Lyla Lindsey
A National Police Certificate (NPC) in Australia is a summary of an individual's offender history, including criminal and traffic court outcomes. It is often required for employment or volunteering purposes. To apply for an NPC, one must submit identity documents worth at least 100 points, including one photo ID, and state the purpose of the police check. Applications can be made online or through the Queensland or Western Australia Police Force, with costs ranging from $56 to $113 if fingerprints are required. Processing times vary, with digital certificates sent via email and hard copies delivered by post.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a police check? | A summary of your offender history in Australia, also known as a criminal history check, police clearance or criminal record check. |
| Who needs a police check? | Anyone can apply for their own use. If under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign. |
| When do you need a police check? | Employers, organisations, or regulators may request a police check for employment or volunteering purposes. |
| How to apply for a police check? | Apply online through the Queensland or Western Australia Police Force, or through the Australian Federal Police. |
| What documents are required? | Three identity documents, including one photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, and proof of address changes if applicable. |
| What is the cost? | The application fee is $56, and $113 if fingerprints are required. |
| How long does it take? | Processing times vary, but it typically takes up to 15 business days, and longer for fingerprint checks. |
| How will I receive the results? | Results are sent via email for digital certificates, and by post for hard copies. |
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What You'll Learn
What is a National Police Certificate (NPC)
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. It is also referred to as a national police check. It contains a list of disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions, including traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters. Convictions such as spent or certain juvenile convictions may not be disclosed on an NPC in accordance with the legislation and policies of the various police jurisdictions.
National Police Certificates are commonly used for employment, volunteering, or licensing purposes. Employers, organisations, or regulators may request that you provide an NPC. The certificate can be used multiple times for the same purpose. However, it is not suitable for use as a criminal record in court proceedings.
The NPC application process involves submitting identity documents, such as a photo ID, and paying the relevant fees. Applications can be made through the Queensland Police Service and Western Australia Police Force, or the Australian Federal Police for those living overseas or requiring residency or citizenship. The NPC can be obtained digitally or as a hard copy and typically takes 15 business days to process, although more complex checks may take longer.
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How to apply for an NPC
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of your offender history in Australia. It is a record of disclosable court outcomes from all Australian states and territories, including traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters. You may need an NPC for employment or
To apply for an NPC, you must be over 18 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to co-sign your application. You will need to provide proof of identity documents, including one photo ID, such as an Australian passport or citizenship certificate. The names on your documents must match; if you have changed your name, you will need to provide proof of this. Your identity documents must be worth at least 100 points in total.
You can apply for an NPC online through the Queensland or Western Australia Police Force, regardless of your location in Australia. You will need to select 'National Police Check' as the type of check required and provide the purpose of the check on your application. If you are applying for volunteer work or a student placement, the organisation must complete a section of the form to qualify you for a reduced application fee.
You will also need to sign and date the application form, and have an appropriate witness certify your identity documents and sign and date these documents and the application form. You can then pay online or attach a cheque or money order with your application. The NPC application fee is $56, or $113 if you need to supply fingerprints.
Your NPC will be sent to your email address, or you can receive a hard copy in the post. Processing times vary, but you should allow at least 15 business days before following up on the status of your check.
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What documents are required
To apply for a National Police Check in Australia, you must provide proof of identity documents worth at least 100 points in total. This may vary depending on the state or territory in which you are applying. For example, in Victoria, you need to provide three identity documents, including one photo ID. The names on your documents must match; if you have changed your name, you will need to provide proof of this.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Australian passport
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian driver's licence
- Medicare card
- Credit card
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
If you are applying for a police check through a State Police agency, you will need 100 points of identification. Online applications may have a shorter list of acceptable ID documents. You can apply online through the Queensland or Western Australia Police Force, regardless of your location in Australia.
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign your application.
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NPC application fees
The National Police Check (NPC) is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. It is sometimes referred to as a National Police Certificate. The NPC lists an individual's disclosable court outcomes and pending charges from all Australian police jurisdictions, including traffic and non-police-prosecuted matters.
The NPC application fee is $56. If you need to supply fingerprints as part of your application, the total cost is $113. Application fees are exempt from GST.
You can pay by credit card, bank cheque, or money order, made payable to the Australian Federal Police. If you are paying by cheque or bank draft, it must be issued by an Australian financial institution.
Volunteers and students on placement may qualify for a reduced application processing fee. To receive this discount, the organisation must complete the Community Volunteer Fee (CVF) details, including the CVF number issued by Victoria Police.
If you are applying for a National Police Check in Victoria and require a Fingerprint Records Check, you must pay for this when you attend your appointment.
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NPC processing times
The National Police Check NPC is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. It is sometimes referred to as a criminal history check, police clearance, or criminal record check. NPCs are often required by employers, organisations, or regulators to determine an individual's suitability for certain roles or activities.
The processing time for an NPC in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the method of application and the complexity of the case. Here are the key points regarding NPC processing times:
- Online Applications: Applying for an NPC through an online portal, such as the Australian National Character Check (ANCC), is generally the fastest method. According to ANCC, 70% of their applications are returned to applicants within 24 hours, and results are emailed on the same day they are received. However, approximately 30% of checks may take longer than 10 business days if they are referred to multiple police agencies for manual processing.
- In-Person Applications: Applying for an NPC in person at a post office or police station may take significantly longer. This process may require multiple trips and could be less convenient in terms of scheduling.
- Digital vs Hard Copy Certificates: Digital certificates are typically sent directly to your email address within a few days, while hard copy certificates are posted and may take additional time for delivery.
- Fingerprint Checks: NPCs that require fingerprint checks generally take longer to process. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), name and fingerprint NPCs can take between 15 to 30 business days.
- Multiple States or Territories: If your NPC requires information from multiple states or territories, the processing time may be extended. This is because information needs to be gathered from various jurisdictions, which can add to the overall processing time.
- Application Accuracy: It is important to ensure that your application is filled out correctly, with all the required payment and documents included. Inaccurate or incomplete applications may lead to delays or even rejection of the application.
- Priority Processing: Some providers, like ANCC, offer a premium service where your application can "jump higher in the queue" for a faster review by their staff. However, once the application is sent for results, there is no express service available.
It is recommended to allow sufficient time for processing and to consider the potential for delays, especially if your NPC involves fingerprint checks or requires information from multiple jurisdictions.
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Frequently asked questions
A National Police Check is a summary of your offender history in Australia. It is also known as a criminal history check, police clearance, or criminal record check.
You can apply for a National Police Check online through the Queensland or Western Australia Police Force, regardless of your location across Australia. You will need to provide proof of identity documents, worth at least 100 points, and state the purpose of the police check on your application.
Each NPC application costs $56. If you need to supply fingerprints as part of your application, the total cost is $113. Application fees are exempt from GST.
Digital certificates are sent directly to your email address. For hard-copy certificates, allow for postage time. You should wait at least 15 business days before contacting the relevant authority about the status of your check.
Anyone can apply for an NPC for their own use. However, you cannot apply for an NPC for someone else without their consent. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign your application. Employers, organizations, or regulators may also request that you provide a National Police Certificate.
