How to Get Fingerprints Taken at a SAPS Police Station

If you are not near one of our 500+ electronic fingerprint capture partner locations, or if you prefer the traditional route, you can have your fingerprints taken at any South African Police Service (SAPS) station. This method uses the official SAPS 91(a) fingerprint form and traditional ink fingerprinting. While it takes longer than electronic capture, it is a reliable alternative that is available at every police station in the country. 

What You Will Need

• A completed SAPS 91(a) fingerprint form (you can download this from our website or collect it at the police station)
• Your South African ID, driver’s licence, or valid passport

Step-by-Step Process

• Download and complete the SAPS 91(a) form. You can download the form from our website or collect a blank form at any SAPS station. We can also assist you in completing the form correctly to avoid errors that could delay the process.
• Visit your nearest police station. Present your identification and the SAPS 91(a) form to the officer on duty. Request that a full set of fingerprints be taken on the form.
• Ensure the form is properly completed. The officer must stamp and sign the form, and all ten fingerprints must be clearly captured in ink. Incomplete or illegible prints can result in rejection by the Criminal Record Centre.
• Courier the original form to us. Send the original completed SAPS 91(a) form to our offices via courier or PostNet. Do not send a photocopy — the Criminal Record Centre requires the original ink impressions.
• We lodge the form at the Criminal Record Centre. Once we receive your form and payment of R500, we personally lodge the application at the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria and follow up on the processing.
• Receive your report and assessment. Your criminal record report is typically available within 5–10 working days from lodgement. We provide a free legal assessment confirming eligibility for expungement.

Where to Send the Completed Form

 Courier or PostNet the original SAPS 91(a) form to: Criminal Record Expungement Services (Pty) Ltd Office 4, Second Floor, Northern Pavilion Pretoria Email: info@clear-criminal-record.co.za Tel: +27 12 883 6843 

Important Tips

• Visit the police station during quieter hours (mid-morning on weekdays) for a faster experience.
• Make sure the officer uses sufficient ink — faint prints are the most common reason for rejection.
• Keep the form flat and dry during transport. Folding or moisture can damage the fingerprint impressions.
• Do not attempt to take your own fingerprints — they must be taken by a SAPS official.

Cost and Timeline