No Criminal Record Affidavit in India: When and How to Use It
Background checks have become a standard part of many formal processes in India and abroad. Whether you're applying for a sensitive job, pursuing international opportunities, renewing your passport, or seeking professional licensing, authorities often require assurance that you have no criminal history. The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) remains the gold standard for formal verification, but a no criminal record affidavit provides a quick, self-declared option that is frequently accepted as initial or supplementary proof.
This guide covers the essentials of the no criminal record affidavit format—its purpose, common applications, preparation process, differences from PCC, formal implications, and tips to ensure your declaration is taken seriously.
What is a No Criminal Record Affidavit?
A no criminal record affidavit is a self-declaration stating that you have no past convictions, pending cases, or FIRs registered against you in India or overseas. When printed on stamp paper and notarized, it becomes a document affirming your clean formal record and good conduct.
It typically includes a comprehensive statement covering both domestic and international jurisdictions.
Common Scenarios Requiring This Affidavit Format
The affidavit is routinely requested for:
- Work, student, or immigration visa applications
- Passport issuance or renewal
- Government jobs, banking, defence, or PSU recruitments
- Professional licensing (medicine, law, teaching)
- Inter-country or domestic adoption processes
- Overseas employment and emigration clearance
- Character verification for certain schemes or institutions
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
Creating the affidavit is simple and fast:
- Enter your details—name, father's name, age, address, purpose—into our free generator
- Download the professionally worded document in English or regional languages
- Print on non-judicial stamp paper (₹50–₹200 value)
- Sign before two witnesses
- Get notarized by a registered notary public
No additional verification is needed for the affidavit format itself.
Affidavit vs Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Both serve to confirm a clean record but differ in nature:
- Affidavit: Immediate, low-cost, self-declaration
- PCC: Formal police verification, takes weeks, issued via Passport Seva or local station
Many consulates and employers accept the affidavit first and request a PCC later if needed.
Supporting Documents to Include
Strengthen your submission with:
- Identity proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Address proof
- Passport copy (for visa or passport purposes)
- Recent photographs if specified
Costs and Timeline
One of the cheapest documents:
- Stamp paper: ₹50–₹200
- Notarization: ₹100–₹400
- Total: Under ₹600
- Time: Same-day preparation
Risks of False Declaration
The affidavit is made under oath. Providing incorrect information amounts to perjury under IPC Sections 191–193, punishable by fines and imprisonment. Always declare accurately—authorities may verify independently.
Frequent Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting mention of no criminal record outside India
- Printing on plain paper
- Skipping notarization or witnesses
- Vague or incomplete statements
- Using an old affidavit
Best Practices for Acceptance
- Specify the exact purpose clearly
- Cover both Indian and foreign jurisdictions explicitly
- Prepare multiple notarized originals
- Be prepared to obtain a PCC if subsequently requested
- Check the receiving authority’s specific format requirements
For broader character verification, you may also need a Character Affidavit or Unmarried Certificate Affidavit.
Conclusion
A no criminal record affidavit is an efficient way to affirm your clean history during initial application stages. When prepared correctly, it satisfies most preliminary requirements while you arrange formal verification if necessary.
Our free tool creates an authority-compliant, ready-to-notarize affidavit format instantly—customizable, multilingual, and professionally structured. Meet your clean record proof needs quickly and confidently!
Related Tools:
Character Affidavit |
Unmarried Certificate Affidavit |
Gap Certificate Affidavit |
Lost Document Police Complaint
For formal Police Clearance Certificate applications, use the Passport Seva portal.
Last updated: January 2026