Buzz
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an essential document needed for immigration or employment purposes in India. It verifies your criminal history and is often requested by employers or visa authorities. It's crucial to begin the application process early, as obtaining a PCC can sometimes take over a week. By following the correct procedures and ensuring you have the necessary documentation, you can successfully acquire a Police Clearance Certificate in India.
Process Overview
Completing the Application
Access the Indian Passport Portal. Visit passportindia.gov.in. Scroll to the middle of the page and click on the "Police Clearance Certificate" option. This will direct you to the registration page, where you can find further details on obtaining your PCC.
Create an account on the website. If you currently reside in India, make sure to select your corresponding Police district from the dropdown menu. For those living in Delhi, choose "CPV Delhi" to collect your certificate from the Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) division in Delhi.
- If you're outside India, you'll need to visit the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
Complete the application for the Police Clearance Certificate. Log in to the Passport Seva Online Portal using the username you just created. Click on "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate" to access the application form. Fill in all necessary fields with accurate details before proceeding to the next step.
Make the payment for the application. The application fee is Rs. 500 ($7.76). Click on "Pay and Schedule Appointment" to be redirected to the payment page. You can pay using a credit or debit card, your Indian bank account, or through your SBI Bank Challan account.
Book your appointment. Ensure you have availability on the selected day and schedule an appointment that suits your needs. In major Indian cities, appointment slots may take up to a week or more, while in less populated areas, you may secure an appointment within the same week.
Print your appointment confirmation. After scheduling your appointment, you will receive a confirmation that you can print. The confirmation will include your Application Reference Number (ARN) or appointment number.
Submitting the E-Form
Download and complete the e-form from the Passport Seva website. Visit the Passport Seva site and download the e-form required for your PCC. Fill out all sections to the best of your knowledge, referring to your passport if you're uncertain about any of the details.
Save the completed e-form. After filling out the form, click "Validate and Save." This will create an XML file for your PCC that you'll need later. Store the file on your desktop or in an easily accessible location.
Create an account on the Passport Seva website. Once you've completed the form, you'll need to register an account on Passport Seva to upload the file. Click "Register Now" on the Passport Seva homepage to create your account.
- If you already have an account, you can skip this step.
Log in with your new account. To log in quickly, use the website's login link. Enter the credentials you just created to access your account.
Upload the XML file. Click on the "Upload e-Form" link to submit the XML file you previously created. Browse your files to locate the completed form and click "Upload" to upload it.
Make payment and schedule your appointment on the website. After logging into your account, click on "View Saved/Submitted Applications" to find the location where you uploaded your e-form. You will see a link labeled "Pay and Schedule Appointment." Click the link to be directed to the payment scheduling page. Enter your payment information and select a convenient date for your appointment.
- The fee for a PCC in India is Rs. 500 ($7.76).
Print your application receipt. After completing the process, click the "Print Application Receipt" link to receive your Application Reference Number (ARN). You will need this receipt for your interview.
Attending Your PCC Appointment
Make photocopies of your passport. For your appointment, ensure you have photocopies of the first two and last two pages of your passport, including the ECR/Non-ECR page and any page with observations. Print these copies before your appointment to ensure you have the necessary documentation with you. These copies will be added to your file.
Bring proof of employment or residence. Make sure to carry documents such as your old passport, two forms of proof of your current address (utility bills, Aadhaar, or voter ID), and evidence of your employment status. If you're not employed, you'll need to provide a sponsorship declaration or your residential status application.
- Don't forget to bring the confirmation you printed after paying for the PCC online.
Go to the Regional Passport Office. On your appointment day, head to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO). Once there, inform the staff that you have an online appointment and present all the required documents for your PCC.
- If your application is in order, you should receive your PCC the same day.
Getting Your PCC Online in Delhi
Reside in Delhi. If you're applying for a PCC in Delhi, you can do so online without needing an appointment at the Regional Passport Office. In Delhi, law enforcement will come to verify your application, and you can register and apply through a separate website.
Visit the Delhi Police website. Go to the official Delhi Police website to find the registration link for the PCC application. Scroll down and click "Register" to apply for your Police Clearance Certificate.
Complete the online registration form. When you begin the registration process, you'll be prompted to provide your email address to receive a verification code. Enter your email to obtain the confirmation number needed to access the PCC application. After that, fill in all the required details on the application page and submit it.
Make the payment for the PCC. The fee for a PCC through the Delhi Police Department is approximately Rs. 505 ($7.84). Use their payment portal to complete your payment. If everything is filled out correctly, you should receive a confirmation receipt by email.
Wait for a field verification. After submitting your application and payment, the Delhi police will conduct a house visit to verify the details you've provided in your application, ensuring their accuracy.
Check your email for your PCC attachment. You should receive your Police Clearance Certificate in your email within 21 days, though in some cases, it may take longer. To track your application's progress, log into the Delhi Police Department's website.
