How To Get A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Apostille In The USA

A PCC apostille is an important requirement when individuals need to use a police clearance certificate outside of the United States. This process confirms your document is valid for use in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. 

Without this authentication, your police report may be rejected abroad, even if it was issued by an official U.S. authority.

The PCC and Its International Use

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by a police department or another authorized agency. It states that the person named in the report has no criminal record or lists any existing infractions.

People often request this certificate for immigration, work visas, residency, adoption, or long-term travel purposes. Although it holds legal weight within the United States, it must undergo a formal verification process to be accepted internationally. That’s where the PCC apostille becomes necessary.

Countries part of the Hague Convention require that foreign public documents be authenticated through the apostille process. This procedure confirms the origin of the document so foreign authorities can accept it without additional certification. 

If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must go through a different legalization process, often involving an embassy or consulate.

Types of Police Reports That Can Be Apostilled

There are a few different kinds of police reports that qualify for authentication. The most common is the background check or clearance letter issued by a local police department. 

FBI background checks also fall under this category, although they require a federal level apostille. It’s important to know which level of government issued your document because the processing steps depend on this detail.

Local police departments, city clerks, or county officials usually issue state-level clearance certificates. These must be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. If you’ve obtained a federal background check through the FBI, it must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Steps to Get a PCC Apostille

Request Your Police Clearance Certificate

Start by contacting your local police department or state agency to request your PCC. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to appear in person, provide fingerprints, or present valid identification. Apostille Corp can help you determine which agency to contact and what documentation is required.

Review the Certificate for Accuracy

Before proceeding, carefully review the completed PCC. Confirm that all personal details are correct and that the certificate has been properly signed or certified.

If corrections are needed, address them with the issuing agency before continuing. Our team is available to review your document and identify any issues that could delay processing.

Identify the Appropriate Apostille Channel

The origin of the document determines where it should be apostilled.

• State-Issued PCC: If your certificate was issued by a local or state authority, it must go through the Secretary of State in the same state.
• Federal PCC (e.g., FBI Report): If issued by a federal agency, it must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Apostille Corp will confirm the correct route for your document and submit it to the proper office on your behalf.

Check for Notarization or Certification Requirements

Some PCCs require notarization before they can be apostilled, depending on the issuing state. Our team will check the rules for your jurisdiction and provide notarization services when needed. We also assist with county-level certification if required by the state.

Submit the Document for Apostille

Once prepared, the document must be submitted with any required forms, identification, and payment. Apostille Corp handles this step for you, including expedited service when available.

We track processing times, manage communication with the issuing office, and provide status updates until your apostilled document is returned.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

Submitting incorrect or incomplete paperwork can delay the PCC apostille process significantly. One frequent mistake is sending a document to the wrong agency. State-issued certificates cannot be apostilled by the federal government, and federal documents will be rejected by state authorities.

Another common issue is outdated or unofficial documents. A police report must be current and bear the appropriate signatures and seals. Submitting a photocopy or an unsigned certificate will often result in rejection. 

Some states require the document to be issued within a certain timeframe (usually 90 days), so it’s important to act quickly once your certificate is in hand.

If you’re in a rush or feel mind-boggled by the process, you can work with a professional service that specializes in apostille documents. These agencies can handle the details on your behalf, making sure the document goes to the right place and meets all the necessary criteria.

We Make Apostille Processing Easy and Reliable

Apostille Corp helps clients obtain a PCC apostille quickly and correctly. Our office in New York City is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to get your documents processed without unnecessary delays. Over the past decade, we’ve earned a reputation for efficient work and top-tier customer service.

We handle state and federal apostilles as well as embassy legalizations. Whether you have local police clearance or an FBI background check, we know exactly where to send it and what steps are required. This saves you time and prevents common errors that often result in rejections.

We’ve worked with clients across all 50 states and understand the unique requirements of each one. Our agents are trained to manage documents for both personal and professional use. From police reports to birth certificates and more, we work to make sure each submission is done right the first time.

When you bring your documents to us, you’re not just getting a service; you’re gaining a partner who respects your time and understands what’s at stake. We treat every request with urgency and confidentiality. You can rely on us to handle your paperwork as if it were our own.

If you have questions about how to get your police clearance certificate apostilled, or if you need guidance on where to start, we’re ready to help. 

Get in touch with us today for fast, friendly assistance you can count on. Our team is just a phone call or email away, and we’re always happy to answer your questions.