A Thai police clearance certificate is issued by the Royal Thai Police Criminal Records Division; for overseas use it is typically translated and MFA-legalized.
Key takeaways
Fingerprints must be taken on the form prescribed by the Royal Thai Police
Applicants overseas may be fingerprinted at a Thai embassy or consulate
Many countries accept the certificate only within 3–6 months of issue
For overseas use it usually needs translation plus legalization or an Apostille
Process at a glance
Step
Performed by
Documents needed
Approximate time
1. Prepare the application and state the purpose of use
Applicant
Passport/ID + evidence of the stated purpose
approx. 1 day
2. Fingerprinting
Criminal Records Division, Royal Thai Police (or designated station)
Fingerprint form + photo ID
approx. 1 working day
3. Record check and issuance
Criminal Records Division, Royal Thai Police
Complete application file
approx. 7–30 working days
4. Legalization for overseas use where required
Department of Consular Affairs and/or destination embassy
Certificate + translation
approx. 2–7 working days
Durations are estimates and depend on the responsible authority's queue. Always confirm current requirements with the receiving body before filing.
Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys
Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.
What does a PCC for employment and professional licensing really cost line by line, and which part is a government fee?
Police clearance
Practitioner's view to "What does a PCC for employment and professional licensing really cost line by line, and which part is a government fee?" — The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) confirm the original was issued by the competent authority and is still within the accepted validity window; (2) have it translated by a translator the destination accepts; (3) obtain certification of the signature/translation; (4) add destination-embassy legalisation only where Apostille is not accepted; (5) proof names, dates and reference numbers before dispatch.
What to prepare: the original or a certified extract from the issuing authority, a copy of the holder's ID or passport, a power of attorney if someone files on your behalf, and the exact English spelling of every name as it appears in the passport.
Common pitfall: never unstaple or re-bind a certified set. Removing the staple is treated as breaking the seal and the destination may reject the whole file; photocopy without dismantling it.
Practitioner's tip: send us photographs of the documents before work begins. We will confirm the correct chain, an honest timeline, and anything still missing so you do not lose a filing slot.
If the original is very old, damaged or only exists as a microfilm print, can a PCC for employment and professional licensing still be completed?
Police clearance
How we handle this in practice to "If the original is very old, damaged or only exists as a microfilm print, can a PCC for employment and professional licensing still be completed?" — The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) tell us the destination country and purpose so the correct chain is set from day one; (2) re-issue the original if it is older than the destination's limit; (3) translate and proofread twice against the source; (4) certify in the correct order; (5) return the sealed set with a digital copy for your records.
What to prepare: the full original set, colour scans of every page for translation proofing, an English spelling list for all people and place names, and any extra items listed on the destination authority's own checklist.
Common pitfall: states that objected to Thailand's accession to the Apostille Convention still require destination-embassy legalisation, so confirm the destination's position before starting.
Practitioner's tip: if the same document is needed by several authorities, produce all copies in one round — it saves time and keeps the certification format consistent across the sets.
How many buffer days should be planned so a PCC for adoption and child-related work finishes before the receiving authority's appointment?
Police clearance
How we handle this in practice to "How many buffer days should be planned so a PCC for adoption and child-related work finishes before the receiving authority's appointment?" — If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) decide whether the destination requires an original or a certified true copy; (2) prepare a power of attorney if you cannot attend; (3) translate in the required format; (4) file and monitor the queue; (5) verify whether supporting documents are also required at destination.
What to prepare: the original or a certified extract from the issuing authority, a copy of the holder's ID or passport, a power of attorney if someone files on your behalf, and the exact English spelling of every name as it appears in the passport.
Common pitfall: many destinations accept documents only within 3–6 months of issue or certification. Missing that window means re-issuing and re-certifying the entire set, so plan backwards from the real filing date.
Practitioner's tip: if the same document is needed by several authorities, produce all copies in one round — it saves time and keeps the certification format consistent across the sets.
After completing a Thai police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police I was asked for consular legalisation stamped onto the PCC as well — how much extra time and cost is that?
Police clearance
Quick summary for expats & migration agents to "After completing a Thai police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police I was asked for consular legalisation stamped onto the PCC as well — how much extra time and cost is that?" — Agency-handled turnkey fee is THB 6,000–15,000 (standard 7–15 business days, express 3–5 business days), plus the government fee. Includes power of attorney, fingerprinting, CRD filing, English translation, MFA legalisation and Apostille (Thailand joined the Hague Apostille Convention 14 Feb 2025). Documents required: passport (all stamped pages), Thai ID + house-registration if Thai citizen, two 2×2-inch photos, purpose letter from the embassy/employer if any, and our notarised Power of Attorney (we provide the template). Worldwide DHL/EMS dispatch — call 094-895-8999 to book a mobile fingerprinting slot.
Process in brief: (1) tell us the destination country and purpose so the correct chain is set from day one; (2) re-issue the original if it is older than the destination's limit; (3) translate and proofread twice against the source; (4) certify in the correct order; (5) return the sealed set with a digital copy for your records.
What to prepare: the full original set, colour scans of every page for translation proofing, an English spelling list for all people and place names, and any extra items listed on the destination authority's own checklist.
Common pitfall: official fees and service windows change. Verify the current rate and turnaround directly with the certifying authority before you fix a budget or a travel date.
Practitioner's tip: send us photographs of the documents before work begins. We will confirm the correct chain, an honest timeline, and anything still missing so you do not lose a filing slot.
Will the receiving authority accept a certified translation of the PCC in place of a Thai police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police, and how do I confirm that in writing?
Police clearance
Quick summary for expats & migration agents to "Will the receiving authority accept a certified translation of the PCC in place of a Thai police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police, and how do I confirm that in writing?" — The certificate is valid for 3–6 months depending on the receiving authority. We can courier the sealed original via DHL/EMS worldwide with door-to-door tracking. We offer nationwide Mobile Fingerprinting (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai) so you never need to visit the CRD in person — the entire process can be done by Power of Attorney. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
Process in brief: (1) check whether a parent authority must endorse the document first — a school, hospital or line department; (2) translate into the required language; (3) certify the translation; (4) complete the next certification layer; (5) submit within the validity window the destination accepts.
What to prepare: the original, the translation kept unbound from the source until certification, passport copies of every person named in the document, and any relationship evidence such as a house registration or marriage certificate if the destination asks for it.
Common pitfall: many destinations accept documents only within 3–6 months of issue or certification. Missing that window means re-issuing and re-certifying the entire set, so plan backwards from the real filing date.
Practitioner's tip: if the same document is needed by several authorities, produce all copies in one round — it saves time and keeps the certification format consistent across the sets.
After completing a PCC for permanent residence and migration I was asked for consular legalisation stamped onto the PCC as well — how much extra time and cost is that?
Police clearance
Short answer to "After completing a PCC for permanent residence and migration I was asked for consular legalisation stamped onto the PCC as well — how much extra time and cost is that?" — If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) decide whether the destination requires an original or a certified true copy; (2) prepare a power of attorney if you cannot attend; (3) translate in the required format; (4) file and monitor the queue; (5) verify whether supporting documents are also required at destination.
What to prepare: the original or a certified extract from the issuing authority, a copy of the holder's ID or passport, a power of attorney if someone files on your behalf, and the exact English spelling of every name as it appears in the passport.
Common pitfall: many destinations accept documents only within 3–6 months of issue or certification. Missing that window means re-issuing and re-certifying the entire set, so plan backwards from the real filing date.
Practitioner's tip: send us photographs of the documents before work begins. We will confirm the correct chain, an honest timeline, and anything still missing so you do not lose a filing slot.
What happens to the application if a PCC for employment and professional licensing is skipped entirely — is the whole file restarted?
Police clearance
Per Royal Thai Police CRD (Criminal Records Division) to "What happens to the application if a PCC for employment and professional licensing is skipped entirely — is the whole file restarted?" — If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) check whether a parent authority must endorse the document first — a school, hospital or line department; (2) translate into the required language; (3) certify the translation; (4) complete the next certification layer; (5) submit within the validity window the destination accepts.
What to prepare: the original, the translation kept unbound from the source until certification, passport copies of every person named in the document, and any relationship evidence such as a house registration or marriage certificate if the destination asks for it.
Common pitfall: many destinations accept documents only within 3–6 months of issue or certification. Missing that window means re-issuing and re-certifying the entire set, so plan backwards from the real filing date.
Practitioner's tip: give us your travel or filing deadline up front. We plan backwards and pick the service tier that lands on time without paying for unnecessary express handling.
In which order should a PCC for adoption and child-related work and a police check from every country you have lived in be done so nothing has to be repeated?
Police clearance
Quick summary for expats & migration agents to "In which order should a PCC for adoption and child-related work and a police check from every country you have lived in be done so nothing has to be repeated?" — If you are outside Thailand, take your fingerprints at any local police station or Royal Thai Embassy on form FD-258 or Thai form Tor.Tor.14, mail the originals to us, and we submit them to CRD the next business day. The Thai Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the Criminal Records Division (CRD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, accepted by Australian Home Affairs, USCIS/NVC, UKVI, IRCC (Canada), all Schengen embassies, and by AHPRA / Engineers Australia / VETASSESS / CPA Australia when a good-character check is required. Send a photo of your passport to LINE @Thainotary and we'll quote and schedule fingerprinting within 15 minutes.
Process in brief: (1) confirm the original was issued by the competent authority and is still within the accepted validity window; (2) have it translated by a translator the destination accepts; (3) obtain certification of the signature/translation; (4) add destination-embassy legalisation only where Apostille is not accepted; (5) proof names, dates and reference numbers before dispatch.
What to prepare: the original or a certified extract from the issuing authority, a copy of the holder's ID or passport, a power of attorney if someone files on your behalf, and the exact English spelling of every name as it appears in the passport.
Common pitfall: official fees and service windows change. Verify the current rate and turnaround directly with the certifying authority before you fix a budget or a travel date.
Practitioner's tip: treat the destination authority's own published checklist as the final reference; country-specific rules change, and we will review that checklist with you before filing.
Can a Thai notary sign documents that will be used overseas?
Yes. A Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand can notarize documents intended for use abroad, after which the document is legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and, if required, at the destination country's embassy.
Do I need an appointment to notarize a document in Bangkok?
Walk-ins are accepted, but booking a 30-minute slot in advance guarantees same-day completion and lets us pre-check that you bring the right identification and any supporting documents.
What ID do I need to bring to a notary appointment?
Bring your original passport (or Thai national ID for Thai nationals); for corporate documents bring the affidavit/board resolution and a copy of the company affidavit issued within the last 90 days.
Verified professional credentials
• Member, Lawyers Council of Thailand (สภาทนายความ) — verify
• Registered certified translator, Ministry of Justice (Thailand) — verify
• Recognized agent for MFA Legalization Division, Thailand — verify
Consumer protection & guarantees
• Acceptance-or-rework guarantee: we redo the work at no charge if the receiving authority rejects a first submission due to a fault on our side.
• Transparent fees quoted in writing before any work begins — no hidden surcharges.
• Confidentiality: documents handled under a written non-disclosure undertaking.
• Direct human contact for questions and quotations by phone, LINE or email.
Composite cases similar to this page — Police Clearance Certificate
Composite cases assembled from commonly seen matters — not individual clients, no personal data.
police clearance certificate from Australia for a job requiring background screening
a Thai national working overseas from Australia — some certified copies were older than the destination's freshness rule
What we handled: prepared the translation and reconciled every name spelling against the passport · tracked progress between steps and reported status along the way · reviewed the source documents and flagged which ones needed re-issuing before work began
What clients usually ask in matters like this: are true originals required, or will certified copies do?
Indicative timeline: roughly 5–10 working days end to end
fingerprint card from Ubon Ratchathani for a permanent-visa filing
an attorney-in-fact acting for the document holder from Ubon Ratchathani — some certified copies were older than the destination's freshness rule
What we handled: prepared the translation and reconciled every name spelling against the passport · sequenced the certification chain to match the destination authority's rules · delivered a scanned set plus the originals with lodgement instructions · tracked progress between steps and reported status along the way
What clients usually ask in matters like this: what order avoids having to redo an earlier step?
Indicative timeline: roughly 10–20 working days end to end
fingerprint card from Chiang Mai for a residence renewal
an authorised representative of a Thai-registered company from Chiang Mai — the spelling on older documents did not match the current passport
What we handled: reviewed the source documents and flagged which ones needed re-issuing before work began · prepared the translation and reconciled every name spelling against the passport · sequenced the certification chain to match the destination authority's rules · arranged the signing or lodgement appointment and listed what to bring
What clients usually ask in matters like this: if the destination rejects this set, do we start over from scratch?
Indicative timeline: roughly 7–14 working days end to end