Required documents for a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate
Exactly what SAPS needs before an application can be submitted — so nothing gets rejected or delayed for missing paperwork.
What you'll need to provide
South African ID or Passport
A certified copy confirming your full name, ID number and identity. Expired documents can usually still be used to confirm your ID number.
Completed SAPS Application Form
The official form SAPS requires for a police clearance request, filled in accurately and consistently with your ID documents.
Certified Fingerprints
Captured on the correct SAPS-compliant form by a qualified technician — this is the single most important document in the file. See our fingerprint requirements guide.
Cover Letter
A short letter identifying the applicant and the purpose of the request, so SAPS and any courier handling can process the file correctly.
Proof of Current Address
Confirms where your completed certificate should be returned to once SAPS has processed it — particularly important for applicants living overseas.
Payment for SAPS Fees (if applicable)
SAPS sets its own fee schedule, which can change. See our cost guide for the full breakdown of what to budget for.
Frequently Asked
Do I need my original South African ID or passport, or is a copy enough?
A clear certified copy is generally accepted for the application itself, since your original identity document should stay with you. Elanza will tell you exactly which certification standard applies for your situation when you get in touch.
What if my South African ID has expired?
An expired ID or passport can usually still be used to confirm your identity and ID number for the application — it's your ID number SAPS matches against, not the document's validity. Flag it upfront so it can be accounted for in your documentation.
Do I need to list every address I've lived at in South Africa?
SAPS asks for your ID number and fingerprints, not a full address history — the check is run against the national database, not location by location. You won't need to reconstruct years of past addresses.
What's a cover letter for, and do I have to write my own?
It's a short covering document identifying who you are, why the certificate is needed, and where it should be sent or couriered back to. Elanza prepares this as part of document preparation — you don't need to draft it yourself.
I don't have my SA ID number memorised — where do I find it?
It's the 13-digit number on your South African ID book, smart ID card, or in the identity section of your South African passport. If you genuinely can't locate any of these, mention it upfront — there are ways to trace it, but it adds time.