What is an Australian police check?

An Australian police check (officially called a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) searches national police databases for any disclosable criminal history. It's one of the most common pre-employment screening checks in Australia.

Who needs it

Most organisations use police checks for new hires, volunteers, contractors, or anyone working with vulnerable people, handling money, or in positions of trust.

When it's required

Employment in healthcare, education, aged care, childcare
Working with children or vulnerable adults
Security, transport, and government roles
Volunteer positions
Liquor and gaming licences
Many other industries and compliance requirements

We're an ACIC accredited body, which means we're authorised to submit applications on behalf of organisations and receive results directly from the national police database.

How it works

For employers

Set up an account with us (the form takes 10 minutes; ACIC approval typically follows within a few days)
Send us your applicant's details
We send them a link and follow up if they don't complete it - by phone if needed
They provide ID and consent
We submit to the national database
Track progress through your portal

If anything gets stuck along the way, we handle it. You see completed checks, not a list of problems to chase.

No minimums, no contracts. Whether you need one check or fifty a month, there's no setup fee and no long-term commitment.

For applicants

You'll receive a link from us with clear instructions. You'll need to provide proof of identity (usually driver licence or passport) and a recent photo. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.

Stuck or confused? Just email us. We help applicants through this every day and we'd rather spend five minutes helping you than have your application sitting incomplete.

Complete your check

Coverage and limitations

Geographic coverage

These checks cover all Australian states and territories. The national database includes disclosable offences from across Australia.

What it includes

All disclosable criminal history (convictions, charges, findings of guilt)
Traffic offences that resulted in court appearances
Spent convictions if they meet disclosure requirements

What it doesn't include

✗ Overseas criminal history (you need international checks for that)
✗ Non-disclosable or spent convictions (depending on jurisdiction and role)
✗ Pending charges in some cases

Validity

Police checks don't expire, but most organisations require them to be no older than 3-6 months for employment purposes.

Common questions

How long does it take?

Most checks complete within 48-72 hours, though some take longer depending on the national database. Track progress anytime through your portal.

What ID does the applicant need?

Usually a driver licence or passport. We accept other forms of ID if those aren't available. Full details are provided when the applicant receives their link.

What if the applicant has a criminal history?

The check will show any disclosable offences. Whether that affects employment is up to you as the employer. We just provide the information.

Can I get a police check for myself?

Yes. If you need a police check for yourself (not through an employer), you can order one directly for $56.10 including GST.

Order your check

What's the difference between this and an AFP check?

Australian police checks cover state and territory police records. AFP checks are specifically for federal roles or commonwealth security clearances. Most people need an Australian police check, not an AFP check.

Related services

AFP Checks

Federal police checks for roles requiring commonwealth security clearances or working with federal agencies.

Learn more

Volunteer Checks

Discounted police checks for volunteer organisations and unpaid roles.

Get quote

International Police Checks

Criminal history checks for applicants who have lived or worked overseas.

International services

Work Rights Verification

Verify an applicant's right to work in Australia (VEVO checks).