The SAPS fingerprint form, and where to get your prints taken

You need a full set of ink fingerprints for a South African police clearance. In South Africa that is the SAPS 91(a) at a police station; abroad, a local police station, fingerprinting service or SA embassy.

Every South African police clearance starts with a full set of fingerprints. Most rejected applications come back to the fingerprints, so it is worth getting this step right first time.

What the SAPS 91(a) is

The SAPS 91(a) is the South African Police Service's fingerprint enquiry form. In South Africa, SAPS requires a full set of your fingerprints on a SAPS 91(a), taken by the South African Police Service at a police station. You take your ID or passport with you, because the officer must verify who you are.

If you live outside South Africa

You do not need to come back to South Africa. SAPS's own rules say that people living outside South Africa may have their fingerprints taken at any police station in the country where they live, or at the South African embassy, on that country's official fingerprint form or, if available, on the SAPS 91(a).

In practice, some police services abroad no longer take fingerprints for members of the public. In that case, an accredited private fingerprinting service or the South African embassy, high commission or consulate is the usual route. Most SA missions only take prints by appointment, and they only take the prints — you still send the application to SAPS (or to us).

South Africa: Any SAPS police station, on the SAPS 91(a).
United Kingdom: Private fingerprinting services (most UK police forces do not offer this), or the SA High Commission in London by appointment.
Canada: A police station, a fingerprint-taking centre or a notary, per the SA High Commission in Ottawa.
Australia: A police service that offers public fingerprinting, an accredited fingerprinting service, or the SA High Commission in Canberra by appointment.
New Zealand: Private fingerprinting providers in many regions; NZ Police says some stations outside those areas can help.
United States: A local police department or a fingerprinting service.

Rules and appointment systems change, so confirm with the provider or mission before you go. See applying from abroad for the full process.

Ink on paper — not electronic

SAPS states that it will not process copies or scanned versions of fingerprints. The South African High Commission in Canada also states that electronic fingerprints on police cards are not accepted. Ask for traditional ink prints, fully rolled, on the physical form, and send the original.

Getting prints that will not be rejected

Fully rolled prints. Each finger rolled nail-edge to nail-edge so the ridges, cores and deltas are visible — plus the flat "plain" impressions.
No smudges or blank patches. Ask for a fresh set if any box is smudged. Dry or worn fingertips may need a second attempt.
Official details completed. The person taking the prints should complete their name, rank or title, sign, date and stamp the form where indicated.
Your details match your ID. Use the same names as your ID or passport; if you want a maiden or other surname on the certificate, attach proof such as a certified marriage certificate.

What goes with the fingerprints

A completed application form
A certified copy of your ID or passport
Proof of payment of the SAPS fee (R190, at a police station or by EFT to SAPS with the reference "PCC" plus your initials and surname)

When we handle your application, we send you the form and a short note for the person taking your prints, check everything before it goes to SAPS, and pay the SAPS fee for you at cost.

Get the form from us How it works

Sources: SAPS, Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate; South African High Commission, Ottawa, police clearances page; NZ Police, having fingerprints taken. Checked 23 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SAPS 91(a) form?

It is the South African Police Service fingerprint enquiry form used for police clearance applications. In South Africa, SAPS takes a full set of your fingerprints on it at a police station.

Can I get fingerprints for a South African police clearance abroad?

Yes. SAPS says people living outside South Africa may have fingerprints taken at any police station in their country or at the South African embassy, on that country's official fingerprint form or the SAPS 91(a). Where local police do not offer the service, accredited fingerprinting services are commonly used.

Are electronic or scanned fingerprints accepted?

No. SAPS does not process copies or scanned fingerprints, and the SA High Commission in Canada states electronic prints on police cards are not accepted. Use ink prints on the physical form and send the original.

Do I need to fly back to South Africa for fingerprints?

No. You can be fingerprinted where you live and courier the original form and documents to SAPS in Pretoria, or to a service like ours that submits and collects it for you.