Complete Guide
A step-by-step guide for South Africans applying for a Police Clearance Certificate from any country. Everything from fingerprinting to receiving your certificate, done correctly the first time.
Mistakes can delay your application by weeks. We make sure it is done correctly the first time.
Follow each step in order. DocuLink SA guides you through all of these when you apply through our service.
You need a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the South African Police Service Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. This is the document accepted for immigration, residency, employment and professional registration applications worldwide.
Visit a certified fingerprinting service in your country. Ink fingerprints must be taken on the SAPS 91(a) form. The form must be stamped and signed by the fingerprinting officer. Digital fingerprints are not accepted by SAPS. DocuLink SA provides guidance on where to get fingerprints taken based on your location.
Download and complete the SAPS 91(a) application form. Sign it in the presence of a commissioner of oaths, notary, or justice of the peace. DocuLink SA provides guidance on exactly how to complete this correctly.
You need a clear, legible copy of your South African ID document or passport. It does not need to be certified - SAPS accepts a plain copy. Make sure the full page is visible and your name, ID or passport number, date of birth and photograph are all readable. Do not send original identity documents.
Send your original ink fingerprint form, your original signed SAPS 1591 application form and a copy of your ID or passport to DocuLink SA in South Africa via DHL Express. If the applicant is under 18, the signed original parental or legal guardian consent form goes in as well. The identity document is the only item that goes as a copy - every form must be an original you signed. Use an A4 envelope only. DHL Express typically delivers in 3 to 4 business days depending on your country.
SAPS typically processes Police Clearance Certificate applications in 10 to 15 business days from lodgement, excluding courier time to and from South Africa. DocuLink SA monitors your application and sends you updates. SAPS processing is controlled by SAPS and may be subject to backlogs. These timelines are estimates only.
Once SAPS releases your certificate, DocuLink SA delivers a digital scanned copy to your email. Your original certificate is returned to you via DHL Express, fully tracked, in 3 to 4 business days.
These are the most frequent issues we see from applicants worldwide. DocuLink SA checks for all of these before anything is submitted.
Fingerprints taken at the wrong location or without the SAPS 91(a) form
Application form not signed before a commissioner of oaths or notary
Identity copies that are cropped, blurred, or missing the back of the ID card
Using a courier other than DHL Express, causing customs delays
Sending documents in an incorrectly sized envelope
DocuLink SA reviews every document before submission to prevent these delays. Not sure if your document is correct? Submit it anyway. We will review and guide you.
Do I need to visit a South African embassy?
No. The entire process is remote. You gather your documents in your country and courier them to DocuLink SA in South Africa. No embassy visit is required.
How long does the whole process take?
From document preparation to receiving your certificate, you should allow approximately 3 to 5 weeks in total. This includes courier time to South Africa (3 to 4 business days via DHL) and SAPS processing time of 10 to 15 business days. These are estimates and may vary.
Where can I get fingerprints taken in my country?
Certified fingerprinting services are available in most countries. In Australia, many local police stations provide this service, but it is often by appointment only - phone ahead before visiting. In the UK, many solicitors and notaries can assist. DocuLink SA provides country-specific guidance when you submit your application.
Is DocuLink SA affiliated with the South African government?
No. DocuLink SA is an independent facilitation service. We act as your agent in South Africa, managing the process on your behalf. We are not part of any government body or authority.
Create your DocuLink SA account and start your application. We will guide you through every step from document preparation to delivery.