the application.
  • Upload all self attested supporting documents’ scanned copy.
  • Finally, you can visit the passport office on the date of appointment or within 90 days with the supporting documents.

Documents for PCC

  • The receipt received from the SMS or text message from the passport office
  • Original old passport with the self attested photocopy of the first and last two pages of that passport, including ECR and Non-ECR page
  • Current Address Proof, which can be electricity Bill, Water Bill, telephone Bill, Income Tax Assessment Order, Election Commission Photo ID Card (Voter Id), Proof of Gas Connection,
  • Certificate of Employment Contract from the Foreign Employer on the letter head,
  • Spouse & Parents’ Passport Photocopy,
  • Aadhaar Card and Rent Agreement or Photo Passbook of the Current Bank.

Police Verification Validity

The police verification is mandatory if your current residence is other than what is written in your current valid passport.

Suppose you have got your first passport on 1st January 2005 and have applied for the PCC in 2011 from the same old address, you won’t require any police verification. If you have an old passport to be renewed with new address, the police verification will take place once again.

In the nutshell, the police authentication will be necessary only if you have changed your address. There is one more case when you need to undergo this verification again. If your passport is 13 years old, you need to get through the procedure for the Police Clearance Certificate.

How long does it take to get the PCC?

However, this certificate is issued on the very day when you get your passport application verified. But if you need to undergo an offline process for employment, it may take 30 days.

how to get police clearance certificate

 

FAQs

What is PCC? Who needs it?

It is a certificate issued to the passport holders in case they have applied for residential status, immigration or long-term visa. It verifies the background of the bearer and clearly states the offence type if there is any record found.

NRIs and also those who are going abroad for employment, study and research need it to show up to the immigration authority of foreign countries.

Do tourists also need this certificate?

No, the one who is going abroad for the purpose of touring doesn’t need it.

What type of applicants can apply for PCC?

  • Who are applying for a private job to show his employer
  • Who are emigrating from India to another country to comply with Embassy requirements for Visa or an organization for employee recruitment can apply for PCC.

How can you get it?

You can apply for it with the passport application. The form is available on the PSK website to download from.

Besides, every state and place has a website of the police, where you can raise an enquiry to apply for it. This is an online application method, which involves visiting the police website, getting registered, signing in, form filling, uploading supporting documents, online payment and getting receipt.

There is another way that is to visit the nearby police station for getting it physically.

What is the checklist of documents to be enclosed with the PCC application?

  • Original old passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any)
  • Proof of Present Address (in case of change of address)
  • Self-attested copy of Employment Contract with foreign employer
  • Copy of Valid visa (in case visa is already obtained) along with Official English translation if the visa is not in English
  • Copy of Valid registration certificate issued by the Protectorate of Emigrants, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India. (for skilled/semi-skilled workers)
  • Names of pcensed Recruitment Agents (for skilled/semi-skilled workers)
  • Sponsorship declaration by the person who is sponsoring the emigration of the PCC applicant

How much do you pay as a fee for PCC?

You can check the updated fee structure on the official website of the police of your state. In Delhi, it’s like this:

For Debit Card Payment

  • Individual Rs.250 + Rs.1.87 (Bank Charges) = Rs.251.87
  • Organization Rs. 500/- + Rs.3.75 (Bank Charges) = Rs.503.75

For Credit Card Payment

  • Individual needs to pay Rs. 250/- + Rs.2.50 (Bank Charges) = Rs.252.50
  • Organization needs to pay Rs. 500/- + Rs. 5.00 (Bank Charges) = Rs. 505.00

How do you know if your application is confirmed online?

You receive an email and a text message on your registered phone number. Check it.

Besides, you receive a receipt at the end with a reference number, which is used for checking the status of the application later.

Where can you apply for it?

You can apply for it from anywhere, either in India or from foreign, over the internet. You should keep into account that it is issued if you are the resident of that place and have a valid ID proof, which should be minimum six months old.

These proofs can be Election ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, Electricity Bill, Telephone Bill, Bank Passbook & Rent Agreement duly registered in the Hon’ble Court of Law/Registrar/SDM Office (Rent Agreement issued by Notary Public is not applicable) in the name of the applicant at present address

Where should an NRI get PCC from if he has been living in abroad for six plus months?

Some of the foreign immigration authorities require a fresh PCC in every six months. If an NRI is living abroad for more than six months, he should get it from the local police in abroad. Also, he should raise a request here in the place where he comes from in India. In short, you should submit two PCCs.

If you have changed the country and spent six or months there, you have to get it from there also. Let’s say, you have been traveling to UAE from the USA and lived for six months. In this case, you have to get the PCC from UAE, India (for being an NRI) and the USA.

How many days does it take to get delivered?

It hardly takes a fortnight or a month if you have applied with the passport application. You should show the voter id or adhaar card or any other proof of two more witnesses at the time of delivery to the verifying officer.

Presenting Fake Police Clearance Certificate Is An Offence

Presenting Fake Police Clearance Certificate Is An Offence

The Police Clearance Certificate or PCC is an important link in the verification of an individual who applies for the job or takes admission in the overseas varsity. Besides, there can be other reasons, such as marriage, or visa or, passport renewals etc..

Requirement of PCC

People often times move from one place to another for different reasons. This is the responsibility of the immigration department or foreign affair ministry to check the authenticity of the emigrant. This is where PCC emerges as a crucial document for NRIs to obtain and submit it with the competent authority of the resident country. It carries indigenous or overseas criminal record check report, as in the USA or the UK or anywhere. The immigration authority & the embassy check their criminal record significantly between countries.

In short, all countries allow individuals to obtain the copy of their own criminal record or the confirmation of no panel record, depending on the report. The digitization has already made it super easy for people to apply for it online or through a secure email system.

Forgery

For some people, this is just a matter of mocking. A migrant worker from Bihar who sought after a refinery job in Kochi was caught when he submitted a fake police verification certificate in March this year. The BPCL refinery authority conducted authenticity check, which brought the forgery in the light. Likewise, there occur thousands of frauds despite knowing that this is a criminal offence.

Authority to Issue & Manage

The governments have typically authorized Embassy, Consulate or High Commission to take up applications of the non-residents for this certificate. Yet, the immigration department would largely depend on the provincial system of criminal record management, where individual records are kept at a local police station, to cross check the authenticity of this document.

Turnaround Time 

The time to complete request for getting this certificate is inconsistent across the range of countries. However, the countries that offer online processes typically are faster with the process. In a few countries, a fresh certificate needs to be submitted in every six months as per the said law.

On an average, it may take one week to a fortnight or more, depending on the system.

European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

To regulate such offences of forged personal data cases, the European Union constituted directive principles. It was introduced in March 2018.

This regulation manipulates the use of personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences can be processed only under these conditions:

  • If the matter is under the control of official authority;
  • Or, when it is authorised by the law providing for appropriate safeguards for the rights and freedoms of data subjects.

This law allows the processing of criminal conviction data for a variety of reasons, as employment, social security and social protection, substantial public interest, health & social care, public health and for archiving to feed research and statistics.

The need of this law rose when various organizations and authorities required a policy that comprises procedures to secure compliance with the principles of the GDPR in relation to the processing of criminal records.

This law also puts policies to endure erasure and retention of that data. If required, the competent authority of various member governments can access criminal records data, given that the data subject has sent the consent for meeting specific requirements under this regulatory law.

To ensure its no misuse, the organizations must raise a request to address criminal record processing officially. This is how the protective regulation covers all legitimate purposes for processing sensitive and criminal data.

There may have some cases when organizations require the details in this certificate for serving their own purposes. The records are not revealed unless there are certain concrete judicial reasons to have it. It is solely the consent of the data subject that can allow them to use that information. That person can ask to remove it anytime.

The penalty for infringing this law could be whopping dollars or pounds to pay compensation for invading the right to privacy of the data subject. The rigorous imprisonment is also a part of this conviction, once proved.

 

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