Service Cheat Sheet

Not sure which service you need? Use the Cheat Sheet to save time.

Which Clearance Check Do You Need?

Compare requirements, turnarounds, and official acceptance before submitting your application.

Your Purpose
Recommended Service
Output Received
Turnaround Time

Action

International
Emigration, Visas, Travel, Overseas Work
SAPS Police Clearance Certificate
Official SAPS-issued physical certificate.
Hardcopy SAPS Certificate on official security paper with SAPS embossed seal.
15 – 20 Business Days
International
Emigration, Visas, Travel, Overseas Work

SAPS Police Clearance Certificate

15 – 20 Business Days
Official SAPS-issued physical certificate.

What you’ll receive

Hardcopy SAPS Certificate on official security paper with SAPS embossed seal.
Your Purpose
Recommended Service
Output Received
Turnaround Time

Action

Local Work
Employment Check, Pre-Screening, Professional Bodies
Police Clearance Report
Rapid biometrics-based electronic clearance.
Digital PDF Clearance Report showing criminal history check status.
24 – 48 Hours
Local Work
Employment Check, Pre-Screening, Professional Bodies

Police Clearance Report

24 – 48 Hours
Rapid biometrics-based electronic clearance.

What you’ll receive

Digital PDF Clearance Report showing criminal history check status.
Your Purpose
Recommended Service
Output Received
Turnaround Time

Action

Education
SACE Educator Registration or Renewal
SACE Assistance
Dedicated teacher registration clearance path.
Accepted electronic clearance report formatted for SACE submission.
1 – 3 Business Days
Education
SACE Educator Registration or Renewal

SACE Assistance

1 – 3 Business Days
Dedicated teacher registration clearance path.

What you’ll receive

Accepted electronic clearance report formatted for SACE submission.
Your Purpose
Recommended Service
Output Received
Turnaround Time

Action

Corporate
Employee Screening or Bulk Workforce Check
Background Verification
Comprehensive credit, qualifications, ID & criminal background.
Itemized background verification report per applicant.
1 – 3 Business Days
Corporate
Employee Screening or Bulk Workforce Check

Background Verification

1 – 3 Business Days
Comprehensive credit, qualifications, ID & criminal background.

What you’ll receive

Itemized background verification report per applicant.
Your Purpose
Recommended Service
Output Received
Turnaround Time

Action

Legal / Record
Removing Eligible Convictions
Criminal Record Expungement
Department of Justice expungement application.
Official Department of Justice expungement confirmation letter.
Consultation First
Legal / Record
Removing Eligible Convictions

Criminal Record Expungement

Consultation First
Department of Justice expungement application.

What you’ll receive

Official Department of Justice expungement confirmation letter.

Important Note Before Applying: Requirements vary by requesting organisation, embassy, or employer. Always confirm whether the requesting party requires an official physical SAPS Police Clearance Certificate or accepts an electronic Police Clearance Report before submitting your fingerprints.

How It Works

Submit Documents Online or Capture Biometrics Locally
Select the required clearance check or investigation service based on your specific goal or requesting body.

Not sure what you need? Use our Service Decision Wizard above.

Submit Documents Online or Capture Biometrics Locally
Depending on your chosen service, you can upload your details online or visit an accredited capture location.

Have questions about consent forms?

Have questions about consent forms?

Fast Electronic Delivery or Courier Dispatch
Get your verified electronic report delivered securely via email or receive your official SAPS clearance certificate by courier.

Electronic reports are delivered in 24–48 hours. Official SAPS paper certificates take 15–20 business days

Have a case or corporate investigation

Have a question about your application?