How to get a Salvadoran criminal record or police clearance from the US

Criminal record vs. police clearance: what's the difference?

They are two separate documents from two different agencies, and the US State Department recognizes both. Before you request one, ask the agency, employer or attorney which one they want.

Both require a valid DUI and a Digital Identity account. If the applicant is a minor, the PNC does not issue a clearance; it issues a certificate saying so instead.

One practical tip: on Simple SV, criminal record requests do not show up under “trámites en proceso” (requests in process). If you already paid, keep the receipt and wait. Do not file again.

Getting the PNC police clearance from the US

The newest option is Simple SV, where the PNC lists its police record certificate for $3.50, answered in 5 business days. The US State Department also says it can be requested online. However, the same listing says to present your original DUI, and a 2025 news report said the police record was in person only. Confirm before you pay.

Through a consulate. A 2020 Foreign Ministry page describes an in-person consular route: you fill out a form, get fingerprinted and bring photos and a copy of your ID. That page says the clearance was free and that, for the US, documents were apostilled at no cost. The PNC (2022) estimated 2 to 3 months, because the request travels by diplomatic pouch. It is not confirmed that consulates still accept these requests in 2026 or that those fees still apply. Call the Virtual Consulate (1-888-301-1130) before you book an appointment.

In El Salvador. The in-person clearance requires an appointment at solvencias.pnc.gob.sv, costs $3.50 and is for applicants 18 or older.

Apostille, translation and using it with USCIS

For a US visa or immigration case, official sources ask for the issued document and a full English translation. An apostille is not listed as a general requirement.

• Translation: USCIS requires a complete English translation certified by the translator (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)). This is not a Salvadoran government fee; the translator sets the price.
• Issued document: according to the State Department, the US Embassy does not accept certified copies of these records. Submit the document as issued.
• Apostille: the State Department's El Salvador page does not mention it for immigration use. It is more often requested for other purposes, such as employers, state agencies or other countries. If you need it, request it for free on Simple SV in the same request, because it cannot be added later. More on how it works in the apostille guide.

How recent the certificate must be for USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC) could not be verified. If you are helping a parent with an immigration case, an accredited immigration attorney can tell you what their specific case needs.

How much it costs and how long it is valid

The criminal record certificate costs $3 and the police clearance $3.50, both on Simple SV.

Validity. Simple SV says the criminal record's validity is “variable”: the document is valid as of the date it is issued. The PNC says it is not responsible for the validity period the requesting institution applies. In practice, whoever receives the document (USCIS, the NVC, an employer or a court) decides how recent it must be, so request it close to the date you will file it. You can compare other consular fees in the fee table.

Common mistakes and scams

• Mixing up the criminal record (Centros Penales) and the PNC police clearance: they are different documents.
• Trying to apostille the criminal record later: the apostille must be requested in the same Simple SV request.
• Filing again because the request does not show under 'trámites en proceso': just keep your payment receipt.
• Waiting for the certificate by email instead of downloading it from 'Mis documentos' within 30 days.
• Using an expired or damaged DUI to create the Digital Identity or file the request.
• Filing with USCIS without a certified English translation, or sending a certified copy instead of the issued document.