What is PCC in a Passport? Full Form, Process & Required Documents

A Police Clearance Certificate certifies that the holder has no criminal convictions or pending charges in India. It is issued by Indian police authorities and is required for long-term visas, employment abroad, immigration or residential status, but is not needed for tourism.

Let’s Understand it from Rupen’s PCC Journey

Once upon a time, Rupen, an engineer from Delhi, received a job offer in the UAE. His employer asked for a PCC to confirm his clean criminal record. He logged into the Passport Seva Portal and chose Apply for Police Clearance Certificate, filled the simple form, and paid the fee. Rupen booked an appointment at his local Passport Seva Kendra.

On the day of his appointment, he submitted his original passport and proof of address. The local police visited his home, verified his address and identity, and cleared him within a day. A few weeks later, Parma, the passport office, emailed him the certificate. Happy and relieved, Rupen downloaded it directly from the portal and sent it to his new employer, whose visa paperwork was completed without delay.

In this blog, you will learn the full form of PCC, the step-by-step application process, and the list of required documents as Rupen did.

Why & When Is PCC Required?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) proves that you don’t have any criminal record in India. You need it when you plan to live, work, or study abroad for a long time. The Indian government issues the certificate after checking your police records.

You don’t need a PCC if you're going abroad just for tourism or a short holiday.

Common Reasons You Need a PCC:

• Working in another country, especially in ECR countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia.
   
• Studying abroad for more than 6 months.
   
• Immigrating or applying for permanent residency (PR) in countries like Canada, Australia or the UK.
   
• Taking your family (like children or spouse) with you,  they may also need a PCC with your sponsor letter.
   
• Foreigners living in India may need a PCC from the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for visa extensions or work permits.

Table: When Do You Need a PCC?

Here’s a quick look at different situations where a Police Clearance Certificate is required, and when it’s not.
 

This table makes it easy to check if you need a PCC based on your travel or visa plans.

Example: Priya’s Story

Priya got a job offer in Dubai. Her employer asked for a PCC to check her background. She applied online on the Passport Seva website, booked her appointment, and went to the Passport Seva Kendra with her documents. The local police visited her house and verified her address. After a few days, she received her PCC by email. She sent it to her company, and her visa process moved forward without any delays.

How to Apply for PCC? A Step‑by‑Step Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Police Clearance Certificate through the Passport Seva Portal:
 

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Website
 

• Visit the official website: www.passportindia.gov.in 
   
• Click “Register Now” under the ‘New User’ section.
   
• Fill in your details and choose your nearest Passport Office.
   
• Create a username and password, then click “Register”.
   
• Check your email for a link to activate your account.
   

Step 2: Log In and Apply for PCC
 

• Go back to the Passport Seva homepage.
   
• Click “Existing User Login” and enter your username and password.
   
• Once logged in, click “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate” under the Services section.
   
• Fill out the online form with your personal, passport and address details.
   
• Double-check all information before clicking Submit.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment and Pay the Fee
 

• After submitting your form, go to “View Saved/Submitted Applications.”
   
• Click “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”
   
• Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK near you.
   
• Pick a convenient date and time for your appointment.
   
• Pay the ₹500 fee online using a debit/credit card, net banking or SBI challan.
   
• Once payment is successful, download or save your Application Receipt. It will include your Appointment Number and ARN (Application Reference Number).

Step 4: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for Verification
 

• On your appointment day, arrive at the PSK/POPSK on time
  .
• Bring these documents:
   
  • Original passport
     
  • Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the passport
     
  • Current address proof (like Aadhaar card, electricity bill, or bank statement).
     
• At the centre, staff will check your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and issue an acknowledgement slip.
   

Step 5: Police Verification at Your Home
 

• If your current address is different from your passport, or your passport was issued after 1 January 2018, police verification is mandatory.
   
• Local police will visit your home within a few days.
   
• They may:
   
  • Ask for proof of your address (rent agreement, bills, etc.)
     
  • Verify your identity
     
  • Speak to neighbours or family
     
• If everything is fine, they’ll approve your report.
   

Step 6: Receive Your PCC
 

• After the police send a clear report, the Passport Office will process your PCC.
   
• You will receive a digitally signed PCC by email.
   
• You can also download it from the Passport Seva Portal or collect it from the Regional Passport Office if requested.

5. Track Your Application
 

• Log in to the Passport Seva Portal and go to “Track Application Status.”
   
• Enter your ARN/file number and date of birth, and select PCC as the application type.
   
• Status updates include: Pending, Verification Pending, Clear, Incomplete, Dispatched or Issued.
   
• Processing usually takes 7–20 days, but can stretch longer depending on local police and workloads.

Helpful Tips:
 

• Apply early: Start 4 to 6 weeks before your visa deadline.
   
• Use the correct address: Police will visit your current home.
   
• Keep documents ready: Originals and photocopies of the passport and address proof.
   
• Be available at home: for the police verification visit.
   
• Track regularly: Stay updated on your application status online.
   
• Contact helpline: If delayed, call 1800-258-1800 or visit your local PSK.

Conclusion

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) shows that you have no criminal record in India. If you’re planning to work, study, or settle abroad, you’ll likely need one. The process is simple, you apply online, visit the passport office, and wait for police verification. Once approved, the certificate proves you’re legally clear to move forward with your visa or immigration process.

FAQs

1. Can I get a PCC if my passport is very old or expired?

No, you need a valid passport to apply for PCC. If your passport has expired, renew it first, then apply for the certificate.

2. Can I use the same PCC for multiple countries?

Usually, no. Most countries want a PCC that is issued specifically for them. Always check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're applying to.

3. What if I’m living abroad, can I still get a PCC from India?

Yes. If you’re living overseas, you can apply for PCC through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. They will send your request to the Regional Passport Office in India for approval.

4. Do I need a PCC for a tourist visa or a short holiday?

No, you do not need a PCC for tourist or short-term visits. PCC is only required for long-term stays, work, study, or immigration.