Three different services, one page: passport police verification, Passport PCC (Rs. 750), and state character certificate
Information last verified: September 2026 · Always verify on the official portal before payment.
Real government fee
Passport PCC: Rs. 750 from 1 July 2026 (was Rs. 500; online payment mandatory — verify on the Passport Seva fee calculator). State character/PCC fees and timelines vary by state (e.g. Maharashtra RTS lists separate 15-day character and PCC services) — check your state portal, never assume a national range.
How many days
Passport PCC: up to 7 working days excluding police-verification time (Citizen Charter). Same-day issue at PSK/Mini PSK where the existing passport's police verification is already clear. State character certificates follow state RTS timelines (e.g. 15 working days in Maharashtra). Passport police verification itself: pre, post, or none — decided per case, no fixed timeline.
Who can apply
Three separate needs: (1) Passport applicants undergoing police verification. (2) Indian passport holders needing a PCC for employment, education, visa/work permit, immigration, residence permit or adoption. (3) Anyone needing a state character certificate for domestic private jobs or tenancy. PCC is NOT issued for tourist-visa travel.
Best time to apply
Apply online any time; visit PSK on weekday mornings. Track with your ARN — printout not needed, appointment SMS is accepted. National call center: 1800-258-1800.
Passport in original + self-attested copies (first two and last two pages) — mandatory on the Passport Seva route
Proof of present address if changed (see Document Advisor for your case)
Employment contract / visa / immigration papers as per purpose (ECR vs non-ECR rules differ)
Use Passport Seva's Document Advisor — exact papers depend on purpose and country, not a fixed universal list
Important warnings
• Apply ONLY on passportindia.gov.in or the official Passport Seva app. Passport Seva warns about fake passport-service websites — never pay or upload documents anywhere else.
• You cannot get a PCC directly from a police station — apply via Passport Seva or your state portal first; the station visit is only the verification step.
• Paid fee is valid one year and cannot move between ARNs — don't pay twice for the same application.
• Never bribe police to 'speed up' verification. Escalate to SP office if delayed.
• Fees and forms changed 1 July 2026 (Passports Amendment Rules) — always verify the latest on Passport Seva before paying.
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Step by step
1
FIRST — know which of the 3 you need: (A) Passport police verification happens automatically WITH your passport application (you apply for nothing extra). (B) Passport-linked PCC: you apply separately (below). (C) State character certificate: apply on your state police citizen portal, NOT Passport Seva.
2
ROUTE B — Passport PCC: register on passportindia.gov.in, log in > Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.
3
Fill the PCC form and submit — note the ARN. Fee once paid cannot move between ARNs.
4
Pay Rs. 750 online (mandatory for PSK booking) and book one PSK/POPSK appointment. Only a single PCC appointment is allowed within a year.
5
Visit PSK with ORIGINALS. No printout needed — appointment SMS works as proof.
6
Police verification follows where required: Beat Officer home visit, or you are called to the police station. You cannot get a PCC by walking into a station without applying first.
7
PCC is issued per case: same-day at PSK/Mini PSK where existing PV is clear; otherwise after the PVR arrives. Some cases require collection from the Passport Office.
8
ROUTE C — State character certificate (domestic jobs, tenancy): apply on your state police citizen services portal and follow its RTS timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCC fee in 2026?
Rs. 750 via Passport Seva from 1 July 2026 (earlier Rs. 500; online payment mandatory — verify on the official fee calculator). State police character certificates follow state portals with their own fees.
Can I get a PCC directly from the police station?
No. You must apply first — via passportindia.gov.in for a passport-linked PCC, or your state police citizen portal for a character certificate. The police-station visit (or Beat Officer home visit) is only the verification step after you apply.
PCC vs passport police verification vs character certificate — what's the difference?
Three services: (1) Passport police verification happens automatically with your passport application (pre, post, or none). (2) PCC is a separate certificate YOU apply for (jobs, visa, immigration). (3) State character certificate is for domestic private jobs/tenancy via the state police portal.
How long does PCC take? Can it be same-day?
Up to 7 working days excluding police-verification time (Citizen Charter). Where your existing passport's police verification is already clear with no adverse entry, PCC can be issued the same day at the PSK/Mini PSK.
What documents are needed for PCC?
Passport in original plus self-attested copies, present-address proof if changed, and purpose papers (employment contract, visa, sponsorship declaration for dependents). ECR vs non-ECR country rules differ — use Passport Seva's Document Advisor for your exact case.
How do I track PCC / police verification status?
Track with your ARN on passportindia.gov.in status tracker. Delivery/status updates also come by SMS and Speed Post tracking where applicable.
Can I get PCC for a tourist visa?
No. PCC is issued only for residential status, employment, long-term visa or immigration (plus education, adoption, residence permit cases) — and only to Indian passport holders.
How many PCC appointments can I book?
Only a single PCC appointment is allowed within a year of the first appointment date. Printout is not required — the appointment SMS is accepted at the PSK.