A police check is a document that provides a summary of your offender history in Australia. It may also be referred to as:
- national police check
- police record check
- national police certificate
- criminal history check
A 'National Criminal History Record Check' specifically refers to applications lodged with agencies accredited by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). All Police Agencies and ACIC partner in delivering a nationally coordinated criminal history check service.
Police checks may be required when applying for employment, Australian citizenship, appointment to positions of trust or for a variety of licensing and registration schemes. A certificate showing the results of the check is issued to the applicant via the police agency or accredited body.
How to apply
Depending on which type of check you need, apply through the links listed below. If you are unsure of which check to apply for, contact the organisation requesting the police check.
National police check
For employment with an Australian Government agency, apply through the Australian Federal Police.
For an Australian visa for immigration purposes, apply through the Australian Federal Police.
For employment/probity/licensing, apply through SA Police.
To apply for an overseas visa, apply through SA Police.
To work or volunteer with vulnerable people, apply through SA Police.
Working with Children Check
To work or volunteer with children, apply through the Department of Human Services.
Driver accreditation
To become an accredited passenger vehicle driver, apply through a body approved by ACIC (see below).
ACIC-accredited agencies
National Criminal History Record Checks are provided by agencies accredited by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. The ACIC website has information on how to apply for a police check, as well as a list of accredited police check organisations.
