Full guide
Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): the complete guide
A Police Clearance Certificate, or PCC, confirms that you have no adverse police record in India. This guide is for Indian passport holders living in India who need one for a work visa, permanent residence, study or long-term stay abroad.
Who needs this
Embassies and employers abroad often ask for a PCC when you apply for a work or residence visa, immigration, or sometimes a long-term student visa. In India, passport holders apply for it through Passport Seva, not at the local police station. If you live outside India, you apply through the Indian embassy or consulate instead, which this guide does not cover.
You must hold a valid Indian passport to use this route. If yours has expired, renew it first or apply for both together if the portal allows it.
Documents explained
Valid passport. Bring the original and self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages. The PCC is linked to this passport.
Proof of present address. If you no longer live at the address printed in your passport, bring proof of where you live now, such as Aadhaar, a recent utility bill, a bank passbook with your photo or a registered rent agreement. Police check your record at the station covering this address.
Marriage or name-change papers. If your spouse’s name is not in your passport, or your name has changed, a marriage certificate or other proof may be asked for. Confirm on the portal’s document advisor.
Purpose documents. Passport Seva does not always ask for a visa copy or job offer, but carrying one is sensible, especially if the certificate needs to mention a particular country.
Application receipt. Bring the appointment confirmation showing your ARN.
Step-by-step process
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal or the mPassport Seva app.
- Choose the Police Clearance Certificate option and enter your passport details and present address.
- Pay the fee online and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office PSK.
- Attend with your passport and originals. Staff check the documents and record your details.
- If your record needs checking, the local police station verifies it. In many cities this is now done quickly through the mPassport Police app.
- Once the report is clear, the PCC is issued at the centre or sent to you.
- Check the details on the certificate before you leave or as soon as it arrives.
Fees and timelines
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate | ₹750 |
The fee was raised from ₹500 under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, effective 1 July 2026. If your earlier passport verification was recent and clear and your address has not changed, the PCC may be issued the same day. Otherwise expect roughly one to three weeks, depending on your police station.
Most countries accept a PCC for only about six months from the date of issue, so time your application close to when you will submit your visa papers.
Common problems and fixes
Address in passport is out of date. Your PCC can still be processed, but police verify at your current address. Carry strong address proof, or consider re-issuing your passport with the new address if you are also due for renewal.
Police verification stuck. Note the police station shown in your status and follow up there. You can also raise a grievance on the portal.
Adverse report. If a case is pending against you, the PCC may be refused or delayed. Get legal advice and the court documents before you apply.
Embassy wants a specific format. Some countries ask for the PCC addressed to them. Ask the PSK officer at the appointment whether this is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a PCC without a passport?
Through Passport Seva, no. People without a passport usually approach their state police for a character certificate, which is a different document.
How long is a PCC valid?
India does not print an expiry, but most countries accept it only for about six months.
Can someone else collect it for me?
Usually you must attend the appointment yourself. Check the portal for collection rules at your centre.
Do I need a separate PCC for each country?
Often one certificate is enough, but some embassies insist on one addressed to them. Check what the country asks for before you apply.