Apply for a certificate of good conduct

The certificate of good conduct is a document that certifies whether or not you have a criminal record. If you need to prove whether or not you have a criminal record, you can apply for a certificate of good conduct.

There are the following types of certificates of good conduct:

• simple certificate of good conduct
• extended certificate of good conduct
• Certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority
• European Certificate of Good Conduct

If you need the certificate of good conduct for personal purposes, it is a simple certificate of good conduct. This is used, for example, for presentation to your employer.

You need an extended certificate of good conduct if you

• work in the area of children and young people, for example in a school or sports club, or
• want to work with people in need of care or people with disabilities.

The certificate of good conduct for official purposes is used exclusively for submission to an authority, for example if you require a driving license. The certificate of good conduct is then sent directly to the authority that requested it from you. In addition to criminal court decisions, it also contains certain decisions by administrative authorities, for example the revocation of a professional license. If you suspect that the certificate of good conduct contains entries, you can request that it is first sent to a local court named by you so that you can inspect it there.

If you are a citizen of one or more other EU Member States or the United Kingdom in addition to Germany, you will receive the requested document as a European Certificate of Good Conduct. In addition to the German certificate of good conduct, it contains the notification of entries in the criminal record of the Member State of origin in the language transmitted, if the Member State of origin provides for transmission in accordance with its law.

• Federal Office of Justice - Certificate of good conduct

• Third paragraph of the Federal Central Register Act (BZRG)

simple certificate of good conduct: 

• current identity document

extended certificate of good conduct:

• current identity document
• Written confirmation from the employer

official certificate of good conduct:

• current identity document
• Written confirmation from the employer
• exact address of the relevant authority

You can apply for all types of certificates of good conduct online, in person at the registration office responsible for you and - under certain conditions - in writing at the registration office responsible for you.

If you would like to apply for the certificate of good conduct online:

• Go to the website to apply for a certificate of good conduct and follow the instructions.
• As proof of identity, you will then need an electronic ID card, an electronic residence permit or an eID card, each with an activated PIN, a suitable smartphone or card reader, the AusweisApp2 and, if necessary, a digital capture device (e.g. scanner or digital camera) to upload proof.
• You will then receive the requested certificate of good conduct by post to your home address.
• If the application is not successful, you will be informed either immediately online or subsequently.

If you would like to apply for the certificate of good conduct in person or in writing:

• Submit an application for a certificate of good conduct to your local registration office or citizens' registration office. You must prove your identity there. An official identification document is used for this purpose.
• You may have to prove that you are a citizen of another EU Member State.
• The authority then forwards the application to the Federal Office of Justice.
• From abroad, the application can be submitted in writing directly to the Federal Office of Justice. Your personal details and signature must be officially confirmed.
• You will receive the requested certificate of good conduct by post to your home address.

If you request the certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority, it will be sent directly to the authority. If you suspect that the certificate of good conduct contains entries, you can request that it is first sent to a local court named by you. You can then view it there. You can then decide whether it should be forwarded to the authorities or destroyed.

Certificates of good conduct can be applied for online at the Federal Office of Justice. The requirements for this are an identity card with activated online ID function and a card reader. For further information, please refer to the information brochure of the Federal Office of Justice.

In the case of certificates of good conduct for submission to an authority, the exact address of the authority, the purpose of use, the file number and, if applicable, the responsible clerk are required.

In the case of extended certificates of good conduct, the requesting body must provide written proof that the extended certificate of good conduct is to be applied for.

• Information on applying for certificates of good conduct on the website of the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ)
• Information sheet on charging fees for the certificate of good conduct