National Police Checks

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National Police Checks

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.

Customers please note: From Monday 8 September 2008, all fingerprints will only be taken on an official AFP Fingerprint Form.

Application process

1. Check that you meet the requirements noted above.
2. Print the relevant application form from the list below. Please note a Parental Consent Form will be required if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
3. Read the general information section in the application form.
4. Make sure you understand the Spent Convictions Scheme and how it applies to your application.
5. Application forms must be completed in black pen or typed.
6. If you have changed your name, you must list both current and previous names on the form, (eg alias, maiden name, de facto, Deed Poll).
7. Check the date of birth and ensure it is the correct year.
8. On the application forms, make sure you have a full postal address on the bottom right hand corner of the Criminal History Information page of the form.
9. Please ensure that all the necessary details have been completed and the forms are signed.
10. Your signature must not be more than three months old when the form is submitted to the AFP.
11. A photocopy of drivers licence and/or alternate photographic identification must accompany application.
12. Attach a cheque or money order in Australian dollars for the required fee (see Fees below) payable to "Australian Federal Police”.
13. Post the application form and attachments to the address below.
14. Please note: Any supplied envelopes for return of certificates will not be used or returned.

Failure to meet the required standards will result in the form being returned for amendment

Application forms

• National Police Check application form (PDF, 107kB)
  For general purpose applications.
• National Police Check Aged Care application form (PDF, 95kB)
  For individuals (employee or volunteer) who will be working in an Aged Care facility. (This form should not be used by Key Personnel - please use the National Police Check application form above.)
• ASIC Financial Services Licensing requirements application form (PDF, 108kB)
  ASIC Financial Services Licensing requirements under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Act 2001.
• Character requirement, penal clearance certificates (DIAC, PDF, 68kB)
  For applicants of temporary and permanent Australia residency status only. Complete the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Form 1101.
• Australian Prudential Regulation Authority application form (PDF, 104kB)
  Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) requirement for Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licensee status.
• Parental consent form (PDF, 30kB)
  To be completed when the applicant is under 18 years of age - lodge with completed National Police Check application form.

Fees

As of 1 July 2007 GST is no longer payable on National Police Checks. The new fees are as follows:

• $32.73 for each National Police Check application.
• $118.18 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are to be taken and processed by the AFP.
• $93.64 for a fingerprint and National Police Check application where fingerprints are supplied to the AFP upon application.

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.