How to get a South Africa Criminal Background Check

Follow these steps to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate from the South African Police Services

1. Have your fingerprints taken at your local police station.
2. Draft a request letter with thefollowing information:

  • Surname and/or maiden name
  • Given names
  • Date and place of birth
  • South African ID number (if applicable)
  • Last residential address in South Africa
  • Last SA employer’s address & phone #
  • Date and signature
  • Mailing address, zip/postal code
  • Telephone number

3.  Make a request in your letter for a Police Clearance Certificate with a sex-offender registry check.

4.  Also request that the completed certificate be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs – Legalization Section for apostille before being returnedto you.

5. Add the following things

  • A self-addressed, stamped envelope
  • Your full fingerprint form
  • A South African bank guaranteed check, bankers draft or money order made payable to the South African Police Service.
  • Photocopy of your photo ID or passport

6. Send off your letter to:

The Head (Attention: Police Clearance Certificates)Criminal Record Center
SAPS 1st Floor, Room 14
Botongo Plaza West271 Schoeman Street
Pretoria, 0001
Republic of South Africa

Please see the government website for full details on applying. And with that, you’ve got your Police Clearance Certificate in hand!