--- title: How Do I Get an Australian Police Check? description: "Obtaining an Australian police check is a quick and straightforward process. Most people applying for employment, licences, volunteer roles or compliance requirements complete a [Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/ncchc/), which can be ordered online through an ACIC-accredited provider such as…" url: "https://workerchecks.com/docs/how-do-i-get-an-australian-police-check/" updated: "2026-03-05" category: Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks --- # 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 [Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/ncchc/), 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. --- ## **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)** Formerly 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. --- ## **2️⃣ Gather Your Required Identity Documents** To complete a **Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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](https://workerchecks.com/docs/what-id-documents-are-required-for-police-checks/) --- ## **3️⃣ Complete Your Online Application** Once you have your ID ready: 1. Purchase your check from the [Worker Checks product page for Checks](https://workerchecks.com/product-category/police-checks/) 2. Create a secure Worker Checks account at the [Registration link](https://app.workerchecks.com/account/login) 3. Click the Action link from your Worker Checks CheckHub after registration. 4. The first step will be your [biometric verification of Identity](https://workerchecks.com/docs/biometric-verification-of-identity-for-police-checks/). 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. --- ## **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.** --- ## **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 --- ## **Still Need Help?** Chat with our Australian-based support team via the chat icon, or email **ask@workerchecks.com** for fast assistance. ### Related checks and compliance services [National Police Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/national-police-check/) Fast, ACIC-accredited online clearance. [BusinessHub – Bulk Worker Checks](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-business-solution/) Bulk billing, live tracking and secure portals. [VEVO Right to Work Check](https://workerchecks.com/vevo-right-to-work-check-online-work-entitlement-verification/) Instant visa work-rights verification. [Bankruptcy & Insolvency Check](https://workerchecks.com/product/bankruptcy-insolvency-check/) Real-time AFSA financial history checks. [International Police Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/international-police-check/) Overseas criminal history screening. [Qualification Verification](https://workerchecks.com/product/qualification-verification/) Verify degrees, certificates and training. 👥 Managing Police Checks for multiple workers? **Use BusinessHub for bulk checks, flexible billing & live tracking.** [View Police Checks for Business →](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-business-solution/)