What ID do you need for an AFP Police Check?
Before applying for an AFP Police Check online, applicants generally need to provide identity documents so their identity can be verified before the check is processed. For an AFP Police Check, the identity documents usually need to add up to at least 100 points, and at least one primary document is required.
This guide explains the AFP Police Check identity documents you may need, how the 100 point ID AFP Police Check requirement works, what counts as primary and secondary ID, when name change evidence may be needed, and what to check before uploading your documents.
Quick summary
- At least 100 points of identity documents are generally required.
- At least one primary document is required.
- Documents should show details such as name, date of birth, photo, signature, and address where applicable.
- Foreign-language documents may require an official English translation.
- Name change evidence may be needed if your documents show different names.
100 point ID for an AFP Police Check
The AFP states that identity documents are used to verify identity and that applicants need documents worth at least 100 points in total. Your documents should match the personal details used in your AFP police check application.
70-point documents
- Current foreign passport
- Australian passport, current or recently expired where accepted
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Full birth certificate, not an extract
- Certificate of identity issued by the Australian Government
40-point documents
- Australian driver licence or learner permit
- Current Australian tertiary student identification card
- Photo ID card issued for Australian regulatory purposes
- Government employee ID
- Defence Force identity card with photo or signature
- Department of Veterans' Affairs or Centrelink card where accepted
25-point documents
- Medicare card
- Bank statement or bank card
- Australian marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate
- Property lease agreement or utility notice
- Taxation assessment notice
20-point documents
- Reference from an Indigenous organisation
- Equivalent overseas documents, with official translation where required
Before you upload your identity documents
Before submitting your AFP Police Check application, make sure your identity documents are clear, readable, and match the details in your application. Your documents should show the required information, such as your full name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and current address where applicable.
Check that the full document is visible and not cropped, blurred, expired, or unreadable. If your documents show different names, you may need to provide supporting evidence, such as a marriage certificate or change of name certificate. If a document is not in English, you may need to provide an official translation.
Preparing your identity documents correctly can help reduce delays and avoid requests for further information.
What if my name is different on my documents?
If your identity documents show different names, you may need to provide evidence linking those names. This may include a marriage certificate, change of name certificate, or another official name change document.
AFP Police Check vs standard National Police Check
An AFP Police Check is commonly used for immigration, citizenship, overseas visa, Commonwealth employment, and ACT-related purposes. A standard Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for employment may not be suitable for those purposes.
Applicants who need a police certificate for visa, citizenship, permanent residency, or overseas purposes should read our guide to the AFP Police Certificate for immigration.
Helpful links before you apply
AFP Police Check application
Start or review the AFP Police Check application pathway through AuthNTick.
Immigration guide
Understand when an AFP Police Certificate may be requested for visa, citizenship, residency or overseas purposes.
National Police Check ID
Compare identity document requirements for ordinary employment police checks.
Need help?
Ask our support team before submitting if you are unsure about document points, names, or translations.
Related AFP purpose codes
This page focuses on AFP Police Certificate identity requirements. The AFP purpose selected for your check can also affect how information is disclosed, so choose the purpose that matches the requesting authority's instructions.
Commonwealth and overseas purpose examples
| Code | Category | General disclosure context |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | Immigration/Citizenship - Australia | Commonly used where an Australian immigration or citizenship process asks for an AFP certificate. |
| 35 | Overseas Visa - Supply to a Country other than Australia | Commonly used where an overseas authority requests a police certificate for a visa. |
| 40 | Other Commonwealth Purpose ONLY | May apply to certain Commonwealth requests where another category does not fit. |
| 41 | Overseas Employment - General Employment | Commonly used for general overseas employment purposes. |
| 43 | Overseas Employment - Teaching | Commonly used for overseas teaching roles. |
| 45 | Overseas Employment - Nursing, Hospital Employment | Commonly used for overseas nursing or hospital employment. |
ACT employment and licensing examples
| Code | Category | General disclosure context |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Hospital Employment - in the ACT | ACT-specific employment purpose. |
| 9 | Security Licence - in the ACT | ACT-specific licensing purpose. |
| 10 | Aged Care Provider/Worker - in the ACT | ACT-specific aged care purpose. |
| 16 | Firearms Licence/Permit - in the ACT | ACT-specific licence or permit purpose. |
| 20 | Working in a School - in the ACT | ACT-specific school work purpose. |
| 30 | Pre Employment/Standard Disclosure - in the ACT | ACT-specific standard disclosure purpose. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an expired passport for an AFP Police Check?
Some passport documents may be accepted depending on the document type and current AFP identity requirements. Check the application instructions before uploading an expired document.
Can I use a foreign passport for an AFP Police Check?
A current foreign passport may be accepted as a high-value identity document. If the document is not in English, you may need to provide an official translation.
What if my documents are in different names?
You may need to provide evidence linking the names, such as a marriage certificate, change of name certificate, or another official document.
What if I cannot reach 100 points of ID?
Do not submit incomplete identity documents if you are unsure. Contact support so we can help you understand what other accepted documents may be available.
Can I use overseas identity documents?
Overseas identity documents may be accepted where they are equivalent to accepted Australian documents. Foreign-language documents may need an official English translation.
Do I need a document showing my current address?
Address evidence may be required depending on the document mix and the details requested in your application. Utility notices, bank statements, leases, or other accepted documents may help show your current address where applicable.
Next step
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