If you’re planning to travel or immigrate to another country, one of the requirements is often a police clearance certificate. This document proves that you have no criminal record and is usually issued by the police department of your home country. In South Africa, this certificate can be obtained through a process that involves several steps.
Step 1: Get Your Fingerprints Taken
The first step in obtaining a police clearance certificate in South Africa is getting your fingerprints taken. You can do this at any police station or at an accredited private agency. Make sure to bring your ID book or passport with you when getting your fingerprints taken.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
After getting your fingerprints taken, you need to complete the application form for a police clearance certificate. This form can be obtained from any police station or downloaded online from the SAPS website. Make sure to fill out all sections correctly and attach a certified copy of your ID book or passport.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the application form and attached all necessary documents, you need to submit it to the Criminal Record Centre (CRC) of the SAPS either by mail or in person. If submitting by mail, make sure to include a self-addressed envelope for them to send back your certificate.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, it will take approximately six weeks for processing. During this time, the CRC will conduct a search of their databases and those of other relevant parties such as Interpol.
Step 5: Collect Your Certificate
Once your application has been processed and approved, you can collect your police clearance certificate from the CRC office where you submitted your application. Make sure to bring your ID book or passport with you when collecting.
In conclusion, obtaining a police clearance certificate in South Africa may seem like a daunting task but by following these simple steps, it’s actually quite straightforward. Just make sure to plan ahead as it takes approximately six weeks for processing so don’t leave it until the last minute!
