Applying for a visa and require a police verification certificate? This article explains the A to Z of obtaining a PCC Certificate in Kerala. Keep reading to learn more!
A police clearance certificate in Kerala is a crucial document that proves that a person has not been convicted of a crime, breach of trust case, or any other legal infraction while residing abroad or in their country of origin. Different states have different requirements for issuing such a certificate. In this article, we examine Kerala’s police clearance certificate (PCC certificate) application process.
Requirement for Police Clearance Certificate
The following are the primary uses of a police clearance certificate:
- To conduct business overseas
- Visa application for entry into certain countries
- International emigration
- Employment
- Enrollment in a university abroad
- Employment as a tour guide
Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala (PCC Certificate)
The following three applicant categories are generally accepted by the Kerala Police Department when issuing Police Clearance Certificates.
- Application directly in Kerala
- Application from within India but not from Kerala
- Foreign application
Required Documents for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
-
Address Proof
A certified copy of any of the following may serve as proof of address:
- Ration card copy
- ID of voters
- Book SSLC
- Passport,
- A duplicate of the bank account passbook,
- An Aadhaar card
2. Identity Proof
A certified copy of any of the following documents may serve are identity proof:
- Identity card provided by a State or Central Government institution
- Aadhaar card
- A passport
- Voter identification card
- Driver’s license
A duplicate of the letter or other documentation stating that passport-size color photos and a certificate are required (3 Nos.)
Application for a Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala
- Step 1: Apply along with the required documents to the police station. It’s worth noting that either the applicant or an authorized person can apply for the PCC certificate.
- Step 2: Pay the required fee in cash at the District Police Office (DPO) or the police station. Alternatively, the applicant can make an online payment through the e-Treasury portal or send treasury cash to the appropriate Head of Account.
- Step 3: After verification, the District Police Chief (DPC) will issue the Police Clearance Certificate.
Certificate of Police Clearance for UAE Visa
For individuals applying for an employment visa in the UAE, they should visit the relevant police station. For other visa types, they should go to the office of the district police chief.
The Station House Officer (SHO) will promptly verify the individual’s identity, address, and involvement in criminal cases upon receiving the application. The SHO will issue the PCC Certificate within three days for the specified period, bearing his signature and seal.
It’s important to note that only an officer with the substantive rank of Sub Inspector, such as an Inspector SHO or SHO, should sign a police clearance certificate in Kerala (PCC).
Foreign Request for Police Clearance Certificate
Individuals residing outside Kerala or abroad in need of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC certificate) can apply online by downloading the required forms from the Kerala Police website
The completed form, along with attested copies of the necessary documents, should be sent via email to the relevant Station House Officer (SHO), along with authorization for a family member or representative to collect the PCC on behalf of the applicant.
Alternatively, the applicant can apply in person to the SHO or District Police Chief (DPC) through an authorized individual or agency. After the verification process, the SHO or DPC will issue the PCC, handing it directly to the designated person authorized by the applicant.
Thereafter, the PCC, duly approved and scanned as a PDF file, will be sent to the applicant’s specified email address from the official email address of the SHO or DPC if the electronic mode of PCC is requested.
Certificate of Police Clearance in Criminal Cases
A Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala cannot be issued if it is discovered that the candidate is involved in a criminal case, excluding strict liability offenses like traffic offenses, etc., in any police station, district, city, or elsewhere. In such cases, the Station House Officer (SHO) or District Police Chief (DPC) will notify the applicant that the PCC cannot be granted due to their involvement in the specified criminal case(s).
The letter will include details such as
- Crime Rate
- Components of Offence
- Date of the Incident
- current State (Under investigation, Undertrial, or Convicted).
Police Clearance Certificate Status
The status of Police Clearance Certificates varies by state. Applicants may receive an SMS notifying them of their clearance status, after which they must visit the police station with their passports to collect the PCC certificate.
Once received, applicants should promptly upload the Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala on the Passport Seva website. Using the Track Application Status tab on the website’s homepage, applicants can enter their file number, birth date, and application type (IC, PCC, or passport) to check their application status. This ensures transparency and allows applicants to monitor the progress of their applications easily.
Track the Status of the Police Clearance Certificate for Indians Residing Outside of India
If you’re an Indian residing outside of India and need to track your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC certificate) status, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website through Indian Embassies and Consulates.
- Step 2: Select the country or region where you are applying for the PCC.
- Step 3: You will be directed to the Passport Seva website for that location.
- Step 4: Click on the ‘Track Status’ option.
- Step 5: Enter your Application Reference Number on the next page.
- Step 6: Provide your date of birth and the captcha code.
- Step 7: Click on the ‘Track Application Status’ button to check the status of your PCC application.
These steps ensure that you can monitor the progress of your PCC application efficiently, even while residing outside of India.
Duration Taken for Police Clearance Certificate to be Issued
The issuance of a Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala (PCC) at the Passport Seva Kendra depends on several factors:
- Immediate Issuance: If the Police Verification Report related to the current passport is clear with no adverse findings, the PCC may be issued on the same day at the Passport Seva Kendra.
- After Police Verification: In cases where police verification is required, the PCC will be issued only after the verification process is complete. The Passport Office will notify the applicant once the Police Verification Report is received.
- Special Cases: There are exceptions where police verification may not be necessary initially, such as when the applicant was a minor at the time of passport issuance, or if they were a dependent of a government employee. In such cases, the issuance of the PCC may follow a different procedure.
Applicants are required to visit the Passport Office with their passport after receiving notification to collect their Police Clearance Certificate.
How To Get a Police Clearance Certificate From a Local Police Station?
To obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala from a local police station, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the nearest police station in your locality.
- Step 2: The police officer will conduct a background check and may ask questions regarding the purpose of your application for the PCC certificate.
- Step 3: Submit all the necessary documents as requested by the police officer.
- Step 4: Pay the applicable application fees as specified.
By following these steps diligently, you can successfully apply for and obtain a Police Clearance Certificate from your local police station.
Conclusion
If you are seeking further information about the Police Clearance Certificate in Kerala or any other legal topics, feel free to reach out to our legal experts at Vakilsearch. Our experts are available to provide you with comprehensive information and guidance on various legal matters across the country.
FAQs
How can I get a police clearance certificate in Kerala?
To get a police clearance certificate in Kerela, submit an application at the local police station or the Passport Seva Kendra.
How long will it take for PCC in Kerala?
The processing time for a PCC in Kerala is usually 7-15 days, but it may vary depending on the workload.
What are the documents required for PCC?
The required documents for a PCC in Kerala include: ● Passport ● Application receipt ● Address proof (current) ● Ration card copy ● ID of voters ● Book SSLC ● Aadhaar card ● Bank account passbook duplicate ● Passport-size color photos
How to get a police clearance certificate (PCC) from a local police station?
To get a police clearance certificate, apply to the local police station or the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
The fee for a PCC in Kerala is ₹500.
Is PCC issued the same day?
PCC may not be issued the same day, and you may need to wait for some time due to processing delays.
Will police come to home for PCC?
The police will not visit your home for PCC verification.
What is the difference between police verification and PCC?
Police verification is a process to check the applicant's background and ensure they are reliable and compliant. On the other hand, PCC is a document that certifies a person has not been convicted of a crime or involved in any legal infraction.
Why is PCC rejected?
PCC may be rejected if the applicant has a criminal record or is under investigation for any criminal offense.
What does police check in PCC?
While issuing a PCC, the police will check your criminal records, including FIRs, chargesheets, and convictions.
Why should I pay the police ₹500 for the verification for a passport?
A ₹500 fee is levied for issuing a PCC. PCC is required while applying for Visa, enrolling in acollege abroad or joining a company.
Is PCC required for a student Visa?
Yes, a PCC is required for obtaining student visas.
What are the steps for PCC?
Submit the application and required documents at the local police station Pay the fee for the PCC Wait for the processing, which may take some time
What are the photos required for PCC?
You will need to provide passport-size color photos for obatining PCC.
How many documents required for a passport?
For a passport, you need to submit the following documents: Passport application form Passport-sized photos Proof of address Valid identification documents (e.g., voter ID, Aadhaar card, or passport) Date of birth proof Residence proof Parents' or guardians' identification documents
