A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the police or government agency of a country certifying that the applicant has no criminal record or has not been involved in any criminal activity in that country. In India, the process for obtaining a PCC is as follows:
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the District Police Office: To apply for a PCC, the applicant can visit either the Passport Seva Kendra or the District Police Office. In some states, the PCC can also be obtained online through the respective state police websites.
- Fill out the application form: The applicant must fill out the application form for the PCC. The application form can be downloaded from the Passport Seva website or obtained from the District Police Office.
- Provide personal details: The applicant must provide personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc. along with a valid identification document such as a passport, voter ID card, or Aadhaar card.
- Provide details of the purpose of the PCC: The applicant must provide details of the purpose of the PCC, such as employment, education, immigration, etc.
- Pay the application fee: The applicant must pay the application fee for the PCC. The fee may vary depending on the purpose of the PCC and the issuing authority. For example, the fee for a PCC for immigration purposes is higher than for other purposes.
- Submit the application form and documents: The applicant must submit the application form along with the necessary documents such as identification proof, address proof, etc. It is recommended to carry originals and photocopies of all the documents.
- Fingerprinting and police verification: The applicant may have to undergo fingerprinting and police verification, depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of the PCC. In some cases, the police may also visit the applicant’s residence or workplace for verification.
- Collect the PCC: Once the application is processed and the police verification is completed, the PCC will be issued. The applicant can collect the PCC from the Passport Seva Kendra or the District Police Office. In some states, the PCC can also be downloaded online.
The processing time for a PCC may vary depending on the issuing authority and the purpose of the PCC. Generally, it takes 7-10 working days to issue a PCC for most purposes. However, it may take longer for immigration purposes or if the police verification is delayed.
