In an era where background checks and legal verifications are becoming increasingly common, obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) holds significant importance, whether for job applications, immigration purposes, or personal endeavours.
If you’re a South African resident navigating the process of acquiring a PCC, you might think that this is a very daunting process, however, you’re in the right place here, where we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to obtain Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa.
This information is brought to you by the professional document procurement specialists at Doc Assist, a South African based company that assists clients in-country and those currently living overseas to obtain or renew their police clearance certificates with ease.
This team offers the simplest process with their police clearance services, saving you time and frustration by handling the entire process of application on your behalf.
How to Obtain Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa?
Let’s start by looking at the significance of a Police Clearance Certificate and what it is, after which you’ll find all the information you need should you choose to apply via the South African Police Services (SAPS).
A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that outlines an individual’s criminal record or confirms the absence of any criminal convictions.
It’s often required by employers, immigration authorities, and various institutions to assess an individual’s background and suitability for certain job opportunities or activities.
For instance, if you’re currently in the job market, you may find that many business owners have made it a policy to request a PCC as part of any job application process.
You may have an edge in an extremely competitive job market by ensuring that you are in possession of a valid police clearance certificate at the time of going for interviews.
Step 1: Choose Your Identification
Before embarking on the PCC application process, decide which form of identification you’ll use, which can either be your South African ID card or your passport.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Visit the official SAPS website or your nearest SAPS police station to obtain the relevant PCC application form. Complete the form accurately, providing all required personal details, including your chosen form of identification.
This can be a very tricky form to complete, since even the smallest mistake could result in your application being returned if the details on the form don’t match with what the SAPS Criminal Records Centre has according to your data.
Only the Criminal Records Centre in Pretoria has the authority to approve your application, and with the current backlog being experienced at the CRC, it’s best to make sure that everything is correct on the form, or it could be an even longer wait than necessary to receive your PCC.
Step 3: Fingerprinting Process
Once the application form is filled out, you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken, which is a step that’s crucial for verification and is typically done at your local SAPS police station.
Your fingerprints will then be added to your application form and ID or passport, in order for the application to be forwarded to the CRC.
Step 4: Application Submission
Once you’ve provided SAPS with all your documentation, including a copy of your marriage certificate, if you require your maiden and married surname to appear on the PCC, you’ll also need to include proof of payment for the application.
Applying through your local police station could add even more of a delay on your application, since the police station will only send their bag of PCC applications to Pretoria once it’s full enough to warrant sending.
Make sure you get a reference number for your application in order to follow up on its progress.
Step 5: Application Processing and Collection
The processing time for a PCC can vary, but, due to the current backlog and load shedding, it could take up to 8 weeks to process. During this period, SAPS CRC conducts in-depth background checks and verification of the information provided in your application.
Once the processing is complete, you will be notified to collect your Police Clearance Certificate at the SAPS police station, with your original ID or passport to receive your certificate.
Choose Doc Assist’s Expert Assistance
Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate can be a complex and time-consuming process, which is exactly where Doc Assist Police Clearance Services comes to the rescue.
With their expertise and streamlined approach, you can navigate the entire process seamlessly. These professionals provide guidance on selecting the right identification, completing application forms and ensuring your documentation is in order.
The team at Doc Assist will ensure that your application is registered on the SAPS system, do all the follow-ups and once your PCC is received, they’ll email a scanned copy to you, giving you the opportunity to confirm that the details are correct.
Once you’ve approved this, Doc Assist will send your PCC to your doorstep via courier. Contact this friendly team for a quote, or for further information regarding obtaining a PCC in South Africa.