Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — How to Apply Online and Offline

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document certifying that a person has no criminal record in India. It is issued by the Passport Seva Kendra or the Regional Passport Office (RPO) based on police verification records.

PCC is commonly required for:

• Immigration/visa applications to other countries
• Employment abroad — Employers in foreign countries require PCC
• Foreign citizenship or permanent residency applications
• Adoption proceedings (international)
• Some domestic purposes — Government jobs, security clearances

PCC is different from a character certificate or police verification. It specifically certifies the absence of criminal records.

Eligibility

• Any Indian citizen holding a valid Indian passport
• PCC is issued based on the address mentioned in your current passport
• If you've lived at different addresses, police verification may be conducted at all addresses

Documents Required

• Valid Indian passport (original and photocopy)
• Online application form from Passport Seva portal
• Proof of present address (if different from passport address):
  • Aadhaar card — see our Aadhaar guide
  • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
  • Bank statement
  • Rent agreement
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
• Fee payment receipt

If PCC is for a specific country, you may also need a letter from the embassy or employer specifying the requirement.

How to Apply for PCC Online

Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

1. Visit passportindia.gov.in
2. Click "Register Now" if you don't have an account
3. Create account with email and password
4. Verify your email

Step 2: Log In and Apply

1. Log in to your account
2. Click "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate"
3. Select the type of application

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Personal details — Name, date of birth, place of birth
• Family details — Father's/mother's/spouse's name
• Present and permanent address
• Passport details — Passport number, date of issue, place of issue
• Purpose of PCC — Employment, immigration, education, etc.
• Country for which PCC is required

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Passport first and last page
• Address proof (if current address differs from passport)
• Supporting documents based on purpose

Step 5: Pay the Fee

• PCC fee: ₹500
• Pay online through credit/debit card, net banking, or SBI challan

Step 6: Schedule Appointment

1. Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or RPO nearest to you
2. Choose a convenient date and time slot
3. Print the appointment confirmation

Step 7: Visit PSK/RPO

On the appointment date:

1. Carry original passport and all documents
2. Arrive 15 minutes before your slot
3. Go through document verification at the counter
4. Biometric capture (if required)
5. Submission and acknowledgement

Step 8: Receive PCC

• If police verification is already done (recent passport issuance): PCC may be issued on the same day or within 2-3 days
• If new police verification is needed: 2-4 weeks
• PCC is sent by Speed Post or can be collected from the RPO
• Also available for download on the Passport Seva portal

PCC Processing Time

Validity of PCC

• PCC is typically valid for 6 months to 1 year from the date of issue
• Different countries may have their own validity requirements
• Check with the embassy/employer for the specific validity accepted

PCC for Different Countries

Different countries have different PCC requirements:

Note: Some countries may require PCC from every country you've lived in for more than 6-12 months, not just India.

What If Police Verification Reveals Issues?

If there's a pending case or FIR against you:

• PCC will not be issued until the case is resolved
• If the case resulted in acquittal, provide the court order
• Minor traffic violations generally don't affect PCC
• Withdrawn or compounded cases may not impact PCC (varies by RPO)

Important Tips

1. Apply well in advance — Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before you need the PCC
2. Ensure passport address is current — If you've moved, update your passport first or carry strong address proof
3. Check country-specific requirements — Some countries need apostilled or embassy-attested PCC
4. Same-day PCC is possible if your police verification is clean and recent — apply early in the morning
5. Carry original passport to the PSK — Photocopies alone won't work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for PCC without a passport?

No, a valid Indian passport is mandatory for PCC application. The PCC is issued by the passport authority based on passport records. If you don't have a passport, apply for one first — see our passport guide.

How much does PCC cost?

The fee for PCC is ₹500, payable online or through SBI challan. There are no additional charges unless you use the Tatkal (urgent) facility.

Can I get PCC the same day?

Yes, if your police verification was done recently (during passport issuance) and the record is clear, PCC can be issued on the same day of your PSK visit.

Is PCC and police verification the same thing?

No. Police verification is the background check conducted by the police. PCC is the certificate issued by the passport office based on (among other things) the police verification report.

Can NRIs apply for PCC from India?

Yes, NRIs can apply for PCC at any PSK/RPO in India. They can also apply through Indian missions abroad (embassy/consulate) in the country where they reside.

Does PCC mention specific details of criminal record?

If your record is clean, PCC simply states that no criminal record was found. If there are records, the PCC may be denied or issued with details of the case (this varies by RPO and purpose).

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Passport Seva or any police authority. Processing times and requirements may vary. Check passportindia.gov.in for current details.