Damon Mcknight
In Australia, a police check is officially known as a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a National Police Certificate (NPC). It is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. The results of an NPC can either be a No-Disclosable Court Outcome, meaning there are no releasable records of the candidate on the criminal database, or a list of disclosable court outcomes including criminal and traffic court outcomes. The NPC can be applied for online or by post, and the results are typically sent via email or post.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | National Police Certificate (NPC) |
| Purpose | To provide a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia |
| Contents | A record of 'disclosable court outcomes' from all Australian states and territories, relevant to the purpose of the check |
| Cost | $56 for the certificate, $113 if fingerprints are required |
| Application Methods | Online, by post |
| Payment Methods | Card, bank cheque, money order |
| Processing Time | Digital certificates usually arrive within a few days; fingerprint checks take at least 15 working days |
| Required Documents | Three identity documents, including one photo ID |
| Examples of Identity Documents | Australian citizenship certificate, Australian passport |
| Additional Requirements | Fingerprints (in some cases) |
| Exemptions | Spent convictions (in most cases) |
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What You'll Learn
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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a National Police Check. The certificate contains an official record of any disclosable criminal history, including convictions for criminal offences. This includes instances where an individual was found guilty of an offence in Victoria, another state or territory, or under a Commonwealth law.
The NPC will list 'disclosable court outcomes' in accordance with federal, state, and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 and the Spent Convictions Act 2000. It uses information from all Australian police services to list local and interstate criminal and traffic court outcomes. However, certain information will not be disclosed on the NPC, such as spent convictions, unless an exemption applies.
The NPC can be applied for online or by post, and the applicant must provide identification documents and payment. The application fee is $56, and if fingerprints are required, the total cost is $113. Fingerprint checks take a minimum of 15 working days, while digital certificates are typically sent within a few days of applying online.
The NPC is often requested by employers or organisations for employment or volunteering purposes. It is important to note that employers do not have to automatically dismiss applicants with criminal records and should consider other factors such as character, reputation, time elapsed since the offence, and relevant skills for the job.
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Criminal history
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of an individual's criminal history or offender history in Australia. It is also referred to as a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. The certificate contains an official record of any disclosable criminal history, including convictions for criminal offences. This includes instances where an individual was found guilty of an offence in Victoria, another state or territory, or under a Commonwealth law.
The National Police Check searches all of an individual's records on the Australian Criminal database. The results can either show that there are no releasable records (or no records at all) of the individual on the criminal database, or they can show conviction information. This is referred to as "passing" the check.
Certain information will not be disclosed on a police check. For example, a spent conviction for a Victorian offence will not be disclosed unless an exemption applies. An interstate or Commonwealth conviction that is spent under that state, territory, or the Commonwealth's spent convictions laws will also not be disclosed unless an exemption is applicable.
From 3 February 2025, it will no longer be a requirement to provide a National Police Certificate when applying for a private security, firearms, or armed guard licence. However, fingerprints will still be required.
It is important to note that the police do not need an individual's permission to disclose information about their criminal history to a court or another law enforcement agency, such as an interstate police force.
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Fingerprint check
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. It is sometimes necessary to include a fingerprint check as part of the NPC.
If you are applying for a National Police Certificate and require a fingerprint check, you must include the original copy of your fingerprints with your application. You can make a booking for either Livescan or ink fingerprinting. You must post the original of your fingerprints within three months of signing the form. If you are residing in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and require fingerprinting for obtaining any security licence, you must complete the application form on the Access Canberra website. If you are in the ACT and need fingerprinting for reasons other than security licences, you must email your fingerprint appointment request to [email protected]. If you live outside Canberra, you must contact your local police station for a fingerprint appointment.
The cost of an NPC application is $56, and $113 if fingerprints are required. The NPC application fee is exempt from GST. The certificate can be used for employment, volunteering, and occupation-related licensing and registration.
If you are an Australian citizen living abroad and require a police or character certificate, you must contact the appropriate Australian Federal, State, or Territory Police Force. The type, cost, and application forms required for clearance certificates vary from state to state.
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Application process
The application process for an Australian police check involves submitting an application form, providing identification, and paying the associated fees. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Application Form: You can apply for a National Police Check online or by post. The online application can be completed through the Australian Federal Police website or an accredited organisation such as Australian National Character Check (ANCC). If applying by post, you need to print and complete the National Police Check application form. The form requires you to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign your application.
- Identification: You must provide certified identification documentation. This typically includes a valid form of ID, such as a passport or driver's license. If your name has changed, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a change of name or marriage certificate. Your identification documents must match the name on your application form.
- Fingerprints: In some cases, you may be required to provide fingerprints as part of your application. If you reside in the ACT, you can visit the Access Canberra website or contact the ACT fingerprint hotline for instructions. For those outside of Canberra, you should contact your local police station to schedule a fingerprint appointment.
- Payment: The application process requires a payment, which can be made online or by attaching a cheque or money order with the application form. Online applications may offer faster processing times and typically require online payment methods.
- Submission: After completing the application form, gathering the required documentation, and making the payment, submit your application by mail or online.
- Processing: Once your application is submitted, it will be processed, and you will receive a receipt for your payment. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the check and whether further investigation is required. Online applications through ANCC offer an express service, with 70% of checks returned within 24 hours.
- Results: After the processing period, you will receive your National Police Certificate. This can be delivered digitally to your Australia Post Secure Document Vault or as a hard copy via postal mail. The certificate will include your personal details and any relevant court outcomes or pending charges.
It is important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on your state or territory and the purpose of your police check. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Results
The results of an Australian police check are presented as a National Police Certificate (NPC), which is a summary of an individual's offender history in Australia. The NPC will list "disclosable court outcomes" in line with federal, state, and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 and the Spent Convictions Act 2000. The certificate will also detail any local and interstate criminal and traffic court outcomes.
The result of a police check can either be a "No-Disclosable Court Outcome," indicating no releasable records of the candidate on the criminal database, or it can detail specific convictions and court outcomes. It's important to note that police checks do not disclose all information about an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. Certain information is exempt from disclosure, such as spent convictions, unless specific exemptions apply.
The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is a type of police check that searches an individual's records on the Australian Criminal database. This check can be processed through online mediums or accredited bodies, and the result is primarily focused on conviction information.
The process of obtaining a police check involves gathering and scanning identity documents, and sometimes, fingerprint records are required. Applications can be made online or by post, and results are typically provided digitally, although hard copies can also be requested. The cost of an NPC application is $56, and including a fingerprint check increases the cost to $113.
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Frequently asked questions
A National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of your offender history in Australia. It is sometimes referred to as a national police check. It lists "disclosable court outcomes" in accordance with federal, state, and territory laws.
The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check searches all of an individual's records on the Australian Criminal database. The result can either be a "No-Disclosable Court Outcome", meaning there are no releasable records, or it will list disclosable court outcomes.
You can apply for an NPC online or by post. You will need to provide identification documents, including one photo ID, and pay a fee of $56, or $113 if fingerprints are required.
Digital certificates are usually sent via email within a few days of applying online. Fingerprint checks take a minimum of 15 working days.
