Everything You Need to Know
Whether you are applying for a new job, volunteering at a local charity, or lodging a visa application, chances are you’ll eventually be asked to provide a National Police Certificate (NPC).
If your check is for Commonwealth or Australian Capital Territory (ACT) purposes, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is your official go-to provider. Navigating government applications can sometimes feel overwhelming, but obtaining your police check is a straightforward process once you know what to expect.
Here is a simple, step-by-step breakdown of how the AFP National Police Check works, what it costs, and how to apply smoothly.
Why Might You Need an AFP Police Check?
An NPC provides a summary of your disclosable offender history across Australia. Common reasons you might be asked to apply include:
Employment & Volunteering: Job applications, working with children, or non-profit roles.
Licensing & Registration: Meeting statutory compliance for professional bodies.
Immigration & Visas: Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or overseas visa applications.
Note: Always make sure to select the correct purpose when applying, as legislation determines what information is disclosed based on the specific reason for the check.
Key Application Details at a Glance
Standard Online Application: $56 AUD (GST exempt; a small card payment processing surcharge applies).
Application with Fingerprint Check: $113 AUD (Required for specific purposes, such as certain security licences or foreign visas).
Proof of Identity: You will need to upload/provide identity documents totaling 100 points (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate).
How to Apply AFP: Step-by-Step
1. Gather Your 100 Points of ID
Before starting your application, check the AFP’s Proof of Identity Checklist. Scan or photocopy clear copies of your documents to attach to your submission.
2. Choose Your Application Method
Online (Fastest Option): If you do not require a fingerprint check, you can complete the entire process via the AFP National Police Checks Portal. Digital certificates are delivered straight to your inbox, usually within a few days.
By Post: If your application requires a fingerprint check or you prefer to pay via bank cheque/money order, you must print and post a hard-copy application form along with your original fingerprints.
3. Receive and Validate Your Certificate
Once processed, your digital certificate will arrive as a secure PDF complete with a unique QR code for verification. If you requested a hard copy, it will arrive by mail printed on official security paper featuring watermarks and heat-sensitive ink to prevent tampering.
Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Check
Double-Check Your Details: Ensure your full name, former names, and date of birth match your identity documents exactly. Errors caused by applicant mistype require a brand-new application and fee.
Check Validity Limits: While NPCs don’t technically expire, they only show records up to the date of issue. The organisation requesting the check will usually specify how recent your certificate needs to be (e.g., within the last 3 or 6 months).
Keep It Purpose-Specific: A certificate issued for one purpose (e.g., aged care volunteering) cannot automatically be reused for a different purpose (e.g., an immigration detention centre role).
Ready to get started? Head directly to the AFP National Police Checks Page to begin your online application today.