Apply for a certificate of good conduct

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

If you would like to apply for a 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 identity 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 evidence.
• You will then receive the requested certificate of good conduct by mail.
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive information either immediately online or subsequently.

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

• Apply for a certificate of good conduct at your local registration office or citizen's office. You will need to provide proof of your identity there using an official ID document.
• You may need to provide proof that you are a citizen of another EU Member State.
• The authority then forwards the application to the Federal Office of Justice.
• From abroad, you can submit your application in writing directly to the Federal Office of Justice. Your personal details and signature must be officially certified.
• You will receive the requested certificate of good conduct by mail.

If you request a certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority, it will be sent directly to the authority. If you suspect that the certificate contains entries, you can request that it be sent first to a district court of your choice. You can then review it there. You can then decide whether it should be forwarded to the authority or destroyed.

• Completion of the 14th year of life
• Legal capacity

• Identity card, eID card, or residence permit
• Identification by passport is also possible at the registration office
• if necessary, further documents to prove certain information,
  • for example, the employer's request to submit an extended certificate of good conduct

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

• Application for a court decision at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm

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

• Certificate of good conduct
• Confirmation of a criminal record by certificate of good conduct
• can be granted as:
  • simple certificate of good conduct,
  • as a certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority or
  • as an extended certificate of good conduct
• Automatic issuance of a European Certificate of Good Conduct if, instead of or in addition to German, a citizenship of a Member State of the European Union (EU) or of Great Britain is held
• can be applied for online, in person or in writing
• Certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority is sent to the authority
• If it is suspected that the certificate of good conduct contains entries for submission to an authority, it can be requested that it be sent to a local court
• Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks as a rule
• Requirements:
  • Completion of the 14th year of life
  • Legal capacity
• Cost: 13 EUR
  • In certain cases, the fee for a certificate of good conduct may be waived
• responsible: Federal Office of Justice (BfJ)

• Certificate of good conduct

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