South African Police Clearance Certificates

What Is a South African Police Clearance Certificate

A South African Police Clearance Certificate, commonly referred to as a PCC, is an official document issued by the SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Centre in Pretoria. The certificate confirms whether any criminal convictions are recorded against an individual on the South African criminal record system at the time of issue. Only the SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Centre is authorised to issue Police Clearance Certificates. Private companies do not issue certificates and do not act on behalf of SAPS.

How the South African Police Clearance Application Process Works

The Police Clearance process consists of three main stages:

• Submission of original application forms and supporting documents to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria
• Processing and registration of the application by SAPS
• Collection of the finalised Police Clearance Certificate once issued

Applicants outside South Africa often use a private facilitation service to handle the physical submission, follow-ups, and collection in Pretoria, as SAPS does not accept electronic submissions.

How DPCC Assists With the Process

DACRO Personal Case Consultants is a private facilitation service that assists South Africans locally and abroad with the administrative and logistical steps involved in obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate. DPCC does not issue Police Clearance Certificates and does not represent SAPS. The role of DPCC is limited to:

• Reviewing applications for completeness
• Submitting original documents to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre
• Following up on progress through in-person visits
• Collecting the certificate once finalised
• Performing a quality check before couriering the original document to the client

This service is designed to reduce delays, errors, and uncertainty for applicants who cannot manage the process in person.

Who This Service Is Typically Used By

This type of facilitation service is commonly used by:

• South Africans living abroad
• Applicants with time-sensitive visa, immigration or employment deadlines
• Individuals unable to submit documents in Pretoria themselves
• Applicants who want ongoing status updates and documents verification

Documents Required for a Police Clearance Application

To submit a Police Clearance application, the following original documents are required:

• Original fingerprint enquiry form, SAPS 91a or the official fingerprint form used in the country of application
• Completed SAPS application form
• Proof of payment of the SAPS application fee of R190, paid at the Police Station when having your fingerprints taken (we pay this on your behalf if you are applying from abroad)
• Clear copy of South African ID or passport
• Copy of marriage certificate if a maiden surname must be reflected

Electronic or scanned applications are not accepted by SAPS.
Application forms can be requested directly from DPCC.

Fingerprints Taken Outside South Africa

Applicants outside South Africa may have their fingerprints taken using either:

• The SAPS 91a fingerprint enquiry form, or
• The official fingerprint enquiry form of the country where the application is made

In most countries, fingerprints are taken by the local police or authorised biometric agencies. This includes countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Maiden Surnames on Police Clearance Certificates

Some immigration authorities require a maiden surname to appear on the Police Clearance Certificate. Applicants are advised to confirm this requirement with the relevant visa authority before submitting an application, as SAPS will only reflect the information provided at submission.

What Happens After Submission

Once an application is received by DPCC:

• The applicant is notified of receipt
• The application is submitted to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre
• Proof of submission is issued to the applicant
• A SAPS enquiry number is allocated to the application and provided to the applicant, once registered

DPCC Conducts regular in-person follow-ups at the SAPS Criminal Record Centre and provides progress updates as information becomes available.


Once the certificate is issued:

• A scanned copy is emailed to the applicant
• The original certificate is quality-checked by DPCC
• The original certificate is couriered to the nominated address of the applicant

Where Applications Are Sent

Applications submitted via DPCC are couriered to: Attention: Chris DACRO Personal Case Consultants 18 Howard Avenue Millgate Chartwell 2055 South Africa Applicants are requested to share courier tracking details so submissions can be scheduled efficiently.

Fees and Payment Structure

DPCC charges a private facilitation fee for handling submission, follow-up, collection, quality checks, and courier coordination. There are NO UPFRONT PAYMENT and NO HIDDEN FEES. An invoice is issued only after your application has been successfully submitted to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre. Payment is due within seven days, and processing is not delayed while awaiting payment. For a detailed quote and full cost breakdown, you can request assistance directly.

Getting Further Assistance

If you require application forms, guidance on fingerprints, or clarification on whether a facilitation service is appropriate for your situation, DPCC provides direct assistance. Phone: +27 (0)73 727 7121 Email: info@dpcc.co.za

Important Disclaimer

DPCC is a private facilitation service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the South African Police Service. All Police Clearance Certificates are issued solely by the SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Centre.