Urgent Police Clearance Certificate: Your Admin Checklist

Applying for a police clearance certificate in South Africa can become confusing when you’re unsure about requirements. Missing a document or submitting incorrect paperwork can delay your application by three to four weeks – frustrating when you need your certificate for immigration or employment.

This guide breaks down what you need for a successful South African police clearance application. We provide a clear checklist to prevent common mistakes and avoid delays to your processing time.

Get an urgent police clearance certificate. Contact us today for assistance with your application in five to seven business days.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate in South Africa?

First, let’s clarify what this document is.

A police clearance certificate in South Africa is an official document. The South African Police Service (SAPS) issues it and the Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria processes it. This certificate shows your criminal record check results. SAPS uses your fingerprints and identity number to verify your background.

When SAPS finds no convictions, your SAPS police clearance certificate states that no crimes have been recorded against your name. International authorities recognise this certification.

Here’s when you’ll need this certificate: You’ll need a police clearance certificate for visa applications, employment screenings and immigration. Employers often require a police clearance for employment during background checks. This applies particularly to positions involving vulnerable populations or security clearances. A police clearance for immigration is essential when applying for permanent residency or citizenship in another country.

Top Three Essential for Police Clearance Application

Before you start, let’s cover the three documents you need. Getting your police clearance online or through a service provider requires these items. Missing any of these means SAPS will reject your application.

Your Full Set of Fingerprints

A professional must take your fingerprints. Visit your nearest SAPS station or contact us to have fingerprints taken professionally. These fingerprints allow SAPS to search their database for any criminal records linked to you. Smudged or incomplete prints will cause delays.

A Completed Application Form

Your application form must include your full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth and identity number. Any errors or missing information will send your application back. We provide downloadable forms on our website to ensure you’re using current versions.

High-Quality ID or Passport Copy

Submit a clear, legible copy of your South African ID or passport. Poor-quality copies that obscure details mean SAPS will reject your application.

Important caveat: If you have a prior conviction, your police clearance certificate processing time could be 30 working days or longer. SAPS requires additional verification steps for applicants with criminal records. Plan accordingly if this applies to you.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate

Applying for a police clearance certificate Pretoria processed document involves several steps. Here’s the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

Collect your fingerprints, completed application form and ID or passport copy. Verify your fingerprints are clear and your form contains accurate information.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

The Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria processes police certificate South Africa certificates exclusively. You can submit applications directly or let us handle submission on your behalf.

Step 3: Processing and Verification

Once submitted, SAPS loads your fingerprints and identity number into their system. They cross-reference this information against criminal records databases. Applications without prior convictions process within five to seven business days when using our expedited police clearance service. Those with prior convictions take 30+ working days.

Step 4: Collection and Delivery

After SAPS issues your certificate, someone must collect it from the Criminal Record Centre. We retrieve your completed certificate and courier it to Cape Town, Johannesburg or your location nationwide.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application

Even with the right documents, certain errors can derail your application.

Incomplete fingerprints are one of the main reasons why SAPS rejects applications. Check each print is visible before submitting. If you can’t clearly see the loops and whorls, SAPS won’t accept them. Ensure every finger is clearly printed without smudges or gaps.

Outdated forms means SAPS automatically rejects your application. SAPS updates their forms periodically, so download fresh copies from our website before every application.

Submitting unclear ID copies wastes time. Your identity document must be clearly legible with all details visible.

Incorrect information on your application form (even minor spelling errors) means SAPS rejects your application. Double-check every field against your official documents before submitting.

Police Clear: Urgent Police Clearance Certificates

We specialise in South African police clearance certificates with accreditation from SAPS. Our processing system submits applications directly to the Criminal Record Centre. This ensures five to seven business day turnaround.

We serve both local and international clients. Providing progress reports on request, we deliver locally within Cape Town and Johannesburg areas and courier certificates nationwide.

Beyond police clearances, we also assist with:

• Document attestation in South Africa
• Sworn translation services
• Qualification verification services

We handle everything from submission to delivery, assisting with your criminal record check five to seven business days.