Need a copy of your criminal record in New Zealand but not sure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ll take you through a simple breakdown of the process, making it easy to request – whether you’re applying for a job, traveling abroad, or just want to be informed.

Let’s get started!

How to request a copy of your criminal record in New Zealand?

To request a copy of your criminal record in New Zealand, simply go to criminalrecords.govt.nz and fill out the request form located on the “Individual Request” tab.

Follow our step-by-step guide below to complete the request smoothly and with ease.

Difficulty	Easy ●○○○○
Number of steps	5
Time to perform steps	A few days (within 20 working days if it includes receiving the copy)
Things you need	• Valid Identification • Signed and dated Authority to Release Form • Access the Criminal Records website

STEP 1: Prepare the required documents.

Before you begin the request process, it’s essential to have all the necessary documents ready to ensure a smooth application. This includes the following documents:

1. Valid Identification: To request your criminal record, you must present one of the following forms of valid identification:

• A New Zealand Driver’s License: Make sure your Driver’s License is clearly signed and has not been canceled or marked as temporary. It can be current or expired within the last 2 years.

• A New Zealand Passport: Ensure your Passport is clearly signed and has not been canceled. Like the Driver’s Licence, it can be current or expired within the last 2 years.

• An Overseas Passport: If you don’t have a New Zealand Driver’s Licence or Passport, you can use a valid, clearly signed passport from your country of origin.

• A current New Zealand Firearm Licence: If you possess a valid Firearm Licence in New Zealand, this can also be used as identification.

2. Signed and dated Authority to Release Form: The Authority to Release Form is a crucial part of the application process. You can access this form by clicking here. After downloading it, carefully read the form and fill in all the required information accurately.

Once you have completed the form, don’t forget to sign and date it. This document authorizes the release of your criminal record and must be submitted along with your application.

STEP 2: Go to the Criminal Records website.

Now that you have all your required documents ready, it’s time to head to the Criminal Records to get a copy of your criminal record in New Zealand. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Access the Criminal Records Website: Go to the website, where you will find the necessary resources to request your criminal record. Click on the “Individual Request” tab, which will provide you with a list of requirements and other necessary details for the application process. 

Rest assured, there’s nothing mentioned there that we haven’t already discussed in the previous step.

2. Ensure you have the required document ready: Before proceeding further, make sure you have all the required documents at hand, as discussed earlier in Step 1. 

Once you have gathered everything, tick the box that says, “I have the documents needed and ready to begin my request.”

3. Create your request: After confirming you’re ready, you can proceed to click on “Create Request.” This will initiate the process of filling out the request form to obtain your criminal record.

Let’s proceed with the instructions in the next section to guide you through filling out the request form accurately.

STEP 3: Fill out the request form.

Alright, you’ve made it to the next crucial step in obtaining a copy of your criminal record – filling out the request form. 

Applicant Details: First things first, you need to provide your basic information. This includes your name, date of birth, contact number, and email address. Make sure to double-check everything to avoid any errors.

Applicant Address: Tell them where they can reach you. Provide your current address so they can send the requested documents without any hiccups.

Report: Here’s a critical question you’ll encounter in the form. They’ll ask if you want a full record of your criminal convictions held on the Ministry of Justice’s systems. This is important because if you meet the eligibility criteria of Section 7 of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, your criminal convictions might not appear on the report. 

Here’s what to consider:

• If you need a complete record, for instance, for immigration or visa purposes, you should select “Yes.”
• However, if you plan to share the report with someone else, like a recruitment agency, employer, or insurer, then “Yes” should not be chosen.

Upload: In this section, you’ll need to gather and scan the necessary documents listed in Step 1. These could be identification proofs, your photo, or other documents as specified. 

Again, ensure each document is saved in JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PDF format and stays within the 6MB file size limit. This way, you won’t encounter any technical troubles while uploading.

Declaration: The Declaration is the last step before submitting your request form. Here, you’ll need to:

• Review the Declaration: Read the declaration thoroughly. It’s crucial to understand what you’re agreeing to before moving forward. This section is all about confirming the accuracy of the information you’ve provided in the request form.

• Sign with Honesty: When you sign and date this section, you’re stating that all the information you’ve provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Honesty is key here, as any false information can cause delays or lead to other consequences down the line.

STEP 4: Review and submit your request.

Once you’ve filled out the request form with all the necessary details and uploaded the required documents, it’s time to review everything before hitting that submit button. 

To ensure your request is accurate and complete, you should:

Double-Check Your Information: Before you proceed, take a moment to review all the information you’ve entered in the request form. Ensure that your personal details, contact information, and any other provided data are correct.

Verify Uploaded Documents: Verify that you have uploaded all the required documents. This will help prevent any issues during the submission process.

Review Your Selections: If you opted to receive a full record of your criminal convictions, ensure you have selected “Yes”. Remember, if you are sharing the report with a third party, do not select “Yes.”

Read the Declaration Once More: Revisit the declaration section before signing and dating it. Make sure you understand and agree to the terms stated in the declaration. 

Once you are confident that everything is in order, go ahead and click that submit button. 

STEP 5: Receive a copy of your criminal record.

Congratulations on successfully completing the request process! Within 20 working days, you’ll receive a copy of your criminal record from the New Zealand Ministry of Justice.

Once your criminal record is ready, it will be sent to you using the contact information you provided in the request form. If you provide an email address, the report may be delivered electronically. Alternatively, it may be sent to your provided postal address via mail.

Here’s what to do once you receive a copy of your criminal record:

• Review Your Criminal Record: Upon receiving your criminal record, take the time to review it carefully. Ensure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Verify that the details provided match your expectations and that there are no errors or discrepancies.

• Address Discrepancies (if applicable): In the event that you find any errors or discrepancies in your criminal record, don’t hesitate to contact the Ministry of Justice. They will assist you in initiating the process of correcting any inaccuracies in your record.

To address any concerns or inquire about your criminal record, you can get in touch with the New Zealand Ministry of Justice using the following contact information:
Phone: 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787)
Email: [email protected] 
Website: https://www.justice.govt.nz/ 

What if I’m unable to request a copy of my criminal record online?

If you find yourself unable to request it online, you can complete a paper form to request a copy of your own criminal record. 

Here’s what you should do:

1. Obtain the Paper Form: To begin, download Request your own criminal conviction history [PDF, 262 KB]. 

This form is the same as the one we discussed in Step 3, so you’ll be providing the same details and required documents.

2. Choose the Form Filling Method: 

You have two options for filling out the form: 

a) Electronically: You can type in the details directly into the form using your computer. Once you have completed the required fields, make sure to sign the form electronically. 

b) Manually: Alternatively, you can print out the form and fill it in by hand using a blue or black pen. Ensure you fill in all the necessary information accurately, and don’t forget to sign the form by hand.

3. Gather the Required Documents: Just like the online application, make sure you have all the required documents ready to accompany the paper form. 

These documents include a valid form of identification, as discussed in Step 1. Please ensure the copies of your ID are clear and legible.

4. Sending the Form and the Required Documents: Once you have completed the form and gathered your required documents, it’s time to submit your request. Mail the form and a copy of your identification to the following address:

Postal address:

Criminal Record Applications

EX 11064

Auckland

Write the address exactly as provided above and send it the same way as any other mail. You can use an NZ Post mailbox for your convenience.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the paper application process, you can still reach out to the New Zealand Ministry of Justice using the contact information provided in Step 5.

FAQs About Requesting a Copy of your Criminal Record in New Zealand