Kerala Police provides an online facility through the THUNA citizen portal for applying for a Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offences. This certificate may be requested for employment, licences, institutional requirements and certain other purposes within India.
The certificate was previously commonly described as a Police Clearance Certificate. Kerala Police now uses the name Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offences, also known as an NIO Certificate or NIOC.
This guide explains how to submit a Kerala Police clearance certificate online application, the documents required, the current fee, application-status tracking and the difference between a THUNA NIO Certificate and a Passport Seva PCC.
Important: Confirm which certificate is required by the employer, institution, embassy or authority before applying. A THUNA NIO Certificate and a Passport Seva Police Clearance Certificate are not interchangeable in every situation.
What Is a Kerala Police NIO Certificate?
According to the official Kerala Police guidelines, police clearance certificates issued under Section 59 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011 were renamed Certificates of Non-Involvement in Offences.
The change was implemented based on Kerala Police Department Circular 15/2022/PHQ dated May 13, 2022.
Kerala Police states that these certificates are issued for employment and other requirements within India.
The certificate is issued only after the police complete the applicable identity, address and records verification.
Submitting an application does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued.
THUNA NIO Certificate and Passport PCC Are Different
Before applying, identify the purpose for which the certificate is required.
Kerala Police THUNA NIO Certificate
The THUNA NIO Certificate is generally intended for employment and other eligible requirements within India.
Applications can be submitted through:
- The Kerala Police THUNA portal.
- Kerala Police Pol-App.
- The relevant police station.
- The relevant District Police Office.
Passport Seva Police Clearance Certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate required for immigration, foreign employment, long-term visa, residence permit or another overseas purpose may need to be obtained through the Ministry of External Affairs’ Passport Seva system.
The accepting embassy, employer or foreign authority decides which certificate is required.
Do not apply through THUNA solely because an overseas employer has mentioned “PCC.” First obtain written confirmation about the required issuing authority.
Official Websites for Applying
Use only official government portals:
- Kerala Police THUNA Portal
- Kerala Police PCC and NIO Guidelines
- Kerala Police Official Website
- Passport Seva PCC Application
Check the domain carefully before entering identity, address or payment information.
Avoid websites and agents that promise an instant or guaranteed police clearance certificate.
Who May Need an NIO Certificate?
An organisation may request a Non-Involvement in Offences Certificate for purposes such as:
- Employment within India.
- Security-sensitive work.
- Airport or restricted-area access.
- Contract or institutional requirements.
- Certain licences or registrations.
- Employer background-verification requirements.
- Another eligible domestic purpose.
The applicant should obtain a letter, advertisement, application instruction or another document showing why the certificate is required.
The receiving organisation may specify how recent the certificate must be. Check its requirements before applying.
Details Required in the Application
The Kerala Police application may request:
- Applicant’s personal information.
- Contact information.
- Identity-document details.
- Current residential address.
- Permanent residential address.
- Last Kerala residential address when applicable.
- Details of an authorised or contact person.
- Information about the purpose of the certificate.
- Details of criminal records or proceedings, when applicable.
If the applicant is unavailable at the address for verification, details of a contact or authorised person may be requested.
All information must be entered truthfully. Do not hide a pending or previous criminal matter when the application asks for it.
Documents Required for the Application
According to the Kerala Police guidelines, the application should include the following categories of documents.
Applicant’s Photograph
Upload a recent and clear photograph that meets the portal’s file requirements.
Do not upload a blurred, heavily edited or incomplete photograph.
Address Proof
Kerala Police lists the following among the accepted address documents:
- Ration card.
- Voter ID.
- SSLC book.
- Aadhaar card.
- Passport.
Use a document that clearly supports the address entered in the application.
Identity Proof
The accepted identity documents may include:
- Identity card issued by a State or Central Government institution.
- Aadhaar card.
- Voter ID.
- Driving licence.
- Passport.
Upload only a clear copy of the selected document.
Proof Showing the Requirement
The applicant must provide a document explaining why the NIO Certificate is required.
This may include:
- Employer request.
- Institution request.
- Copy of a relevant advertisement.
- Licence or registration requirement.
- Official application instruction.
- Another supporting letter.
The applicant’s purpose should be consistent with the supporting document.
How to Apply Through the THUNA Portal
Follow these general steps:
- Open the official THUNA Kerala Police portal.
- Create a citizen account or sign in using the available method.
- Find Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offences.
- Start a new application.
- Enter your personal and contact details.
- Provide the present and permanent addresses.
- Enter the requested identity-document information.
- Explain why the certificate is required.
- Upload the photograph and supporting documents.
- Review all information carefully.
- Pay the applicable fee through the available online method.
- Submit the application.
- Save the application or request number and acknowledgement.
Portal buttons and page layouts may change. Follow the current instructions shown on THUNA.
Do not refresh the payment page repeatedly or submit another payment unless the first transaction is confirmed as unsuccessful.
Current NIO Certificate Fee
The Kerala Police guideline page states that the fee is ₹700, subject to applicable Kerala Government orders and future revisions.
Applications submitted through THUNA or Pol-App require online payment through the payment options available on the service.
If applying directly through a police station or police office, follow the official instructions regarding treasury payment, challan or the permitted offline collection method.
Always check the current fee displayed on the official portal before paying.
Save the payment receipt and application acknowledgement.
What Happens After Submission?
After receiving the application and supporting documents, the responsible police authority may verify:
- Applicant’s identity.
- Present and permanent address.
- Information provided in the application.
- Purpose for which the certificate is requested.
- Relevant police records.
- Supporting documents.
- Criminal-case information, when applicable.
Verification may include contacting the applicant or the authorised contact person.
Ensure that the mobile number entered in the application remains active. Respond only to communications from verifiable police or government sources.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Kerala Police guidelines state that, under normal circumstances, the certificate may be issued within seven days of receiving the application.
However, the actual time may vary because of:
- Incomplete documents.
- Address-verification requirements.
- Incorrect application details.
- Difficulty contacting the applicant.
- Record verification.
- Public holidays.
- Additional clarification requested by the authority.
The seven-day period should not be treated as a guaranteed delivery date.
Apply sufficiently early when an employer or institution has specified a deadline.
How to Check the Application Status
THUNA provides an online service-status facility.
To check the status:
- Visit the official THUNA Application Status page.
- Select the appropriate service.
- Enter the requested application information.
- Complete any security verification.
- Submit the details.
- Review the displayed status.
Keep the acknowledgement and application number safely until the process is completed.
Do not submit a duplicate application simply because the status has not changed immediately.
Understanding Possible Application Statuses
The exact wording can vary, but an application may show a stage similar to one of the following.
Submitted
The system has received the application. Verification may not yet have started.
Under Verification
The responsible authority is checking the applicant’s information, address, documents or records.
Additional Information Required
The applicant may need to provide a clearer document, correct information or respond to a verification request.
Approved
The competent authority has approved the application. Follow the portal instructions for accessing the certificate.
Rejected
The application was not approved. The rejection communication should provide information according to the applicable procedure.
Completed
The certificate or final response has been generated and the service process is complete.
Downloading and Verifying the Certificate
A certificate issued through the online process may contain:
- Applicant’s photograph.
- Application information.
- Issuing-office information.
- Digital authentication details.
- QR code for verification.
Use the download option provided through the official portal or account.
Kerala Police also provides an online facility to verify documents issued by the department:
Verify a Kerala Police Document
Do not upload the full certificate to social media. It may contain a photograph, address, identity information and verification code.
An employer or institution should verify the certificate through the official Kerala Police facility rather than depending on an edited image.
Reasons an Application May Be Delayed
Common reasons can include:
- Unreadable identity or address documents.
- Address mismatch.
- Incorrect police-station selection.
- Missing proof of the certificate requirement.
- Incomplete personal information.
- Applicant unavailable for verification.
- Payment confirmation issue.
- Additional record checks.
- Incorrect contact information.
Review the application before submission to reduce avoidable delays.
What If the Application Is Rejected?
A certificate is issued only after the required verification. If the application is rejected, read the official response carefully.
The response may relate to:
- Incomplete application.
- Insufficient supporting documents.
- Incorrect address.
- Inability to verify identity.
- Unsupported purpose.
- Relevant police-record information.
- Another reason under the applicable rules.
Do not alter or conceal information and submit it again.
If the applicant believes an error has occurred, contact the responsible issuing office through official Kerala Police channels and request clarification.
For legal questions involving criminal proceedings, obtain advice from a qualified legal professional.
Applying Offline
The Kerala Police guidelines also allow applications to be submitted directly through the relevant:
- Police station.
- District Police Office.
The office enters the application into the police system, and further verification and approval are handled through the authorised application.
Applicants should carry the required documents and follow the current fee-payment instructions.
An acknowledgement should be obtained for an online or offline application.
Applying Through Pol-App
Kerala Police’s mobile application may provide access to the NIO Certificate service.
Download the application only using the link provided on the Kerala Police website or through an authorised app store.
Before installing:
- Check the application developer.
- Review the permissions requested.
- Avoid unofficial APK files.
- Do not use modified versions of the application.
- Keep the payment receipt after submission.
Using Pol-App does not remove the verification or approval requirement.
Passport Seva PCC for Overseas Purposes
If the certificate is required for immigration, residence, a foreign visa or overseas employment, check whether a Passport Seva PCC is required.
The general Passport Seva process may involve:
- Opening the official Passport Seva portal.
- Selecting the PCC application service.
- Completing the online application.
- Paying the current prescribed fee.
- Booking an appointment when required.
- Visiting the selected service centre with original documents.
- Completing the applicable verification.
- Tracking the application through the official portal.
Document requirements depend on the applicant’s passport, address and purpose.
Use the official Passport Seva Document Advisor to check the applicable requirements.
Privacy and Fraud-Prevention Tips
Police-clearance applications contain sensitive personal information.
Follow these precautions:
- Use only official Kerala Police or Passport Seva websites.
- Never share passwords or payment verification codes.
- Avoid agents promising guaranteed approval.
- Do not upload documents through unknown WhatsApp links.
- Check the website domain before making payment.
- Keep receipts and acknowledgements safely.
- Do not publish the certificate publicly.
- Do not edit a digitally issued certificate.
- Provide truthful criminal-case information when asked.
- Verify suspicious calls through the responsible police office.
No private website or agent can control the police-verification result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerala PCC now called an NIO Certificate?
Kerala Police states that its police clearance certificate was renamed the Certificate of Non-Involvement in Offences under the applicable departmental circular.
Can the application be submitted online?
Yes. Applications can be submitted through the Kerala Police THUNA portal or Pol-App.
What is the current application fee?
The Kerala Police guideline lists a fee of ₹700, subject to Government orders and future revision. Check the amount displayed on THUNA before paying.
How long does it take?
The official guideline indicates that certificates may normally be issued within seven days. Additional verification or incomplete documents can cause delays.
Is the THUNA NIO Certificate valid for a foreign visa?
Not necessarily. Overseas requirements may need a Passport Seva PCC. Confirm the required issuing authority with the embassy, employer or institution.
Can an NIO Certificate be rejected?
Yes. Issuance depends on verification, supporting documents, applicant information and applicable police records.
Can the issued certificate be verified online?
Kerala Police provides an online document-verification facility through THUNA.
Official References
- Kerala Police THUNA Portal
- Kerala Police NIO Certificate Guidelines
- THUNA Application Status
- Kerala Police Document Verification
- Passport Seva PCC Application
Last reviewed: August 26, 2026.
Disclaimer: DIGIT KERALA is an independent information website and is not affiliated with Kerala Police, THUNA, Passport Seva, the Ministry of External Affairs or any government organisation. This article provides general information only. Certificate requirements, fees, processing time and portal procedures may change. Approval or issuance is not guaranteed. Always verify the current requirements through the official portal and the organisation requesting the certificate.