The South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) fee is a mandatory, non-refundable charge payable directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM). Payments made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or international wire transfer must be deposited into the official SAPS ABSA bank account using the strict reference format PCC followed by your initials and surname. A verified physical proof of payment must accompany your completed fingerprint form and certified identification documents for processing.
Official SAPS Police Clearance Banking Details
When paying electronically or making an over-the-counter deposit at a bank branch, funds must be transferred directly into the official bank account maintained by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service.
| Detail Field | Official SAPS Account Information |
| Account Name | South African Police Service |
| Bank Name | ABSA Bank |
| Account Number | 4054522787 |
| Account Type | Cheque / Current Account |
| Branch Code | 632005 |
| Branch Name | Pretoria / Corporate |
| SWIFT Code (International) | ABSAZAJJXXX |
Note: Always verify the bank details prior to transfer. Do not make payments into personal or unverified third-party accounts unless you are explicitly using an accredited private document agency whose distinct service fees include government disbursements.
Prescribed Fees and Payment Structure
The official statutory fee set by SAPS for issuing a Police Clearance Certificate (SAP 365) is standard nationwide.
- Standard PCC Application Fee: The prescribed official government fee is payable per application.
- Non-Refundable Policy: All payments made to the SAPS bank account are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome (e.g., if a criminal record is found or if the application is rejected due to poor fingerprint quality).
- Separate Service Fees: If you utilize private courier services, consular assistance, or professional document expeditors, their administration and freight charges are billed separately from the statutory SAPS clearance fee.
Mandatory Payment Reference Format
The SAPS Criminal Record Centre processes thousands of clearance requests each week. Incorrectly referenced payments are the leading cause of administrative delays and unlinked applications.
Reference Construction Rules
Your payment reference must follow this exact syntax:
Plaintext
PCC [INITIALS] [SURNAME]
Examples of Valid Reference Numbers
- Applicant Jane Doe:
PCC J DOE - Applicant Michael van der Merwe:
PCC M VAN DER MERWE - Applicant Nkosana Khumalo:
PCC N KHUMALO
Key Reference Guidelines
- Always include the “PCC” prefix: This alerts the SAPS financial department that the deposit belongs to the Police Clearance Certificate division rather than other police administrative funds.
- Do not use your ID number alone: Unless specifically instructed as a secondary reference field, your surname and initials must be visible on the bank statement.
- Avoid generic terms: Never use references such as “Police Clearance”, “Clearance Fee”, or “SAPS Payment”, as these cannot be allocated to your specific file.
Accepted Payment Methods
Applicants have multiple payment options depending on whether they are applying from within South Africa or from abroad.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) & Online Banking
Applicants with access to South African internet banking can transfer the exact fee directly into the ABSA account.
- Generate an official PDF proof of payment immediately after completing the transaction.
- Ensure the transaction status reflects as successful (not pending or scheduled).
Direct Cash Deposit at an ABSA Branch
If you do not use online banking, you can deposit cash over the counter at any ABSA branch in South Africa into the SAPS account. Retain the stamped, original bank deposit slip issued by the teller.
Cash Payment at a Local SAPS Station
Selected police stations within South Africa accept cash payments at their financial services counter. If paying at a station:
- Ensure you are issued an official government receipt (SAPS 512(a) receipt).
- Keep the original receipt safe, as it serves as the only accepted proof of payment for manual station submissions.
International Wire Transfer (SWIFT) for Applicants Abroad
Individuals living outside South Africa must initiate an international wire transfer through their local bank or a foreign exchange provider using the SAPS ABSA SWIFT code (ABSAZAJJXXX).
- Ensure that you select the option to cover all intermediary bank charges and transfer fees (OUR/Sender covers fees) so that SAPS receives the exact statutory amount in South African Rand (ZAR).
- Request a SWIFT payment confirmation document showing the transaction reference, beneficiary account, and date of transfer.
Bank-Guaranteed Cheques and Bank Drafts
SAPS accepts bank-guaranteed cheques or banker’s drafts made payable to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. Personal or unverified company cheques are strictly rejected.
Attaching and Submitting Proof of Payment (PoP)
Your payment must be physically linked to your application dossier before the Criminal Record Centre will capture your details into the system.
Required Documentation Pack
When submitting your application, bundle the following documents together:
- Original Fingerprint Form (SAPS 91a): Completed in black ink by an authorized official or commissioner of oaths.
- Certified Copy of Identity Document or Passport: Not older than three months.
- Printed Proof of Payment: The official bank-generated EFT confirmation slip, ABSA deposit receipt, or original SAPS 512(a) cash receipt.
- Cover Letter / Application Form: Stating the purpose of the clearance (e.g., employment, immigration, visa).
Submission Addresses (Pretoria CRC)
If you are couriering or hand-delivering your application directly to the processing centre:
- Physical / Courier Address:The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM)
Bothongo Plaza West Building, CRC Client Service Centre
1st Floor, Room 14, 271 Francis Baard Street
Pretoria, Gauteng, 0001, South Africa
Attention: Police Clearance Certificates - Postal Address (Registered Mail):The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM)
Private Bag X308
Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Attention: Police Clearance Certificates
Critical Payment Mistakes to Avoid
- Mailing Physical Cash: Never insert banknotes or coins inside postal or courier envelopes. Cash sent via mail is strictly prohibited and carries a high risk of theft or application rejection.
- Truncated References: Ensure your bank does not cut off your surname due to character limits. Prioritize
PCC [Initial] [Surname]. - Failing to Print the Proof of Payment: SAPS does not verify payments via SMS notifications or forwarded emails. You must attach a physical printout.
- Underpaying Due to Currency Conversion or Bank Fees: When transferring from abroad, fluctuating exchange rates or deducted intermediary banking fees can result in a short payment, halting application processing indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a South African Police Clearance Certificate cost?
The official statutory fee charged by the South African Police Service is a fixed, non-refundable government tariff per application. Additional costs only arise if you use third-party courier services, apostille/legalization services, or private document facilitation agencies.
What reference number must I use when making an EFT payment to SAPS?
When paying electronically, use the reference syntax PCC [Initials] [Surname] (for example, PCC J DOE). This specific format allows the SAPS financial department to trace and link your funds directly to your police clearance application file.
Can I pay for my police clearance certificate in cash at the police station?
Yes, cash payments are accepted at most local SAPS police stations in South Africa. Upon payment, the station will issue an official SAPS 512(a) receipt, which must be attached to your fingerprint form and certified ID copy as physical proof of payment.
How do applicants living abroad pay for a South African police clearance?
Applicants residing outside South Africa can pay via an international SWIFT wire transfer to the SAPS ABSA bank account using SWIFT code ABSAZAJJXXX, or via a foreign bank draft made payable to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. Ensure that all foreign transaction and intermediary fees are prepaid so the exact ZAR amount is received.
What happens if I make a payment without the correct reference?
If an incorrect or generic reference (such as “Police Clearance” or only a phone number) is used, the SAPS financial reconciliation team cannot automatically allocate your payment to your application. This can lead to significant processing delays or your application being placed on hold until manual financial verification is completed.
Is the police clearance certificate fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the prescribed fee is strictly non-refundable once the application has been lodged and processed by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre, regardless of whether a certificate is issued or if a criminal record is identified.