Police Verification Certificate: What is a Police Verification Certificate? A Police Verification Certificate is an official document issued by the Indian police or relevant government agency to an individual. The process essentially verifies if the individual has any criminal records against them and then issues a verification certificate if no such records exist.
Students can find more about Certificates, explore the types used for academic purposes, professional purposes and more.
What are the Applications of a Police Verification Certificate?
This certificate is required for a variety of reasons, such as
- For foreign nationals staying in India
- For Indian nationals going abroad
- For Central or State Government job applications
- For Cooli/ Class IV security staff/ Loader/ supervisor at Airport
- For Housekeeping staff or Domestic servant
- For job aspirants/ employees (Private)
- For Marriage Alliances
- For NSS/NCC Students attending training camps
- For apprenticeship or training at Public sector undertakings
- For trainees or workers working on daily wages at Government Institutions
- For comparison and verification of fingerprints.
What is the Validity of Police Verification Certificate?
Traditionally, police verification certificates do not have a validity stated on them, however, one may have to renew the certificate depending on the requirements of the respective asking authority. Furthermore, police verification certificates are only issued to individuals who are over the age of 18.
Application Process for Police Verification Certificate
Until recently, one had to visit their respective local police station to apply for a police verification certificate. The process was quite cumbersome and time-consuming. Today, an individual can apply online and the certificate will be issued to them within 15 to 30 days of application.
Based on nationality and current place of residence, the application process for PVC/ PCC can be categorized into the following:
- Indian Nationals residing within India
- Indian Nationals residing outside India
- Foreign Nationals residing in India
Indian Nationals residing within India
These individuals must apply for verification through the official Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. The process involves:
- Registering themselves and filling up an application form.
- Individuals will also have to pay application fees before they can schedule an appointment.
- Applicants must submit the required documents personally at the nearest PSK
- After the submission of documents, applicants will be subjected to police verification at their stated place of residence. Applicants will have to compulsorily be present during the verification.
- The certificate can then be collected from the PSK office in person. Alternatively, the applicant can have the certificate delivered to their registered address via speed post.
- It usually takes anywhere from 15 to 20 days to receive a response after the initial date of application.
Indian Nationals Residing outside India
For Indian Nationals staying outside India, they will have to approach the respective Indian Diplomatic Post/ Mission which has legal jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. The applicant will usually have to apply in person for the certificate
Foreign Nationals Residing in India
For Foreign Nationals residing in India, they are instructed to apply through the e-FRRO portal (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). Please note that once the application has been submitted, applicants are instructed not to leave India before the issue of the verification certificate. Time taken to issue the certificate is between one and three weeks.
Applying Within Karnataka
For Indian citizens residing in Karnataka, they have the following option to procure a PVC. The following steps will elaborate on the process in detail:
- Log into the police department’s official website and download the application form.
- Fill the form and pay the fees on BangaloreOne or KarnatakaOne websites
- Furnish the receipt to the respective police station to avail the requested certificate.
- Police will visit the applicant’s house for verification and the certificate will usually be issued within 15 days from the date of application.
Documents Required for Police Verification for Job
The following are the documents that have to be kept ready during the application process for the police verification certificate.
- Company letter (in case of working employee)
- Bonafide Certificate (in case of a student)
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa
- Written application to Principal Secretary
- Lease / Rental agreement
Police Clearance Certificate Letter Format
Following is a format commonly used for requesting a police verification certificate:
Police Clearance Request Letter From ____ Dated: ___ To, The Principal Secretary Government of Karnataka Home Department Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore Respected Sir/ Madam, Sub: Request for issue of police clearance certificate for job Purpose I, ___ of ____, with National holding Passport Number _____ would like to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. I require this Clearance Certificate for the purpose of ____. I am currently residing in ____. I have attached all the required documents to this application and I sincerely request you to issue my Police Clearance Certificate at the earliest. Thank You Yours Sincerely, (Signature) *Name* |
FAQ’s on Police Verification Certificate
Question 1.
How to get a police verification certificate for a job?
Answer:
A Police Verification Certificate is an official document which is issued by the Indian police or relevant government agency to an individual for the purpose of verifying if they have any criminal proceedings against them.
Question 2.
What is the purpose of a police verification certificate?
Answer:
A PVC is primarily a prerequisite for travelling to other countries. It is also required for a variety of other reasons, such as part of the hiring process for state government /central government jobs as well as for other jobs such as Coolie, Class IV security staff, Loader and supervisors at Indian domestic and international Airports. It is also done for individuals where the nature of work is important – such drivers and armed guards that transport money from banks and other financial institutions.
Question 3.
What are the documents required for the application process?
Answer:
Documents required for the application process involve: Company letter (in case of working employee) or a Bona fide certificate (in case of a student). A copy of passport, a copy of visa, written application to the Principal Secretary and a copy of the applicant’s lease or rental agreement.
Question 4.
What is the turnaround time to receive the certificate after the application?
Answer:
It usually takes between 15-20 days to receive the verification certificate but may change depending on the application process and other criteria.