What is a police clearance certificate in New Zealand?
A police clearance certificate in New Zealand is an official document that states whether or not you have a criminal record in New Zealand. It is often required by employers, overseas immigration authorities, professional licensing bodies, and visa applications. It is sometimes called a criminal history check or a certificate of character.
How do I apply for a police clearance certificate in New Zealand?
You apply online through the NZ Police website at police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-records/record-check-nz-residents. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, address history, and identity documents. There is a fee of approximately NZD 10 for an online application. Processing typically takes 20 working days.
What information appears on a New Zealand police clearance certificate?
A police clearance certificate discloses convictions that have not been concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, pending charges, and certain findings by courts and tribunals. Minor convictions more than seven years old may be concealed under the clean slate scheme if you meet all eligibility criteria.
What is the clean slate scheme and does it apply to my record in New Zealand?
The Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 allows eligible people to conceal their criminal record. To be eligible you must not have been sentenced to imprisonment, must have been conviction-free for seven years, must not have any convictions for specified serious offences, and must not have any outstanding penalties. If eligible, your record is not disclosed on standard checks.
Can I see my own criminal record in New Zealand?
Yes. You can request a copy of your own criminal history from the Ministry of Justice at justice.govt.nz/criminal-records. This shows your full history including convictions that are concealed under the clean slate scheme. You can use this to check what would appear on an employer or immigration check and to identify any errors.
What if there is an error on my criminal record in New Zealand?
If your criminal history record contains an error — such as a conviction you did not receive, incorrect details, or a conviction that should be concealed under the clean slate scheme — you can apply to the Ministry of Justice to have it corrected. Contact the Ministry of Justice Records team and provide evidence of the error.
How do I get a police clearance certificate for overseas use from New Zealand?
For overseas use, your New Zealand police certificate can be apostilled through the Department of Internal Affairs. An apostille is a certification that authenticates the document for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Apply at dia.govt.nz/services/births-deaths-marriages-and-citizenship/apostille. There is a fee for this service.
Do I need a separate police check from the country I lived in overseas when applying to New Zealand immigration?
Yes. Immigration New Zealand and many visa applications require police certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, in addition to your New Zealand police certificate. You must obtain these directly from the police or equivalent authority in each country. Each country has its own process.
How long does a New Zealand police clearance certificate remain valid?
A police clearance certificate is a snapshot in time showing your criminal history on the date it was issued. It has no statutory expiry date, but most employers, professional bodies, and immigration authorities require a certificate issued within three to six months of the date of application. Check the specific requirements of the body requesting it.
How does uplaw.ai help with a police clearance certificate in New Zealand?
Tell us why you need the certificate and any concerns you have about your record in the chat. We help you understand what will appear on your check, whether the clean slate scheme may apply to you, how to apply online, and what to do if you need to correct an error on your record.
Free to start
Need a police certificate? Tell uplaw.ai your situation.
No account required. uplaw.ai guides you through the NZ Police application process and explains the clean slate scheme.