How Do I Get an Australian Police Check?

Obtaining an Australian police check is a quick and straightforward process. Most people applying for employment, licences, volunteer roles or compliance requirements complete a National Police Check, which can be ordered online through an ACIC-accredited provider such as Worker Checks. Once submitted, your result is delivered securely to your digital portal as soon as processing is complete.

Below is a step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know before you begin.

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1️⃣ Choose the Correct Type of Police Check #

There are three main types of police checks in Australia:

A. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) #

Also known as a National Police Check.
✔ Most common check in Australia
✔ Accepted for employment, volunteering, licensing and onboarding
✔ Delivered by ACIC-accredited providers (including Worker Checks)
✔ Fastest turnaround — 75% completed within 1 hour

B. Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check #

✔ Required for immigration, visa applications, and some Commonwealth roles
✔ Issued directly by the AFP
✔ Processing time: ~7 business days

C. International Police Checks #

✔ Needed when the applicant has lived overseas
✔ Varies depending on the issuing country

If you’re unsure which check you need, your employer or organisation should tell you the correct type.

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2️⃣ Gather Your Required Identity Documents #

To complete a National Police Check online, you must provide:

• Your full legal name(s) – past and present
• Date and place of birth
• Gender information
• 5 years of residential address history
• Three identity documents (one from each approved group):
  • Primary ID (passport or driver licence)
  • Secondary ID (e.g., Medicare card, utility bill)
  • Supporting ID (e.g., student ID, government-issued photo ID)

Your documents must be:

• For passport or drivers license – you must have the original card (not a copy, image or a screenshot) – during biometric verification of identity the system will assess your passport or drivers license for authenticity.
• In English (or have an accredited translation)
• Other ID documents can be uploaded as photos or clear scans (no editing or filters)
• But your first Primary ID document (passport or license) must be the actual item (not a copy)

Read more here on Police Check Identity requirement here

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3️⃣ Complete Your Online Application #

Once you have your ID ready:

1. Purchase your check from the Worker Checks product page for Police Checks
2. Create a secure Worker Checks account at the Registration link
3. Click the Action link from your Worker Checks CheckHub after registration.
4. The first step will be your biometric verification of Identity. When you start, a link will be sent to your mobile device where you will take an image of your original Passport or Driver License and a selfie to verify your identity.
5. The next stage is to complete the application – here you will upload any additional identity documents (copies / images are OK at this stage and complete the relevant application details.
6. After submitting your application, it will be processed by Worker Checks .
7. You will receive an SMS and email when your result is ready inside your CheckHub.

The entire process takes around 5-10 minutes for most applicants.

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4️⃣ Your Check Is Submitted for ACIC Processing #

Once submitted:

• Your information is securely encrypted
• ACIC and state/territory police agencies review the application
• Most checks are finalised very quickly
• A small percentage may require manual review

⚡ 75% of Worker Checks police checks are completed within 1 hour.

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5️⃣ Receive Your Digital Police Check Certificate #

When your police check is complete:

• You will receive email and SMS notification
• Your certificate will be available in your Worker Checks secure portal
• You can download, print or electronically share the certificate
• Your organisation can verify authenticity online

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Still Need Help? #

Chat with our Australian-based support team via the chat icon, or email [email protected] for fast assistance.