How to Get Fingerprints for a South African Police Clearance Certificate Abroad

If you are living outside South Africa and need a South African Police Clearance Certificate, one of the most important requirements is submitting a full set of fingerprints.

Many South Africans abroad are unsure where to obtain fingerprints or what form is required. Fortunately, fingerprints can usually be taken at several authorised locations in most countries.

This guide explains how to obtain fingerprints for a South African Police Clearance Certificate while living abroad.

Why Fingerprints Are Required

Fingerprints are used by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to verify the identity of an applicant and check for any criminal record in South Africa.

Once submitted, the fingerprints are processed by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria, where a background check is performed before issuing the police clearance certificate.

Without fingerprints, SAPS cannot process the application.

Where to Get Fingerprints Outside South Africa

If you are living abroad, fingerprints can normally be taken at:

• Local police stations
• Private fingerprint agencies
• Notary public offices offering fingerprint services
• South African embassies or consulates (in some countries)

Before visiting, confirm that the organisation provides official fingerprint services.

Example of the SAPS Fingerprint Form (SAPS 91)

Below is the official SAPS 91 fingerprint form used for South African Police Clearance Certificates.

This is the official fingerprint document used by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre to capture fingerprint impressions.

The form must be completed correctly and signed by the official taking the fingerprints.

Download the SAPS 91 Fingerprint Form (PDF)

Information Required on the Fingerprint Form

The fingerprint form must include the following details:

• Full name and surname
• Date of birth
• Passport number or South African ID number
• Signature of the officer taking the fingerprints
• Official stamp of the police station or agency

Clear fingerprints are important because smudged or incomplete prints may delay processing.

Tips for Getting Clear Fingerprints

To avoid delays when applying for a police clearance certificate:

• Ensure fingerprints are clear and fully visible
• Avoid smudged or incomplete prints
• Confirm the form is signed and stamped
• Use the correct fingerprint form or fingerprint card

If fingerprints are not clear, SAPS may request a new set.

Sending Your Fingerprints to South Africa

After fingerprints are taken, they must be submitted together with your police clearance application documents.

The application package normally includes:

• Original fingerprint form
• Completed SAPS application form
• Copy of passport or South African ID
• Proof of payment for the SAPS processing fee

These documents are typically sent to South Africa using an international courier service.

Processing Time

Once the documents reach the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria, the application is processed.

Current processing times are typically 3 to 6 weeks, depending on application volumes and backlogs.

Need Assistance With Your Police Clearance Certificate?

Authentic Documents SA assists clients worldwide with:

• SAPS Police Clearance Certificates
• DIRCO Apostilles
• Document Authentication & Legalisation
• International Courier of South African Documents

If you need assistance with your application, our team can help guide you through the process.

About the Author

Willem Greyvenstein is the founder of Authentic Documents SA and assists clients worldwide with SAPS Police Clearance Certificates, apostilles and document legalisation.

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