How to get a police clearance certificate

A clear criminal record is essential when applying for certain jobs, travelling, or moving to another country.

For many, this requires a Police Clearance Certificate – an official document issued by the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR&CSM) in Pretoria, stating whether or not any criminal convictions have been recorded against an individual.

To apply, the following is needed:

• A full set of fingerprints on a SAPS 91(a) when living in South Africa. The fingerprints must be taken by the South African Police Service. Persons living outside South Africa may apply at any police station or at the South African Embassy

• Fingerprints must be taken on the official fingerprint forms of the applicable country or, if available, on the SAPS 91(a) fingerprint enquiry form

• An application form must be duly completed

• A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document or passport must be presented at the police station

• Should a maiden surname or other surnames be required, mention must be made in the application and documentary proof – such as a certified copy of marriage certificate – must be attached to the application

• Proof of payment for the R190 application fee must be provided. The non-refundable tariff is payable in cash at the nearest police station or electronically into the SAPS’ account in favour of the national commissioner of the South African Police Service. Finance offices at the police station close at 2pm

• Applicants living in South Africa may, at no additional cost, request that the police station forward the applications to CR&CSM. The applicant may also hand deliver the application to CR&CSM or use a courier service at his/her own cost

Postal address

The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
South African Police Service
Private Bag X308
PRETORIA
South Africa
0001

Physical address

The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
South African Police Service
Bothongo Plaza West
CRC Client Service Centre
1st Floor, Room 14
271 Francis Baard Street
PRETORIA

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY