Damon Mcknight
A National Police Certificate (NPC) in Australia is a document that lists an individual's court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions. This includes traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters. To apply for an NPC, you must provide three identity documents, including one photo ID, and state the purpose of the police check on your application. Applications can be made online or by post, and the cost of each application is $56, or $113 if fingerprints are required.
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What You'll Learn
What is a National Police Certificate?
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a document that contains an individual's criminal history in Australia. It is a summary of an individual's disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions. This includes traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters.
The NPC is a result of a National Police Check, which is often requested by employers or organisations for employment, volunteering, or licensing purposes. The police keep records about an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system, but only certain information can be disclosed on a police check, in accordance with relevant laws and policies.
The NPC can be applied for online and may be delivered within minutes if no further investigation is required. The application requires ID verification and online payment. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, and if they are under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign the application. The NPC can be issued as a digital certificate with a unique QR code or as a hard copy with various security features, including fluorescent tricolour threads and heat-sensitive ink.
It is important to note that the NPC is different from a criminal record check, which may be required for specific purposes such as Australian citizenship or residency applications. Additionally, the NPC is valid for a limited period, and the WA Police Force, for example, cannot reissue a certificate that is over 3 months old.
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How to apply for a National Police Check online
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. It contains a list of a person's disclosable court outcomes and pending charges from all Australian police jurisdictions, including traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters. NPCs are commonly used for employment, volunteering, or licensing purposes.
To apply for a National Police Check online, you must:
- Provide Proof of Identity: You will need to submit identity documents worth at least 100 points in total, including at least one photo ID. The names on your documents must match; if you have changed your name, you will need to provide additional documentation.
- State the Purpose of the Check: Different purposes may lead to different results, depending on relevant laws. You must also declare whether you require a fingerprint check as part of your application.
- Complete the Application Form: You can find the application form on the website of the Australian Federal Police or your state or territory's police service. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign your application.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for a standard NPC is $56, while an NPC with a fingerprint check costs $113. You can pay online or via bank cheque or money order.
- Submit the Application: Scan or photocopy your documents and attach them to your online application, along with the payment receipt or reference number. Ensure that all the information you provide is correct and complete to avoid processing delays.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive your NPC via email or post, depending on your preference. Processing times may vary, but online applications that require no further investigation can be completed within minutes. You will be notified if your application is referred for further investigation, which may take up to 10 business days.
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What to include in your application
To apply for a National Police Certificate (NPC) in Australia, you will need to submit an application form, either online or by post. Here is what to include in your application:
Identity Documents
You will need to provide proof of identity documents, such as a photo ID and two other forms of identification. These documents must be certified and have a total value of at least 100 points. Accepted identity documents may include an Australian citizenship certificate or an Australian passport. The names on your documents must match; if you have changed your name, you will need to provide additional documentation.
Application Form
You will need to complete and sign the National Police Check application form. This form will require you to state the purpose of the police check and provide personal details such as your name and date of birth. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign your application.
Fingerprints (if required)
If your application requires fingerprint checks, you will need to submit your fingerprints. You may be instructed to visit your local police station to have your fingerprints taken, or you may need to provide the original fingerprints.
Payment
There is a fee for applying for a National Police Certificate. The cost is $56 for a standard application and $113 if fingerprints are required. Payment can be made online or by attaching a cheque or money order with your application form. The payment must be in Australian dollars.
Additional Information
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to include additional information or documents. For example, if you are applying from outside of Australia or if you require the police check for Australian citizenship, residency, or visa purposes, there may be unique requirements.
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How to apply by post
If you wish to apply for a National Police Check by post, you will need to download and print a National Police Check application form. You can find this form on the Australian Federal Police website.
The application form will ask you to select the type of check required, such as a 'National Name Check' or a 'National Name and Fingerprint Records Search'. If you need to include a fingerprint check, you will need to make an appointment at your local police station to have your fingerprints taken. You will then need to post the original fingerprints to the Australian Federal Police. If your fingerprints are in a language other than English, you must also include an official translation.
You will also need to provide proof of identity. This can include an Australian passport, birth certificate, or driver's licence. The names on your documents must match. If you have changed your name, you will need to provide proof of this with a marriage certificate or a change of name certificate. You will need to find an appropriate witness to certify a copy of your identification documents.
Finally, you will need to pay for your application. The fee for a National Police Check is $56, or $113 if you need to include fingerprints. You can 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. You must send the form within three months of signing it.
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What happens after you apply
After you apply for a National Police Check in Australia, your application will be processed. The processing time may vary, so it is recommended that you allow sufficient time for processing before enquiring about your application. During the processing time, your application is forwarded to the Public Enquiry Service, and your details are compared against a central index. The authorities will then determine what information to include in your National Police Certificate, subject to relevant laws and current policies.
Your National Police Certificate will list 'disclosable court outcomes' in line with federal, state, and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and the Spent Convictions Scheme. This certificate will be sent to you via post or email, depending on whether you applied online or by post. If you applied online, you will receive a PDF version of your certificate via email. If you applied by post, you will receive a hard copy of your certificate in the mail.
It is important to note that if you change your address during the processing time, you must inform the relevant authorities to ensure your certificate is sent to the correct address. Both digital and hard copy certificates have security features to ensure their authenticity. Digital certificates include a unique QR code that can be scanned to validate the certificate, while hard copy certificates have fluorescent tricolour threads that glow under ultraviolet light and heat-sensitive ink.
If you need to include a fingerprint check with your application, you will receive a letter advising you to attend your local police station to have your fingerprints taken.
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Frequently asked questions
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a document that contains a record of an individual's disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions. This includes traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters.
You can apply for a National Police Certificate online or by post. You will need to provide identification documents, payment, and, in some cases, fingerprints. The application fee is $56, or $113 if fingerprints are required.
Online applications that require no further investigation can be delivered in minutes. Applications that require further investigation may take up to 10 business days to process, and additional time may be needed for postage.
Your National Police Certificate will include "disclosable court outcomes" released in line with federal, state, and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and the Spent Convictions Scheme. However, it is important to note that convictions, such as spent or certain juvenile convictions, may not be disclosed in accordance with legislation and policies.
