How to Get Police Clearance & Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024

People applying for work or permanent residency in several countries, including those seeking temporary or permanent visas, must meet strict character standards.

Typically, a police clearance certificate is required to meet character standards.

If you have a profound criminal background, which includes being sentenced to jail time or having a conviction on your record, you will fail the character assessment.

Most Nigerians, and perhaps people from other countries, may need a police character certificate.

A police character certificate is often requested for immigration or travel purposes.

In this post, we will quickly go through a brief overview of the police character certificate in Nigeria and the detailed steps required to get one for yourself.

Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will reply to you as soon as possible.

Police Clearance Certificate

Woman sitting in front of a MacBook

The Criminal History Record Check, also known as the Police Character Certificate, is an official document provided by the police to conduct a criminal background check on individuals who are emigrating or changing their nation of residency.

It’s a requirement everywhere, so visitors don’t bring their country’s security problems.

It demonstrates that you are trustworthy and uphold the law.

An important fact to note is that a foreign national must have been physically present in Nigeria for at least thirty (30) days before applying for the police character certificate.

The purpose of this document is to assure the receiving nation that you are not a criminal or fugitive from justice in your own country.

A police certificate, in its most basic form, is proof to the nation you’re trying to immigrate to that you are a person of good character and no criminal record exists.

The Nigerian Police Force issues the Police Clearance Certificate, which may be obtained through the Force Criminal Investigation Department, the Police Criminal Registry, or any of the thirty-six (36) state-level Nigerian Police Criminal Registries.

Importance of Getting a Police Clearance Certificate

A student with a laptop

Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why must I get a police clearance certificate?”

When moving from one country to another, this clearance is often requested.

Suppose you are a Nigerian student or skilled worker hoping to enter the United Kingdom, the United States, or any other country in the World.

In that case, you will need a Police Clearance Certificate from your home country.

For example, if you are a foreign worker sponsored by a UK company, you will need this certificate to prove your identity and protect the company from criminal liability.

If you wish to work in a job that requires a high level of trust in Nigeria, you may need a police clearance certificate.

Having a clean criminal record in your home country and proof that you pose no risk to the country you visit are the reasons for obtaining a police character certificate, even if you are only a tourist.

Requirements for Police Clearance Certificate

Female colleagues collaborating with a surface in a board

Here is a list of all the things you need to have to get or apply for a police clearance certificate in Nigeria:

  1. International passport
  2. National identity card
  3. Voter’s card
  4. Passport-size photograph
  5. Utility bill
  6. Bank statement
  7. Rent agreement

To apply for a PCC, you will need to visit the nearest Police Station or Police Central Criminal Registry (PCCR) in your state of residence.

You will need to fill out an application form and provide the required documents.

How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate in Nigeria

man and woman looking at a laptop

To apply for a police clearance certificate in Nigeria, applicants must visit the Police Central Criminal Registry in Lagos or their present state of residence.

The applicant will pay the required application fee and then pick up the application form, which can only be filled out with a blue or black pen and attached to a passport picture.

The applicant must adequately fill out the application form, including their fingerprints.

Before issuing the certificate, the Nigerian Police Authorities would conduct a thorough background check, including an assessment of the applicant’s fingerprints and any other information given, to see whether the fingerprints and additional information match any criminal records.

You can submit your application personally at the Central Criminal Registry in Lagos, Nigeria.

The address is as follows:

Central Criminal Registry Force C.I.D. Annexe, Alagbon Close Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.

If you are in Lagos, please use the proper address stated above.

You can send your application to any of Nigeria’s 36 state regional police commands.

Step-by-Step Guide

A description of how to get a Police clearance certificate in Nigeria

  1. Go to your state’s police central criminal registry

    Tell the person in charge at the criminal registration office in Alagbon, Lagos, or any other state command headquarters that you want to get a “Police Character Clearance certificate.”

    You will then be led to the office responsible for issuing these certificates.

  2. Pay the application fee and fill out the form properly

    You must first pay the application fee and then collect the application form.

    You may use either a black or blue pen to fill it.

    After correctly filling out the form, hand it over to the officer in charge along with a copy of the biographical data page from your international passport.

    The next step is to wait for the certificate to be processed.

    In the section asking for fingerprints, the officer in charge will show the applicant how to input fingerprints from their five right and five left fingers.

    Before the certificate is given out, the forensic officer and other officers would process the applicant’s fingerprints and data and check it carefully.

  3. Collect your certificate

    And that’s it! If you submit your application to the criminal registry in Lagos, you will get it on the same day.

    On the other hand, submitting your application to a state command office will take several days.

    You can get it from the Nigeria Police Command in any state capital.

    The information you provided would still be sent to the criminal register office in Alagbon, Lagos, so collection at the state level might take 5 to 10 days.

    After being processed there, it will be sent to the appropriate authorities in your state.

    So, if you want to apply through the state command, you must be patient.

    Note: If you don’t know how to fill out the application form, be sure to ask for assistance

Application Fee

Naira banknotes

The Nigeria Police increased the application fee for the Police Character Certificate (PCC), commonly known as police clearance, from the one-time cost of ₦5,000 to the current price of ₦40,000.

It represents an increase of over 70%.

According to several reports, the key authorities in the police department issued an order on July 22, 2022, stating that the price of the document should be increased to ₦40,000 for no reason.

Before that order, one of the police officers in Lagos stated that they were charging ₦5,000 to issue the PCC.

Another policeman in Abuja had first agreed to process it for the price of ₦25,000, believing that it was still the same amount at which he regularly did it.

However, when he presented the data for the check, he was notified that the price had increased to ₦40,000 as of July 22, 2022.

It prompted him to withdraw his offer to process as it might vary from as little as ₦5,000 to as much as ₦100,000 depending on the police officer he approached or the person asking for it.

The official increase brought the range of prices into closer alignment.

The issuing office may charge you well over ₦GN100,000 if you are affluent and love to flaunt your wealth.

If you apply in person, you may need to bargain with the issuing officer for a fair rate.

Attempts to contact the Nigeria Police Force via their Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Adeh Josephine, were fruitless. She neither returned calls nor responded to text messages about the increment.

Difference Between Police Character & Clearance Certificate

A police character certificate is a document that states that the holder has no criminal record. It is issued by the police in the country where the holder resides. A police character certificate is typically used for employment, such as when applying for a job requiring a background check.

A police clearance certificate is a document that states that the holder has no criminal record in a particular country. It is issued by the police in the country where the holder is applying for clearance. A police clearance certificate is typically used for immigration purposes, such as when applying for a visa to enter a country.

A police character certificate is a general statement that the holder has no criminal record, while a police clearance certificate is a more specific statement that the holder has no criminal record in a particular country.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between a police character certificate and a police clearance certificate:

FeaturePolice Character CertificatePolice Clearance Certificate
It may be used interchangeablyTo verify that the holder has no criminal recordTo verify that the holder has no criminal record in a particular country
Issued byThe police in the country where the holder residesThe police in the country where the holder is applying for clearance
Typically used forEmployment purposesImmigration purposes
May be used interchangeablyYes, in some countriesNo

Conclusion

If you have read this far, I think you know how to get a police clearance certificate in Nigeria.

Follow the steps above to get your certificate in a week or less. If you need it immediately, apply to the Police Central Criminal Registry in Lagos.

Applying to the Criminal Registry in your state is also a valid option; however, it is uncertain when you will get your papers since they must first be forwarded to their Lagos department for crosschecking and verification.

When applying, don’t forget to negotiate the application fee to the very last. Goodluck


Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.

You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.

Join my Facebook Group, Like my Facebook Page or Follow Me on WhatsApp for more interactive discussions.

Share on:

Your go-to education blogger, offering practical strategies, expert advice, and educational resources to help students thrive academically and unlock their full potential.

71 thoughts on “How to Get Police Clearance & Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024”

  1. Please is it possible to apply for PCC without an internaltional passport. I only have my National Identity Card and volters card and I need the PCC for a remote job.

    Reply
    • Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Nigeria without an international passport. The Nigerian Police Force requires a valid international passport as one of the primary identification documents for issuing a PCC. This is because the PCC is an official document recognized internationally and used for various purposes, including immigration, employment, and visa applications.

      However, there are alternative options you can consider:

      1. Apply for an international passport: This is the most straightforward solution. You can apply for an international passport online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal or visit a designated passport office. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks.

      2. Contact the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your current country: They may be able to assist you in obtaining a PCC using your National Identity Card and other supporting documents. However, this process might be more complex and vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate.

      3. Reach out to the remote job company: Explain your situation and inquire if they would accept a different form of identification or background check for your application. Some companies may be flexible and willing to work with you on alternative solutions.

      Reply
  2. Hello,
    I’m searching for information on latest requirements to obtain PCC in Nigeria and I come across your article. It’s very interesting I must say. Thanks for the enlightenment.
    I have someone processing my PCC already because am not inside but he came asking of my BVN/NIN. I’m sceptical about this, is it right? Though I don’t have neither of both but want to be sure if it’s one of the requirements.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • It is not required to provide your BVN/NIN to process your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Nigeria. The only required documents are:

      1. A completed PCC application form

      2. A valid passport or national ID card

      3. Two passport-sized photographs

      4. Payment for the PCC fee

      Reply
  3. Good morning please I once register for my police character which the email on my nin I don’t know the login process again which have gone to change the email on my nin but now am unable to do the registration again saying the phone no has been registered please any assistance on what I can do to it

    Reply
    • Here are a few things you can do:

      1. Contact the police station where you applied for the certificate the first time. They may be able to help you reset your password or provide you with the login information you need.

      2. Try using a different phone number to register. If you have a friend or family member who is willing to let you use their phone number, this could be a good option.

      3. Contact the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to change the phone number associated with your NIN. This may take some time, but it is the most surefire way to resolve the issue.

      Reply
  4. Hello have done all process with capturing and fingerprint and they have sent a massage saying my “police character certificate file number has been approved”

    I want to ask I haven’t seen the documents sent on my email and I don’t know how long it will take to arrive , am I to go back to the police station to get the certificate or it will arrive on my Yahoo mail or my EMAIL

    Reply
    • Hi there.

      Congratulations on getting your police character certificate file number approved. It usually takes 2-3 working days for the police to process the certificate and send it to you via email. However, it may take longer depending on the workload of the police station.

      In your case, since you have not received the certificate yet, I would suggest that you go back to the police station and inquire about it. Bring your application form and receipt with you. The police officer should be able to tell you when the certificate will be ready and how you can get it.

      If you applied for the certificate online, you can check the status of your application on the police website. You will need to enter your application number or acknowledgment number to do this.

      I hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. What if I don’t have voter’s card and rent agreement. But I have students id card and passport, then bank statement

    Reply
  6. Pls what should I do I send 30k from kuda to parkway ready cash but possap have not confirm my payment, still showing no payment made and kuda as debited me I don’t knw what to do. Pls

    Reply
    • Hello Kehinde,

      Check again, the payment should have reflected by now.

      Let me know if you need further assistance.

      Reply
  7. Good morning,
    I really appreciate this article. Thanks. I need a police character certificate for a remote job. I was directed to the nearest police station. I negotiated the price and I was told that when I’m ready, the certificate will be ready same day or at most, the next day. I saw a sample of the certificate. It is kind of yellow in color, and it doesn’t look like the samples I’ve seen online. The ones I see online look like birth certificates. I want to be sure if I’m doing the right thing. I’m running out of time for submission deadline.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • The police character certificate you are describing sounds like a genuine one.

      There was a redesign of the certificate in 2019. What you are seeing online is the old certificate format.

      Reply
      • the police report is 35 k what ever you people can raise that is tangible pls do so this thing can be fast I beg you people, just tell your brothers even just today the man said in order to save cost, that he can get the police report then do it way bill to Kwara then you can do your thumb print and send it down immediately and with this idea we can save cost because getting 35k is not that easy. Can that possibly if someone want to obtain the police?
        And how is totally fees

        Reply
    • Leo,

      What certificate do you need?

      A police character certificate is a document that states that the holder has no criminal record. It is issued by the police in the country where the holder resides. A police character certificate is typically used for employment purposes, such as when applying for a job that requires a background check.

      A police clearance certificate is a document that states that the holder has no criminal record in a particular country. It is issued by the police in the country where the holder is applying for clearance. A police clearance certificate is typically used for immigration purposes, such as when applying for a visa to enter a country.

      Reply
      • Pls sir..can someone who was remanded to (ikoyi correctional center)prison due to an awaiting trial before but was not convicted apply for a police character certificate? Am asking because right there in ikoyi prison they collect your finger print once u enter there.. whether on awaiting trial or sentence.

        Reply
        • Yes, someone who was remanded to prison due to an awaiting trial before but was not convicted can apply for a police character certificate. The fact that your fingerprints were taken when you were in prison does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to get a police character certificate.

          In the case of someone who was remanded to prison due to an awaiting trial, the police will check the records to see if the individual was actually convicted of any crime. If the individual was not convicted of any crime, the police will issue the police character certificate.
          However, it is important to note that the police may still refuse to issue a police character certificate to someone who was remanded to prison due to an awaiting trial. This is because the police may believe that the individual is still a risk to the public.

          If you were remanded to prison due to an awaiting trial and you are now trying to apply for a police character certificate, I recommend that you contact the police and ask them about the specific requirements for your case.

          Reply
  8. And I was told the pcc is now in a new form different from how it’s been before it’s now much more of a paper , the previous one looks like a birth certificate now it’s different. Please enlighten us

    Reply
    • Yes, the Police Character Certificate (PCC) in Nigeria has been redesigned in recent years. The new PCC is a more streamlined document that is easier to read and understand. It also includes additional security features to make it more difficult to forge.

      The old PCC was a large, folded document that looked similar to a birth certificate. It was difficult to read and understand, and it did not include any security features. The new PCC is a smaller, single-page document that is easier to read and understand. It also includes a security hologram and a barcode that can be scanned to verify its authenticity.

      The new PCC was introduced in 2019 as part of a wider effort to improve the efficiency and security of the police clearance process in Nigeria. The new PCC is now the standard form of PCC in Nigeria, and it is required for a variety of purposes, including employment, immigration, and visa applications.

      Reply
  9. Hello please when registering for the pcc found out my gmail on my bvn is different which I didn’t have access to anymore. Would it affect my pcc ?

    Reply
  10. I need the PCC for a remote job and I don’t have an international passport or any other Identification card apart from NIN. Will I still be able to get it done?

    Reply
    • Hello Boluwatife,

      Yes, you can still get a PCC for a remote job even if you don’t have an international passport or any other identification card apart from your NIN. The NIN is a valid form of identification for obtaining a PCC, so you should be able to get one without any problems.

      Reply
  11. Does applying for a police report require that one present a BVN ?

    I applied yesterday, after the filling the details which included my NIN, to my surprise, the officer sent me a message that they needed my BVN. This got me shocked like what’s it for ?

    Reply
    • Yes, you may be required to present your BVN when applying for a police report in Nigeria.

      The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has been using the BVN since 2017 to improve the efficiency of their criminal background checks. The BVN is a more secure and reliable form of identification than the NIN, or National Identification Number, which was previously used by the NPF.

      Reply
    • Yes, you can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) with your driver’s license. In fact, your driver’s license is one of the valid identification documents that you can use to apply for a PCC.

      Here are the other valid identification documents that you can use to apply for a PCC:

      1. International passport
      2. National identity card
      3. Voter’s card
      4. Passport-size photograph
      5. Utility bill
      6. Bank statement
      7. Rent agreement

      To apply for a PCC, you will need to visit the nearest Police Station or Police Central Criminal Registry (PCCR) in your state of residence. You will need to fill out an application form and provide the required documents. The application fee for a PCC is usually around N4,000.

      The processing time for a PCC varies depending on the state. However, it usually takes between 1 to 2 weeks to process a PCC application.

      Once your PCC is issued, you will be given a receipt with the PCC number. You can use this receipt to track the status of your application.

      I hope this helps!

      Reply
  12. Please admin, I am applying because of a remote job offer I got. Would this be considered? And what are the requirements needed.

    Reply
    • Hello Opeyemi,

      Yes, you are qualified for the application process.

      The requirements are in this post.

      Let me know if you have further questions.

      Reply
  13. Please, I’m applying for Police character certificate as one of the onboarding process for job applications. Can I use my National Identity Card?

    Reply
    • Sure, I can help you with that.

      Here are the steps on how to process a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Nigeria if you are not in the country:

      1. Contact a third-party service provider. There are a number of third-party service providers that can help you process a PCC from Nigeria. These providers will typically charge a fee for their services, but they can save you time and hassle.

      a. Provide the required documentation. The required documentation will vary depending on the service provider, but it typically includes:
      b. Your passport information
      c. Your fingerprints
      d. A copy of your international passport
      e. A processing fee

      2. Pay the processing fee. Once you have provided the required documentation, you will need to pay the processing fee. The fee will vary depending on the service provider, but it is typically around $50.

      3. Wait for your PCC to be processed. The processing time will vary depending on the service provider, but it typically takes around 2-3 weeks.

      4. Receive your PCC. Once your PCC is processed, it will be sent to you by the service provider.

      Reply
    • Hello,

      The application portal may not work at this time.

      You must visit the Police Station for your application.

      Let me know if you have further questions.

      Reply
    • You do not need to get an appointment to get a police clearance certificate. You can simply visit the nearest police station and apply for it.

      Reply
  14. Pls after applying online for my PCC, do I still need to pay any police officer for any other processing to get my PCC certificate.

    Reply
      • How do you then submit the documents and fingerprints if applying via Possa online? As I cannot see any link to upload documents to POSSAP online.

        Many thanks
        JJ

        Reply
        • You can submit your documents and fingerprints through the POSSAP online portal after you have successfully created an account and submitted your application. To do this, follow these steps:

          1. Log in to your POSSAP online account.
          2. Click on the “Documents” tab.
          3. Click on the “Upload Documents” button.
          4. Select the documents that you want to upload and click on the “Open” button.
          5. Once all of the documents have been uploaded, click on the “Submit” button.

          You will also need to schedule a biometrics appointment at a POSSAP accredited biometrics centre. You can do this by clicking on the “Biometrics” tab and then clicking on the “Schedule Appointment” button.

          Reply
  15. Hello good morning. I just Applied for my PCC. But I noticed something in my name arrangement. On my NIN is Adeneye Adedamola Oluwafemi, but when the PCC certificate came out, it brought Adedamola Oluwafemi Adeneye. And I asked them, they said it dosent matter that that’s how my NIN brought it out. Pls how true is it. Thank you…

    Reply
    • Hello,

      Sorry about the misarrangement of your name.

      It could be system error or something.

      But, you would be able to use the PCC.

      Reply
  16. Thanks for your enlightenment. I have a brother who want to process PCC, he is presently in Brazil. Can I process it for him here.

    Reply
    • Hello John,

      I will advise you to visit the police station to ask if you can process the PCC for your brother.

      Good luck.

      Reply
      • Please I want to confirm if I am on the right track. Tried applying online and I saw the instruction saying we should use the invoice number as account number during transfer but noticed another account number when I clicked continue

        Reply

Leave a Comment