How to Obtain an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
An Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in India. It is frequently required for immigration, overseas employment, long-term visas, permanent residency, citizenship applications, and professional licensing.
This guide explains what an Indian PCC is, who needs one, and how to obtain it step by step, whether you are in India or living overseas.
What Is an Indian Police Clearance Certificate?
An Indian PCC is issued by Indian authorities to certify that the applicant has no adverse criminal record (or to disclose any record, if applicable) for the period of residence in India.
It is typically issued:
- Based on passport details
- After local police verification
- For a specific purpose (e.g. immigration, employment, visa)
An Indian PCC covers India only. It does not replace police certificates from other countries where you may have lived.
When Is an Indian PCC Required?
You may be asked for an Indian PCC if you have lived in India and are applying for:
- 🛂 Permanent residence or citizenship overseas
- 💼 Employment or professional registration abroad
- 🎓 Student or research visas
- 🧑⚖️ Court, adoption, or family law matters
- 🌍 Long-term overseas postings or work visas
Most immigration authorities require a PCC if you lived in India for 6–12 months or more after the age of 16.
Who Issues Indian Police Clearance Certificates?
The issuing authority depends on where you apply from:
If You Are in India
Applications are processed through Passport Seva, under the Ministry of External Affairs.
If You Are Outside India
Indian PCCs are issued via:
- The nearest Indian Embassy, or
- An Indian Consulate / VFS Global centre acting on behalf of the Government of India
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain an Indian PCC
Step 1: Apply Online via Passport Seva
Applications begin online through the Passport Seva portal.
You will need to:
- Create an account
- Select “Police Clearance Certificate”
- Choose the purpose (immigration, employment, etc.)
- Complete personal and passport details
Step 2: Book an Appointment
Depending on location:
- In India: Appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
- Overseas: Appointment at an Indian Consulate or authorised VFS centre
Some overseas missions allow postal applications, but in-person submission is more common.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Current Indian passport (original + copy)
- Proof of current address
- Proof of previous Indian addresses (if requested)
- Overseas visa or residence permit (if applying abroad)
- Appointment confirmation
- Photographs (passport-size)
If your passport was issued recently or your address has changed, police verification is almost always required.
Step 4: Police Verification (If Required)
Police verification may involve:
- Checks at your current or previous Indian address
- Contacting local police stations
- Verification of passport records
For overseas applicants, verification is usually coordinated electronically with Indian authorities.
Step 5: Processing Time
Indicative timeframes:
- In India: 3–21 days (longer if police verification is delayed)
- Outside India: 2–6 weeks (varies by consulate and verification requirements)
Once approved, the PCC is issued as:
- A paper certificate, or
- An official letter issued by the consulate
Using an Indian PCC Overseas
If your Indian PCC will be used outside India, you may need additional authentication.
Apostille of Indian PCCs
For countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is usually required.
Key points:
- Apostilles are issued in India by authorities authorised by the Ministry of External Affairs
- PCCs issued by Indian embassies overseas may still need apostille or legalisation, depending on the destination country
Legalisation for Non-Hague Countries
If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member:
- Full consular or embassy legalisation may be required after MEA authentication
Certified Translation
If the PCC is not accepted in English or Hindi:
- A certified translation may be required
- Some authorities also require the translation to be apostilled
Validity of an Indian PCC
There is no universal validity period, but common practice is:
- Immigration: issued within the last 6–12 months
- Employment: issued within the last 3–6 months
Validity is determined by the receiving authority, not India.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying at the wrong consulate or jurisdiction
❌ Selecting the wrong purpose for the PCC
❌ Assuming old PCCs can be reused indefinitely
❌ Not accounting for police verification delays
❌ Forgetting apostille or legalisation requirements
Should You Use a Professional Service?
Professional assistance can be helpful if:
- You live outside India
- You have multiple previous Indian addresses
- Police verification is delayed
- You need apostille or embassy legalisation
- Tight immigration deadlines apply
This is particularly common for migration, notary, and apostille clients.