How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Pune in 2026: Passport Seva PCC vs Maharashtra Police Character Certificate

In Pune there are two different police certificates. If you need a police clearance certificate (PCC) for a job, residence or long-term visa abroad, apply on the Passport Seva portal and visit a Passport Seva Kendra with your passport. If an employer or agency in India wants a character or police verification certificate, apply online through the Maharashtra Police Clearance Services portal or Aaple Sarkar.

Getting the wrong one is the most common mistake. The two systems are run by different authorities, and one certificate is not accepted in place of the other. Ask the employer, embassy or agency which one they want before you pay any fee.

Which certificate do you need?

The Passport Seva PCC is not issued for tourist travel, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

How to apply for a Passport Seva PCC from Pune

1. Log in at passportindia.gov.in (or create an account) and choose Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.
2. Fill in the form with your current Pune address and passport details, and note the Application Reference Number (ARN).
3. Pay the fee online (Rs 500 at the time of writing; the portal shows the current amount) and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
4. Visit on the appointment date with your original passport and current address proof, such as Aadhaar or a registered rent agreement.
5. If your passport’s earlier police verification is on record and clean, the PCC can be issued at the Kendra, sometimes the same day. Otherwise, a fresh police verification is done through Pune City Police or Pimpri Chinchwad Police before it is issued.

How to get a police character certificate for use in India

For jobs and verifications within India, Maharashtra Police run an online system. You can apply through the Police Clearance Services portal at pcs.mahaonline.gov.in or the character verification service listed under Home Department on Aaple Sarkar.

1. Register with your mobile number and email.
2. Choose the service, for example character certificate or employee verification.
3. Fill in your personal details and addresses for the period the police ask for, usually several years.
4. Upload a photo, signature and identity and address proofs.
5. Pay the fee shown on the portal and submit.
6. Track the application, and download the certificate when it is issued.

Aaple Sarkar lists a notified time limit of 30 days for character verification. That is the official target, not a guarantee, and police may call you or visit your address before they approve it.

Documents to keep ready

• Passport (for the Passport Seva PCC)
• Aadhaar card and one more photo ID such as PAN or voter ID
• Proof of current address in Pune: utility bill, property tax receipt or registered rent agreement
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Employer’s letter, if the employer has asked for a specific format

Common reasons for delay

• The address on the application does not match your documents.
• You moved recently and the police cannot find you at the address given.
• You applied for the wrong certificate and have to start again.
• You missed the police station’s phone call or visit. Keep your phone reachable while the application is pending.

For other paperwork in the city, see our guides on Pune civic services, including how to apply for a passport in Pune.

Frequently asked questions