A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a Good Conduct Certificate, is an important document that is often required for passport applications, visa applications, immigration purposes and employment opportunities abroad. This document verifies your criminal history and ensures that you have no outstanding criminal charges against you.
Obtaining a police clearance certificate is a necessary step while applying for a passport. This document serves as proof that a person has no criminal record or provides details of any criminal history, if applicable. While the process may vary slightly from country to country, the following guide offers a general overview of how to obtain a police clearance certificate for a passport.
Importance of Police Clearance Certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate holds vital importance in various areas of life. Primarily, it serves as an important document for immigration purposes, enabling authorities to verify a person’s criminal background before entering a new country. Additionally, it is often required for employment in sensitive sectors such as government, healthcare and education, where trust and security are paramount.
Additionally, some financial institutions may request it during account opening or loan processing to ensure the integrity of their clients. Overall, a police clearance certificate serves as a key tool in protecting public safety, building trust and maintaining safety standards in various sectors of society.
Eligibility Requirements For Police Clearance Certificate for Passport
Before starting the application process, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Valid Passport: You must hold a valid Bangladeshi passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended date of travel.
- Matching Address: Your current address must fall under the same police jurisdiction (Metropolitan/District) as your permanent address or emergency contact address mentioned in your passport. If your passport has no address, provide supporting documents like your National ID card, birth certificate, or a Ward Councilor Certificate attested by a Class One Gazetted Officer.
- Foreign passport holders: If you hold a foreign passport and reside in Bangladesh, your current address refers to your residence during your stay. You must have your passport attested by a Justice of the Peace in your country of current residence.
- Bangladeshi Citizens Abroad: If you are a Bangladeshi citizen applying from abroad, you must obtain an attestation of your passport from the Bangladesh High Commission in your country of residence.
How to get a Police Clearance Certificate for a Passport?
There are two primary ways to apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):
Offline ( Visit Physically Office)
- Visit the office of Superintendent of Police (SP) or Commissioner of Police (CP) corresponding to your permanent or current address mentioned in your passport.
- Get the PCC application form, which is available in English or Bengali.
- Please fill out the form accurately and completely.
- Attach required documents, including:
- Duly filled application form
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Attested photocopy of your passport (page containing biodata and any renewals)
- Supporting documents to verify your current address (if applicable)
- Fee Payment Receipt (For Current Fees Check Official Website)
- Submit your application form and documents at the designated counter at the police station.
- Collect your PCC after the processing period, which usually takes 7-10 working days.
Online Application
- Visit Official Bangladesh Police PCC Online Portal: https://pcc.police.gov.bd/ords/pcc2/r/pcc/home
- Register on the portal and create an account.
- Fill the online application form and upload required scanned copies of documents:
- Filled application form
- Passport (biodata page and any renewals)
- Supporting documents for current address (if applicable)
- Copy of fee payment challan (download challan from website and make payment to designated bank)
- Submit your online application.
- The portal will notify you when your PCC is ready for collection. Then you can collect it from the designated police station.
By following these guidelines and complying with the specific requirements, you can efficiently obtain your PCC and proceed with your passport application or other intended purpose.
How to check police clearance certificate status?
Once you have submitted your application for a PCC, you can easily track its status using one of the following methods:
Online Portal:
- If you apply online through Bangladesh Police PCC Portal: https://pcc.police.gov.bd/ords/pcc2/r/pcc/home
- Log in to your account on the portal.
- The dashboard will display the current status of your application.
Short message:
- This procedure is applicable only for applications submitted within Bangladesh.
- Type “PCC S” followed by your application reference number and send SMS to 26969.
- You will receive a reply SMS with the latest status of your PCC application.
Contact Police Station:
- You can directly contact the police station where you submitted your application.
- Provide your application reference number for them to check the status.
Final Thought
Obtaining a police clearance certificate for a passport is an important step in the passport application process. By understanding the requirements and following the necessary steps outlined in this guide, you can streamline the application process and ensure that you have all the necessary documents to facilitate your passport application.