National Police Certificate
Need an Australian National Police Certificate? iVACS Australia can help you understand the requirements, prepare your identity documents and complete the application correctly for your intended purpose.
- Document review
- Application assistance
- Australia-wide support
What is a National Police Certificate?
A National Police Certificate (NPC), often called a national police check, is a summary of disclosable police or court information recorded against a person's name in Australia.
Australian Federal Police Check
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) provides National Police Certificates for a range of purposes. Information used for the check may include records held by Australian police services.
Choose the correct purpose
The reason for your police check matters. Immigration, citizenship, employment, licensing, overseas use and other purposes may have different requirements. Always select the purpose that matches the organisation requesting the certificate.
Why might you need a police certificate?
National Police Certificates are commonly requested for government, employment, migration and other official purposes.
Immigration & Citizenship
For certain Australian immigration, visa or citizenship requirements.
Employment
Where an employer requests a national police history check.
Licensing & Registration
For some professional, industry or regulatory requirements.
Overseas Requirements
For foreign authorities, visas, residency or other overseas purposes.
Volunteer Roles
Where a volunteer organisation specifically requests a police check.
Other Official Purposes
For approved purposes where an Australian national police check is required.
Identification documents required
AFP applications require identity documents totalling at least 100 points. The exact combination depends on the documents you hold.
Points of Identification
You must provide an acceptable combination of identity documents meeting the AFP's identification requirements. Documents should be clear, current where required, and show details that match your application.
Common documents may include
- ✓ PassportAustralian or foreign passport, where accepted for the selected check.
- ✓ Australian driver licenceA current state or territory driver licence can form part of your ID combination.
- ✓ Birth or citizenship evidenceAccepted documents may contribute to your identity point total.
- ✓ Secondary identity documentsAdditional accepted documents may be needed to reach the required 100 points.
- ✓ Name-change evidence, if applicableProvide supporting evidence if the name on your documents is different from your current name.
How our assistance works
We help you organise the information and documents needed before your application is submitted to the relevant authority.
Send your details
Tell us why you need the National Police Certificate and provide your basic details.
Upload your ID
Provide clear copies of your available identity documents for review.
Application review
Our team checks your documents and helps identify the appropriate application requirements.
Complete the process
Follow the submission and payment steps required by the AFP for your selected police check.
Important application information
AFP National Police Certificate fee
The current AFP fee for a standard National Police Certificate application is shown here for general guidance. AFP fees and card surcharges can change. iVACS professional assistance fees, if applicable, are separate.
Processing time
The AFP advises applicants to allow at least 15 business days before contacting them about the status of a check. Some applications can take longer, and name-and-fingerprint checks may take approximately 15–30 business days.
Plan ahead
If your certificate is needed for a visa, citizenship, job, licence or overseas authority, apply early. iVACS cannot guarantee or control AFP assessment or processing times.
Why use iVACS Australia?
Our service is designed to reduce confusion and help you prepare a complete, organised application.
We review the documents you provide and help identify missing information before submission.
We help you understand which police-check purpose may be relevant to your requirement.
Get help by phone or email if you are unsure about documents or application preparation.
Assistance is available to applicants across Australian states and territories.
We help make sure your identity information and supporting documents are presented clearly.
Police-check applications contain sensitive information, so documents should always be handled carefully.
National Police Certificate FAQs
Ready to get started?
Send us your details and we'll help you prepare a complete AFP National Police Certificate application.
*AFP information on this page was reviewed in August 2026. The AFP currently states that a National Police Certificate application costs $56, requires at least 100 points of identification, and applicants should wait at least 15 business days before contacting the AFP about the status of a standard check.