Apply for a police record check

A police record check provides a summary of your offender history in Australia.

It is usually requested by organisations as part of their recruitment process for staff and volunteers.

Police checks for volunteers who work with vulnerable groups are provided free of charge by South Australia Police to organisations who have a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number.

Police record checks are also called National Police Certificates (NPC's).

Department of Human Services (DHS) screening for working with children

Please note some organisations require a screening check with the DHS if you are engaging in employment or volunteer work with children.

Screening checks by the DHS involves a risk assessment specifically focused on the applicant’s risk in relation to a particular work or volunteer role.

There is no such risk assessment with the National Police Certificate which is simply a record of the applicant’s criminal conviction history. It is recommended applicant’s confirm the requirements of the organisation for which you seek to work or volunteer.

If you require a DHS clearance, visit screening.sa.gov.au.

How to apply for a police check

Step 1: Complete an application form

Option 1: Complete a police check application form online then print it out. Download the application form - electronic, or

NOTE: If you are using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, you may need to configure your browser to open this online form using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Option 2: Download this application form and fill out by hand, or

Option 3: Get a form from your local police station and complete it by hand. Find your local police station

Step 2: Check your proof of identity

Check that you have 100 points of original identification

A list of what we accept is provided on the application form.

Step 3: Find out what fees you need to pay

View the current fees for police record checks (under Certificates)

Step 4: Get your application processed

Take your application to your local police station or a Justice of the Peace (JP).

Take your:

• completed application form
• 100 points of original identification
• photocopies of 100 points of identification, for certification.

Ask a police officer or JP to:

• witness your signature on your application form
• certify your 100 points of identification
• complete the authorisation section on your application form.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Pay the application fee at a South Australian police station.

Your application will be processed within 15 working days from when it is received by the South Australia Police Information Release Unit.