How to obtain a police check from Australia
Australians citizens or Australian residents abroad often need police checks for such purposes as court proceedings, residency permits or overseas employment.
Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Embassy in Lisbon cannot obtain confidential information on behalf of Australian citizens or Australian residents from any Australian police force.
The type, cost and application forms required for clearance certificates vary from state to state. Any State or Territory in Australia will be able to provide at least one of the following certificates:
- Certificate issued on the basis of fingerprints;
- Certificate issued on the basis of a name check; and
- National Police Clearance Certificate.
Australian Citizens seeking to obtain any form of clearance certificate should be advised that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra can issue a National Police Clearance Certificate that covers criminal records in all states and territories, except Queensland. The AFP has advised that this certificate is acceptable in all countries. Further information can be obtained on the AFP website. You should confirm that the requesting local authority will accept this certificate. Applications cannot be lodged through the Australian Embassy.
ACT
Criminal Records - National Police Check
AFP Criminal Records
Locked Bag 8550
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Tel: + 61 2 6102 6102
Email: [email protected]
NSW
The Criminal Records Section
Mailing address:
Locked Bag 5102 Parramatta
NSW 2124
Tel: + 61 2 8835 7888
Fax: + 61 2 8835 7193
E-Mail: [email protected]
VIC
Criminal Records Section
Public Enquiry Service
GPO Box 919
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
Tel: + 61 1300 881 596
Email: [email protected]
NT
SAFE NT
PO Box 39764
WINNELLIE NT 0821
Tel: + 61 1800 723 368
email: [email protected]
SA
Information Services Branch
Records Release Unit
South Australia Police
GPO Box 1539
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Tel : + 61 8 7322 3347
Fax: + 61 8 7322 4180
email: [email protected]
QLD
The Manager Police Information Centre
Queensland Police Service
GPO Box 1440
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Tel: + 61 7 3364 4666
Email: [email protected]
TAS
Criminal History Services
Tasmania Police
GPO Box 308
HOBART TAS 7001
Tel: +61 3 6173 2928
Email: [email protected]
WA
WA Police
Information Release Centre
Locked Bag 35
Perth Business Centre
WA 6849
Tel: + 61 131 444
Email: [email protected]