If you need to use a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) abroad, the original certificate may need an apostille or authentication. DIRCO says an original SAPS PCC can be submitted directly for legalisation if it is signed and stamped by SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management and is no older than six months. The destination country determines which legalisation route applies, so confirm the receiving authority’s rules first. For broader help, see Civic Documents South Africa and Apostille Requirements South Africa.
Quick Answer: Apostille Police Clearance South Africa
The usual process is to obtain a valid original Police Clearance Certificate from SAPS and then submit that original to DIRCO for legalisation. DIRCO does not accept certified copies of PCCs for this purpose, and a certificate older than six months is not accepted for legalisation. You must identify the country where the document will be used so DIRCO can determine whether an apostille or authentication is required.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for people asked to provide a South African PCC for purposes such as residence, employment, emigration or travel abroad.
Applicant type
The main question is whether the foreign authority requires a South African PCC and whether it must be legalised. SAPS provides PCCs to people who need confirmation of their criminal status for uses including travel, employment abroad and emigration.
If you have not yet obtained the certificate, check Police Clearance Certificate Requirements South Africa first.
Eligibility Requirements
For DIRCO legalisation, check that your PCC:
- is the original issued by SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management;
- is signed and stamped by the issuing authority;
- is no older than six months from its issue date;
- has not been laminated; and
- will be submitted with the destination country clearly identified.
DIRCO lists these conditions for legalising South African Police Clearance Certificates.
These checks do not guarantee acceptance by the foreign authority. The receiving country, employer, immigration authority or institution may impose its own document rules, so confirm what it requires before legalisation.
Documents You May Need
Required proof
For the legalisation stage, prepare the original valid SAPS Police Clearance Certificate. Do not use a normal certified copy: DIRCO states that certified copies of Police Clearance Certificates are not accepted for legalisation.
Depending on how you submit, you may also need:
- proof of identity;
- a DIRCO booking confirmation for an in-person submission;
- a cover letter stating the destination country for a courier submission; or
- authority documents if another person submits on your behalf.
If you are still applying for the PCC, SAPS currently requires a full set of fingerprints, a completed application form, a certified copy of your identity document or passport and proof of payment. Additional documentary proof is required if a maiden or other surname must appear on the certificate.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
- Confirm the foreign requirement. Ask the embassy, consulate, immigration authority, employer or other receiving body whether it needs the PCC legalised.
- Obtain the PCC from SAPS. Make sure the personal details are correct and keep the original certificate.
- Check the original. Confirm it is signed, stamped, unlaminated and still within DIRCO’s six-month limit.
- Choose the DIRCO submission route. Follow the current booking, courier or approved submission instructions.
- State the destination country. DIRCO uses this to determine whether an apostille or certificate of authentication is appropriate.
- Check the completed document against the receiving authority’s requirements before sending it abroad.
For the wider process, use the Document Legalisation Requirements Guide South Africa.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
SAPS currently lists a fee of R190 per Police Clearance Certificate application and an approximate finalisation time of 15 working days from receipt of all required documents by Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management, excluding postal time. SAPS also warns that it is experiencing a PCC backlog, so the published timeframe should not be treated as guaranteed.
DIRCO states that its legalisation service is free of charge. Processing time depends on the submission route. Its current guidance lists same-day processing for booked clients submitting five documents or fewer, while registered service providers and courier submissions take longer.
DIRCO will not legalise a PCC older than six months. A foreign authority may require an even more recent certificate, so check both sets of rules.
From 1 September 2026, DIRCO says its walk-in legalisation service will be discontinued and clients will need confirmed bookings.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
Avoid:
- submitting a certified copy instead of the original PCC;
- allowing the certificate to become older than six months;
- laminating the certificate;
- assuming every destination uses the apostille route;
- failing to check the foreign authority’s requirements;
- treating published processing times as guaranteed; or
- using unregistered agents or unofficial PCC channels.
DIRCO specifically warns against unregistered agents, particularly for Police Clearance Certificates, because documents obtained through unofficial channels may be counterfeit.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Before submitting, check:
- SAPS for current PCC documents, fees, processing guidance and application status;
- DIRCO Legalisation Services for apostille or authentication rules, bookings and submission methods; and
- the foreign receiving authority for its country-specific legalisation and document-freshness requirements.
DIRCO advises applicants to contact the relevant foreign representative or receiving authority directly to establish which documents are required and how they must be legalised.
If an apostille is not the correct route, see DIRCO Authentication Requirements. If you also need another civic document legalised, see Apostille Birth Certificate South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for Apostille Police Clearance South Africa?
You generally need an original SAPS Police Clearance Certificate that is signed, stamped, unlaminated and no older than six months for DIRCO legalisation. You must also identify the destination country so the correct legalisation route can be determined.
What documents are needed for Apostille Police Clearance South Africa?
The main document is the original valid SAPS PCC. Depending on the submission route, you may also need proof of identity, booking details, a courier cover letter or authority for a representative.
How long does it take for Apostille Police Clearance South Africa?
There are separate timeframes for obtaining the PCC and legalising it. SAPS currently gives an approximate 15-working-day finalisation period after receiving all required documents but also reports a backlog. DIRCO processing time varies according to the submission method and number of documents.
Where can I confirm the latest official requirements for Apostille Police Clearance South Africa?
Check the official SAPS Police Clearance Certificate information, DIRCO Legalisation Services and the foreign embassy, consulate or receiving institution requiring the document. Requirements and submission arrangements can change.
Which documents should I prepare for Apostille Police Clearance South Africa?
Prepare the original PCC and check its issue date, signature and stamp. Then prepare any identity, booking, courier or representative documents required for your chosen submission method. Do not rely on a certified copy of the PCC for DIRCO legalisation.