Police Clearance Certificate USA

Step 1 — Determine which PCC you need

State Police Certificate

• Covers arrests or convictions within a single U.S. state
• Often required by employers, licensing boards, or local authorities

FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary)

• Provides a nationwide record of arrests and convictions
• Required for most immigration applications, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Schengen countries
• Considered the official Police Clearance Certificate USA for immigration

Step 2 — Gather required documents

Common documents for both State and FBI PCC

• Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID)
• Full legal name, including any aliases
• Date and place of birth
• Current and previous mailing addresses
• Passport copy (required if applying from abroad)

State PCC specific requirements

• Completed state application form
• Proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, lease agreement, or utility bill
• Applicable state fee (typically $10–$50)

FBI PCC specific requirements

• FD-258 fingerprint card or electronic fingerprints
• FBI request form submitted via the FBI portal or an FBI-approved channeler
• Fee (currently $18; additional fees may apply if using a channeler)

Our assistance: You can submit your documents and forms through us to ensure they reach the correct authority.

Step 3 — Get your fingerprints done

• Fingerprints are required for both State and FBI checks
• Can be taken at local police departments, sheriff’s offices, or FBI-approved vendors
• For applicants living abroad, fingerprints can be arranged at authorized local police stations or certified services
• We help ensure your fingerprints are correctly taken and submitted for verification

Step 4 — Complete the application and pay fees

State PCC

• Submit the completed state application form along with the applicable fee

FBI PCC

• Direct to FBI: Apply online or by mail through the FBI Identity History Summary Check service
• Through a Channeler: Fingerprints are submitted electronically for faster processing, with results often delivered as a PDF within a few days

Our assistance: We can help coordinate submission and payment to the appropriate authority so your application is complete and accurate.

Step 5 — Submit application and fingerprints

• FBI mail: Send the application, fingerprints, ID copy, and fee to the FBI CJIS Division
• FBI online/channeler: Upload documents electronically for faster results
• State PCC: Submit via the state police/DOJ portal or by mail
• From abroad: Use a prepaid courier or a channeler that accepts international submissions

Our assistance: Applications and fingerprints can be submitted through our service to ensure timely processing.

Step 6 — Wait for processing

• FBI online/channeler: Typically 3–5 business days
• FBI mail: Usually 12–16 weeks
• State PCC: 1–8 weeks depending on the state and verification requirements
• During this period, we provide updates on the status of your application.

   

Step 7 — Receive your PCC

• FBI PCC: Delivered as a paper certificate by mail or as a PDF if processed through a channeler
• State PCC: Usually a sealed paper certificate; some states issue electronic copies
• Our assistance: Once issued, you can receive your PCC from our office or via secure courier delivery.

Step 8 — Apostille or Authentication (if needed abroad)

• FBI PCC: Must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications for international use
• State PCC: Often requires notarization or state certification prior to Department of State apostille or legalization
• Our assistance: We help ensure the PCC is sent for authentication or apostille if required for international use.