Are you trying to get your passport and visa without any issues? Then you have to acquire a police clearance certificate, also known as PCC, to prove your clear background. A police clearance certificate is also a must-have document if you want to settle down in foreign countries for education or career purposes.
To make clear all the details about the police clearance certificate, here we have brought some important details. Hopefully, all these details will help you in applying for the certificate easily.
Keep reading.
See also: Police character certificate: Importance and registration process
Police clearance certificate: Why is this used?
Whenever an Indian resident applies for a passport and visa, there is a requirement for this official document. No matter what the purpose of the passport is, this document is mandatory. The police clearance certificate is needed for employment, higher education, etc.
This official document comes under the protocol of the passport administration, and with the help of this official police clearance certificate, the criminal record of individuals is checked thoroughly. This is applicable not only to Indians but also to foreigners who are staying in Indian states. However, the police clearance certificate is not applicable to tourists who want to stay abroad for a few days.
This PCC or the police clearance certificate has a validity period of six months from the day of issue. But sometimes, it may vary depending on the authority who has issued the certificate. Also, this certificate is applicable only to those who are above 18 years old.
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Police clearance certificate: How can one apply for the certificate in 2022?
Applying for the police clearance certificate is quite easier with an online method. Here is the detailed step of how you can apply for the police clearance certificate.
As a first step, go to the passport website, which is https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink
Now you have to register on this website. If you are already registered with the website, simply log into it.
You will get to see one option: “apply for a police clearance certificate”.
When you click on the option mentioned above, you will find a detailed form where you have to put all those details.
If you are done with filling up the form, you have to go to the payment option as well as the “schedule appointment” option.
First, make the payment on this step. You have to keep the receipt of that payment. Make sure that this form is kept safe because it will have your application reference ID.
When your appointment is confirmed, you have to visit the nearby regional centre of the passport office.
Keep in mind that the process is online, and you have to avail of a good network connection in order to fill out the online application. Only you need to go in person when it is time for document verification.
Police clearance certificate: Avail of the police clearance certificate from the nearest police station
If you want to go for the verification at a local police station, you can opt out of it while filling out the online application form. Now, you may proceed with the steps mentioned below.
When you visit the nearest local police station, they will check your background and other details. You have to answer all those queries properly so that there are no such impure answers.
The police will also ask you about the purpose of the application.
After the inquiry, you have to submit all of your documents. Make sure that you have attested your documents on your own.
Also, you have to pay the fee in cash, or you can avail of a check.
After thorough scrutiny, the authority will take the decision on whether you are eligible for the police clearance certificate or not.
Police clearance certificate: The process of checking the certificate status
You can check your police clearance certificate status in the online passport portal. Firstly, open the portal:
https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink. You need to choose your application type under the option PCC. There will be one new window demanding your 13-digit application reference ID. Also, put your date of birth. Now, you have to go to the option: “track status”. The updated details of your PCC of police clearance certificate will be there on the screen.
FAQs
How much time is required to get the police clearance certificate?
Usually, it takes one month to get the PCC or the police clearance certificate.
Can I check my PCC status online?
Yes, you can check the PCC status online; sometimes, you may get an SMS alert for your status of the PCC or police clearance certificate.
What is the fee for the police clearance certificate?
A fee of Rs 500 is required to apply for a police clearance certificate.
How long is the PCC valid for?
The PCC or the police clearance certificate is valid for six months only if there is no such exception.
Where can you go for the police clearance certificate?
You can go to a nearby local police station for all kinds of details of a police clearance certificate.
