Posted on: Sep 19, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

PCC in Passport: Process, Documents and Validity

best countries for solo travel

Planning to apply for a long-term work or residential visa in India? Your background check, which can confirm no criminal record, is crucial. Simply put, you need to apply for a PCC in your passport for living in or working overseas. Read on to gain valuable insight into the topic and make an informed decision.

And yes, make sure you have travel insurance with you when travelling to an international country, regardless of the purpose. This will safeguard your whole stay overseas against unanticipated medical crises, accidents, flight cancellations, and loss of baggage or passport. So, choose a reliable international travel insurance company to experience a seamless claim settlement procedure.

What Is PCC?

PCC stands for Police Clearance Certificate. As the name suggests, this is a legal document that validates that the applicant has no criminal antecedents and is free from all penalties or prosecution. It is worth noting that different states have diverse fast-track methods of issuing PCCs. Hence, you should do extensive research to know how your state government or nearby local police station can make obtaining the PCC feasible for you. These are often obtained for emigration and employment formalities.

What Is PCC In a Passport?

The Police Clearance Certificate or PCC is for those passport holders who want to migrate or need a long-term visa for residency and employment in a foreign country. However, this does not apply to applicants looking to obtain a tourist visa. Keep in mind that this is an essential document issued by the police department or government authorities to verify if an applicant has a prior criminal history and whether the residential address is authentic.

The government makes the document PCC necessary for every visa applicant travelling to any of the ECR (Emigration Check Required) or non-ECR countries. It fosters safety and integrity in international pre-job screening, as well as for immigration purposes.

What do You Need When Applying for a PCC for a Passport?

To apply for a PCC in a passport, you need to undergo an online application procedure. In this form, you need to input your relevant personal details along with the following documents:

• The applicant’s old passport

• Photocopies of ECR/non-ECR pages. And yes, there should also be a photocopy of the page of observation (if any)

• A valid proof of present residential address (if there is any change in the address)

• A copy of an Employment Contract that confirms ties with a foreign employer

• A self-attested copy of the valid visa (If it is obtained)

• Additionally, submit an Official English translation if the visa is in another foreign language.

How Do You Apply for a PCC in Passport Online?

Here’s how you can apply for the PCC:

1. Through The Indian Embassy

To apply for a PCC or Police Clearance Certificate in a passport via the Indian Embassy, please follow the steps:

• Go to the official website of the Indian Embassy.

• Download the PCC application form.

• Submit the requisite personal details along with the mandatory documents.

• Then, your PCC application form will be processed by the Passport Authority in India (PIA).

• After the verification procedure, the PIA will release the Passport PCC status report.

• After receiving that confirmation report, the respective Indian Embassy will issue a PCC for your passport.

2. Through the Passport Seva Portal or the Regional Post Office

Here are some simple and straightforward online steps that you need to follow:

• Create an account on the Passport Seva Portal

• Log in to the account with valid credentials

• Navigate to “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate”

• Please fill out the application form carefully and review it

• Go to the Submitted Application Tab and hit it

• Choose the Pay and Schedule Appointment option

• Pay the mandatory PPC fee

• Have the printed receipt of the transaction

• Go to the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Post Office with original documents and their attested photocopies.

How Do You Apply for a PCC for a Passport from the Local Police Station?

Do you want to opt to obtain a PCC from the local police station? Check out the following steps:

1. Know the Reason

First of all, you should know why you should have a PCC.

2. Visit Your Nearby Police Station

You should have valid proof of address to get a No Prior Criminal History Certificate.

3. Fill out the Application

Provide accurate personal details and the purpose of travelling to the foreign country while submitting the application form.

4. Document Submission

Make sure to submit all mandatory documentation to ensure no delays or application rejection.

5. Verification Process

Finally, you will need to undergo the verification process, such as short interviews and fingerprint identification.

Conclusion

The Indian government has made accessing the PCC for a passport smooth and seamless for every applicant. The advancement in digitalisation eliminates the risk of fraudulent activities or corrupt practices. So, follow the steps mentioned above and enjoy a smooth PCC for the passport procedure. Additionally, if you are planning a trip to Schengen, make sure to buy Schengen travel insurance.

FAQs

1. What is the fee for the PCC for a passport?

Typically, the application procedure for the PCC for a passport costs INR 500.

2. For how long is a passport valid?

Your Police Clearance Certificate for a PPC is for only 6 months. After this time limit, you need to apply for its renewal before undergoing the stay/work visa renewal process.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.


RELATED ARTICLES

Tatkal Passport: Documents Required

Passport Renewal vs. Reissue: The Difference

Passport Fees in India: Charges, Payment Methods & Tips

Passport for Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Reschedule Passport Appointment?


Blog