When applying for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check (NPC), you will be asked to make a choice regarding how you want your official certificate delivered. Because different employers, licensing boards, and foreign embassies have vastly different requirements, a common question arises: Can you request both a digital and a hard-copy NPC at the same time?

The short answer is yes. When you complete the official online application through the AFP portal, you are given the option to receive both a secure digital PDF certificate via email and a physical hard-copy certificate sent through standard Australia Post mail.

Requesting both formats is highly recommended if you are navigating complex visa processes, applying for overseas employment, or needing your document authenticated.

How to Select Both Options in Your Application

During the online application process on the official AFP website, you will reach a section detailing Delivery Options.

To secure both copies, ensure you tick the box for the digital certificate (sent to your designated email address) as well as the box for the hard-copy certificate (sent to your physical mailing address).

While there is generally no massive penalty or extra application fee for selecting both, getting them simultaneously ensures you have an instant electronic copy for urgent uploads while you wait for the mail carrier to deliver the physical document.

Digital vs. Hard-Copy AFP Certificates: What is the difference?

Both formats are considered legally valid, original documents by the Australian Government, but they use entirely different security systems to prevent forgery:

The Digital NPC

• Format: Issued as a secure, locked PDF file sent directly to your inbox.
• Security Feature: Contains an official, unique QR Code at the top of the page. Anyone reviewing your document (like a case officer or employer) can scan this code to instantly verify its authenticity against live AFP records.
• Speed: This is the fastest method. It arrives in your inbox the moment the AFP finalizes and approves your application.

The Hard-Copy NPC

• Format: A physical sheet of paper delivered via Australia Post.
• Security Features: Printed on high-security background paper packed with anti-counterfeit measures. This includes a visible padlock watermark when held to the light, fluorescent tricolor threads that glow under UV light, and heat-sensitive ink patches that temporarily fade when rubbed.

Which version should you use?

For standard domestic purposes within Australia—such as local employment, a baseline working with children check, or uploading to an ImmiAccount for permanent residency—the digital copy is widely preferred due to its speed and ease of scanning.

However, if you need to use your Australian police check overseas, you frequently need the physical copy. Foreign governments, international employers, and embassies often require a physical document so it can be stamped with an Apostille or Authentication certificate by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Pro Tip: If you are sending your check overseas, always request the hard copy. While DFAT can authenticate digital certificates issued after January 1, 2024, many conservative foreign authorities still demand a physical document with traditional security features.