In the critical moments of hiring or applying for a new role, time is money. That’s why the most common question we hear is: How long does a police check take in Australia?
With an ACIC-accredited provider like Rapid Screening, we deliver results for the majority of people within hours not days or weeks.
Rapid Screening’s advanced technology and direct system integration mean we offer industry leading speed. Our platform returns 70% of all police check results to applicants within 2–4 hours of submission.
This guide breaks down the process, explains the rapid turnaround, and details the factors that cause the remaining checks to take longer.
The Rapid Screening Advantage: Fast-Tracked Results
Every police check in Australia is officially known as a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). All applications must pass through the same central government database and police agencies. However, the way you submit and we receive your application determines the final turnaround time.
Tier 1: The Express 2-4 Hour Turnaround (70% of Checks)
The national system finalises the vast majority of applications almost immediately.
- Average Turnaround: 70% of results within 2-4 hours (during business hours).
- The Process: When you lodge your details via our secure, 100% online portal, the system instantly matches them against the national criminal database. If your application details don’t match a record or if the system quickly rules out a potential match it generates a No Disclosable Court Outcome (NDCO).
- Why It’s So Fast: Because we are an ACIC-accredited body, we receive and electronically release your digital certificate the very minute the central system finalises it. There is no postal delay, no manual handling, and no unnecessary waiting time. You receive the result directly in your inbox within hours. This is the fastest way to get your police check certificate and extends to how long does a police check take in Australia.
Tier 2: The Manual Police Referral (30% of Checks)
Approximately 30% of applications are flagged as a ‘potential match’ and require manual review by a police officer. This is the only factor that extends how long does a police check take in Australia.
- Average Turnaround: 1 to 15+ Business Days. The majority of these are completed within 10 business days, but complex cases may take longer.
- The Process: A referral means a potential match was found with a person of interest in the police records. The police agency must manually cross-reference all the details to confirm the identity. If the identity is confirmed, the police then vet the records, applying all relevant Spent Convictions legislation to determine what information, if any, is legally disclosable.
- Crucial Point: A manual referral is a verification step, not a conviction. Most checks referred for manual review still return an NDCO result.
Factors That Delay Your Police Check Processing Time
While Rapid Screening processes your application instantly, the police referral process is outside the control of any accredited body. You can get these checks in SA, TAS and others as well. These factors increase the likelihood of your application falling into the 30% that require manual vetting:
Identity Complexity and Common Names
The primary cause of a delay is a name/date of birth combination that is similar to an individual on the criminal database.
- Common Names: Individuals with common names (e.g., David, Sarah, Smith, Chen) have a much higher chance of being flagged for a potential match, regardless of their own record.
- Multiple Jurisdictions: Having lived in many different states or territories across Australia can increase the complexity, as the system must search for records across multiple police agencies.
- Previous Names: Using a maiden name, a former married name, or an alias in the past requires the system to search under all possible identifiers, increasing the chance of a match being flagged.
Existing Criminal History or Complex Records
If the applicant has a Disclosable Court Outcome (DCO), the manual vetting is mandatory.
- Record Complexity: The process takes time because a police officer must retrieve the record, verify the accuracy of the data, and apply the specific State/Territory laws regarding spent convictions and information release policies.
- Old or Inaccurate Data: If an old record contains incomplete or inaccurate data, the police agency must investigate and reconcile the information before releasing the certificate.
How to Guarantee the Fastest Possible Police Check
You cannot eliminate the risk of a police referral, but you can control every step of the submission process to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.
The Three Golden Rules for a Rapid Police Check
- Choose an ACIC-Accredited Body: Always apply online through a trusted, accredited service like Rapid Screening. Our direct electronic link to the national system ensures your application is instantly submitted, cutting out the typical 3-5 day delay associated with paper applications and post office lodgement.
- Ensure 100% Data Accuracy: The single most common reason for a delay is human error. Double-check that every detail of your current legal name, any former names, date of birth, and address history perfectly matches your official identity documents. Inaccurate or inconsistent data is an immediate trigger for a manual review.
- Use the Document Verification Service (DVS): Rapid Screening uses DVS to verify your identity documents in real-time. Use documents that can be instantly verified (like an Australian Passport or Driver’s Licence) and ensure the scans/photos are clear and legible.
By following these steps, you position your application to join the 70% of police checks returned within 2–4 hours — answering the question of how long does a police check take in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does a delay mean I failed my police check?
A: No — a delay simply means a police agency has flagged your application for manual verification. This is usually due to common names or other administrative complexities. The majority of referred checks still result in a No Disclosable Court Outcome (NDCO).
Q2: What is the maximum time a police check can take?
A: While we return 70% of results within 2–4 hours, we refer approximately 30% for manual vetting, which can take anywhere from 1 to 15 business days. In rare and highly complex cases (e.g., very old records or complex interstate history), it may take longer.
Q3: How long is the certificate valid for?
A: A police check is a ‘point-in-time’ document, meaning it is only current on the date of issue. It does not technically “expire.” However, the organisation requesting the check (employer, volunteer group, etc.) will have its own policy, typically requiring a new check every 3 to 12 months.
Q4: Can I apply for a police check if I’m not an Australian citizen?
A: Yes. If you have been a resident of Australia, you can apply for an NCCHC. You simply need to meet the 100-point identity verification requirements using your passport, visa, and other valid identity documents.
