National Crime Check: How to Get One and What It Include

Anyone who’s applied for a job, a volunteer role, or a licence in Australia has likely encountered the phrase ‘national crime check’. The process, cost, and recognition across borders are anything but uniform. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) (the government body that oversees the National Police Checking Service) runs the system, and checks can be obtained through accredited bodies or directly through police agencies. This guide breaks down the Australian system, compares providers, and looks at international equivalents like the UK DBS check and Ireland’s Garda Vetting.

Accreditation: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) ·
Processing time: Within minutes to 1 business day ·
Delivery: Email PDF

A few key facts sum up the essentials of Australia’s national crime check system:

Where can I check if I have a criminal record?

Multiple methods exist for Australians to check their own criminal record. The most straightforward is through an ACIC-accredited online agency. Alternatively, you can visit a local police station or apply through a state police website. For those outside Australia, the process varies by country.

How to check your criminal record online

• Go to an ACIC-accredited provider’s website (e.g., National Crime Check Australia, CVCheck, Crime Check Australia).
• Complete the online form with identity documents — providers like Crime Check Australia claim the form takes under five minutes.
• Pay the fee and receive results via email, often within an hour.

What this means: Online applications offer the fastest and most convenient route for most people, but you still need proper ID and a reason for the check.

Checking with local police

You can also request a criminal history check directly from your state or territory police. The cost and turnaround time are generally higher than online accredited bodies. For instance, an AFP National Police Check costs AUD 113 and is typically posted within 48 hours (Go To Court Lawyers).

National crime check agencies

The ACIC partners with multiple accredited bodies to deliver the National Police Checking Service (NPCS). These agencies include National Crime Check Australia, CVCheck, Crime Check Australia, and others. Each offers similar services with different price points.

The choice between cost and speed depends on your specific needs and the requesting organisation’s requirements.

How do I find out if I have a criminal record in Ireland?

Ireland uses a different system. The Garda Vetting process is used for employment checks, especially in roles involving children or vulnerable adults. Individuals cannot request their own Garda Vetting; it must be initiated by an employer or organisation. However, you can request a copy of your criminal record from the Garda National Vetting Bureau.

The Irish equivalent of a DBS check

Ireland does not have a direct equivalent to the UK’s DBS check. Instead, Garda Vetting serves a similar purpose for employment screening. For international use, you may need a police certificate from the Garda Síochána.

Applying for a police certificate in Ireland

If you have a UK criminal record, you can request a copy via ACRO (the UK’s Criminal Records Office). For records in other countries, each has its own process.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting is mandatory for many roles in Ireland. The process checks for both spent and unspent convictions. The turnaround is typically several weeks, but there is no fee for the standard vetting process.

Understanding both systems ensures you can meet requirements in either country without delays.

What is the Irish equivalent of a DBS check?

As noted, the Irish equivalent is Garda Vetting (or a Garda Police Certificate for non-employment purposes). Both the UK DBS check and Garda Vetting check for criminal convictions, but there are important differences in scope and process.

DBS check vs Garda Vetting

The following table highlights the key differences between the two systems.

The pattern: Both systems serve similar purposes but differ in who can initiate a check and how convictions are disclosed. For cross-border workers, you may need both.

Are DBS Checks Internationally Recognised?

The short answer is no — DBS checks are not automatically recognised outside the UK. If you are an Australian employer or an immigrant coming from the UK, you will likely need a local criminal record check from the country you’re moving to.

Recognition of UK DBS checks abroad

Many countries accept foreign police certificates if they are apostilled (certified) under the Hague Convention. However, the UK DBS certificate itself does not carry automatic weight in Australia, Ireland, or elsewhere. You’ll need to obtain a National Crime Check from an ACIC-accredited body if relocating to Australia, or Garda Vetting if moving to Ireland.

How to get an international criminal record check

• For Australia: apply via an ACIC-accredited provider.
• For Ireland: request a Garda Police Certificate from the Garda Síochána.
• For other countries: contact the relevant police force or embassy.

The implication: planning ahead and verifying specific country requirements can prevent wasted time and fees.

What causes a red flag on a background check?

Red flags on a national crime check are not limited to convictions. Employers and licensing bodies look for patterns that indicate risk. Common red flags include:

• Criminal convictions: Especially those relevant to the role (e.g., theft for finance roles).
• Pending charges: They show up even if not yet convicted.
• Discrepancies: False information, employment gaps, or inconsistent documents.

Employers typically consider the severity, recency, and relevance of any issue. A single minor offence may not be a deal-breaker, but patterns of dishonesty often are.

“Red flags include convictions, pending charges, false information, or discrepancies in work history.”

— Go To Court Lawyers (legal information resource)

Why this matters: For job seekers, being upfront about any pending charges or old convictions is usually better than being caught in a discrepancy, which can itself be a red flag.

What is a National Crime Check?

A National Crime Check (also called a National Police Check or Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) is an official summary of an individual’s criminal history in Australia. It is issued by ACIC-accredited agencies and used for employment, volunteering, licensing, and immigration purposes.

Definition and purpose

The check covers convictions, court outcomes, and pending charges from all Australian states and territories. It does not include international criminal records. Employers use it to assess suitability for roles, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and government.

Who conducts National Crime Checks in Australia

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) sets the standards and accredits private agencies to conduct checks. Major providers include:

• National Crime Check Australia — employment check AUD 58.90, volunteer AUD 29.90.
• CVCheck — AUD 64.80 (incl. GST).
• Crime Check Australia — employment AUD 99, volunteer AUD 69.
• CrimCheck — paid staff AUD 60, volunteer/student AUD 23.10 (Go To Court Lawyers).

The trade-off: Prices vary significantly, but all ACIC-accredited providers issue the same nationally recognised certificate. Lower-cost options like National Crime Check Australia offer the same official result as premium ones.

How to apply online

1. Visit the website of an ACIC-accredited provider.
2. Complete the online application form with 100 points of ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate).
3. Pay the fee using credit card.
4. Receive the certificate via email — often within minutes to 24 hours.

Choosing the cheapest provider saves money without affecting the check’s validity or recognition.

How to Apply for a National Crime Check in Australia

Applying is straightforward, but following the steps correctly ensures you get the right result quickly.

1. Choose an ACIC-accredited provider. Check the ACIC list of accredited bodies to ensure legitimacy.
2. Prepare your identity documents. You’ll need 100 points of ID, typically a passport, driver’s licence, and a birth certificate or Medicare card.
3. Complete the online application. Fill in your personal details, purpose of check, and consent.
4. Submit payment. Costs range from AUD 29.90 (volunteer) to AUD 99 (employment).
5. Receive your certificate. It will be emailed as a PDF. Check all details for accuracy.

The implication: The entire process can be done from your home in under an hour, but you must use a genuine ACIC-accredited provider — unofficial sites may not produce a valid check.

Clarity: What we know and what remains unclear

The confirmed facts provide a solid baseline, while the unclear areas highlight where applicants should verify directly with the requesting organisation.

What experts say

“The ACIC works with Australian police agencies and accredited bodies to deliver the National Police Checking Service (NPCS).”

— Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (government body)

“Most NPCS checks are instantaneous or returned within minutes, approximately 70% to 80% of the time.”

— HireRight (global background check provider)

Summary

For Australians navigating the job market or cross-border employment, understanding the national crime check system is essential. The cheapest ACIC-accredited online provider often delivers the same official result as more expensive options — but the key is using a legitimate agency. For international applicants, recognising that DBS checks, Garda Vetting, and National Crime Checks are not interchangeable can prevent delays and costly mistakes. For the Australian job seeker or employer, the choice between price and speed is real: go with an ACIC-accredited online provider for fast turnaround, or check directly with state police for a more traditional route. Either way, confirm with the requesting organisation what they require before spending a cent.

For those specifically needing a federal-level check, the AFP police check guide provides detailed application steps and cost information.

Frequently asked questions

If you still have specific questions about your situation, contact the requesting organisation directly — they can confirm exactly what they require.