Frequently asked questions
Who sees the information about me?
Normally, the only person who sees your information is the Criminal Records Officer in the Ministry of Justice. If there is a query for more than your conviction record, that query will be passed on to relevant members of the Ministry's staff.
Can my records be changed?
If you think the information provided about you is inaccurate, you may apply in writing to the Ministry of Justice to have any corrections made. You must state the reasons why you consider the information is inaccurate and specify which charges require correction.
If a conviction on your record is proven to be inaccurate, e.g. it is recorded incorrectly, providing that the Ministry is satisfied that an error has occurred, then your record will be corrected.
How long will it take to process my application?
We process applications within 20 working days. You should not leave applying for your information until the last moment. The post or other circumstances could mean unforeseen delays.
What do I do if I need the information in order to apply for residence in a foreign country?
The Ministry of Justice is frequently asked to provide a 'Police Clearance' or a 'Police Certificate' for persons who wish to apply for residence in a foreign country. In New Zealand, there is no such document. The Ministry of Justice is only able to provide a record of your criminal history.
Is the Ministry the sole source of my Criminal History?
No. The New Zealand Police processes requests for information for organisations/agencies that deal with the care of others (younger, older and more vulnerable persons).
If your organisation/agency provides care for others, you should apply for vetting by writing to:
The Liaison Officer
Licensing and Vetting Service Centre
Office of the Police Commissioner
P.O. Box 3017
WELLINGTON
Is the Ministry the sole source of my Traffic History?
No. The systems maintained by the Ministry of Justice contain some, but not all, traffic information. All requests for information about a person's convictions for traffic offences should be made to the Criminal Records Unit at the Ministry of Justice.
All requests for driver licence information (including driver licence status and conditions) should be made to the LTNZ by writing to:
The Team Leader, Driver Licensing Enforcement
Transport Registry Centre
Land Transport NZ
Private Bag
PALMERSTON NORTH
