Applying for a police clearance certificate and what's behind it
Apply for a certificate of good conduct online - explained step by step. All information on eID registration, costs, deadlines. Date: March 4, 2025Applying for a certificate of good conduct - application, costs and differences (as at: 2025)
Anyone applying for a position of particular trust - e.g. in the public sector, healthcare, educational institutions or administration - is often asked for a current police clearance certificate during the selection process.
Kontrast Personalberatung GmbH, based in Hamburg and with over 30 years of experience in selection procedures and recruitment, provides you with an overview of the application, costs and types of certificates of good conduct - understandable, up-to-date and helpful for applicants and HR managers.
Applying for a certificate of good conduct - how it works
A police clearance certificate is issued centrally by the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ). You can apply for it in two ways:
1. online application via the federal portal
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Website: www.fuehrungszeugnis.bund.de
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Required: electronic ID card with PIN (eID function), card reader or smartphone with AusweisApp2
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Payment is made digitally
2. personal application at the registration office
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In Hamburg, e.g. via the service portal of the city of Hamburg
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Appointment required at your local customer center
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Identity card or passport required
The processing time is usually 7 to 14 days; it may take longer for official or extended certificates of good conduct.
Costs for the certificate of good conduct
The fee is the same throughout Germany:
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13.00 euros for the certificate of good conduct
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Payment is made when applying online via ePayment or on site in cash/by EC card
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In exceptional cases, a fee exemption is possible (e.g. for voluntary work or on request with proof)
Types of certificates of good conduct - which one do I need?
| Type of certificate of good conduct | When is it needed? |
|---|---|
| Private certificate of good conduct (§ 30 BZRG) | For private employers, e.g. in care, in the healthcare sector or in companies |
| Official certificate of good conduct (§ 31 BZRG) | Sent directly to a public authority, e.g. in the case of a civil service appointment or security check |
| Extended certificate of good conduct (§ 30a BZRG) | Mandatory for activities with children, young people or vulnerable persons, e.g. daycare centers, schools, youth welfare, care |
Note: The purpose of use must be specified in the application - the decisive factor is what type the company or authority specifically requires.
Applying for a certificate of good conduct in Hamburg
If you would like to apply for a certificate of good conduct in Hamburg, the official service portal of the city of Hamburg will help you:
🔗 Certificate of good conduct Hamburg - information & appointment booking
There you will find:
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Information on the locations of the customer centers
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Information on booking an appointment
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Contact person for queries
Alternatively, you can call the service number 115.
Kontrast Personalberatung - professional preparation for selection procedures
As an experienced recruitment consultancy, we guide both employers and applicants through the entire application and selection process - confidentially, in compliance with the GDPR and with many years of expertise. For sensitive positions, we support the request, classification and verification of certificates of good conduct within the framework of legal requirements.
Note on data protection
The police clearance certificate contains personal data and must be treated confidentially. It may not be passed on to third parties or stored without consent.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How long is a certificate of good conduct valid for?
A certificate of good conduct does not have a fixed expiration date, but is usually accepted in selection procedures if it is not older than 3 months.
Where can I check whether my certificate of good conduct has been sent?
For online applications: in the customer account of the federal portal
If you apply in person: by telephone at your registration office
