Getting a South African police clearance during lockdown is possible

There is no denying that COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has brought many aspects of life as we know it to a halt. The most basic of services in South Africa have been interrupted. Even though it seemed like it would be impossible to apply for something like a South African Police Clearance during lockdown, quite the opposite is true now that lockdown alert levels have been eased. 

Who needs a SAPS Police Clearance?

A SAPS Police Clearance Certificate can be used for a myriad of processes and serves as a background check to enumerate any criminal records against an individual’s name. Anyone can apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate, regardless of whether they are currently living in SA or not. 

How can I apply for my South African Police Clearance during lockdown?

The risk level we are currently in (Level 3), makes it possible for document assistance services like Apostil.co.za to render a remote PPC service to South Africans that urgently need to obtain their Police Clearance Certificates.  

During levels 4 and 5, you could only apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate if you were able to use a PDF scanned version of your certificate. Before June (and the move to level 3) courier companies were not allowed to deliver documents like these after they were deemed non-essential by the South African government. 

Luckily, courier companies are now allowed to deliver these essential documents to applicants that need their PCC. Since Apostil.co.za offers a remote service for this, applying for your South African Police Clearance during lockdown isn’t only possible, but also hassle-free. 

To get the application process started, you must submit a full set of fingerprints and proof of your identity along with a completed application form. Apostil.co.za’s remote PCC service deals directly with the Pretoria Criminal Records Centre (CRC) on your behalf, which means you can apply for and obtain your PPC without leaving the comfort (and safety) of your own home. 

How long does it take to obtain a South African Police Clearance during lockdown?

Applying for your PCC in person isn’t only risky during these trying times (queues rarely enforce social distancing rules), but it can also take anywhere between two and three months for your certificate to be issued if you are based in South Africa. South Africans living abroad can expect to wait up to 6 months if they tackle this process on their own. 

Need help?

Remotely applying for and obtaining your SAPS Police Clearance is safer, faster, and easier. If you work with professional service providers, you can expect an estimated turnaround time of between 5 and 30 working days from the date of your application (excluding courier times). Since the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is also operational during lockdown, your documents can also be apostilled for legal use abroad.