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 such as children, the aged or people with a disability 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.

Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) screening for working with children

The DCSI Screening Unit produces a risk assessment against the inherent duties of the role, which is used by organisations to determine the suitability of individuals for employment or volunteer work within their organisation. If you require a DSCI clearance, visit www.screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au If you are unsure whether you require a DCSI screening clearance, please visit www.screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au/screening-process/types-of-screening or consult your employer about which criminal history check they require.

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 the police station or by cheque or money order if you go to a JP.

Make your cheque or money order out to South Australia Police. Attach the cheque or money order to your application and send to:

Information Services Branch
Information Release Unit
South Australia Police
GPO Box 1539
Adelaide SA 5001

Your application will be processed within 10 working days from when it is received by the South Australia Police Information Release Unit.

Find out more about applying for a national police certificate (word)

Find out more about applying for a national police certificate (pdf)