{"id":219,"date":"2024-12-24T05:19:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T22:19:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/police-clearance-certificate-in-thailand\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T20:32:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:32:29","slug":"police-clearance-certificate-thailand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/police-clearance-certificate-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Thailand (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Last updated June 2026. Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline&#8217;s criminal-law team, licensed Thai lawyers practising in Thailand since 2006.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Thai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), formally \u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e1e\u0e24\u0e15\u0e34, is the official document from the Royal Thai Police that confirms whether you have a criminal record in Thailand. It is also called a Thai criminal record check or police background check. Foreign embassies, immigration authorities, and employers ask for it for visas, residency, naturalization, adoption, and jobs abroad. This guide explains how to get one in 2026, both inside Thailand and from overseas. It also shows how our licensed Thai lawyers can obtain it for you for a flat <strong>4,400 THB<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">At a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Short answer<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Who issues it?<\/td><td>Royal Thai Police, Criminal Records Division (PCRD), Bangkok<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>What it proves<\/td><td>Whether you have a conviction registered in Thailand&#8217;s criminal records<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Language<\/td><td>Issued in English, officially certified in Thailand<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apply from abroad?<\/td><td>Yes. Fingerprint locally and appoint a Thai lawyer with a Power of Attorney<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e16\u0e39\u0e01\u0e15\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07<\/td><td>No fixed expiry. Most authorities accept it for 3 to 6 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Our done-for-you fee<\/td><td><strong>4,400 THB<\/strong> (excludes international courier). Express within 7 days: +3,000 THB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Processing time<\/td><td>About 25 to 30 days after we receive your documents (express: within 7 days)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Police Clearance Certificate in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PCC proves one thing. It shows whether you have a conviction recorded in Thailand&#8217;s central criminal database. Think of it as the Thai version of an FBI background check or a UK DBS check. It does not report arrests that did not lead to a conviction. It does not reach into other countries&#8217; records. It covers Thailand only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will usually be asked for one in these situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Immigration abroad.<\/strong> Australia, Canada (Express Entry and sponsorship), the UK, New Zealand, the US, and Schengen long-stay visas routinely require a Thai criminal record check covering your time in Thailand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/permanent-residency-in-thailand-2025\/\">\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e27\u0e35\u0e0b\u0e48\u0e32\u0e16\u0e32\u0e27\u0e23\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/a> \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-citizenship\/\">\u0e2a\u0e31\u0e0d\u0e0a\u0e32\u0e15\u0e34\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/a>.<\/strong> Required at key stages of the application.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thailand-adoption-guide\/\">\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e40\u0e25\u0e35\u0e49\u0e22\u0e07\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e15\u0e23\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e0d\u0e18\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21<\/a>.<\/strong> Both adoptive parents usually need one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marriage abroad.<\/strong> Many EU jurisdictions ask for a certificate of no impediment plus a criminal record for the foreign spouse of a Thai national.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employment.<\/strong> Airlines, finance, education, and government roles often request a PCC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The two types of certificate you will hear about<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Criminal Records Division (PCRD), what &#8220;PCC&#8221; almost always means<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the standard certificate, issued by the Royal Thai Police, Criminal Records Division. It is the document foreign embassies, immigration authorities, and employers want. It is a bilingual English and Thai page bearing the police seal. If you are unsure which one you need, this is it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Police Verification \/ Special Branch (\u0e2a\u0e31\u0e19\u0e15\u0e34\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e25)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a narrower check, used mainly for domestic Thai purposes such as civil-service hiring and firearms licences. Foreign applicants almost never need this version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to apply: the Police Clearance Service Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners apply at the Royal Thai Police Clearance Service Center, run by the Criminal Records Division (PCRD) at Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Pathum Wan, Bangkok. This is the office that issues the certificate accepted by foreign embassies. You can apply in person, or appoint a Thai lawyer to apply for you with a Power of Attorney so you never have to visit in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documents you need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A recent passport-style <strong>photograph<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A copy of your <strong>\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e40\u0e14\u0e34\u0e19\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A copy of your <strong>Thai visa page<\/strong> and the passport pages showing your Thailand <strong>entry and exit stamps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A signed <strong>\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e2d\u0e33\u0e19\u0e32\u0e08<\/strong> (we provide the form)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An original <strong>fingerprint form<\/strong>. You can have your fingerprints taken at your local police station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The other application forms we provide for completion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get a Thai police clearance certificate, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gather your documents.<\/strong> Passport and copies, two passport photos, a completed application form, and a fingerprint card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit and get fingerprinted<\/strong> at the foreigner desk, then pay the government fee in cash.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collect or have it posted.<\/strong> You receive a receipt with a pickup date, then collect in person or by courier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legalise it if required.<\/strong> Many foreign authorities ask for legalisation at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they accept the certificate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you get a Thai police clearance certificate online?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not fully. The application needs fingerprints and an identity check, so it cannot be completed entirely online the way an e-visa can. You can start an enquiry online and download the forms. The fingerprint card and signed Power of Attorney still have to be physical documents. The practical &#8220;online&#8221; route for people outside Thailand is to handle everything remotely through a lawyer. You fingerprint locally, courier the documents, and we file in Bangkok for you. You never set foot in a Thai government office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get a Thai police clearance certificate from abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to fly back to Thailand. The overseas process works like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have your <strong>fingerprints rolled<\/strong> (all ten fingers) at a local police station, embassy, or notary in your country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign a <strong>\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e31\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e2d\u0e33\u0e19\u0e32\u0e08<\/strong> that authorises a Thai lawyer to apply for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Courier<\/strong> the signed forms and fingerprint card to your lawyer in Bangkok, who files the application at PCRD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The certificate is issued and returned to you. Allow extra time if your destination also requires legalisation or embassy authentication.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is a Thai police clearance certificate valid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The certificate is not stamped with an expiry date. The receiving authority sets the limit. Most immigration departments accept it for 6 months from issue. Some Schengen consulates want one issued within the last 3 months. Check the deadline of the visa, job, or application you need it for. Apply close to that date so it does not expire before you submit it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What it costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Separate two costs. The government charges a small official fee for the certificate itself. On top of that, if you use a lawyer or agent to handle the application, you pay a service fee. Our flat service fee is 4,400 THB and it includes the government fee. The full breakdown is below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common reasons a PCC application is rejected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Photos the wrong size.<\/strong> PCRD is strict about photo dimensions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smudged fingerprints.<\/strong> Prints must be rolled, not pressed flat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Name mismatch.<\/strong> The name on the Power of Attorney must match your passport exactly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Missing visa or stamp pages.<\/strong> They need to see your immigration history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Broken legalisation chain.<\/strong> For overseas applicants, skipping a notarisation or embassy step is the most common error.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our done-for-you Police Clearance service, 4,400 THB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you rather not deal with PCRD, the foreigner desk, and the fingerprint room yourself? Our licensed Thai lawyers handle the entire application with the Royal Thai Police for you. ThaiLawOnline has helped foreign and Thai clients with legal and immigration matters in Thailand since 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is included for 4,400 THB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We prepare and submit the full application to the Royal Thai Police<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We provide your Power of Attorney and the required application and fingerprint forms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We follow up with the police until the certificate is issued<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We deliver the <strong>original certificate<\/strong>, issued in English and officially certified in Thailand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fees and timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Service fee: 4,400 THB<\/strong>, excluding international courier fees for shipping documents to and from Thailand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standard processing:<\/strong> about 25 to 30 days after we receive all your documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Express option:<\/strong> within 7 days for an extra 3,000 THB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/book-consultation\/\"><strong>Start your Police Clearance application<\/strong><\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; Call +66 87 225 1340 (EN\/FR) or +66 87 414 9288 (TH)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I have a Thai criminal record?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The PCC reports any conviction registered in the central criminal database. Have a concern, such as an arrest that did not lead to conviction, or a case dropped at the prosecutor stage? It should not appear, but errors happen and they can be corrected. Speak to a Thai criminal defense lawyer first. Our team is admitted to the Thai Bar and handles <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/drug-laws-in-thailand-criminal-defense-lawyer\/\">drug offences<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/dui-laws-and-penalties-in-thailand\/\">DUI cases<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/fraud-and-scam-laws-in-thailand\/\">fraud and scams<\/a>, \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/defamation-laws-in-thailand-criminal-charges\/\">defamation<\/a>. If you have been detained, see our guides on what to do if a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/foreigner-arrested-in-thailand\/\">foreigner is arrested in Thailand<\/a> and on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/bail-in-thailand\/\">\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e15\u0e31\u0e27\u0e43\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e40\u0e17\u0e28\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does a Thai police clearance certificate take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through our service, about 25 to 30 days after we receive your documents. The express option takes within 7 days for an extra 3,000 THB. Add time if you also need Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a Thai police clearance certificate cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our flat service fee is 4,400 THB, excluding international courier. Express processing within 7 days is an extra 3,000 THB. The government fee is included in our price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get a Thai police clearance certificate online?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not entirely. Fingerprints and a signed Power of Attorney must be physical. But you can handle the whole process remotely through a lawyer without visiting a Thai office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get a Thai police clearance from outside Thailand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Fingerprint locally, sign a Power of Attorney, and we apply on your behalf at the Royal Thai Police. We assist clients in many countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is the certificate valid?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It has no fixed expiry. Most authorities accept it for 3 to 6 months from issue. Check the deadline of your specific visa or application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What language is the certificate in?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is issued in English and is officially certified in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need to legalise the certificate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often yes, if you are submitting it to a foreign government. We can advise on Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation for your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will an arrest without conviction appear on my PCC?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should not. Only convictions registered in the central database appear. If an error shows up, we can file a correction request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I enter Thailand if I have a criminal record or a felony?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting a Thai PCC is separate from Thailand&#8217;s own entry rules. A minor record rarely blocks tourist entry. Serious cases or immigration blacklisting can. If you are worried, get advice before you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This guide is general legal information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/book-consultation\/\">\u0e08\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e34\u0e27\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e36\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32<\/a> \u0e23\u0e48\u0e27\u0e21\u0e01\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e17\u0e35\u0e21\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated June 2026. Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline&#8217;s criminal-law team, licensed Thai lawyers practising in Thailand since 2006. A Thai Police [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":605,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-219","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=219"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2336,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/219\/revisions\/2336"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=219"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0e14\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e34\u0e25\u0e22\u0e39\u0e1e\u0e35","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}