What is the difference between a digital AFP Police Certificate and a Hard-Copy AFP Police Certificate?

Both digital and hard copy police certificates are considered originals police checks and are accepted overseas.

Digital AFP National Police Certificates

Digital certificates include a unique QR code that can be scanned to validate the certificate directly with the AFP online. Refer to a sample of the digital police certificate below.

‍Hard-Copy AFP National Police Certificates

Hard-copy police certificates are printed on paper that includes:

• a watermark of multiple images of a padlock with 2 keys visible when held up to the light
• fluorescent tricolour threads on both sides of the document that glow blue, yellow and red when held under ultraviolet light
• a border on the right-hand front of the document, printed in microtype, that can be read when viewed under magnification
• images printed in heat-sensitive ink that fade or disappear under moderate heat or friction
• hidden images printed in fluorescent ink that glow yellow when viewed under ultraviolet light
• a screened background printed in solvent-reactive ink.

Refer to a sample of the hard-copy police certificate below.

Are both certificates accepted by DFAT for Apostille or Authentication?

Yes, both types of certificates are accepted by DFAT for Apostille or Authentication. The digital certificate must be issued after 1 January 2024 and the forwarded source email from the AFP with the link to the digital certificate is required by DFAT for verification purposes.

Are both certificates accepted overseas?

Yes, both types of certificates are accepted overseas. Nevertheless, we recommend confirming with the overseas party requesting the certificates if they have any specific requirements.

Which is the fastest certificate to be sent overseas?

Digital certificates are the fastest because digital certificates:

• are sent directly to your email address by the AFP as soon as the application is finalised; and
• can be uploaded in the Swift Notary booking form. There is no need to deliver any hard-copy document to us; and
• can be verified online instantly with the AFP.

Need an AFP National Police Certificate stamped with an Apostille or Authentication?

We can have your digital or hard-copy National Police Certificates stamped with an Apostille or Authentication certificate from DFAT.

If you select digital certificate, simply upload the digital certificate in the booking form and forward the original email from the AFP with the link to the digital police certificate to us and we'll get started right away.

If you select hard-copy certificate, simply book online and express post the original hard-copy certificate to us. We will have it stamped with an Apostille or Authentication by DFAT for you upon receipt. Express post is next day delivery from most metro areas in Australia.

Sample Digital National Police Certificate

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Sample Hard-Copy National Police Certificate