Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa
What the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is, who asks for it and how to get it, from the official pages. Issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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What it is
A Police Clearance Certificate says whether any criminal convictions are recorded against you. It is issued only by SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) in Pretoria. (saps.gov.za)
Who asks for it
SAPS issues it to people who need proof of their criminal status for emigration, travel or work abroad. (saps.gov.za)
How to get it
Go to a police station. SAPS takes a full set of your fingerprints on form SAPS 91(a). (saps.gov.za)
Bring a completed application form, a certified copy of your ID or passport, and the ID or passport itself to show at the station. (saps.gov.za)
If the certificate should show a maiden or other surname, say so on the application and attach proof, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate. (saps.gov.za)
Where to go
The police station can send your application to CR & CSM in Pretoria at no extra cost. You can also deliver it yourself or post or courier it at your own cost. (saps.gov.za)
Living abroad? Apply at a police station in that country or at the South African Embassy. (saps.gov.za)
What it costs
The fee is R190,00 per application and is not refundable. Pay in cash at the police station or by electronic transfer to the SAPS account. (saps.gov.za)
How long it takes
If you give a South African cell number, you get an SMS with your reference number, and another when it is done. You can also check progress on the SAPS website. (saps.gov.za)
It takes about 15 working days from when all documents reach CR & CSM, not counting postal time. SAPS says it currently has a backlog that makes the wait longer. (saps.gov.za)
If you lose it
Collect your certificate in time: ones not collected within three months after they are finished are destroyed. Bring proof of identity to collect it. (saps.gov.za)
How an employer checks it
Public service posts also run their own checks. The SAPS's own job adverts say applicants must allow their fingerprints to be taken and background enquiries to be made. (dpsa.gov.za)
Be careful
Copies or scans of fingerprints are not accepted, and finished certificates are not scanned or emailed. (saps.gov.za)
Incomplete applications are not processed. (saps.gov.za)
Who to call
SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (Police Clearance Certificates), Bothongo Plaza West, 271 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria. Post: Private Bag X308, 0001. (saps.gov.za)
Where this comes from
Every fact above was read on an official page, linked beside it; we last checked them on October 27, 2026. Fees and times change: the official site has the final word. We are not the South African Police Service (SAPS) and cannot apply for you, see your application or speed it up.