Damon Mcknight
If you're looking to apply for a position that requires a criminal record check, you may need to apply for an Australian police clearance, also known as a National Police Check (NPC). This process involves submitting an application form, providing identification and payment, and potentially including a fingerprint check. The NPC will list disclosable court outcomes and pending charges, and you will receive a National Police Certificate upon completion. It's important to note that this certificate is not suitable for use as a criminal record in court proceedings. The application process can be done online or by post, and the turnaround time is usually within 48 hours for digital certificates, while hard copies may take longer due to postage time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Apply online or by post |
| Application Fee | Paid in Australian dollars via bank cheque or money order |
| Required Documents | Three identity documents, including one photo ID |
| Processing Time | 48 hours for most NPCs; 15-30 business days for name and fingerprint NPCs |
| Certificate Delivery | Digital certificates sent via email; hard-copy certificates sent by post |
| Certificate Validity | Not suitable for use as a criminal record in court proceedings; lists disclosable court outcomes and pending charges |
| Fingerprint Requirement | Required for security licence applications in the ACT; may be requested for other purposes |
| Interstate Applicants | Must apply for a National Police Check from the relevant state or territory |
| International Applicants | Must apply through the Australian Federal Police |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Application methods
You can apply for a National Police Check (NPC) online or by post. If you are applying online, you will receive a National Police Certificate (NPC) in PDF format via email. If you are applying by post, you will receive a physical copy of the NPC in the mail.
Online
To apply for a National Police Check online, you must provide three identity documents, including one photo ID. The names on your documents must match. If you've changed your name, you'll need to provide additional documentation. You will also need to pay the application fee online.
By Post
If you prefer to apply by post, or if you need to include a fingerprint check, print a National Police Check application form. You will need to pay in Australian dollars via bank cheque or money order, made out to the Australian Federal Police. Make sure you include all paperwork, forms, payment, and identification with your application. If you need a fingerprint check, include the original of your fingerprints. You must send the form within three months of signing it.
In-Person
If you live in the ACT and are requesting fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining any security license in the ACT, you can complete an application form on the Access Canberra website. If you live in the ACT and are requesting fingerprints for a reason other than security licenses, you can email your fingerprint appointment request to [email protected]. If you reside outside of Canberra, you can contact your local police station for a fingerprint appointment.
Processing Times
The Australian Federal Police complete and post most NPCs within 48 hours of receiving your application. This may vary if they need to get information from multiple states or territories. Digital certificates are sent directly to your email address, while hard-copy certificates are mailed. Name and fingerprint NPCs may take 15 to 30 business days.
Best Restaurants Near the Australian Museum: A Foodie's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Required documents
To apply for an Australian police check, you will need to provide three identity documents, including one photo ID. These documents can include:
- An Australian citizenship certificate
- An Australian passport (if not used as your first ID)
- A driver's licence
- A birth certificate
- A marriage certificate
- A credit card
The names on your documents must match. If you have changed your name, you will need to provide official documentation to support this. You will also need to provide fingerprints for your police check. If you live in the ACT, you can complete an application form on the Access Canberra website and book an appointment to get your fingerprints taken. If you live outside of Canberra, you will need to contact your local police station for a fingerprint appointment. You will then need to post your fingerprints to the relevant authority, along with your completed application. If your fingerprints are in a language other than English, you will need to include an official translation.
Your application will also require payment, which can be made online or via cheque or money order. You will need to pay in Australian dollars. If you are applying by post, you will need to include all the required paperwork, forms, payment, and identification with your application.
Join the Woolworths Team: Your Application Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fingerprint appointments
To apply for an Australian police clearance, you may need to include a fingerprint check. Fingerprint appointments are available at designated fingerprinting locations in Victoria, Australia, and can be booked online. If you are outside Victoria, contact your state or territory's fingerprinting service.
Victoria Police
Victoria Police offers both ink and Livescan fingerprinting services by online appointment only. Livescan fingerprints are taken electronically and are required for a National Police and Fingerprint Records Check and various licensing purposes. Common reasons to get Livescan fingerprints include prison or corrections officer roles.
To book a Livescan fingerprint appointment, search by suburb or postcode. Bring a completed VP820B Consent to Check and Release National Police Record application form and identity documents to your appointment for verification.
Victoria Police also offers an ink fingerprint service for immigration, visa, passport, and general employment purposes that do not require a National Police Check. To book an ink fingerprint appointment, search by suburb or postcode and check with the requesting agency about whether the ink fingerprints need to be taken on a specific form. Bring that form with you to your appointment.
Fingerprints Perth
Fingerprints Perth is the #1 rated fingerprinting service in Australia. They provide fast fingerprints and identification services for all overseas police clearances, passport applications, and any immigration or migration requirements for the government. They offer same-day appointments and mobile services, and their staff are former Police Officers.
The Conversion Conundrum: 5 Pence to Australian Dollars
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Payment methods
When applying for a National Police Certificate (NPC) in Australia, you can choose to apply online or by post. Here is an overview of the payment methods for each application type:
Online Applications
NPC applications can be made online, and if no further investigation is required, you can receive your NPC within minutes. Online applications may be made through the websites of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), WA Police Force, or Victoria Police. Each NPC application costs $56, and if a fingerprint check is required, the total cost is $113. Application fees are exempt from GST.
When applying online, you will be required to make the payment as part of the application process. The accepted payment methods for online applications may vary depending on the specific police service or state/territory. For example, the WA Police Force mentions that online applications are paid through the Australia Post Secure Document Vault.
Postal Applications
If you prefer to apply by post, you can download and fill out the National Police Check application form. Along with the completed form, you will need to include payment in Australian dollars via bank cheque or money order, made payable to the Australian Federal Police. Ensure that you include all necessary paperwork, forms, payment, and identification with your postal application.
It is important to note that postal applications may take longer than online applications, especially if information is required from interstate police jurisdictions.
C-17 Plane's Unusual Flight Path Over Brisbane, Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Processing times
The processing time for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a National Police and Fingerprint Record Check in Australia varies depending on the method of application and the complexity of the check. Here are the typical processing times for different methods:
Online Applications
Applying for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check through online portals such as the Australian National Character Check (ANCC) is generally the fastest method. According to ANCC, 70% of checks are returned to applicants within 24 hours, and results are emailed on the same day they are received. The remaining 30% of checks that require further investigation and are referred to police agencies can take longer than 10 business days.
In-Person Applications
Applying in person at a local police station or post office may take significantly more time. For instance, the Western Australian Government states that National Police Certificate applications typically take 10 business days to process, with an additional 3-6 business days for the delivery of hard copy certificates. The Australian Federal Police mentions that fingerprint checks can take between 15 and 30 business days.
Postal Applications
When applying by post, it is important to consider the time taken for delivery and return postage. The Victoria Police recommends allowing sufficient time for processing and return postage before enquiring about the application status. They also note that applications may take longer if information is required from interstate police jurisdictions.
It is worth noting that some online portals offer premium services, where applicants can pay a fee to have their application prioritised, potentially reducing processing times.
Australian Rhino Beetles: Their Unique Diet Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need to provide three identity documents, including one photo ID. You will also need to provide an Australian citizenship certificate or an Australian passport. The names on your documents must match.
You can apply for a National Police Check online. You can also apply by post, in which case you will need to print and fill out an application form.
Digital certificates are sent via email within 48 hours of receiving your application. Hard-copy certificates are posted and may take longer. Name and fingerprint NPCs may take 15 to 30 business days.
You will need to pay in Australian dollars via bank cheque or money order, made out to the Australian Federal Police.
