Criminal record check

Criminal record check timeframes

Requests for criminal record checks are managed in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Privacy Act 2020 (the Act). We endeavour to respond to all requests within 20 working days.

Around 90% of requests are responded to in less than one week. However, some requests will need to be assessed by a staff member to ensure the privacy of the individual is protected. We may also need to contact you for more information in order to process your request. In these cases, it may take longer to receive your results.

If you want to submit a request for a criminal record check, please use our online service.

Australian citizenship changes

The Australian Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship Office, will let you know if you need to submit a request for your own criminal record check, and if so when to do this. Submitting a request for your criminal record check in advance of their direction or before 1 July will not result in your application being processed more quickly.  

Please contact the Department of Home Affairs directly for questions about Australian Citizenship: Overview (homeaffairs.gov.au)