How to get Police clearance certificates in South Africa

Document reading, What is a Police Clearance Certificate? with South African flag.

1. What a Police Clearance Certificate Is

A police clearance certificate (also called a criminal record check) is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

It confirms whether or not an individual has a criminal record.

It is often required for:

Employment, especially in security, finance, or childcare sectors.

Immigration or visa applications.

Adoption or volunteer work abroad.

Professional licensing and security clearances.

South African passport, flag, and police clearance certificate with text Who can Apply.

2. Who Can Apply

South African citizens and permanent residents.

Foreign nationals who have lived in South Africa and require a local police clearance.

Individuals applying for certificates for personal, professional, or legal reasons.

Types of Police Clearance Certificates, Police Clearance Certificates, and Certificate of Character.

3. Types of Certificates

SAPS Police Clearance Certificate – For South African residents with a local criminal record check.

International Police Clearance Certificate – Required for visa or immigration purposes abroad.

Fingerprint-based Certificate – Needed if applying from outside South Africa or if identity verification is required.

Documents required for Police Clearance Certificate including application form, ID, fingerprints.

4. Required Documents

For South African Residents:

Fully completed application form (SAP 91 form for fingerprints or DHA form where applicable).

Certified copy of a valid South African ID or passport.

Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, if requested).

Two recent passport-sized photographs.

Fingerprint card (if applicable).

For Foreign Applicants or Applications from Abroad:

Certified copy of passport.

Fingerprints taken by a local police authority or accredited agency.

Completed application form.

Additional Requirements:

Processing fees (varies depending on the purpose and service speed).

If certificate is requested for employment abroad, include a letter from the requesting authority stating requirements.

Step-by-Step application for Police Clearance Certificate with form, fingerprints, identity document.

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

Determine the Type of Clearance Required:

Check whether your employer, embassy, or organization requires a local or international certificate.

Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the SAPS or relevant form accurately.

Gather Required Documents:

ID, proof of residence, photographs, fingerprint card (if applicable).

Certified copies may be required for foreign applications.

Submit the Application:

Submit in person at a local SAPS Criminal Record Centre.

Some applications for international purposes can be submitted via post or through authorized agencies.

Pay Applicable Fees:

Standard fees range around R100–R200 for local certificates.

Additional fees may apply for urgent processing or international applications.

Fingerprinting (if required):

Some certificates require fingerprints to verify identity.

Fingerprints can be taken at a SAPS office or accredited agency.

Processing Time:

Standard local clearance: 7–21 working days.

International or postal applications may take several weeks.

Receive Your Certificate:

Collect in person or receive via post, depending on how you applied.

Check that personal details are accurate.