How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for a Passport

PCC, or Police Clearance Certificate, is a legal document issued by the Police Department or a government agency to Indian passport holders or applicants. This document certifies that the applicant does not have a criminal record under their name.

A Police Clearance Certificate is typically needed by Indian citizens looking to migrate to a foreign land for a residential stay, the scope of employment, or a long-term stay. However, individuals travelling on a tourist visa do not require a Police Clearance Certificate from the Indian government or police authorities.

There are three categories of people who can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate for a passport. Understanding the process for all these categories will help you in whichever category you fall into. Here are these categories:

• Indian citizens staying in India
  

• Indian citizens staying outside of India
  

• Foreign citizens staying in India
  

How To Apply For PPC From India: Indian Citizens

• **Step 1**: Visit the Passport Seva website. 
  

• **Step 2**: Register by creating an account on the portal or logging in using your credentials if you already have an account. 
  

• **Step 3**: Find the option “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate,” fill out the form and submit it.
  

• **Step 4**: Select the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” tab and select the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” option.
  

• **Step 5**: Pay for the PCC and print the receipt of the application with your application reference number.
  

• **Step 6**: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office with your original documents and their copies.
  

If you face issues while filing the PCC form online, you can download the form and fill it out manually and save it offline in the XML format. Once done, you can submit the form and book an appointment. You can directly upload the filled form in XML format.

You must know that no matter how you fill out the form, you need to submit it online. The only step done offline is visiting the passport office for verification.

Also Read: How To Apply For Passport? Online and Offline

How To Apply For PPC From Outside India: Indian Citizens

• **Step 1**: Navigate to the Passport Seva section on the website of the India Embassy or Consulate of the country where you currently reside. 
  

• **Step 2**: Now, register yourself on the Passport Seva portal. 
  

• **Step 3**: Complete the application form. Include your name, address, date of birth, and passport number. 
  

• **Step 4**: Gather all the documents needed for the Police Clearance Certificate. These documents may include a copy of your passport, proof of residence in the country you are currently residing and other documents as requested. 
  

• **Step 5**: After you have completed your form and gathered all required documents, submit them all to the Embassy/Consulate along with the application fee. 
  

• **Step 6**: Once you apply, you will receive a receipt with an application number. Use that number to track your Police Clearance Certificate Status. 
  

• **Step 7**: The Embassy or Consulate will send your application to the relevant Indian authority. The concerned authorities will conduct background checks and issue a PCC if there are no criminal cases in your name.  
  

• **Step 8**: Finally, when your PCC is ready, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you.  You can then either collect documents from the office or opt for home delivery services.
  

How To Apply For PPC From India: Foreign Citizens

If a foreigner wants a PCC for a passport, then they need to go through the e-FRRO portal as per their previous or current Indian address. The applicants must create an account on the FRRO portal to log in and avail of all the services.

Moreover, to complete the application procedure, you need to pay the application fee after completing the online form. For guidance or help, applicants can contact the appropriate Indian Embassy or Consulate office

If you are wondering how you can track your PCC for passport application status, no worries. All the above-mentioned categories of applicants have different methods for tracking their applications.

How Can I Check My PCC Application Status: For Indian Citizens

• **Step 1**: Visit the Passport Seva portal.
  

• **Step 2**: Click on “Track Application Status” on the Passport Seva portal.
  

• **Step 3**: Select your type of application from the PCC, Passport, GEP, and IC options.
  

• **Step 4**: Enter the date of birth and thirteen-digit file number and click on the “Track Status” option.
  

• **Step 5**: The status tracker screen will display the status of your passport application.
  

How Can I Check My PCC Application Status: For Indian Citizens Living Outside

• **Step 1**: Go to the Indian Embassy or Consulate website from the country where you are currently residing. 
  

• **Step 2**: Navigate to the “Passport and Consular Services” tab and click on it. 
  

• **Step 3**: Next, find the “Police Clearance Certificate” option and click it. 
  

• **Step 4**: Click on “Track Status” and fill in your requested details, such as date of birth, application number, and other details. Then hit “Submit”.
  

• **Step 5**: Your application status will be displayed. If it shows “in progress,” you will receive an update soon. If the status shows “issued,” you can visit the Embassy or consulate office to get your document.
  

How Can I Check My PCC Application Status: For Foreigners in India

Foreign citizens living in India can access all immigration and visa-related services by visiting the e-FRRO website. Their application updates are sent via SMS or email, and they can also use the FRRO portal to check the police verification status for a passport.

Also Read: Passport Speed Post Tracking

You can visit the Passport Seva portal to download your Police Clearance Certificate. After clicking on the “Track Application Status” option, you need to enter your file number and date of birth. If your certificate is issued, then it will show the option to “Download”. But if it is not issued, then you will see your application status. By clicking on download, you can print out your certificate document.

The PCC for passport validity can be anywhere from three months to six months, depending on the authority of the country you requested. Make sure to check the requirements of the authority or country to which you are applying your PCC, as different countries have different validity periods.

Also Read: Passport Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide For Indian Travellers

While filling out the PCC application, you can select your nearest police station to fulfil the formalities. Once done, follow the below-listed steps to avail your PCC without any hassles:

• **Step 1**: Visit the police station you mentioned on the PCC application form.
  

• **Step 2**: Meet the police officer in charge and answer their questions. The purpose of the application and a background check are usually inquired about.
  

• **Step 3**: You can collect the mentioned documents at the Passport Seva portal, self-attest them and carry them to the police station.
  

• **Step 4**: Pay the required fee through a cheque or in cash.
  

• **Step 5**: The government authorities will examine the documents and evaluate whether to grant you a Police Clearance Certificate.
  

You must carry all the documents required for a police clearance certificate in India for a hassle-free experience. Let us now find out more about the documents one needs to submit to have a PCC certificate.

There are a couple of distinctions when it comes to documents required for a PCC.

• Applicants emigrating to non-ECR countries
  

• Applicants going to ECR countries for employment
  

Documents Required for Applicants Emigrating to Non-ECR Countries

• Current address proof
  

• The old passport has self-attested copies of the ECR/Non-ECR page, the last two and first two pages, and the observation page.
  

• Employment contract, residential status application documents, and a long-term immigration visa.
  

• Keep the mentioned documents handy while applying for a PCC online. This will streamline the process and save you significant time.
  

**Documents Required for Applicants Going to ECR Countries for Employment **

For semi-skilled or skilled employees

• A copy of a valid visa and an English translation in case the visa is in any other language.
  

• Current address proof
  

• A self-attested copy of the contract of employment with a foreign employer.
  

• The old passport has self-attested copies of the ECR/Non-ECR page, the last two and first two pages, and the observation page.
  

For unskilled female employees of above 30 years

• A copy of a valid visa and an English translation in case the visa is in any other language.
  

• Current address proof
  

• A self-attested copy of the contract of employment with a foreign employer.
  

• The old passport has self-attested copies of the ECR/Non-ECR page, the last two and first two pages, and the observation page.
  

Also Read: How To Apply For Passport For Government Employees?

For semi-skilled or skilled employees via a recruiting agent

• Current address proof
  

• The old passport has self-attested copies of the ECR/Non-ECR page, the last two and first two pages, and the observation page.
  

• A copy of a valid registration certificate from the Protectorate of Emigrants, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India.
  

• Copies of power of attorney, original employment contract, and a demand letter attested by a Recruiting Agent (RA) from a foreign employer.
  

For unskilled female or male employee applicants via recruiting agents

• Copy of POE-issued registration certificate.
  

• Contract copies of employment, power of attorney, and demand letter attested by a concerned Indian Mission from a foreign employer.
  

Also Read: List of Documents Required For Passport in India

After your police verification is done, your PCC for your passport will be issued in around 10 business days. The police authorities send your verification report to the regional police station for entry into the database, which can take up to 10 days.

A police clearance certificate can be issued to you on the same day if the police verification of the current passport is positive and has no history of negative entries. However, if any of the following cases apply, the certificate will be issued only after police verification:

• Police verification did not happen during the passport issuance due to various reasons.
  

• The current address does not match the address mentioned on the passport.
  

• The applicant was a dependent of a government official and did not require police verification.
  

• The applicant was a minor during the passport issuance; thus, police verification was not required, but now is an adult. 
  

• Any other scenario where a passport was issued without any police verification.
  

In case another Indian mission or passport office issues your passport, applying and doing the PCC online check is still simple. If you live in India, you can submit your police verification application to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. However, if you live outside India, you can connect with the Indian mission in the country where you reside.

Here is the list of self-attested documents that you need to submit for the procedure:

• Proof of current address in case it differs from the one mentioned in the passport.
  

• Page of observations, if the passport issuing authority makes any.
  

• The first two and last two pages of the original passport, including the ECNR/ECR page.
  

• Validity extension page.
  

Getting your PCC for your passport is a crucial step that every Indian tourist has to go through. It may be a tricky procedure, but with all the steps mentioned clearly, you might find it easier to navigate through it. Moreover, while you are travelling, in addition to having all the documents, you must make sure you have international travel insurance protection.

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Also Read: Know Your Nearest Police Station For Passport

Is there an age limit for getting a Police Clearance Certificate (PPC)?

No, there is no age limit for getting a Police Clearance Certificate in India.

What are the reasons why my Police Clearance Certificate can get rejected?

Here are some of the common reasons why your Police Clearance Certificate might get rejected:

• Due to pending case(s) in court.
  

• Submitted documents are forged or invalid.
  

• The required information was not furnished or has been misrepresented.  
  

• Issues in verification or information like address or you were absent during the verification process.
  

Is a photo required for PCC?

Yes, the PPC for the passport process requires you to submit a passport-size photo. Make sure to submit only a recent photograph measuring 2 X 2 " and with a white background.

Can I apply for a PCC multiple times in India?

Yes, you can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate multiple times in India. However, for each application, you need to specify the reason, for example, immigration, education, employment, etc.

Can I get an emergency PCC from the Passport Office in India?

No, there is no such facility as an emergency PCC from the Passport Office. Thus, you are advised to plan and apply for a police clearance certificate well before your trip.