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.
Option 1: Complete a police check application form online then print it out. Download the application form - electronic or static
NOTE: If you are having difficulty opening or filling out a PDF form we suggest you read these fillable forms tips.
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
Check that you have 100 points of original identification
A list of what we accept is provided on the application form.
View the current fees for police record checks (under Certificates)
Take your application to your local police station or a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Take your:
Ask a police officer or JP to:
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.