Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) For Passport In India: Complete Guide 2026

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a valuable document of authority which confirms that a person has no criminal history or negative police records in their name. It is needed to serve several functions, including visa, long-term jobs in foreign countries, immigration, and residential status in foreign countries. It is the opposite of the normal issuing of a passport because a PCC is all about your personal background and character check.

This comprehensive guide explains how to get PCC in India, covering the passport PCC application, eligibility, required documents, processing time, validity, and procedures for applicants both in India and abroad.

What Is A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate is a formal document issued by the Indian government (typically through the Passport Seva Kendra or the police department), which is a certificate that confirms your absence of criminal history on record with the local or national police records. It is also known as a certificate of good conduct.

A PCC for passport purposes is usually required in the following situations:

• Lodging an application for overseas employment.

• Pursuing immigration or long-term resident visas.

• Reclassifying residential in a foreign country.

• Application of study programmes that involve security checks.

• Some administrative or legal purposes abroad.

• On a normal visa, short-term tourist travel does not need a PCC.

What Is The Application Process Of A Police Clearance Certificate In India?

Applying for a police clearance certificate online is a structured and mostly digital process. The steps below outline what applicants can expect during the PCC apply online India procedure.

The following is a step-by-step list that needs to be followed to apply to PCC:

Step 1: Sign up or log in using your credentials at the Passport Seva site.

Step 2: Select the option for passport PCC application from the services menu.

Step 3: Fill in your own and passport information correctly.

Step 4: Select a date to be verified at the closest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Step 5: Fee payment ( The fee payment varies according to the category/country, generally ₹500 or more).

Step 6: Visit the appointment with original documents to verify them and be biometric

Step 7: Local police authorities conduct the PCC verification process, including address and identity checks.

Step 8: When you are found and processed, you get your PCC, which can be downloaded online or can be collected physically.

Also Read: How To Renew/Change A Digital Signature Certificate?

PCC Processing Time And Validity

The time taken to issue a PCC depends on verification and documentation accuracy. Below, you will find details on the average processing duration and how validity may vary based on purpose and destination country.

Processing Time

• The processing schedule of the PCC mainly relies on the police validation and clearance.

• Normal processing can be done in 21-30 days after application.

• PCC can even be issued in 7-10 days in certain situations when police verification has already been done or no negative reports have beene received.

Validity

• The general validity of PCC should be 3 to 6 months from the date of issue.

• The validity of the exact demand may be different according to the foreign authority which is requesting the same, so it is always advisable to verify the individual country's requirement before doing the same.

Also Read: Caste Certificate: Application Process, Benefits & Eligibility

How To Check The Status Of The Public Clearance Certificate?

After submitting your PCC application, tracking its progress helps you stay informed and prepared. The steps explain the simple ways to check your application status online and through official channels.

Step 1: Enter the Passport Seva portal.

Step 2: Click on Track Application Status.

Step 3: Key in the file number and the date of birth.

Step 4: The portal will indicate the status: pending or issued.

Step 5: In case of an issue, there will be a download link.

The passport service helpline (1800-258-1800) can also be called to get the status of the PCC.

Conclusion

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an essential document for Indian passport holders planning to work, study, or settle abroad. It confirms good conduct through a structured PCC verification process conducted by passport authorities and local police.

Whether you are applying from India, through an Indian Embassy abroad, or as a foreign resident in India, understanding how to get PCC in India, the required documents, timelines, and validity can save time and prevent delays. With proper preparation and accurate documentation, obtaining a PCC becomes a smooth and manageable process—bringing you one step closer to your global plans.

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