police check nsw

Police Check ID requirements – what’s needed to get my police check?

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If you’re applying for a National Police Check through Worker Checks, you’ll need to provide the correct identity documents so we can verify your identity and submit your check through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
This guide explains exactly what you need, why it’s required, and how to prepare your documents so your police check is completed as quickly as possible.

What Personal Information Must I Provide?

To complete your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NPC), you will need to provide:

  • Your current legal name
  • Any previous legal names you have used
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Gender
  • Residential address history for the last 5 years
  • Three identity verification documents
  • A biometric selfie matched to your primary photo ID

These details allow Worker Checks (an ACIC-accredited provider) to securely verify your identity and match your information to police records across Australia.

What is a National Criminal History Check?

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NPC) is an official police background check.
It compiles disclosable criminal history from all states and territories in Australia, including:

  • Court outcomes
  • Sentences
  • Pending charges
  • Certain traffic offences (depending on the state)

Police checks are used for employment, licensing, volunteering, visa/citizenship applications, fostering, and many other screening purposes.

Worker Checks provides fast, 100% online police checks that are accepted nationwide.

Can I Order My Police Check Online?

Yes — applying online is the fastest and easiest way to get your police check.
Ordering through a post office or police station adds paperwork, queues, and delays.

With Worker Checks:

  • The entire application takes under 5 minutes
  • You upload your ID documents and selfie online
  • No paper forms, no travel, no waiting rooms
  • Your certificate is returned directly to your secure portal

Most applicants receive their certificate in under 60 minutes.

Police Check Identity Requirements (3 Documents + Biometric Selfie)

To complete your online police check, you must provide three identity verification documents plus a biometric selfie.
This process meets the latest ACIC Digital Identity Verification standard.

Document 1 — Biometric Match Document (Primary Photo ID)

This is your main identity document and must include a government-issued photo.
Your biometric selfie is matched against this document only.

Accepted biometric match documents:

  • Australian Driver Licence (current; shows photo & signature)
  • Australian Passport (current or expired < 3 years)
  • Foreign Passport (if you have a valid Australian visa)

You’ll be asked to take a live selfie holding this document, so we can verify that the ID photo matches your face.

Document 2 — Supporting Identity Document

This document helps confirm additional identity information.
It is not used for biometric matching.

Examples include:

  • Medicare card
  • Birth certificate
  • ImmiCard
  • Proof of Age card
  • Government concession card
  • Bank or credit card
  • Utility bill
  • Student ID
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Tax notice
  • Centrelink or Services Australia letter

Document 3 — Additional Supporting Document

Your third document can be any valid supporting document different from Document 2.

Common examples:

  • A second government-issued card
  • A second bill or financial document
  • A second ID card
  • Lease or rental document
  • Australian tax assessment
  • DFAT-issued travel documents
  • Foreign driver licence

Worker Checks will guide you through exactly what you can upload during the online process.

Biometric Identity Verification (Selfie)

As part of your identity check, you must upload a live selfie holding your biometric match document (passport or licence).

Your selfie must:

  • Clearly show your face
  • Clearly show the photo ID
  • Have good lighting
  • Have no hats, sunglasses or filters
  • Be taken at the time of application

Your selfie is only used to verify your identity and is not stored longer than required by law.

How Long Does a Police Check Take?

  • 70% of police checks are completed in under 60 minutes
  • 30% may be manually reviewed by the National Police Checking System
  • Manual reviews can take 2–15 business days

Because delays are random and not controlled by Worker Checks, we recommend applying at least 10 days before you need your certificate.

What Information Will I Need to Provide?

In addition to your identity documents, you will also need to supply:

  • Current legal name
  • Previous names
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Place of birth
  • 5 years of address history
  • Purpose of your check (e.g., employment, volunteer, licence)

You will review and confirm all details before submission.

What is a National Police Certificate?

Your National Police Certificate is the official result of your police check.
It confirms whether you have disclosable criminal history in Australia.

Police checks do not technically expire, but employers or licensing bodies may require a certificate less than 3–12 months old depending on their policies.

Can I Dispute My Results?

Yes. If you believe the information on your police check is incorrect, contact Worker Checks immediately.
We can assist you in lodging a dispute with ACIC or the relevant police agency.

Do I Need a Police Check for Every State?

No. A Nationally Coordinated Police Check covers all states and territories.

Whether you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT or ACT, the identity requirements and process are exactly the same.

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