Is a Character Certificate and PCC the same?

No. A Character Certificate is typically used for job, admission, or local verification. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) is commonly used for passport, immigration and long-term background checks.

How long does UP Police take to issue a Character Certificate?

UP processing usually takes 7–15 working days depending on local police verification workload.

Can I apply for a Character Certificate without Aadhaar?

Most portals require Aadhaar for identity verification. Check the specific state portal for alternative ID rules.

Do I need to visit the police station?

Not always. Many applications are verified online. Local police may visit your address only if physical verification is required.

How will I download the certificate?

Once approved, login to the portal and download the digitally signed Character Certificate (PDF) via the dashboard or Track Application section.

How to Apply for a Character Certificate Online in 2025 (UP & Delhi Full Guide)

How to Apply for Character Certificate Online (UP & Delhi) — 2025 Guide

How to Apply for a Character Certificate Online in 2025 (UP & Delhi) — Complete Guide

Updated 2025 • Step-by-step instructions for Uttar Pradesh and Delhi • Official links • Documents • Fees • Tracking • FAQ

A Character Certificate (also called Police Verification Certificate or PCC) confirms that an individual has no criminal record and is of good conduct. It is commonly required for employment, passport/visa applications, college admissions, tenancy verification, and other official purposes. This guide explains the complete online procedure for Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Delhi, provides official links, required documents, expected fees and processing times, and troubleshooting tips to avoid delays.

What is a Character Certificate and when is it needed?

A Character Certificate, sometimes called PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) or Police Verification Certificate, is an official document issued by police or district administration stating that the applicant has no criminal record. Typical uses include:

Job applications (government and private)
Passport & visa applications
College admissions and scholarships
Tenant background verification
Legal or court-related purposes

Required documents (prepare these before you start)

Aadhaar card (preferred ID for most portals)
Passport-size photograph (scanned)
Address proof: electricity bill, rent agreement, voter ID, etc.
Identity proof: PAN / Driving Licence / Passport (if required)
Application reason / appointment letter (if portal requests)
Active mobile number for OTP & tracking

How to apply online in Uttar Pradesh (UP) — Step-by-step

Visit the official UP Police site: https://uppolice.gov.in/
Go to Citizen Services → Character Verification / PCC.
Register or login using your mobile number and verify via OTP.
Open the Character Certificate application form and fill in personal details (full name, father's name, DOB, current & permanent address).
Upload scanned documents (Aadhaar, photo, address proof) in accepted formats (JPG / PDF).
Pay the online fee via UPI / debit-card / netbanking (fee varies by district).
Submit and note the application ID for tracking.
Police will perform verification (online or physical visit). After approval, download your digitally-signed certificate from the portal.

UP processing time: Typically 7–15 working days depending on the local police workload and verification method.

How to apply online in Delhi — Step-by-step

Visit Delhi Police PCC portal: https://pcc.delhipolice.gov.in/
Click Apply for PCC and register with your mobile number (OTP verification).
Select the PCC purpose (Employment / Study / Other) and complete the profile.
Fill the application form with current & permanent address and required details.
Upload Aadhaar, passport-size photo and address proof. Follow file-size limits.
Pay the online fee and submit the application.
Local police may perform address verification. Once approved, download the digitally-signed PCC from your dashboard.

Delhi processing time: Often 2–7 working days if address verification is straightforward.

Common reasons for delays or rejection

Address mismatch between application and Aadhaar
Blurry or incorrect documents
Incomplete form fields or incorrect police station selected
Local police unable to verify due to absence/unclear address

Fees & validity (typical)

State	Typical Fee	Validity
Uttar Pradesh	₹100–₹200 (differs by district)	6–12 months
Delhi	As per Delhi Police rates (check portal)	6–12 months

How to track your application

After submission, note the application ID and use the portal's Track Application or Application Status feature. You will see verification progress and the download link once approved.

Official links (2025)

Uttar Pradesh Police: https://uppolice.gov.in/
Delhi Police PCC: https://pcc.delhipolice.gov.in/

Quick tips to avoid delays

Use clear scanned documents and follow required file sizes.
Ensure Aadhaar address and application address match.
Upload combined front+back PDF only if portal accepts it; otherwise upload single files as instructed.
Keep your mobile number active for OTP and police contact.
Save your application ID immediately after submission.

FAQ

Is Character Certificate and PCC the same?

No — Character Certificate is usually for local verification and jobs, while PCC is commonly for passports/immigration. However, portals sometimes use the terms interchangeably; check the portal's purpose field before applying.

How long does it take?

UP: 7–15 working days (approx). Delhi: 2–7 working days (approx).

Can someone apply on my behalf?

Some portals allow authorized representatives if you provide a signed authorization letter and their ID; check the portal instructions.

If you want, I can also provide a Hindi version, add structured FAQ schema (already included), or convert this to an AMP-friendly page for faster mobile performance.

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