Certificate of good conduct
External content
Certificates of good conduct are requested by various private and public bodies. They serve as proof that someone has no criminal record.
Course description
You can apply for a certificate of good conduct online via the Federal Office of Justice, or in writing (by post) or in person at the registration office for your main or secondary residence. If you apply in writing or in person, we will forward your application to the Federal Office of Justice for review and processing. The certificate of good conduct will be issued there and sent either to you or to the designated authority.
Information from the Federal Central Register is commonly referred to as a ‘police certificate of good conduct’. The following types of certificates of good conduct are available:
Certificate of Good Conduct for private purposes You will receive the certificate by post and can forward it to the organisation (e.g. a club or HR department) that requested it from you.
Certificate of Good Conduct for a public authority If you require the certificate of good conduct for submission to a public authority, the specific purpose must be stated in the application and the certificate will be sent directly to that authority. If you wish to find out in advance what is contained in your certificate of good conduct, you can view it at a local court of your choice.
Extended certificate of good conduct An extended certificate of good conduct is required primarily by people who work or wish to work with children and young people, either as their main occupation or on a voluntary basis (for example, in schools or sports clubs). This also contains entries that are of particular importance when assessing suitability for working with children and young people. Due to legal regulations, the presentation of an extended certificate of good conduct may also be required for work with adults (for example, in certain facilities for people with disabilities or those in need of care). In this case, you will be informed by your employer.
European Certificate of Good Conduct A European Certificate of Good Conduct is issued to individuals who hold the nationality of one or more other Member States of the European Union, in addition to or instead of German nationality. This certificate also includes entries stored in the criminal record of the country of origin.
Certificate of Good Conduct for Volunteers If you need a certificate of good conduct for your voluntary work at a charitable or similar organisation, you will generally receive this free of charge.
Important note
You need an appointment to visit the Citizens Office .
Prerequisites
The prerequisite for applying for a certificate of good conduct is the completion of the 14th year of age. for young people under the age of 18, parents (legal guardians, legal representatives) can also apply for a certificate of good conduct. In the case of legal incapacity, only the legal representative of the person concerned is authorised to apply. The legal representative must provide proof of their power of representation when submitting the application and it is not legally possible to authorise another person to submit the application. However, it is possible to have the written application with an officially or publicly notarised signature delivered by a messenger.
Required documents
Personal application A valid passport or identity card is required for a personal appointment on site.
Online application If you have an electronic ID card, electronic residence permit with an activated online ID function or an eID card, you can apply for your certificate of good conduct online directly from the Federal Office of Justice.
Written application The following documents are required for a written application:
- The completed and signed application form. The signature must be officially certified (by an authority with a seal) or publicly notarised (by a notary) if the application is made in writing.
- Proof of payment of the fee of 13 euros or of exemption from the fee.
Depending on the type of certificate of good conduct, the following documents are also required:
- certificate of good conduct for a public authority: Purpose and exact name of the authority (address with postcode)
- Extended certificate of good conduct: Written request from the authority requiring the extended certificate of good conduct, confirming that the legal requirements have been met. You can find a form for this request letter under " Links and downloads".
- Certificate of good conduct for volunteers: Proof of voluntary, non-profit activity (issued in your name, stamped and signed by the institution/organisation you work for).
Questions & Answers
In the Federal Republic of Germany, criminal offences are recorded centrally at the Federal Office of Justice, Federal Central Criminal Register Office, in Bonn and stored for a statutory period of time depending on the severity of the offence.
The certificate of good conduct shows which entries were stored on the day it was printed out. The older it gets, the less reliable its validity. The requesting authority (e.g. a public authority or employer) decides how old the certificate of good conduct may be before it is accepted. In many cases, certificates of good conduct that are three months old are still accepted.
In individual cases, an exemption from the fee can be applied for in the case of persons without means or those working on a voluntary basis, on presentation of appropriate evidence.
Legal basis
§§ 30 ff. Federal Central Criminal Register Act (BZRG)
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