National Police Checks

• • National media releases
  • Forms
  • National Police Check
  • Jobs
  • Terrorism
  • Publications
  • Crime Stoppers
  • Site map
  • Related links
  • Missing Persons
  Quick Links

National Police Checks

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.

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

1. Payment of the required fee - in exact Australian Dollars only. Please do NOT send cash. Applications with incorrect amounts will be returned.
2. 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.
3. Ensure all the necessary details have been completed and the form is signed and dated.
4. Check that you meet the requirements noted above.
5. Please note Parental Consent will be required if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
6. Read the general information section in the Application form.
7. Make sure you understand the Spent Convictions Scheme and how it applies to your application.
8. Complete all sections in black pen using BLOCK LETTERS in the boxes.
9. 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.
10. Check the Date of Birth and ensure it is the correct year.
11. 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.
12. Please ensure that all the necessary details have been completed and the forms are signed.
13. The form must be submitted no more than three months after being signed by the applicant.
14. Mark the appropriate check boxes with a cross (X).
15. Any attachments with additional information must be signed by the applicant.
16. Do not send the Application Completion Guide to the AFP. Please retain these for your reference.
17. Do not staple, paper clip or sticky tape the NPC form or attachments.

If you are submitting your NPC directly to the AFP (rather than through your employer or organisation) the following is also required:

1. Make the cheque or money order payable to the Australian Federal Police.
2. The cheque must be from an Australian bank or be affiliated with an Australian bank.
3. Correct payment must be included with all applications.
4. Do not include self addressed/stamped envelopes for return of certificates. These will not be used nor returned.
5. Post all applications to:
   Australian Federal Police,
   Criminal Records
   Locked Bag No. 1,
   WESTON ACT 2611

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.

Contact us