Fingerprinting Guidance & Submission Checks
Fingerprinting for a South African Police Clearance Certificate
Accurate fingerprints are one of the most important parts of applying for a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). Incorrectly completed fingerprint forms, unclear impressions or missing applicant information can create problems during processing.
ClearPath SA assists South Africans in South Africa and abroad with fingerprinting guidance, document preparation and submission checks before their Police Clearance Certificate application is sent for processing.
If you are applying from overseas, we can guide you through what needs to be prepared so you do not have to travel back to South Africa simply to start your Police Clearance Certificate application.
South African Police Clearance Fingerprint Requirements
A South African Police Clearance Certificate application requires fingerprints that can be used for identification and processing by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Your fingerprint documentation should contain the required applicant information and fingerprints should be taken clearly and professionally.
Requirements can differ depending on where fingerprints are taken and the documentation available in that country. ClearPath SA therefore checks your circumstances before advising you on how to prepare your fingerprint submission.
What Is the SAPS 91(a) Fingerprint Form?
The SAPS 91(a) fingerprint form is commonly associated with fingerprints taken for South African Police Clearance Certificate applications.
If you are in South Africa, fingerprints can generally be taken through an appropriate police or fingerprinting service.
If you are overseas, you may not always have access to the same South African form. Depending on your location, fingerprints may be taken by an appropriate local police authority or recognised fingerprinting service using documentation available in that country.
Before sending original fingerprint documents internationally, contact us so we can check the documents you intend to submit.
Applying for a Police Clearance From Overseas
South Africans living abroad frequently need a South African Police Clearance Certificate for immigration, employment, residency, citizenship, study or visa purposes.
You do not need to travel back to South Africa simply because you are living overseas.
ClearPath SA assists applicants from countries including:
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• European countries
• Other international locations
You can arrange your fingerprints in the country where you are currently located and send the required documents to South Africa for processing.
Where Can I Get Fingerprints Taken Overseas?
The available fingerprinting authority depends on the country in which you are located.
Depending on local procedures, fingerprints may be available through:
• Police authorities
• Government-approved fingerprinting centres
• Accredited fingerprinting providers
• Other recognised authorities or professional services
Before having fingerprints taken, we recommend confirming the requirements applicable to your situation.
ClearPath SA can provide guidance based on your current country and intended Police Clearance Certificate application.
Why Fingerprint Quality Matters
Fingerprints need to be sufficiently clear for identification and processing.
Problems may arise where fingerprints are:
• Smudged
• Incomplete
• Poorly positioned
• Difficult to read
• Missing required applicant information
• Submitted on incomplete documentation
If fingerprints or supporting documentation cannot be processed, obtaining replacement documents from overseas can add significant time and courier expense.
This is why we recommend checking your documentation before sending originals to South Africa.
Our Fingerprint and Document Pre-Check Service
Before your Police Clearance Certificate application is submitted, ClearPath SA can help review the documentation you intend to use.
Our checks may include:
• Fingerprint documentation
• Applicant information
• Identification documentation
• Police Clearance Certificate application information
• Supporting documents
• Submission preparation
The purpose of the pre-check is to identify obvious omissions or problems before the application progresses.
How the Process Works
Step 1 — Contact ClearPath SA
Tell us where you are currently located and why you require the South African Police Clearance Certificate.
Step 2 — Receive Fingerprinting Guidance
We explain the documentation and fingerprinting requirements relevant to your application and location.
Step 3 — Have Your Fingerprints Taken
Arrange fingerprinting through an appropriate authority or provider in your country.
Step 4 — Send Us Your Documents for Checking
Before final submission, we can review the documentation provided and identify obvious issues or missing information.
Step 5 — South African Processing
Once the required documents are ready, the Police Clearance Certificate application can proceed through the appropriate South African processing route.
Step 6 — Collection and International Delivery
Once issued, your Police Clearance Certificate can be collected and securely couriered to you where required.
Need an Apostille or Document Attestation?
Depending on the country and purpose for which your Police Clearance Certificate will be used, additional authentication, apostille or legalisation may be required.
ClearPath SA can also assist with apostille and document attestation services after your Police Clearance Certificate has been issued, where applicable.
This allows you to coordinate the South African processing stages through one service.
Avoid Sending Incorrect Documents to South Africa
International courier costs and processing delays make it important to prepare your application correctly before sending original documents.
If you are uncertain about your fingerprints or supporting documents, contact us before couriering them.
Send us your:
• Current country
• Reason for requiring the Police Clearance Certificate
• Intended destination country
• Details of the fingerprint documentation available to you
We can then advise on the appropriate next steps.
Get Help With Your South African Police Clearance Certificate
ClearPath SA provides Police Clearance Certificate support for South Africans locally and worldwide.
WhatsApp: +27 62 313 9099
Email: sales@clearpathsa.co.za
ClearPath SA is an independent document support and facilitation service. We are not the South African Police Service or a government department. Acceptance and processing of fingerprint documentation remain subject to the requirements of the relevant authorities.