Singapore Makes COC Process Fully Digital

Exciting news for residents and expats alike! Starting January 6, 2025, the process for obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (COC) in Singapore will transition to a fully digital format. This game-changing move from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) means that applicants will no longer need to deal with cumbersome physical documents.

What is a Certificate of Clearance?

The Certificate of Clearance is crucial for numerous reasons—it certifies that an individual has no criminal record during a specified period while residing in Singapore. This document can be essential for job applications, immigration processes, and more, making it a vital piece of paperwork for many.

Details of the Digital Process

In a statement released on December 24, the police confirmed that the COC will now be issued electronically, eliminating the hassle of waiting for a physical copy to arrive through the mail. For a fee of $55, applicants can expect their requests to be processed within seven to 14 days.

Eligibility and Application

Eligible applicants must use their Singpass accounts to access the online application for a COC. This innovation means no more fingerprint appointments are necessary, streamlining the application process significantly. For those who are residing overseas and do not have access to a Singpass account but have previously held a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) in Singapore, an online application will still be possible. They will need to submit a digital scanned copy of their fingerprint impressions along with their prior FIN.

Receiving Your Digital COC

Once approved, applicants will receive an email notification that includes a link to access their digital Certificate of Clearance via the FileSG portal. Users can easily download and print their digital COC, which can be authenticated through the same portal.

End of Hard-Copy COCs

The SPF also announced that after January 6, no hard-copy COCs will be mailed out to successful applicants. In a significant shift, the collection of physical COCs and the applications for duplicate COCs through SPF’s e-Services will be discontinued.

Additional Information

If you're looking to apply for your Certificate of Clearance or need more details, visit the Singapore Police Force’s official website and navigate to the “Police Records and Warrants” section.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more updates as Singapore continues to embrace digital innovation, streamlining processes for its residents and creating a more efficient administrative experience! Don't miss out on the future of documentation!