Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): How to Apply Online in India

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) confirms you have no pending criminal cases in India, and is commonly required for overseas jobs, long-term visas, immigration, and citizenship applications in other countries. In India, it's issued through the Passport Seva system, since it relies on your existing passport record.

Who needs a PCC

• People applying for a long-term visa, work permit, or permanent residency abroad — most countries require one as part of background verification.
• Indians applying for jobs overseas where the employer or embassy specifically asks for police clearance.
• Anyone applying for foreign citizenship who needs to prove a clean record from every country they've lived in, including India.

Eligibility and what you need

• A valid Indian passport — PCC applications are processed through the Passport Seva portal, so you must already hold a passport.
• Proof of current address, since local police verification is often part of the process.
• No pending criminal case at your current address, for a straightforward PCC issuance.

Step-by-step: apply for a PCC

1. Log in to the Passport Seva portal with your existing registered account (or register if you don't have one).
2. Select "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate" from the services list.
3. Fill in the application form with your passport and current address details, and specify the purpose (the destination country usually needs to be stated).
4. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office if in-person verification is required.
5. Carry your original passport and address proof to the appointment; local police verification may follow depending on your case.
6. Track your application status online and download the PCC once issued.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a PCC and a passport are the same document — a PCC is a separate certificate applied for through the same Passport Seva system.
• Not checking the destination country's specific PCC format requirements (some want an apostille or embassy attestation on top of the PCC itself).
• Using unauthorised agents who claim to "fast-track" the process — PCC applications go through the same official verification regardless of who submits them.