Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — How to Apply, Documents & Fees

What is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (through the Passport Office) certifying that the holder has no criminal record in India. It is commonly required for long-term visa applications, immigration, overseas employment, and permanent residency abroad.

Who Needs a PCC?

Indian citizens going abroad for employment (especially to Gulf countries, USA, UK, Canada, Australia)
People applying for long-term work visas, student visas, or immigration
Those applying for Permanent Residency (PR) or citizenship in a foreign country
People who have lived abroad and need a certificate of good conduct for another country
Applicants for international adoption proceedings
Those sponsored by foreign employers requiring background clearance

PCC is issued by the Passport Office (not the local police station). The Passport Office verifies your criminal record through the police and then issues the PCC. Processing time is usually 7–15 working days.

PCC Fee

₹500

Police Clearance Certificate

+ 3.75% online payment convenience charges

Documents Required for PCC

Mandatory Documents

Current valid Indian passport (original + photocopy of all pages)
Proof of address at current residence (Aadhaar / utility bill)
2 recent passport-size photographs
Application Appointment Receipt (printed from portal)

Additional (if applicable)

Employment offer letter or visa copy (from the country requiring PCC)
Old passport (if you have previously lived at a different address)
Foreign address proof (if you lived abroad)
Marriage certificate (if married name differs from passport)

How to Apply for PCC — Step by Step

Login to Passport Seva Portal

Go to passportindia.gov.in and login with your registered email ID and password.

Select "Police Clearance Certificate"

On the left menu or Services section, click on "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)".

Fill the PCC Application Form

Enter your current passport details, personal information, current residential address, and details of the country for which PCC is required. Mention the purpose (employment, immigration, visa, etc.).

Submit Application and Pay ₹500

Review and submit the form. Then go to "View Saved/Submitted Applications" and click "Pay and Schedule Appointment." Pay ₹500 online.

Book Appointment at PSK

After payment, book your appointment at your nearest PSK. Print the Appointment Receipt.

Visit PSK with Documents

Carry your appointment receipt, original passport, address proof, and photographs. The PSK will verify your documents and process your PCC application.

Receive PCC by Speed Post

The PCC is dispatched by Speed Post to your registered address, usually within 7–15 working days after police verification. Track it using your File Number on the portal.

PCC is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Many countries (especially Gulf countries and USA) require the PCC to be apostilled. For apostille, you will need to visit the MEA office or an authorised state agency after receiving the PCC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a PCC valid for?

A PCC is generally valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Different countries may have their own requirements — some may accept a PCC up to 12 months old while others may require it to be more recent. Always check the specific requirement of the country or authority requesting the PCC.

Do I need to apostille my PCC?

Many countries that are part of the Hague Convention (like USA, UK, Australia, Germany, UAE, etc.) require an Apostille stamp on the PCC. After receiving your PCC, you can get it apostilled from the MEA Apostille Centre in Delhi or through authorised State Apostille centres. The Apostille fee is separate from the PCC fee.

Can I apply for PCC if I am currently abroad?

If you are currently outside India, you can apply for a PCC through the Indian Embassy or High Commission / Consulate General in your country of residence. The process varies slightly by location — contact your nearest Indian Mission for the exact procedure and documents required.

What if I have a criminal case pending against me?

If you have a criminal case or FIR filed against you, your PCC will reflect this information. The PCC will mention the pending case(s). This may affect your visa or employment application in foreign countries. If the case is closed or you were acquitted, you can provide the relevant court documents to the Passport Office for a clean PCC.