How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Online in India

If you are planning to move abroad for a job, higher studies, or immigration, you will most likely need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This guide explains everything — from what PCC is, to how to apply online, what documents you need, and how to track your application.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the Government of India through the Passport Seva portal. It certifies that the applicant has no criminal record in India.

PCC is commonly required by foreign governments, embassies, and employers as proof that you have a clean criminal background. The certificate is issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) after police verification.

Important: PCC can only be issued to Indian citizens who already hold a valid Indian passport. If you don't have a passport yet, you must apply for a passport first.

Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate?

You may need a PCC in the following situations:

• Visa applications — Many countries like Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, and UAE require PCC as part of the visa process
• Foreign employment — If you are going abroad for a job, your employer or the foreign government may ask for PCC
• Immigration / Permanent Residency (PR) — Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require PCC for PR applications
• Foreign citizenship — If you are applying for citizenship of another country
• Emigration clearance — For certain categories of workers going to ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries
• Higher studies abroad — Some universities and countries require PCC for student visa

Documents Required for PCC Application

Keep these documents ready before you start the online application:

Mandatory Documents

Supporting Documents (as applicable)

• Address proof — Aadhaar card, utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement (if current address differs from passport)
• Visa copy or job offer letter — To show the purpose of PCC requirement
• Invitation letter from foreign employer/institution — If available
• Old PCC — If you are applying for renewal

Note: If your current address is different from the address mentioned in your passport, carry additional address proof documents.

How to Apply for PCC Online — Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate through the Passport Seva portal:

Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

• Visit the official website: passportindia.gov.in
• Click on "Register" if you are a new user
• Create your account using your email ID and set a password
• Verify your email and log in

Step 2: Log In and Select PCC Application

• After logging in, click on "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate" from the dashboard
• You will be taken to the PCC application form

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Enter your personal details — name, date of birth, place of birth (as per passport)
• Enter your passport details — passport number, date of issue, place of issue
• Fill in your present and permanent address
• Provide details about why you need the PCC — visa, employment, immigration, etc.
• Enter the country for which you need the PCC

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of your passport, Aadhaar, and address proof
• Make sure the files are clear and within the size limits mentioned on the portal

Step 5: Pay the Fee Online

• Pay the application fee of ₹500 through the online payment gateway
• Payment can be made via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI
• Save the payment receipt for your records

Step 6: Schedule an Appointment

• After payment, you need to book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
• Select a convenient date and time slot
• Download and print the appointment confirmation slip

Step 7: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

• Visit the PSK/RPO on your appointment date with all original documents and photocopies
• Your documents will be verified by the officials
• Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured

PCC Application Fees

The fee is non-refundable, even if your PCC application is rejected.

Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

After submitting your online application and paying the fee, you must visit the PSK in person. Here's what to expect:

1. Token counter — Show your appointment slip and get a token
2. Document verification (Counter A) — Officials verify your original documents against the application
3. Biometric capture (Counter B) — Your fingerprints and photo are taken
4. Final verification (Counter C) — Senior officer reviews your application

If everything is in order and your passport address matches your current address, the PCC may be issued on the same day at the PSK itself.

Police Verification Process

Police verification is a key part of the PCC process:

• If your current address matches your passport address and there are no adverse records, PCC is usually granted on the same day at the PSK
• If your address has changed or there is a mismatch, the application is sent for physical police verification at your local police station
• A police officer may visit your residence to verify your address and identity
• After successful verification, the police report is sent back to the RPO, and PCC is issued

Tip: To avoid delays, make sure your passport has your updated current address. If your address has changed, consider applying for passport reissue first.

Processing Time for PCC

How to Check PCC Application Status

You can track the status of your PCC application online:

1. Visit the Passport Seva portal: passportindia.gov.in
2. Click on "Track Application Status"
3. Select "Police Clearance Certificate" as the application type
4. Enter your File Number (from your application receipt)
5. Enter your Date of Birth
6. Click "Track Status"

You can also track your application status using the mPassport Seva mobile app.

PCC Validity

• There is no fixed validity for PCC mentioned by the Indian government
• However, most foreign embassies and governments accept PCC that is not older than 6 months from the date of issue
• Some countries may accept PCC up to 1 year old — check with the specific embassy
• If your PCC has expired as per the foreign country's requirement, you will need to apply again

Common Reasons for PCC Rejection

Your PCC application may be rejected or delayed due to:

1. Criminal record — Any pending criminal case or FIR registered against you
2. Adverse police verification report — Negative feedback from local police station
3. Document mismatch — Information in application doesn't match your passport or Aadhaar
4. Address mismatch — Current address differs significantly from passport address without proper proof
5. Incomplete application — Missing documents or incorrect details in the form
6. Non-cooperation during police verification — Not being available when the police officer visits

If your PCC is rejected, you will be informed about the reason. You can reapply after resolving the issue.

Can You Get PCC Without a Passport?

No. A valid Indian passport is mandatory to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. PCC is issued through the Passport Seva system and is linked to your passport details.

If you don't have a passport, you must first apply for a passport online and get it issued before applying for PCC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to get a Police Clearance Certificate?

If your address matches your passport and there is no criminal record, PCC can be issued on the same day at the Passport Seva Kendra. If police verification is needed, it takes 3 to 7 working days.

Q2: Can I apply for PCC online from abroad?

Yes, Indian citizens living abroad can apply for PCC through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. The process may vary slightly. Check with your nearest Indian mission.

Q3: Is PCC required for all countries?

No, not all countries require PCC. It depends on the visa type and country. Countries like Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and UAE commonly require PCC. Always check with the specific embassy for requirements.

Q4: How much does PCC cost in India?

The PCC application fee is ₹500, payable online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI on the Passport Seva portal.

Q5: Can I get PCC for multiple countries?

You need to apply separately for each country. Each PCC application requires a separate fee of ₹500 and a separate appointment at the PSK.

Q6: What if my PCC application is under police verification for too long?

If your application is pending for more than 3 weeks, you can:

• Check the status online on the Passport Seva portal
• Contact the RPO helpline or visit the RPO in person
• File a grievance on the Passport Seva portal

Q7: Is PCC the same as a character certificate?

No. A PCC is issued by the Passport Office after police verification and is an official government document for international purposes. A character certificate is usually issued by local police for domestic purposes and is different from PCC.

PCC is an important document for anyone planning to go abroad. Apply early to avoid last-minute delays in your visa or immigration process. For passport-related help, check our guide on how to apply for a passport online or how to track your passport application.