National Police Check

Who Needs a Police Check

It is common for Volunteers to be required to go through screening processes, such as a background check, in order to check their suitability for different roles. Especially when Volunteers will work with "vulnerable" populations such as the elderly, children, or those with disabilities. It may also be required where Volunteers are responsible for financial or driving duties.

Who Can Apply for a Police Check

Anyone can apply for a police check, but if they are under 18, they will need a parent or guardian to sign as well.

Why Do You Need a Police Check

Many organisations may request a police check to ensure they aren't bringing in a potential risk to their current staff and volunteers. A police check during the on-boarding process helps reduce risks, regardless of the industry the organisation is involved in.

Some roles are legally required to have a police check as part of the on-boarding process. Failing to get police checks from candidates can sometimes mean breaking the law.

Getting a Police Check

The Centre for Volunteering has registered with the NSW Police Force to offer individual volunteers a National Police Check at a reduced price of $15.00.

You will need to complete an expression of interest with The Centre for Volunteering through the link list below in the ‘How to apply’ section. Once completed and processed, a secure link will be sent to your email address. You will then have the opportunity to apply directly with NSW Police Force and receive your National Police Check certificate at the reduced rate.

For Organisations
For organisations wishing to register please read more about registering as an organisation here.

Register an Organisation

Individual Eligibility Requirements
You must be:

• 14 years old or over when applying 
• A permanent resident of NSW. 
• This is for NSW residents only. If you live outside NSW, you can apply for a National Police Certificate in your state or territory. 

What you need:

• An email account to receive your verification code
• Australian Proof of Identity documents

To verify your identity digitally, you will need to provide:

• 2 documents from the Document Verification Services (DVS) Primary List, such as an Australian Birth Certificate or Australian Driver License 

OR

• 1 document from the DVS Primary List + 1 document from the DVS Secondary List such as an Australian Drivers License and a Medicare Card 

For more information on eligible documentation, please review - Proof of Identity Documents.

How to Apply
First Step - Please complete the Expression of Interest form. Do this by clicking the link and completing the form. You will need to provide your first name, last name, email address and purpose for volunteering as well as a contact number.

Second Step - Once you have completed the Expression of Interest we will process your application within 2-3 business days and send you a secure link to apply for a Volunteer National Police Check at the reduced price of $15.00.

The secure link is only valid for 7 days from date of issue. If you do not use this link in time you will need to notify us for a new link to be sent to you.

Third Step - Once you receive the link in your email, follow the prompts to complete the application using your Identity Documents and make your $15.00 payment to complete your application that will be be sent to NSW Police.

Once your application has been processed and approved you will receive your National Police Check Certificate in your email.

Important information
Most National Police Checks are completed within the hour. Sometimes it can take up to 10 business days to process.

If you are having any issues with the secure link emailed/provided, please contact The Centre for Volunteering to have the link re-issued.

If you have any questions regarding your application, then please contact the team at Criminal Records NSW Police Force on (02) 8835 7888.

If you need a name, date of birth and fingerprint check as part of a volunteer application, you can apply online directly with the NSW Police Force, please check if fingerprinting is required, before applying.

If you need a criminal record check for Australian citizenship, residency, spouse visa, guardianship of a child from another country, working visa, or while travelling or living abroad, you can apply online via the Australian Federal Police website.