Simple certificate of good conduct
Full text
Police certificates of good conduct provide information on whether the person named in the certificate has a criminal record or not. Employers therefore often require a certificate of good conduct to be provided before taking on a new employee.
There are two types of criminal record certificates:
- Certificate of Good Conduct (N) for private purposes
- Official Certificate of Good Conduct (O) for submission to a German public authority
The information contained in the certificate of good conduct is sourced from the Federal Central Register. The Federal Central Register contains, for example, criminal convictions, decisions by administrative authorities and courts, and notes regarding lack of criminal responsibility.
Private certificates of good conduct list the most important details from final criminal convictions. For example, the offence and the severity of the sentence imposed are recorded. Criminal convictions of minor significance are not included if no further penalty is recorded in the Federal Central Register. This is the case, for example, with fines of no more than 90 daily rates or custodial sentences of no more than three months.
The certificate of good conduct for submission to a public authority also contains further details. For example, it lists certain decisions by administrative authorities, such as the revocation of a firearms licence or a business licence. As a rule, all convictions for offences relating to the pursuit of a trade are also shown.
Entries do not remain in the register permanently. They are deleted after certain time limits have expired. If the Federal Central Register contains no data relevant to the certificate of good conduct, the certificate will state ‘Content: no entries’. The person concerned may then describe themselves as having no criminal record.
If you are a national of another EU Member State and live in Germany, you can also apply for a European Certificate of Good Conduct. This certificate includes additional information regarding any entries in the criminal record of your Member State of origin.
Legal basis(s)
Required documents
- a valid identity card or passport
- In addition, for a certificate of good conduct issued by a public authority (O): the address of the authority and the reference number or purpose of use stated there
If you wish to apply for your certificate of good conduct online via the online portal directly with the Federal Office of Justice, you will also need:
- a new electronic identity card or electronic residence permit, each with the online identification function activated
- Card reader for reading identity documents
- AusweisApp2
if necessary, a digital scanning device such as a scanner or digital camera, so that you can upload supporting documents.
Prerequisites
Minimum age: 14 years
Costs (fees, expenses, etc.)
EUR 13.00
Procedure
You can submit the application:
- in person at your local council’s registration office (citizens’ advice centre)
- in writing, also at your local registration office, stating your personal details (date of birth, maiden name, any alternative surname, first name(s), place of birth, nationality, address). In this case, the signature on the application letter must be officially or publicly certified. If this is not already evident from the certification of the signature, proof of the accuracy of the details must be provided. Please also contact the relevant registration office regarding payment of the fees before submitting your written application.
- via an online portal directly with the Federal Office of Justice
. This is particularly useful if you live outside the Federal Republic of Germany.
The following applies to all types of application:
The application may also be made by a legal representative, such as the parents of a minor. You cannot authorise another person to do so on your behalf.
When submitting the application, you must state whether you require the certificate for private purposes (N) or for submission to a public authority (O). If you require the certificate for private purposes, you will receive it by post directly from the Federal Office of Justice.
A certificate for submission to a public authority is sent directly to that authority. You should therefore provide the address of the authority and, if possible, the reference number when submitting your application. You may request to view the certificate of good conduct before it is sent to the authority. If it contains any entries, it will first be sent to a local court of your choice. You can view it there. The local court will then forward the certificate to the relevant authority. You may object to it being passed on. In that case, the certificate will be destroyed.Responsible office
Your local registration office