Police Clearance Certificate (Apply Online)

You always need Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for travel, immigration, employment, higher studies, or any other official purpose, you know the process can sometimes feel confusing. Fortunately, if you’re in Sri Lanka—or even if you’re currently living overseas—you can apply for a Sri Lankan Police Clearance Certificate entirely online.

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Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the Sri Lankan Police Department that states whether you have any criminal record within Sri Lanka. Many countries and institutions require this certificate for various reasons, including:

Immigration and Visa Applications: If you’re applying for a resident visa, work permit, or permanent residency in another country, the immigration authorities often request a PCC.
Employment: Some jobs, especially those in government or sensitive sectors abroad, require a PCC for security verification.
Higher Education and Scholarships: Certain universities and scholarship programs may ask for a PCC to ensure you meet their integrity and conduct standards.
Personal Reasons: Sometimes, for marriage or adopting a child abroad, a PCC is required to demonstrate a clean record.

No matter your reason, applying for a PCC in Sri Lanka is now extremely convenient.

Can You Apply If You’re Overseas?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of this online application system is that you can submit your request from anywhere in the world. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, a suitable payment method (credit or debit card), and digital copies of the required documents, you can complete the entire process online.

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Get PCC Sri Lanka

Step by step tutorial to get police clearance certificate in Sri Lanka is given below:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official Sri Lanka Police website by clicking the button below.

Police clearance portal

On the page, look for the “Police” section. Under “eServices”, find and click on “Clearance certificates”

This will direct you to the Police Clearance page. Here, you’ll find instructions and further guidance.

Step 2: Accessing Instructions

Before proceeding directly into the application, it’s a good idea to review the official instructions:

On the Police Clearance page, you’ll see a section called “Instructions.” You can download the instructions in your preferred language: English, Sinhala, or Tamil.
These PDF instructions explain the process and requirements in detail.

police clearance certificate online apply option

Reading these instructions will clarify any doubts you have. However, if you’re feeling confident, you can proceed directly to the online application. Still, I recommend at least a quick glance to avoid common mistakes.

Step 3: Start Your Application

Click on “Apply Online.”
You will be taken to a new page that provides more details. Here, you can click “View More” to read additional instructions.
Once you’ve read everything, click “Proceed.”

When you click “Proceed,” you’ll be asked to select an account to authenticate your identity. You can choose to sign in with your Google (Gmail) account, Hotmail, LinkedIn, or Facebook. This login step ensures secure access to the application portal.

Step 4: Logging In

If you have a Gmail account, choose Google and sign in.
If you prefer another platform, like Hotmail, simply select it, sign-up and log in with your credentials.

authentication screen to login via gmail, hotmail and others

After logging in, you’ll be directed to the online application form’s main interface. If you were already signed into your chosen account before, you might skip seeing the login prompt and be taken directly to the application form.

Step 5: Starting a New Application vs. Renewal

On the application interface, you’ll see two options:

New Application
Renewal

Choose “New Application” if this is your first time applying for a PCC or if you do not have a previous reference number. If you do have a previous PCC and reference number, select “Renewal,” and you’ll need to provide the old reference number to proceed. For this guide, let’s assume a new application.

screen showing options to chose application type

Step 6: Basic Personal Details

You’ll now be asked to fill in basic personal details:

Nationality: Select “Sri Lankan.”
Date of Birth: Enter your correct date of birth.
Did you leave Sri Lanka before the age of 16? Usually, select “No” unless you left the country permanently before that age.
Age: Enter your current age in years. Make sure this matches your date of birth. If there’s any discrepancy, the system may flag it.

screen showing options to enter personal details for pcc application

You’ll also see a reference number field. For a new application, this field is usually locked, so just leave it as is.

Must See: 10 Mistakes to Avoid Applying for a Sri Lankan Police Clearance Certificate

Step 7: NIC and Passport Details

You must provide your National Identity Card (NIC) number. There are two types of NICs:

Old NIC Number: If you still have the old style NIC.
New NIC Number: If you’ve been issued the newer, more modern NIC.

If you have a new NIC, enter that in the “New NIC” field. Otherwise, use the “NIC number” field for the older version. You only need to fill in one of these fields, not both.

Next, enter your Passport Number.

screen showing options to enter passport information

Country and Authority:

You need to specify which country you’re applying the PCC for.
For example, if you’re applying for a resident visa in Australia, type “Australia” in the country field.
Then, under “Authority,” choose the relevant authority you’re dealing with—for a resident visa to Australia, for example, it might be “Department of Home Affairs.”

Once you select the country and authority, the system automatically fills in the name of the official to whom the report is addressed. For instance, it might say something like “Visa Officer, Department of Home Affairs, Australia.”

Step 8: Verification via Captcha Text

After entering these details:

Click “Verify.”
A pop-up will prompt you to enter a Captcha text shown on the screen. This is a security measure to confirm you’re a real person.
Type the Captcha correctly and click “Verify.”
Upon successful verification, a green highlight will appear, indicating that “all your entered details are accurate and verified”.

If it’s green, you’re good to proceed. If it’s red, double-check the information you provided.

Step 9: Personal and Contact Information

The next section asks for more details:

Name as per NIC: Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your NIC.
Gender: Select male, female, or the applicable option.
Marital Status: Choose “Married” or “Unmarried” as appropriate.
Name as per Passport: If your name on the passport is the same as on your NIC, just repeat it. If it’s different, enter the exact name as on your passport.

You’ll be asked which name should be printed on the PCC. You have two choices:

Print using NIC name
Print using Passport name

more personal details that is need to proceed with pcc application

If you choose the Passport name and it differs from your NIC name, you will need to upload an affidavit later. If both names are the same, simply choose the NIC name to avoid extra paperwork.

Next, enter your Passport Issue Date. The present address fields are optional. You can leave them blank if you prefer. If you’re currently living or working overseas, you may provide your overseas address in the “Present Address Overseas” field, but it’s not mandatory.

screen showing option to enter passport dates

Occupation is optional. You can skip it if you want.

Step 10: Purpose of the Certificate and Previous Applications

You must specify the purpose of your PCC application as the common reasons include employment, resident visa, scholarship, or other official needs. Select the option that best fits your situation.

For example, if you’re applying for a resident visa in Australia, choose “Resident Visa.”

screen showing options to eter the purpose of the pcc application

Have you applied for a certificate previously?

If yes, select “Yes” and provide previous reference details.
If no, select “No” and proceed.

Step 11: Residential Details in Sri Lanka

The police need to verify where you lived in Sri Lanka to issue the PCC. Fill in the address details for the period the certificate is required:

Enter the address where you lived (for example, your home address).
Select the nearest Police Area under which your address falls.
Enter the duration you stayed at that address (e.g., from birth until today).

screen showing options to enter residential details

If you lived in multiple places, add all of them one by one. Click “Add” to include each address. If there’s only one address since birth, just add that one.

Step 12: Postal Address for Delivery of the PCC

Provide the mailing address where you want your physical PCC to be sent. Note that even if you’re overseas, you can give a local address in Sri Lanka to which the certificate can be posted, and then have someone forward it to you.

Fill in the Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, and Postal Code.
Select the Province (e.g., Western Province for Colombo).
Select the Country (If you want it posted within Sri Lanka, choose “Sri Lanka”).
Provide a valid mobile number and email address.

screen showing option to enter postal details

These details are important because your PCC will be physically posted to this address.

Step 13: Spouse Details (Optional)

You may enter your spouse’s details if you wish, but it’s not mandatory. You can skip this section if it’s not relevant to your application.

Step 14: Uploading Documents

This is a crucial step. You need to upload scanned copies (or clear photographs) of certain documents. Make sure these documents are clearly visible and valid.

Required Documents:

Passport Personal Detail Page:
Upload a scan of the passport page that shows your photograph and personal details.
After selecting the file, click “Upload” and wait until you see a green tick indicating success.
Passport Country Page (Countries Allowed):
Some passports have additional pages listing countries or endorsements. Upload as required.
Again, after choosing the file, click “Upload” and look for the green tick.
NIC (Old or New):
If you use a New NIC, upload the front and back separately.
If Old NIC, upload accordingly.
Each upload should show a green tick upon success.
Birth Certificate:
Upload the front and back (if applicable).
Wait for the green tick to confirm.

If you chose to print the certificate under your Passport name (and it differs from your NIC name), you must also upload an affidavit to validate the name difference. The application form will indicate if an additional document is needed.

screen showing upload options for various documents including affidavit and declaration and submit option

By the end of this process, you should have multiple green ticks confirming all required documents have been successfully uploaded.

Step 15: Foreign Employment Bureau Reference (If Applicable)

If you were referred by the Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Bureau, select “Yes” and provide details. Otherwise, select “No.”

Step 16: Declaration and Submission

Check the box to declare that all the information you have provided is true and accurate. Once you are confident everything is correct, click “Submit.”

Don’t forget to note down your reference number as it may be used afterward.

What Happens After Submission?

Once you submit, you’ll be directed to the Payment Gateway. Here’s what to do next:

Payment: You can pay using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Select your preferred option.
Enter your card details and complete the payment process.
After successful payment, you will receive an immediate payment acknowledgment with a reference number. Save this reference number for future inquiries or follow-ups.

You will receive an SMS (if you provided a Sri Lankan mobile number) confirming receipt of your payment and application, along with the reference number. Make sure to note down or save the SMS details.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the PCC?

Typically, processing and mailing the Police Clearance Certificate can take about 2 to 3 weeks. Delivery times may vary depending on your location and the current processing speed at Police Headquarters.

If your certificate is delayed, you can contact the Sri Lankan Police Headquarters. Provide your reference number for a quicker follow-up. They can give you an update on the status of your application.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Here are some personally suggested tips to follow when you apply for police clearance certificate in Sri Lanka:

Ensure Accurate Details: Double-check your NIC, passport number, date of birth, and other details before submitting. Any inaccuracies might cause delays or rejections.
Good Quality Scans: Make sure the documents you upload are clear and readable. Blurred or cut-off images might lead to processing delays.
Save All Reference Numbers and Documents: Keep a digital folder containing your payment receipt, reference number, and a copy of your submitted application. These will be extremely helpful if you need to contact the Police Headquarters later.
Check Your Spam Folder for Emails: Sometimes, acknowledgment emails may land in your spam or junk folder. Keep an eye out there as well.
Contacting Police Headquarters: If you have any urgent questions or there’s a delay, you can reach out to Police Headquarters. Having your reference number handy will expedite the query.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. The entire application process is online. Just make sure to provide a valid postal address for receiving the certificate. You can use a local Sri Lankan address where a friend or relative can receive it and send it to you.

If your NIC name and passport name don’t match and you wish to print the PCC under your passport name, you’ll need to upload an affidavit stating the name difference.

No. You only need to provide one valid NIC number. If you have the new NIC, use that. If not, use the old one.

Select the closest police station or police area under which your address falls. If you are unsure, you can search online or ask someone familiar with local jurisdictions.

After payment, you’ll receive an acknowledgment and a reference number. You can also review your submitted application to confirm details. A green highlight during the verification step and a successful payment acknowledgment indicate a correct submission.

Use the reference number provided at the time of submission and payment. Contact the Police Headquarters using that number. They can inform you about the status of your PCC.

Conclusion

Applying for a Sri Lankan Police Clearance Certificate has never been easier. With the online system, you can skip the hassle of standing in long queues, dealing with physical documents, or coordinating with various offices. From anywhere in the world, you can:

Log in to the official Police website
Fill out an online application form
Upload all necessary documents
Pay securely using a credit or debit card
Receive confirmation, reference numbers, and follow up with ease

Within a few weeks, you’ll have your official PCC delivered to the postal address you provided. This digital-first approach simplifies your life, especially if you are overseas and cannot visit Sri Lanka in person.

Good luck with your application If you want to get PCC for other countries, please checkout:

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) – Sri Lanka (Online and From Overseas)