National Police Checks
Persons attempting to contact the Criminal Records area of the Australian Federal Police in order to receive a transaction or reference number for supply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) should note that transaction or reference numbers will NOT be given out via telephone or email under any circumstances. These numbers are subject to change during processing and are NOT available prior to the completion of the Criminal Record check. The transaction number will be as notified on the completed check.
Notice - New Fees
From 1 July 2007 GST is no longer payable on National Police Checks. The fees as of 1 October 2008 are as follows:
- $43.00 for each National Police Check application from a Government Department or an individual.
- $49.00 for each National Police Check application from a Non-Government organisation (eg Commercial entities such as brokers, migration agents etc)
- $145.00 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are to be taken and processed by the AFP.
- $105.00 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are supplied to the AFP upon application.
Please note that any application received after 1 October 2008 with an incorrect fee enclosed will be returned to the applicant for correction and will need to be resubmitted for processing.
On this page:
- Fingerprint checks
- Application completion guide
- Application forms
- Fees
- Processing times
- Provision of false or misleading information
- Disputed record enquiries
- Contact us
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) provides National Police Checks for:
- residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Jervis Bay Territory and other external Commonwealth territories
- people seeking employment with the Commonwealth Government
- people requiring a check under Commonwealth legislation, eg Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Immigration purposes
- overseas employment
- adoption, including overseas adoption, and
- visa applications.
All other applicants should contact the Criminal Records section of their relevant State or Territory police service. If you are unsure whether you should apply to the AFP or your state service, contact Criminal Records.
Fingerprint checks
Fingerprints are only required to accompany your application where there is a requirement for such a check to be conducted. These fingerprints will be compared with a central database of fingerprints records and will take additional time to process. An additional cost is also associated with this service, see Fees below.
Where a fingerprint check is required, it is your responsibility to obtain a full set of fingerprints from your local Police jurisdiction.
Application completion guide
The following requirements must be met when submitting an AFP National Police Check (NPC). Failure to meet the required standards will result in the form being returned for amendment
- DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
- Payment of the required fee - in exact Australian Dollars only. Please do NOT send cash. Applications with incorrect amounts will be returned.
- A copy of an Australian driver's licence or other acceptable identification (passport, full birth certificate, marriage certificate) must accompany the application. Non photographic id is to be certified.
- Ensure all the necessary details have been completed and the form is signed and dated.
- Check that you meet the requirements noted above.
- Please note Parental Consent will be required if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
- Read the general information section in the Application form.
- Make sure you understand the Spent Convictions Scheme and how it applies to your application.
- Complete all sections in black pen using BLOCK LETTERS in the boxes.
- All previous or other names by which you are known or have been formerly known, including maiden name, must be listed in full on the form or on an enclosed additional sheet.
- Check the Date of Birth and ensure it is the correct year.
- Please ensure that all the necessary details have been completed and the forms are signed.
- The form must be submitted no more than three months after being signed by the applicant.
- Mark the appropriate check boxes with a cross (X).
- Any attachments with additional information must be signed by the applicant.
- Do not send the Application Completion Guide to the AFP. Please retain these for your reference.
- Ensure all paperwork, application, payment, and identification is securely attached.
If you are submitting your NPC directly to the AFP (rather than through your employer or organisation) the following is also required:
- Make the cheque or money order payable to the Australian Federal Police.
- The cheque must be from an Australian bank or be affiliated with an Australian bank.
- Correct payment must be included with all applications.
- Do not include self addressed/stamped envelopes for return of certificates. These will not be used nor returned.
- Post all applications to:
Australian Federal Police,
Criminal Records
Locked Bag 8550
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Application forms
- National Police Check application form (PDF, 190kB) Used for all National Police Check applications.
Fees
From 1 July 2007 GST is no longer payable on National Police Checks. The fees as of 1 October 2008 are as follows:
- $43.00 for each National Police Check application from a Government Department or an individual.
- $49.00 for each National Police Check application from a Non-Government organisation (eg Commercial entities such as brokers, migration agents etc)
- $145.00 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are to be taken and processed by the AFP.
- $105.00 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are supplied to the AFP upon application.
Please note that any application received after 1 October 2008 with an incorrect fee enclosed will be returned to the applicant for correction and will need to be resubmitted for processing.
Processing times
The current processing time for a routine National Police Check is approximately 15 working days from the date received by Criminal Records. Please be aware that processing times for National Police Checks may vary as the AFP is reliant on other police jurisdictions for some information.
We also recommend that you allow sufficient time for processing and return by postal services before making enquiries regarding your application.
Provision of false or misleading information
You are asked to certify that the personal information you have provided on the completed application form is correct. If it is subsequently discovered, for example as a result of a check of police records, that you have provided false or misleading information, it may be reported by the AFP.
It should be noted that the AFP does not assess or adjudicate your application but merely provides information to the prospective employer/authority to assist them in assessing your suitability.
Disputed record enquiries
If you believe the information provided on your National Police Certificate is incorrect or inaccurate in any detail please complete a Disputed record form (PDF, 41kB). If you have any additional information or documents supporting your enquiry they should be attached to enable the AFP to more accurately assess your application. AFP may require comparison fingerprints to resolve some disputes. In such instances applicants will be notified.
Privacy Statement
The Privacy Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the protection of private information relating to individuals. This includes investigating instances where information has been released improperly or incorrectly. An individual who believes the standards dealing with disclosure and use of old conviction information have been breached may apply to the Privacy Commissioner for an investigation of the matter. The telephone number is 1300 363 992.
Contact us
| Criminal Records - National Police Check | AFP Criminal Records Locked Bag 8550 CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601 | Ph:(02) 6202 3333 Email Criminal Records |