How to Get Police Character Certificate in Pakistan (Step by Step Guide 2026)

A Police Character Certificate (PCC) is a simple paper from the police that says you have no criminal record. You need it for many government jobs, foreign visas, study abroad and overseas work. The good news is that getting it is not difficult if you know the steps. This guide explains everything in easy words, step by step.

Quick answer: In Punjab you can apply from any Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) in the province, or through the Punjab Police Pakistan app. The fee is roughly Rs 500, plus small costs like affidavit and courier. Sindh has an online form. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is mostly manual. A new nationwide online system through the National Police Bureau was approved in August 2026, so check if it has started.

What Is a Police Character Certificate?

A Police Character Certificate is an official document issued by the police of your district or province. It confirms that no criminal case is registered against you. It is also called Police Clearance Certificate or Police Verification Certificate. The name is different in different provinces, but the purpose is the same.

Where Do You Need a Police Character Certificate?

• Government jobs and many private jobs
• Jobs in the army, police, FIA and other sensitive departments
• Visa and immigration (Canada, Australia, UK, Gulf countries and others); visa cases often also need an FRC
• Study abroad applications
• Overseas employment

Documents Required for Police Character Certificate

Documents are almost the same everywhere. Keep these ready before you go:

• Original CNIC (or B-Form for under 18) and photocopies
• Passport copy, if you have a passport or if the office asks for it
• Affidavit on stamp paper, attested by an Oath Commissioner
• Passport size photographs (1 or 2, depending on the office)
• NOC from your department, if you are a government employee
• Authority letter, if you are abroad and a blood relative applies on your behalf

Important: In Punjab, the official checklist asks for CNIC and passport copies attested by a gazetted officer. Always take originals with you, because they are checked at the counter.

How to Make Police Character Certificate in Punjab (Step by Step)

Punjab has the easiest system. You do not have to go to the district written on your address. You can apply from any PKM in Punjab. For example, if you live in Lahore but your old address was in Rawalpindi, you can apply from Lahore.

Collect Your Documents

Keep your original CNIC, passport (if needed), photographs, and photocopies ready. Government employees must also bring an NOC from their department.

Prepare the Affidavit

Buy a stamp paper (usually Rs 50 as per the official list), write the affidavit, and get it attested by an Oath Commissioner. Your name and father's name must be exactly the same as on your CNIC.

Attest Your Copies

Get your CNIC copy (and passport copy if required) attested by a gazetted officer.

Visit the Nearest PKM or Use the App

Go to the nearest Police Khidmat Markaz in your city. You can also apply through the Punjab Police Pakistan mobile app or the PKM web portal (pkm.punjab.gov.pk). Even if you apply online, you may still have to visit a PKM for photo and fingerprints.

Fill the Form and Give Biometrics

The PKM staff will help you fill the application form. They will take your photo and fingerprints and check your original documents.

Pay the Fee and Keep the Receipt

Pay the fee at the PKM counter. You will get a receipt or tracking number. Keep it safe, because you need it to track your application.

Wait for Verification and Delivery

The police verify your record and the certificate is sent to your address by courier. Some guides say 3 working days, while the official e-Khidmat page mentions up to 18 working days. Apply early and do not wait for the last date of your job.

Can You Apply Online? Which Cities Have Online Facility?

The online facility depends on the province, not on the city. Cities in the same province follow the same system.

Police Character Certificate in Other Provinces

Islamabad

1. Gather CNIC, photographs and affidavit.
2. Apply through the Islamabad Police portal or visit an Islamabad Khidmat Markaz.
3. Give your fingerprints and photo, and pay the fee.
4. Collect the certificate or receive it by courier.

Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and other cities)

1. Open the Sindh Police website (sindhpolice.gov.pk) and go to Online Services, then Police Verification Certificate.
2. Click New Application.
3. Enter your name, father's name, date of birth, CNIC details, mobile number and address.
4. Write the country for which you need the certificate.
5. Enter details of two guarantors (name, CNIC, mobile number and address).
6. Submit the form. When the status shows completed, collect the certificate from the relevant police office. This is usually the DIG office in Karachi or the SSP office in other districts.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

KP Police follows a manual process. These steps are from the official KP Police instructions:

1. Write an affidavit on stamp paper and get it attested by an Oath Commissioner.
2. Attach unattested photocopies of your CNIC, passport (for overseas use) and 2 recent passport size photographs.
3. Get your criminal record verified on the back of the stamp paper by the beat officer, Moharrar, SHO of your local police station and the circle DSP.
4. Apply in the district of your permanent and present addresses shown on your CNIC. If you have more than one address, verify from all those police stations.
5. Visit the PAL office in person to give your signature and fingerprints, and to collect the certificate.

Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan

Procedures can differ by district. Contact your district police office or nearest Khidmat Markaz and ask for the current process and fee. Overseas Pakistanis from these areas can apply through embassies and consulates.

Police Character Certificate Fee in Pakistan

Fee is different in every province, and it changes from time to time. The table below is a guide only. Please confirm at the counter before paying.

Never pay extra money to agents or "touts" outside the office. The official fee is paid at the counter or through the official portal only.

How Long Does It Take and How Long Is It Valid?

Processing time is between a few days and about three weeks, depending on the province and the verification. Punjab Police certificates are usually valid for about 180 days (6 months). Different departments may have their own rule about how old the certificate can be, so ask the department or embassy that has asked for it.

Overseas Pakistanis

• If you belong to Punjab, Islamabad, Balochistan, AJK or Gilgit-Baltistan, you can apply at a Pakistan embassy or consulate. The staff upload your details, photo and fingerprints to the police system through the PKM Global portal.
• If you belong to Sindh or KP, you usually need to apply manually. A blood relative in Pakistan can apply for you with an authority letter attested by the embassy or by two respectable persons.
• Authority letters are accepted only for a blood relative.

New National Police Bureau Online System

On 4 August 2026, the federal government approved a uniform system in which police clearance certificates will be issued online through the National Police Bureau (NPB) portal. The aim is to end the different province-wise procedures. At the time of writing, we could not confirm that the portal is fully working or what the fee will be. Please check the official NPB website or your provincial police before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spelling of name or father's name different from CNIC
• Not attesting CNIC and passport copies where required
• Forgetting the NOC (government employees)
• Applying at the last moment, just before the job deadline
• Paying anyone other than the official counter or portal
• Not keeping the receipt or tracking number

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Police Character Certificate from any city?

In Punjab, yes. You can apply from any PKM in the province. In KP, you normally apply in the district shown on your CNIC.

Can someone else apply for me?

Yes, a blood relative can apply for you if you are abroad, with an authority letter. Other people are not accepted.

Do I need a passport?

Not always. For jobs inside Pakistan, CNIC is the main document. For visas and immigration, passport copy is required.

Is the certificate delivered at home?

In Punjab it is sent by courier to your address. In KP and Sindh you usually collect it from the police office.

Is the online system the same in every city?

No. The system depends on the province. All cities in Punjab use PKM, all cities in Sindh use the Sindh Police online form, and KP is mostly manual.

Conclusion

Getting a Police Character Certificate is easy if your documents are complete and your affidavit and attestations are correct. Punjab residents can use PKM or the app, Sindh residents can start with the online form, and KP residents should follow the manual steps carefully. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm the latest details from the official police website or office before you apply.

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• Need help applying? See our service charges and FAQs.