Description
A South African Police Clearance Certificate is commonly required for immigration, employment, study, or residency abroad. We assist clients with the application process by providing guidance on documentation, submission requirements, and follow-ups in line with SAPS procedures.
Important notice:
Certificates RSA is an independent document assistance company and is not affiliated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Police clearance certificates are issued by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria.
South African Police Clearance Certificate - General application process
The outline below explains the standard SAPS process. Our team assists clients with the preparation and submission of these requirements.
- Application form
The SAPS 91(a) application form must be completed with accurate personal details, including full names, identity or passport information, and contact details.
- Fingerprinting
Fingerprints are required as part of the application. These are usually taken at a SAPS police station or an accredited fingerprint service provider.
- Supporting documents
Applicants are required to provide supporting documents, such as a copy of an identity document or passport. Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.
Our team assists clients with applying for a Police Clearance Certificate South Africa for overseas use.
Important note
Processing times and requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances or changes in regulations.
For a full overview of the documents required for immigration and overseas applications from South Africa, please see our detailed guide here.
We also assist with apostille and birth certificate assistance, where required
Apostille service - https://certificatesrsa.co.za/apostille-south-africa/
Birth certificate assistance - https://certificatesrsa.co.za/product/birth-certificates-sa/
How to apply
After completing your online order, please email the following documents to onlineorders@certificatesrsa.co.za:
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A certified copy of your identity document or passport
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A set of fingerprints obtained from a SAPS police station or an accredited fingerprint service provider (SAPS 91(a) form)
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For applicants outside South Africa, applications can be submitted via courier, with fingerprints completed at a local police station or embassy
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Proof of payment of the SAPS police clearance fee (currently R190.00), usually paid at the police station at the time of fingerprinting. If payment is not accepted at the station, we can assist with an EFT payment to SAPS on your behalf
Police clearance certificates are issued in the name reflected on the identity document or passport and the completed SAPS application form.
Applicants who require a maiden surname to be reflected on the police clearance certificate must ensure that this is indicated on the fingerprint application form. A copy of the marriage certificate should be included, and a note made on the application form to reflect this requirement. If the maiden surname is not recorded on the application form, it will not be added
Lead time
The estimated processing time for a South African Police Clearance Certificate is approximately 15 working days from the date the application is submitted to SAPS.
Please note that this timeframe is an estimate only and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Applications involving criminal records, verification requirements, or additional checks may take longer to process.
Certificates RSA provides document assistance and follows up where possible; however, processing times are determined by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre (CRC). Delays may occur due to factors beyond our control.
Disclaimer:
Certificates RSA does not guarantee processing or delivery times and cannot accept responsibility for delays, losses, or additional costs resulting from delays or errors originating from third-party authorities, including SAPS.
Additional costs
Courier fees are not included in the service fee and will be billed separately once the police clearance certificate is ready for dispatch.
Estimated courier costs are as follows:
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South Africa (main areas): R280.00
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South Africa (outlying areas): R500.00
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International courier: R1 200.00
Courier charges may vary depending on location, service provider, or changes in courier rates at the time of dispatch. Clients will be notified of the applicable courier fee before shipment.
