Make sure our check is right for you

Some organisations have specific police record checking requirements, for example:

  • If you're applying for a job with the Commonwealth Government.
  • Where the check is for visa, citizenship or other immigration purposes.
  • If they need a certificate issued by the police agency in your state (i.e. an ACT Police Check provided by the Australian Capital Territory Police).
  • When adopting a child from another country.

Before you apply with us, we recommend you contact your potential employer, recruiter or volunteer organisation to make sure an Australia Post National Police Check will meet their needs.

How to get a police check in the ACT

Why get your police check for the ACT from Australia Post?

CommSec State of the States reports that the Australian Capital Territory is ahead of the pack with regards to retail trade, housing finance and building construction, so it’s no surprise these are the key areas of growth for their jobs market.

Your right to work in some of these industries is often tied to regularly completing a police check.

If you’re an electrician, roof tiler, fore-person, demolition expert or regularly visiting building site, your employer may expect you to provide an up-to-date ACT police check every three to six months. An Australia Post National Police Check can help you retain your work in Canberra, the ACT and across the country. And you can opt to store some of your data with us for use on future police checks.

Also, our check is Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) accredited so you know you are getting a complete and accurate history. It’s trusted by government departments, licensing authorities and (of course) employers.

Essential information for an ACT resident police check

Cost of a police check

  • $52 for an employee check (includes digital certificate)
  • $30 for a volunteer check
    (includes digital certificate)
  • $10 extra for a hard copy of your certificate
    (delivered via Registered Post)3
  • Ways to pay:
    • Online: Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card
    • In-store: cash, credit or debit card

Processing time for a police check

Once your identity is verified (online or at the Post Office), you’ll typically receive an email to access your digital certificate within 2 business hours.2

Apply now

ID documents needed for a police check

To apply for a police check you’ll need 4 types of identification from the list below. Your name and date of birth across your identity documents need to match what you’ve entered on your application and all documents must be unexpired originals, digital Identity documents or copies are not accepted.

Note: processing times may vary depending on how you prove your identity.2

Change of name

If the name you use to apply for a police check is different to the name on any of your identity documents, you must show proof of a name change when lodging your application. Documents accepted as proof of a name change are:

  • A marriage certificate or extract (issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages)
  • A certificate of registration of name change
  • Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Birth Death and Marriages showing both the birth name and the changed name/s.

These documents must be originals, not copies.

Apply now

1 Your police check details will be stored securely for 10 years and can be reused on your next police check.

2 Around 70% of applicants who finalise their application at the Post Office receive their check result within 2 business hours. Online processing times are typically 1 – 2 business days and may vary depending on demand. More complicated applications may be referred to one or more police agencies for manual processing, which can take 15 or more business days. If your police check has taken more than 15 business days please call us on 13 7678.

3 If you’ve requested a hard copy of your certificate, allow at least 7 business days for it to arrive via Registered Post before enquiring about its status.

4 Some organisations have specific crime record checking requirements. Before you apply with us, we recommend you contact your potential employer, recruiter or volunteer organisation to make sure an Australia Post National Police Check will meet their needs.

5 If you have a valid Australian Visa and you're applying online, you don't need to provide a visa document. We'll validate it using your foreign passport details. If you're applying in person, you'll need to bring a printed Visa Grant Notice.