Significance of Police Clearance Certificate

Indian citizens need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to apply for a visa to visit/emigrate to a foreign country. The PCC must be presented at the embassy/consulate along with a valid passport and other required documents. Currently, only 17 countries require emigration clearance, namely Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Indonesia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.

What is Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) certifies a person's criminal record with the Indian police. Generally, it is required when applying for a visa or permanent residency. Each PCC applicant will undergo a fresh police verification, and the PCC will only be issued once an Indian police verification report is received. Hence, applicants are requested to apply for PCC well in advance (at least 1 month) for timely service. For visa requirements, overseas work opportunities, and the immigration process, a PCC functions as proof of an individual’s legal status, strengthening trust in international laws.

How to Apply for PCC Online

Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the Police Clearance Certificate online application process:

1. Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal:

• Visit the Passport Seva online portal and create an account if you don't have one.
• Log in with your credentials.

2. Navigate to PCC Application:

• Look for the 'apply for Police Clearance Certificate' link on the portal.

3. Fill in Required Details:

• Provide accurate personal information as required in the online form.

4. Payment and Appointment Scheduling:

• Click on the 'pay and schedule appointment' link.
• Make the necessary online payment for the application.
• Print the application receipt for reference.

5. Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) / Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Police Clearance Certificate Documents Required

Getting a Police Clearance Certificate requires certain documents to support your request. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

1. Passport:

• A photocopy of the passport having the first and last two pages, including any observation page (if applicable), as well as the ECR/Non-ECR Page.

2. Application Receipt:

• The application receipt received from passport services, including the SMS confirmation.

3. Address Proof (Current):

• Here’s the list of accepted documents:
• Electricity bill
• Telephone bill
• Water bill
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID/Election Commission Photo ID card
• Bank account details: Passbook (photo) of your current bank account
• Registered tenancy agreement (under Section 17 of the Registration Act, 1908) for more than a year by the landlord in favor of the tenant
• Spouse’s passport (matching the present address)

Conclusion

The Police Clearance Certificate is essential to ensuring a seamless transition for travelers across international borders. Along with the required documents and documentation, applying for a police verification certificate online makes this procedure convenient for people who can meet security requirements per worldwide standards.