In this detailed guide, I will walk you through the precise steps for requesting and processing your PCC – Police Character Certificate in Nigeria. Until now, there has been a lack of direct, updated, and self-explanatory information available online regarding the Police Character Certificate. I have invested considerable effort and time to create this guide, based on my personal experience. Please note that this is an exclusively do-it-yourself (DIY) guide, and you will only incur the official fee of 30,000 naira.
It is important to note that there are two distinct categories of individuals who can apply for the Police Character Certificate (PCC): those residing in Nigeria and those living abroad. This particular blog post is tailored for individuals who are currently residing in Nigeria.
To begin the process, your first step is to visit the official website at https://possap.gov.ng/ and create an account.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 2 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Possap.png)
During registration, you can choose to sign up on POSSAP as an individual or on behalf of a Corporate/NGO entity. For individual registration, you will need to provide either your National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN), which will undergo validation before you can successfully complete the signup process. For Corporate/NGO registration, you will be required to submit your Tax Identification Number (TIN).
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 3 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2.png)
Once you have successfully registered, the subsequent page will come pre-populated with your full name and phone number. However, you must complete the remaining fields, including your email, gender, state, local government, address, and the password you wish to set for your POSSAP portal account.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 4 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/3.png)
Following this, a verification email will be dispatched to your email address, containing a 6-digit code, which is essential to finalize the signup process.
Upon completion of the signup process, you will be directed to a page where you need to select the specific service you require. There are three service options available: Police Extract, Police Character Certificate, and Escort and Guards Services. For the purpose of obtaining a Police Character Certificate, you should select the “Police Character Certificate” option.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 5 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1-1.png)
The ensuing page will be pre-filled with the information you previously entered. Verify that the information is accurate, and then proceed to indicate whether you are currently in the country or residing abroad. Furthermore, specify whether you intend to use the Police Character Certificate domestically or for international purposes, and provide the reason for your request, such as Residency, Education, Tourism, etc.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 6 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4.png)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 7 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/5.png)
Complete the remaining fields with information regarding your Country of Origin, Place of Birth, Date of Birth, Destination Country, Country of Passport, Passport Number, Place of Issuance, and Date of Issuance. You will also be required to upload a recent passport photograph and the Bio Data page of your International Passport.
Additionally, you must select your preferred police command state and division, as shown in the provided image on the POSSAP Portal.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 8 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6.png)
The following page will present a summary of your request and personal information, along with an option to generate the invoice. Click on the button to generate the invoice, and a page will appear for you to confirm your readiness to make the payment. Select “pay online,” and you will be redirected to the payment gateway.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 9 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/7-summary-page.png)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 10 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/8-Pay.png)
Upon successful completion of the payment process, you will be able to view the details of your application and print the receipt. It’s worth noting that a hard copy of the receipt is unnecessary; all you need is the File Reference Number, which follows a format like “PCC0000475856.”
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 11 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/9-invoice.png)
At this point, you can monitor the status of your application, as displayed in the provided image.
Depending on certain undisclosed factors, your application may temporarily indicate “Secretariat Routing” for approximately 2 to 3 days. Rest assured that there’s no need for concern. Simply send an email to info@possap.gov.ng or call 01-8884040 to report the issue. They will promptly resolve it.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 12 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6408.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 13 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6409.jpg)
Once your application is successfully routed to your preferred police command, you can proceed with the biometric capture.
Upon reaching your police command, seek directions to the biometric capture room.
Note: It’s important to be aware that some individuals within the system may request payment for the biometric capture of your Police Character Certificate, with amounts ranging from approximately 3,000 naira to 20,000 naira, depending on location and individuals encountered. Politely inform them that biometric capture is free and that you will contact the POSSAP Customer Support if necessary. They are likely to act promptly as they value their positions. Please, refrain from making any payments as the service is indeed free.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 13 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6409.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 13 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6409.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 13 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6409.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 15 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6452.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 15 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6452.jpg)
Once your biometric data has been captured, your request status will be updated. From this moment, you only need to wait for approximately 24 hours before your certificate is ready for collection.
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 16 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6455.jpg)
![How to apply for a Police Character Certificate in Nigeria 2024 16 Request Police Character Certificate](https://myexplorepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6455.jpg)
If you have any inquiries or require further assistance regarding this process or POSSAP portal, please feel free to reach out. I am here to assist you.
Hi there,
Thank you guidelines stated above.
I am currently abroad i have already made the payment but the status is still pending showing at secretariat routing with no check mark.
Please advise on what to do next.
Thanks again.
Hello Adewale,
There are only two ways to check this:
1 – Make sure your payment was successful: To do this, log in to your Possap account and go to Requests. You can also use this link: https://possap.gov.ng/p/request-list. Look for your File Number and click on “View Invoice” to see if it says “Paid” or “Unpaid”. If unpaid, which means POSSAP didn’t get the payment, you should contact your bank.
2 – If your payment was successful, contact POSSAP Support by email at info@possap.gov.ng or call 01-8884040. However, reaching them by phone might be difficult, and you may have to wait a long time to speak to a representative. Be ready to explain your issue, including your File Number and Invoice Number.
Hello, thank you for this piece.
You said “Once your biometric data has been captured, your request status will be updated. From this moment, you only need to wait for approximately 24 hours before your certificate is ready for collection”. Where do you collect? Do you download online? or go back to the Force CID office?
Hello Kunle,
You’ll get receive a mail with the Subject “Possap Approval Notification”. In the mail, there’s a PDF attachment of your Police Clearance Certificate. Alternatively, you’ll be able to download the certificate from your POSSAP Portal.
There won’t be any reason to have to return to the Force CID.
Regards.
Clear and precise
Hello,
I didn’t receive any retrieval code and I am stuck.
I have checked my spam; do you know what can be done.
Hello, I made a mistake on my destination country in the application, is there an email or number to inform them of that ?
Thanks
Hi Jiji, If you’ve made a mistake on your destination country in the application for a PCC, you can inform them by emailing info@possap.gov.ng or calling 01-8884040. This contact information should help you correct the error in your application.
thank you!
I’m currently abroad how do I go about getting the certificate.
Hello Dapo,
It’s pretty much the same steps. You will just need proof of residence in the country you are in. All the processes and steps will be carried out remotely.
Thank u boss. I appreciate
Hello Okikiola
Attached is a copy of the biometrics data page for your fingerprints. Please scan a copy for us once you have captured your fingerprints. This is the mail I received from them . How I’m I getting the finger print since I reside abroad.
Just paint your fingers with ink/biro and ‘stamp’ on clean paper. Do it for both hands.
Thanks for this great breakdown, please for those abroad, after approved payment are we expecting a mail of what next to do or we get the pcc after 48hrs of payment? as i saw it takes 48 to 72 hours to get your cerftificate. thanks for your response
Hello Vivien,
Yes, you will receive a notification. You’ll need to provide your proof of residence abroad and a copy of your fingerprints.
It’s been over 24 hours after biometrics now , and I’m very pressed for time .
Please what do I do ?
Hi Grace,
What’s the status on your tracker? You are still within the expected timeline.
However, since it’s quite urgent, you should try placing a call to them.
Thanks for your explanation so far. Please I’m applying for permanent residency from Nigeria to US. And I choose Nationality as reason for inquiry. Hope it’s cool or could I have chosen Residency or traveling?
According to you, your application is for Permanent Residency in the United States. The answer is simple: RESIDENCY.
Thank you so much for your swift response. Please how do I go about to effect the change.
Hello Okikiola, I have made payment for my PCC and I have done the thumbprint process and submitted. I am not in Nigeria, how long will it take before the certificate will be ready.
Thanks