How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate

Disclaimer

The sample application form provided below is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been taken from the West Bengal Government to help applicants understand the general nature of information required.

Each State/UT in India prescribes its own PCC application form, eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, fee structure, competent authority, and procedure.

Applicants must apply only through the official form and process notified by their respective State/UT police authorities or the Passport Seva portal.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document certifying whether a person has any criminal record or adverse police record in a particular jurisdiction during a specified period of residence.

It is commonly required for:

• Passport and immigration purposes
• Employment (especially overseas jobs)
• Long-term visas, PR, or foreign studies
• Government or sensitive private employment
• Certain licensing and regulatory compliances

Issuing authorities include State Police / District Police, and for passport-related purposes, Passport Authorities with police verification.

Key Points You Should Know

• PCC is address-based and time-specific.
• Purpose matters (passport, visa, job, etc)
• Process differs for passport-related PCC and local/state PCC.
• Forms, portals, fees, and timelines vary across states/UTs.

How to Apply for a PCC

1. Passport-Related PCC (Pan-India)

Used for immigration, foreign visas, PR, or overseas employment.

Online Process

• Apply through the Passport Seva Portal.
• Submit the PCC application and pay the fee.
• Police verification was conducted at the local police station.
• PCC issued after clear verification.

Offline Touchpoint

• Physical visit to Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK if required.

2. State / Local Police PCC (Non-Passport Purposes)

Used for local employment, housing, licensing, or state purposes.

Online Process

• Visit your State Police / e-District portal
• Register and select Police Clearance Certificate
• Fill in details, upload documents, and submit.
• Police verification is conducted.
• Certificate issued digitally or physically.

Offline Process

• Visit Local Police Station / SP office / District Police office.
• Submit the state-specific PCC application form.
• Verification is conducted.
• PCC issued after clearance.

Commonly Required Documents

• Identity proof (Aadhaar / Passport)
• Address proof (current and previous)
• Purpose declaration (visa, job, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs
• Application/acknowledgement slip

State-wise Overview

FAQs – Police Clearance Certificate

1. Is PCC issued by police or passport office?

Both—passport-related PCC via Passport Seva; local PCC via state police.

2. Is PCC valid forever?

No. Validity depends on purpose and receiving authority (often 6 months).

3. Can I apply online from another city or country?

Yes, especially for passport-related PCC.

4. What if I lived in multiple states?

Verification may be required from each jurisdiction.

5. Is a digital PCC legally valid?

Yes. Digitally signed PCCs issued via official portals are valid.

6. Can PCC be denied?

Yes, if adverse criminal records are found during verification.