Character certificates, as its name implies, primarily attest to a person’s good character and the absence of any criminal charges or other negative records involving them. It is essentially a vice squad department certification that is used as part of the process for checking someone’s criminal history.
The document serves as a background investigation of the person. It is also referred to as a police clearance certificate because police forces can conduct this background investigation through the police.
Police character certificate: Where is it useful?
A police character certificate might be a crucial document to have on hand, whether you’re applying to universities, seeking scholarships, or going to work overseas. It is equally significant as a personality affirmation letter.
Police character certificate: Where can it be received?
The police force has recently given residents and guests a computerised police clearance certificate through the state’s official online portal. Individuals can quickly fill out a registration and submit it with the necessary documents to the police department for verification.
Police character certificate: Basic criteria to receive the character certificate
The District Superintendent of Police issues a police clearance certificate to a candidate that fulfils the mentioned criteria:
- The applicant’s citizenship is Indian.
- The individual whose photo has been included on the PCC registration form should be original.
- According to district police documents, the respondent has not been charged with a crime and is not the subject of any ongoing legal proceedings.
- The candidate has not received any unfavourable information that would exclude them from receiving a visa or permission to immigrate.
Police character certificate: Required documents
Get ready with the following proof for obtaining a police clearance certificate:
- PCC application form
- Identity proof of Aadhar card/voter ID/licence
- Address proof of electricity/water/telephone bill
- Birth certificate
- Bachelorhood certificate (if bachelor)
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Passport
- Proof of financial assistance
- Bank details
- Photographs
Police character certificate: Application process
The Passport Seva online portal is established by the government of India, where applicants can get the police character certificate.
- The applicant must go to the official passport website to apply for the PCC.
- The applicant must register through the online passport seva portal on the home page.
- The applicant must choose the appropriate police district from the drop-down menu if they already reside in India.
- The applicant needs to enter their login ID and password to access the passport Seva online portal.
- The link to the application form, “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate,” will be open now.
- Candidates should provide all the login credentials and complete the process.
- After entering all the necessary information, the user must press the submit button.
- Candidates can make the payment and appointment scheduling by selecting the “pay and schedule appointment” option.
- Explore the above option from the “view saved/submitted applications” menu.
- Pay the application form fee of Rs 500.
- Select “print application receipt” from the menu to print the application form.
- The application receipt will include an appointment number and an application reference number (ARN).
- Additionally, when visiting the passport office, an SMS with your appointment details is recognised as appointment proof.
- Contact the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO) where the examination has been scheduled and bring the necessary original documentation.
Police character certificate: How to download the application form for PCC India
- Additionally, you can submit your police clearance certificate through the application form.
- The “Download e-Form” link is located on the home page and allows you to download the document.
- Choose the confirm and save buttons after filling out the attached e-form.
- An XML file will be created, which is needed later to upload data into the system.
- Utilise the Passport Seva online registration form to sign up.
- Register to the portal and get login credentials.
- Log in to the Seva online portal with the approved login ID.
- You should use the “Upload e-Form” link to upload the XML file created above.
- The system only accepts XML files at this point, therefore, do not submit the pdf form.
- Pay the registration fee and book an appointment with the police force.
- You can print the registration receipt with the appointment ID by selecting the “Print Application Confirmation” link.
- Approach the concerned office at the time of appointment without fail.
Police character certificate: How to check the status?
For Indians living in India, please comply with the instructions below to check the status of their police clearance certificates.
- Explore Passport Seva online gateway.
- Choose the “track application status” option.
- Pick “passport/PCC/IC/GEP” for the application type.
- Put in the file number.
- Add your birthdate here.
- Submit the “track status” button.
- You can now verify the status.
Police character certificate: Additional details relating to PCC
- Please fill out the form entirely without hiding any information.
- The applicant must accurately complete every step. The applicant will be responsible if they give misleading information, and the PCC is likely to be refused.
- There is no minimum age required to receive a police clearance certificate.
- The applicant must present a legitimate ID and evidence of their registered address.
- When the Enquiry Officer (EO) conducts a field inquiry, kindly assist him by giving him original, authentic documentation.
- Each application form is only eligible to receive one police character certificate.
- Only in cases where a foreign government explicitly requests one police clearance certificate can it be given to minors.
FAQs
What is the source of the police clearance certificate for foreign nationals in India?
Foreign citizens could obtain a police clearance certificate in India at their residential location from the local police or the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) office.
How long does it take to obtain a police clearance certificate in India?
A response is given to applications submitted by Indian citizens who live in India within 15 to 20 working days after the application's completion.
What is the validation period for a police character certificate?
The validity time for a police character certificate is up to six months.