Are you planning to travel abroad or immigrate for employment but are held back by the pesky requirement of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for your passport? If yes, you need a Police Clearance Certificate to authenticate your clean background and travel with ease.
After reading this article, you will know what is PCC and other detailed information about the application.
PCC in passport
A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document that issued to Indian passport holders and it can verify that an individual has no criminal record. It’s often required when you apply for a visa or a job in another country and it’s applicable for both Indians and foreign nationals residing in India. Keep in mind that a PCC is only issued to individuals above the age of 18. Pssport PCC is specifically used for your passport application. Some countries require a PCC passport along with your regular PCC, so it’s important to check the requirements before you apply. However, a PCC is not mandatory if you are traveling abroad for tourism because it can’t be issued for individuals going abroad on a tourist visa.
How to apply for a police clearance certificate in India
If you’re applying for PCC through an online application method or by visiting your local police station, following the mentioned steps will be really important for you.
You can easily apply for a Police Clearance Certificate online by following the mentioned steps:
1. Start by registering on the Passport Seva Portal or accessing your existing account. You can also consulate in your country to obtain information on how to apply for a PCC.
2. Click on “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate” and fill in the form to submit.
image resource: Passport Seva
3. Then, gather all the required documents, which typically include a copy of your passport, proof of address, and proof of any previous criminal record, if applicable. Make sure that all the documents are in order and that they meet the requirements specified by the authorities.
4. After filling out the Police Clearance Certificate application form, proceed to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” and select “Pay and Schedule Appointment.” Make the payment and print the application receipt containing your Application Reference Number.
5. Schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK Indian embassy, or consulate to submit your application and documents. Make sure to arrive on time and bring all the necessary documents with you.
6. On the scheduled day, visit the Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra with both original and photocopies of your required documents. Provide your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, when you submit your application.
7. Wait for the PCC to be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the location and the number of applications being processed. Once it is done, you can collect the PCC from the PSK Indian embassy, or consulate once it is ready. Make sure to bring the original documents that you submitted along with your application for verification purposes.
If you face any issues with the online police clearance certificate application form, download it. Next, you can fill in the form and save it in XML format offline. Be sure that form submission and payment are completed online. Only the post-visit to the passport office for verification with documents is offline. Therefore, it is imperative to know that the form submissions have to be done online.
How to download the PCC certificate
Wondering how to download a PCC in India? you can follow the steps given below.
1. Visit the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/.
2. Click on the ‘PCC’ tab on the left-hand side of the homepage. Then, select the appropriate option from the drop-down menu based on your requirement (fresh/re-issue).
3. Enter your passport number and date of birth and click on ‘Submit’. If your PCC is already issued, you will see a ‘Download’ button next to it. Click on it to download the certificate. However, if your PCC is not issued yet, you can track the status of your application by clicking on the ‘Track PCC Status’ option.
How to get PCC from the post office or local police station
Don’t know how to get a Police Clearance Certificate from a local police station in India? Just follow the steps below.
1. Visit your nearest police station. Remember to take all the necessary documents with you.
2. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called. The officers usually conduct a background check and enquire about the purpose of the application.
3. Get the application form and fill in it. You can ask the police personnel for the application form for a PCC application.Then, you need to fill it out. You should provide all the necessary details, such as your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information. Remember to check it before submission because all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
4. Submit the required documents. Submit the necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs. The documents required may vary from state to state.
5. Pay the application fee. After submitting all the required documents and the form, you will be asked to pay a fee for the PCC application.
6. Collect the PCC. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified to collect your PCC from the police station. Make sure to carry your identity proof and the receipt of the fee paid when collecting the certificate.
Required documents for PCC certificate
Since documents are crucial in gaining this certificate, let’s check what papers you need to submit. Here is the list of documents required for PCC:
1. Passport
2. Two passport-sized photographs. Attach two recent passport-sized photographs to your application form. You can obtain this from your local police station or online.
3. Application Receipt.
4. 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 license.
5. Proof of address. Provide your bank account passbook, or your rent agreement with the landlord for current address proof, as well as your telephone, or water bill.
6. Previous police clearance certificates. If you have obtained a PCC before, you may be required to submit a copy of the previous certificate.
7. Fingerprints. You will need to provide your fingerprints, which can be taken at your local police station or a designated fingerprinting center.
How to check PCC status
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 click on “Track Application Status”.
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 birth date. Then, click on “Track Status”.
4. This status tracker screen will display the updated status of your passport application.
You can download the certificate directly from the portal if the status of your PCC is “issued”. If it shows “pending” or “under process,” you’ll need to wait until the certificate is issued.
When is PCC in passport not required
If you are a passport holder and plan to go aboard on a Tourist Visa, you don’t need to apply for PCC. However, PCC is mandatory for the immigrants migrating for work, so you might need it if you migrate for work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a police clearance certificate for your passport application in India is a crucial step to ensure the authenticity of your background. With the right steps and accurate documents, you can smoothly go through the PCC application process, ensuring a trouble-free journey.
FAQ
1. How much time will it take to get a police clearance certificate for my passport?
Normally, it will take about 6 to 8 weeks to get the police clearance certificate for your passport application process. You can get PCC only after receiving a ‘clear’ report from police authorities in India. You can check the PCC status made by the concerned passport office in the official portal.
2. What should I do if my police clearance certificate application is rejected?
If your PCC application is rejected, you should contact the issuing authority to find out the reason for the rejection. You may need to provide additional documents or information to complete the application. Usually, this process may take up to 1 month. However, this can vary according to the application.
3. Is it possible to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate twice?
Only after receiving one PCC can a person apply for another one. While an organization may apply for PCC after completing the payment of the first Police Clearance Certificate.
4. How much does it cost to get a PCC in India?
The cost of a PCC in India can vary depending on the issuing authority. Generally, it ranges from INR 500 to INR 1000.
5. How to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate application form?
Police Clearance Certificate application forms can generally be obtained from your local police station. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the website of your state or territory police force.