Waiting for an official document can be incredibly stressful, especially if you have an upcoming visa deadline, a job offer conditional on a background check, or a licensing requirement. If your Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check physical certificate has not arrived, it may be lost in transit.

Fortunately, the AFP has a clear protocol for missing mail. This guide explains exactly how long to wait, how to request a free reprint, and how to access your digital fallback copy.

1. Confirm the Mandatory Waiting Period

Before the AFP will take action on a missing document, you must allow enough time for standard Australia Post delivery.

The AFP typically processes and dispatches physical certificates within 48 hours of approval. However, you must wait at least 15 business days from the date you received your “finalised and mailed” notification email before reporting it as lost.

If 15 business days have passed and your mailbox is still empty, it is officially time to take action.

2. Check Your Inbox for the Digital Backup

If you submitted your National Police Check application online, you may not actually need to wait for the mail.

• The AFP issues a secure digital PDF certificate alongside the hard copy for applications submitted through their online portal.
• Search your email for a message from NationalPoliceChecks@afp.gov.au.
• If you find the digital version, check with your employer, licensing board, or the Department of Home Affairs—many organizations now prefer the original digital PDF (complete with its verifiable QR code) over a physical piece of paper.

3. Request a Free Reprint Within the 3-Month Window

The Golden Rule: The AFP will only issue a reprint of a lost hard-copy certificate up to 3 months (90 days) from the original date of issue.

If you contact the AFP within this 3-month timeframe, they will re-verify your postal address and mail out a duplicate copy free of charge.

How to request your replacement copy:

1. Navigate to the official AFP National Police Checks portal.
2. Open their online enquiry form.
3. Provide your original application NPC Reference Number, full name, and date of birth.
4. Confirm your current mailing address (ensure you notify them if you have moved since the original application).

What happens if more than 3 months have passed?

If your hard copy was lost in the mail and you realize it after the 3-month window has closed, the AFP cannot help you. Due to strict privacy and data retention laws, the AFP securely destroys application data after 90 days.

In this scenario, you cannot get a reprint or a digital copy. You will be required to lodge a brand-new application and pay the application fee again.