How Long Does a Police Check Take?
Learn about the standard processing times for police checks, factors affecting delays, and priority options.
The majority of police checks processed through National Clearance Australia are returned within 1 to 5 business days. Many straightforward applications are completed within 24–48 hours of submission.
- Name matching – Common names or names matching existing records may require additional manual review by ACIC.
- Residential history – Checks involving multiple states or territories may involve more police jurisdictions.
- Incomplete applications – Missing documents or identity information will pause processing until resolved.
- Volume periods – Processing may be slightly longer during peak periods such as end of financial year.
National Clearance Australia does not control ACIC's processing times. We submit your application immediately upon receipt and keep you informed at every stage.
Log in to check your status. If you see a Further Information Required notice, action that promptly. Otherwise, contact our support team and we will follow up with ACIC on your behalf.
Need your result faster? Add Priority Processing to your application for just $20. Up to 70% of priority checks are completed the same day. If we are unable to process your check the same day, the $20 Priority Processing fee will be fully refunded.