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Applying for a criminal records check

When you apply for certain types of jobs, or some voluntary positions, you may be asked to apply for a criminal history record check (also known as an AccessNI check). Find out how to apply.

How to apply for a criminal records check

To apply for a check you will need to:

  • complete an application form
  • provide documents to verify your identity

The application form may be provided by the person who asked you to apply for the criminal history records check; you can also download the form you need and guidance from this page. The application form you need to complete depends on the level of check needed – basic, standard or enhanced. Find out more on the types of check and information provided on ‘Criminal record checks – an introduction’.

Cost of a criminal records check

A check costs:

  • £26 – basic or standard check
  • £30 – enhanced check

Some organisations may pay for the check for you, or you may have to pay a processing charge for your application. Check with the employer.

If you are a volunteer, it’s usually free of charge. There are exclusions if you volunteer directly for a statutory organisation or volunteer with an organisation that receives funding for providing a statutory service. Check with your recruiting organisation if you qualify.

Applying for a basic check

The employer may help you to get this check, or they might ask you to get this yourself.

If you are getting the basic check yourself:

  • download the guidance and application from this page
  • complete sections B, C, D, E and F of the application form
  • take your identity documents and the application to a police station for section G of the form to be completed by a member of staff there
  • complete section I with payment details
  • send the completed application with payment (cheque, postal order or credit/debit card details) to AccessNI
  • the basic disclosure certificate will be sent to you within two weeks

If an employer is getting the basic check for you:

  • complete sections B, C, D, E and F of the application form you are given
  • return the application form to the employer to complete sections A, H, I and J
  • the employer must also check your identity documents
  • you may be asked to pay for the check
  • the basic disclosure certificate will be sent to you or your employer within two weeks
  • if the certificate goes to your employer you can ask them for a copy
  • basic disclosure application form (PDF 214KB)
  • basic disclosure application form guidance (PDF 137KB)
  • Help with PDF files

Applying for a standard or enhanced check

The employer will organise the check for you - an individual cannot apply for a standard or enhanced check.

You should:

Enhanced Disclosures are used mainly for positions that involve contact with children or vulnerable adults.  If you seek work with children or vulnerable adults and you are barred from this type of work, you are committing a criminal offence and AccessNI will refer your application to the police.

Valid identity documents for a criminal records check application

The person who asked you to complete the form must check your proof of identity. You need to show at least three documents as shown below.

You must provide one of the following identity documents:

  • Valid passport
  • UK Driving Licence Full or Provisional - a photocard is only valid if accompanied with the paper counterpart
  • Original UK birth certificate (issued within 12 months of date of birth, full or short form)
  • Valid photo identity card (EU countries only)
  • UK Firearms licence
  • HM Forces ID card (UK)
  • Adoption Certificate (UK)

Note if you can't provide any of the documents above, you must provide five from the list below.

You must also provide two of the following:

  • Marriage / civil partnership certificate
  • Non-original UK birth certificate (issued after 12 months of date of birth, full or short form)
  • P45/P60
  • Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, telephone – including mobile phone contract or bill)
  • Valid TV licence
  • Credit / Store card statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Valid insurance certificate
  • Certificate of British nationality
  • British work permit/visa**
  • Asylum Registration Card
  • AccessNI Disclosure Certificate
  • Personal correspondence or a document from a Government Department*
  • Bank or Building Society Document**
  • Valid vehicle registration document
  • Mail order catalogue statement*
  • Court summons
  • Valid NHS card
  • Court Claim Form
  • Addressed payslip*
  • National insurance number card
  • Examination certificate (e.g. GCSE, NVQ)
  • Letter from a Head Teacher*
  • Child benefit book Smart pass

*documentation must be less than 3 months old

** must be issued within the last 12 months

Help with your application

If you need any help with the application you should contact AccessNI.