PCC Passport Playbook: How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate for Your Passport

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), often known as a Police Verification Certificate, serves as undeniable proof of a person’s clean criminal record. Indian citizens planning to relocate abroad for work, long-term residency, or immigration usually require this certificate. However, a PCC is not mandatory if you are travelling abroad for tourism.

Decoding What is PCC in Passport

The term “PCC passport” refers to a PCC specifically required for passport applications. One important thing to note is that a PCC is only issued to individuals who have reached the age of 18 or above.

In this article, we will explore the significance of a Police Clearance Certificate in the context of passport applications, its application process, required documents, and how to check the verification status.

Understanding the PCC Verification Process

The process of obtaining a Police Verification Certificate plays an important role in verifying your background in the passport application process in India.

Here, we outline the key steps involved in the PCC verification process:

1. Application submission: To start the PCC process, you must submit an application to the relevant police station, which should have jurisdiction over your current or past residential area.

2. Fingerprinting: You will be required to provide your fingerprints. It is a crucial element in verifying your identity and conducting a comprehensive background check for any criminal records.

3. Verification of personal information: Police authorities will conduct a background check, verifying your personal details, including your full name, address, date of birth, and other pertinent information. As part of this process, police officers will visit your registered address to validate your identity and residency. 

4. Criminal record check: The police will then cross-reference the information provided by you with their criminal database to determine if there are any outstanding or previous criminal and legal cases associated with you.

5. Police clearance certificate issuance: Upon successful verification and in the absence of any adverse findings, a PCC will be issued to you. This certificate includes your personal information, the date of issuance, and the signature of the issuing authority.

In case of any delays in the verification process, it’s advisable to follow up with the police department to ensure a prompt issuance of your police clearance certificate. Keep in mind that PCCs typically have a specific validity period, so it is essential to use them within the stipulated time frame.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate

Whether you’re applying for PCC through an online application method or by visiting your local police station, understanding the application process is crucial. 

Let’s look at the steps involved in both offline and online methods: 

Step 1: Start by registering on the Passport Seva Portal or accessing your existing account.

Step 2: Click on the “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate” link and complete the online form.

Step 3: After filling out the Police Clearance Certificate application form, proceed to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” and select “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”

You will need to make an online payment, which can be done using credit/debit cards or internet banking.

Step 4: Upon payment, print the application receipt containing your Application Reference Number or Appointment Number.

Step 5: On the scheduled day, visit the Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra with both original and photocopies of your required documents.

If you face any issues with the online police clearance certificate application form, download it, complete it offline, and save it in XML format. Ensure that both form submission and payment are completed online.

Also Read: How is Police Verification for Passport in India?

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from a Local Police Station

Step 1: You need to visit the nearest police station in the area where you have resided for the past few years.

Step 2: Request the application form for a police clearance certificate from the police personnel, and carefully fill in all the required details.

Step 3: Attach the required documents, including identity proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs, as specified by the authorities.

Step 4: Submit the police clearance certificate application form along with the requisite fee, which may be collected in cash or by cheque.

Step 5: The authorities will conduct a background check and assess your application. They will determine whether to issue the police clearance certificate or not.

The documents you need to submit for a PCC application are critical, let’s explore what papers are required in the next section.

What Are the Documents Required for a Police Clearance Certificate? 

Ensuring that you have all the necessary documents in order will facilitate a smooth and efficient process when applying for your police clearance certificate.

Here is the list of documents required for PCC:

1. Police clearance certificate application form: Obtain the application form either from your local police station or through online sources.

2. Two passport-sized photographs: Attach two recent passport-sized photographs to your application form.

3. Proof of identity: You’ll need to provide a valid government-issued identification document, such as a passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or driver’s licence.

4. Proof of address: Include a document that demonstrates your current address, such as a utility bill, rent agreement, or bank statement.

5. Previous police clearance certificates (if applicable): If you have obtained a PCC before, you may be required to submit a copy of the previous certificate.

Additionally, the specific documentation required may vary based on your purpose for obtaining the PCC.

Also Read: Required Documents for Passport Application

For Applicants Going to ECR (Emigration Check Required) Countries for Employment

• Old passport with a self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, the observation page, and ECR/non-ECR page.
• Self-attested copy of the employment contract with a foreign employer.
• Proof of your present address.
• Copy of a valid visa (with an English translation, if necessary).

For Applicants Emigrating to Non-ECR Countries

• Proof of document of applying for residential status, employment contract, long-term visa, or immigration.
• Old passport with a self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, the observation page, and ECR/non-ECR page.
• Proof of your present address.

How to do a PCC Status Check? 

The process for checking the PCC status in India may vary slightly depending on your location. Here are some general steps you can follow to perform a PCC status check online:

1. Visit the Passport Seva portal and navigate to the “Track Application Status” section.

2. Select your application type from the available options, which may include Passport, PCC, IC (Identity Certificate), and GEP (General Elector’s Photo Identity Card).

3. Enter your 13-digit file number and date of birth to do a PCC status check, then click on “Track Status.”

4. The status tracker screen will display the updated status of your passport application. 

If the status of your PCC is “issued,” you can download the certificate directly from the portal. If it shows “pending” or “under process,” you’ll need to wait until the certificate is issued.

If you encounter any difficulties or are unable to successfully do a PCC status check, reach out to the respective police department’s helpline number or visit their office in person for assistance. 

Remember that the processing time for the PCC may vary depending on your specific application and the police station.