In order to evaluate your eligibility for expungement in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 (as amended), we require a copy of your criminal record or police clearance certificate. Without this document, we are unable to assess the nature of the conviction(s), determine whether the prescribed waiting period has lapsed, or confirm whether your matter qualifies for expungement.
Below we have outlined the three methods available to you for obtaining your criminal record, depending on your current location and preference.
Option A: HURU Criminal Record Check (Recommended)
Fastest method — results in as little as 2 hours
HURU operates South Africa’s largest fingerprint capture network through over 500 PostNet and Jetline stores nationwide. This is the quickest and most convenient method, with results available in as little as 2 hours depending on the service level selected.
How it works:
- Visit your nearest PostNet or Jetline store. No appointment is required. Find your closest location at www.huru.co.za.
- Bring a valid original ID document (RSA ID card or book, RSA driver’s licence, or foreign passport).
- The store assistant will capture your photo, ID, and fingerprints electronically using HURU’s secure encrypted system.
- Select your service level and pay. Options include Standard, Premium, and Priority turnaround times. Fees vary depending on the speed selected.
- Receive your Criminal Record Check report via email or WhatsApp in PDF format.
Important Note Regarding HURU Results
If your report indicates “SAPS Verification Requested”, this means your fingerprints were detected on the SAPS criminal database. A second report (known as a SAPS69 Report) will be issued by SAPS within 2-6 weeks containing the full details of your criminal record. This SAPS69 report is the document we require for your eligibility evaluation.
If your report shows “CLEAR”, this means no criminal record was found. In this instance, you may not require our expungement services as there is no record to expunge.
Option B: Local Police Station (Police Clearance Report)
You may obtain a Police Clearance Report (PCR) from any Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station. This is an official document confirming your criminal status and is accepted for expungement evaluation purposes.
How it works:
- Visit your nearest SAPS police station during office hours.
- Request a Police Clearance Report (PCR) or a Name Clearance Certificate (NCC). Inform the officer that the report is required for expungement purposes.
- Provide your fingerprints on the official SAPS fingerprint form and present your identity document.
- Pay the prescribed fee of R95.00 per report (subject to change).
- Collect your report in person once it has been processed. Processing times may vary.
Please Note
The Police Clearance Report will provide a printout of your criminal history. Please ensure you request the detailed report that includes conviction information, not merely a clearance confirmation. Processing times at SAPS stations are typically longer than HURU and may take several weeks.
Option C: Applicants Living Abroad
If you are currently residing outside South Africa, you may still obtain your criminal record. The process requires that your fingerprints and supporting documents be submitted to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre (CRC) in Pretoria for processing.
How it works:
- Have your fingerprints taken at any local police station in your country of residence or at the nearest South African Embassy or High Commission. Fingerprints should be taken in ink on the official SAPS 91(a) form, or on the official fingerprint form of the applicable country.
- Prepare supporting documents: a certified copy of your South African ID or passport, proof of payment, and a completed application form. If you require maiden or other surnames on the certificate, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Pay the prescribed fee of R190.00 per application (subject to change). Payment can be made electronically into the SAPS account: ABSA cheque account 4054522787, branch code 632005, Swift code ABSAZAJJXXX. Use the reference “PCC” followed by your initials and surname.
- Submit your application directly to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre via post or courier.
- Allow approximately 15 working days from the date all documents are received at the CRC for processing (excluding postal/courier time). Completed certificates are posted back to the applicant. If you require courier delivery, you must arrange and prepay a return courier service.
Postal Address
The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management
(For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
South African Police Service
Private Bag X308
PRETORIA, 0001
South Africa
Physical / Courier Address
Bothongo Plaza West
CRC Client Service Centre
1st Floor, Room 14
271 Francis Baard Street
PRETORIA
Important for Applicants Abroad
SAPS does not accept scanned or digital fingerprints for Police Clearance Certificate applications – only original ink fingerprints. It is not currently possible to apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate online.
If you require the certificate for use in a foreign country, you may also need it apostilled or legalised through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Please advise us if this applies to you.
What to Do Next
Once you have obtained your criminal record, police clearance report, or SAPS69 report, please forward a clear, legible copy to us by one of the following methods:
- Upload it via our Free Assessment page
- Email it to us at hello@expunge.co.za
- WhatsApp a photo or PDF to our office number: +27 12 883 6843
Upon receipt of your criminal record, we will conduct a thorough evaluation and provide you with a formal written assessment of your eligibility for expungement, including applicable timeframes, estimated costs, and the next steps in the process.
Why Do We Need Your Criminal Record?
Your criminal record is the only document that allows us to legally and accurately determine whether your conviction(s) qualify for expungement. It enables us to verify the nature and classification of the offence, the date of conviction and sentence imposed, whether the mandatory waiting period has elapsed, and whether the matter falls within the scope of the expungement legislation. Without this document, we cannot proceed with your application.