National Police Certificates

A National Police Certificate lists a person’s disclosable court outcomes from all Australian police jurisdictions based on the information provided. 

There are 3 types of certificates available:

National Police Certificate 

A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is based on a search of the person’s name against the criminal history records held by police services Australia-wide. This document is most commonly used for employment, study or overseas travel (check with your employer or licensing body to ensure a NPC is appropriate). Other reasons for seeking an NPC include:

• Providing insurance companies with an official document relating to past offending,
• Visa to work or reside in another country, however this is limited to only a few countries as many require a National Police Certificate with Fingerprints. 

If you require an NPC for Immigration to Australia, it is imperative that you apply through the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for a criminal history check.  For more information refer to the Australian Federal Police.

You can lodge your application for an NPC conducted by the QPS online. Online applications include online payment, ID verification and delivery. If you cannot verify your ID online, you will be prompted to attend a Queensland Australia Post office to verify your ID at the end of your application. Applications that do not require further investigation can be completed within an hour.

If your legal name is a genuine mononym (single name), then you will not be able to submit your online application and instead will need to attend an Australia Post outlet to verify your identity upon completion of the online process.

APPLY ONLINE NOW^*

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Any applications which require further investigation generally take 5-10 working days once your application has been transferred to our national database for criminal history checking, plus postal delivery time. If you have not received your NPC after 28 business days please contact us via the National Police Certificate Enquiry Form alternatively you can contact Australia Post's customer service centre, or the PIC Criminal Vetting Team.

Fingerprint search – National Police Certificate

This certificate is based on a search of the person's name and fingerprints against the criminal history and fingerprint records held by police services Australia-wide. This is most often sought by persons applying for a visa to work or reside in another country, or for adoption purposes.

As fingerprints are needed, this form must be completed and lodged at a Queensland police station. Please make an appointment at your local police station before attending to have your fingerprints taken to ensure that an officer is available to process your request.

Application for a Police Certificate Name with Fingerprint Searc​h​

Ammonium nitrate – National Police Certificate

This is based on a search of the person's name against the criminal history records held by police services Australia-wide, and an ASIO security assessment relating to politically motivated violence.

This certificate is sought by people employed, or seeking employment, with companies and other employers who are licensed to access security sensitive ammonium nitrate, e.g. mining companies.

Due to the ASIO security assessment, this form must be completed and lodged at a Queensland police station.

Application for a Police Certificate and ASIO Security Assessment​

Note: The ASIO security assessment can take up to 3 months. Queensland Police cannot accelerate this result as it is performed independently by ASIO and the certificate cannot be supplied without their authorisation.

Questions about National Police Certificates

What is a National Police Certificate?

A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is based on a search of the person's name against the criminal history records held by all policing agencies Australia-wide. It contains an individual’s disclosable court outcomes from all Australian Police jurisdictions. 

When do I need a National Police Certificate?

A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is commonly used for employment, study or overseas travel (check with your employer or licensing body to ensure an NPC is appropriate).

Other reasons for seeking an NPC include

• Providing insurance companies with an official document relating to past offending,
• Visa to work or reside in another country; however, this is limited to only a few countries as many require a National Police Certificate with Fingerprints. 

If you require an NPC for Immigration to Australia, it is imperative that you apply through the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for a criminal history check.  For more information refer to the Australian Federal Police website.

How do I apply for a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

You can lodge your application online for a National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Please note: applications that require identity verification in person at your local Australia Post outlet will not be transferred into the system straight away as they are processed manually by Australia Post staff. 

NPC Application process.pdf (897.43 KB)

 

How will I receive my National Police Certificate?

For submissions on or after 11 September 2023, you will receive an email with a secure link to access your document.

For submissions before the 11 September 2023,  your NPC is available through Australia Post secure document vault.

Who can apply for a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

An application for a National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) must be made by the individual concerned; any individuals living or working in Queensland can apply. Persons residing elsewhere in Australia should contact their local police station; within their state of residence.

If you are overseas and are seeking an NPC, you will need to make enquiries through the Australian Federal Police.

What is included on a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) contains certification that the person to whom it relates either has ‘no disclosable' convictions or has a 'disclosable' conviction/s, which is detailed in the certificate; this includes interstate matters.

Police information is disclosed in accordance with the applicable legislation and information release policies of the relevant Australian State and Territory Policing agencies. Convictions released on an NPC are in accordance with the legislation and policy of various jurisdictions.

For more information on Queensland criminal history release guidelines see www.legislation.qld.gov.au Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986.

What security features are included in a National Police Certificate?

Submissions made on or after 11 September 2023

If you applied online, your National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) can be viewed and/or printed via the secure link provided in your email. 

If you have applied online and have marked on the application form that you wish to receive a hardcopy NPC or if you have disclosable court outcomes, the NPC is printed on certificate security paper which contains several inbuilt security features:

• A watermark consisting of multiple images of a padlock with two keys which is visible when held up to the light;
• Fluorescent tricolour threads on both sides of the document glow blue, yellow and red when held under ultra violet light;
• A border to the right of the police logos on the front of the document is printed in MICROTYPE which can be read when viewed under magnification;
• Images on the front are printed in heat-sensitive ink and, when moderate heat or friction is applied, they will fade or disappear momentarily; and
• Images printed in fluorescent ink and will glow yellow when viewed under ultra violet light.

If you have suspicion that a document may have been altered or any of these security features is not present, please contact us via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form immediately.

Submissions made before 11 September 2023

If you applied online, your National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) can be viewed and/or printed from your My Post Digital Mailbox. Printing your NPC from your My Post Digital Mailbox does not contain the same security features that the hardcopy NPC contains. If you print your NPC from your My Post Digital Mailbox, the NPC will feature a barcode/QR code which can be verified as an NPC issued by the QPS. The barcode/QR code can be scanned and verified by using the Australia Post app. See Q3 for further information on My Post Digital Mailbox. 

It is advised that employers/licensing bodies verify the NPC as per the instructions on the form.

How long will it take to process my National Police Certificate application?

For applications lodged online that require no further investigation, an email will be sent to your nominated email address (as specified in your application) within 30 minutes.  Contained within the email is a link to Australia Post Secure Document Vault which will contain your electronic NPC. 

You must register for a MyPost account before you will be able to access this.

If your application requires further investigation, you will receive a ‘Notice of Referral’ email. In the instance where an application requires further investigation it may take up to 28 business days to produce an NPC; further investigation may be required due to:

• Potential matches returned against the submitted person details
• Common names; this can cause numerous potential matches to be returned
• Confirmation of identity
• Copies of photo ID; to assist in determining if potential matches returned are a match
• Other information from contact with police.

If you have not received your NC after 28 business days please contact us via the National Police Certificate Enquiry Form; alternatively you can follow up with the Australia Post’s customer contact centre or the PIC vetting team.

Can I apply at a Queensland Police Station?

No.  Applicants can only apply for a National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) online via the Application for a National Police Certificate link.  For further queries, please complete the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form.

Why is Australia Post verifying identification for National Police Certificate applications and not Queensland Police stations?

Australia Post offers more convenience for most people with over 580 participating Australia Post outlets in Queensland. This also provides efficiencies at police stations to allow a greater focus on local policing.

Will staff at Australia Post outlets see my criminal record?

No. Australia Post outlets verify your identification for your National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Australia Post are not involved in the criminal history check processing. The criminal history check processing is conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Queensland Police Service. Your personal information is always treated with strict confidentiality.

How can I check the progress of my National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

Please refer to 'How long will it take to process my National Police Certificate application?' and 'Why is Australia Post verifying identification for National Police Certificate applications and not Queensland Police stations?"

How long is a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service valid for?

A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is current as of the date of issue, therefore QPS imposes no period of validity.  It is at the discretion of employers and/or organisations to determine whether an NPC conducted by QPS will be accepted depending on the date of issue.

Can I make a National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service application on behalf of someone else?

No. The applicant must complete the application and provide consent in order for the Queensland Police Service to produce an NPC.

I am unable to verify my identity using the Digital ID

Applicants must complete the application online before attending the Australia Post outlet to verify their ID.

Please note, Australia Post outlets will only accept the following digital documents as proof of identification:

• State issued Digital Driver Licences (via State Government App)
• Medicare cards (via MyGov App)

Physical identity documents must be originals and not expired; copies will not be accepted. The table below provides a guide.

Choose 1 document from this list:	Choose 1 document from this list:
Australian passport	Australian passport
Foreign passport with an Australian visa	Foreign passport with an Australian visa
Australian birth certificate	Australian birth certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate	Australian Citizenship Certificate
ImmiCard	ImmiCard
Australian driver licence
Medicare card
Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

 

A change of name document, such as Marriage Certificate, Divorce Papers, Change of Name Certificate, is required if your ID is in multiple names. 

I am unable to meet the ID requirements to make an application, what do I do?

If you are unable to meet the ID requirements as part of this application process, please visit the ACIC website for alternate ACIC accredited bodies or Australian police agencies who offer this service. 

What do I do if I change my address before receiving my National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

You will need to contact the Police Information Centre via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form to update your change of address as duplicate National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) will not be issued. 

More information about redirecting or holding your mail.

I have received my National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service, but my name/date of birth is incorrect

It is recommended that you verify the contents of your National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) as soon as it is received to ensure that all details are correct.

If there is a discrepancy with your personal details, please retain the certificate and contact us via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form immediately.

I have received my National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service but it has been damaged in the post. How do I arrange a replacement?

Contact us via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form or email PIC.Certificates@police.qld.gov.au to enable assessment of eligibility for a replacement of your National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). QPS will facilitate the reissuing of your NPC.

Please note, your NPC can only be reissued within 3 months from the date of your application. The new certificate will retain the same reference number and the original date of issue.

I have made an online application through an external service provider (not Queensland Police Service).  How do I follow up on the progress of my application?

The Queensland Police Service offer the National Police Certificate through our website. Any other online service is not conducted by Queensland Police Service and as such the Queensland Police Service are unable to provide any information in relation to the application or its progress.

It is recommended that you contact the service provider to whom your application was submitted.

I am a mononymous (single name) applicant.  How do I complete the application form?

Individuals who are known by a single name, or who do not have both a family/surname and a given name, are known as single name applicants. Please note: maiden name is not an mononymous (single) name.

An applicant may include a single name on their identity documents. Single names are legitimate if you are currently or have previously been legally known by that name.

A single name is a name comprising of:

• Only one word, or
• Several words not using Western naming conventions (e.g. first and family names combined).

All names, including single names, must be declared on each application.

If your legal name is a genuine mononym (single name), then you will not be able to complete the online application and instead will need to attend an Australia Post outlet to complete your application.

How do I dispute information contained on a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

Applicants who wish to dispute information recorded on their National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) should write to The Manager, Police Information Centre, GPO Box 1440, Brisbane QLD 4001, or contact us via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form.

Applicants must specify the offences or information in dispute and be prepared to provide comparison fingerprints. We will notify applicants in writing if comparison fingerprints are required. No fee will be charged and fingerprints will be destroyed upon resolution of the dispute.

I require my criminal record for court; do I apply for a National Police Certificate conducted by the Queensland Police Service?

No.  A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is not suitable for court purposes as it lists only disclosable court outcomes. You should seek independent legal advice if you require your criminal record for court.

Production of your criminal record may be facilitated via summons, subpoena or disclosure rules depending on the type of court proceeding.

How do I obtain my traffic convictions?

To obtain your traffic convictions, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads. A National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) does not disclose Queensland traffic convictions.

Can I have my conviction record destroyed or expunged?

No. There is no obligation for Queensland Police Service to destroy any conviction record information at any time. If it is an interstate conviction, you will need to contact the relevant police jurisdiction.

I have deleted my email containing the link to my National Police Certificate (NPC) conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). What do I do?

Submissions made on or after 11 September 2023

Please contact us via the online National Police Certificate Enquiry Form and we will request for your email to be resent.

Submissions made before 11 September 2023

You can log in to your Australia Post Secure Document Vault via on the My Post Digital Mailbox.

My international passport is not being accepted.  Why?

International passports need to be recognised by the National Document Verification Service to be accepted.  Unrecognised passports are generally those which were not used to enter Australia, e.g. you are a dual citizen and you use your Australian passport to enter Australia and not your overseas passport.