Certificate of good conduct

The certificate of good conduct is a document issued by the Federal Central Criminal Register in Bonn upon application for any person aged 14 or over. It records whether the person in question has a criminal record. It therefore essentially serves as proof of good conduct, e.g. when taking up employment.

The certificate of good conduct issued for personal purposes is also known as a private certificate of good conduct. If it is required for submission to a German authority, it is an official certificate of good conduct.

Private criminal record certificate

The private criminal record certificate is generally required if you have to prove to a future employer at their request that you have no criminal record.

When submitting the application, no representation (other than a legal representative - e.g. in the case of minors) by an authorized person is possible. This ensures that no other person can apply for a certificate of good conduct without authorization and without the knowledge of the person making the application.

Certificate of good conduct

A certificate of good conduct is required if you want to work for a public authority or apply for an official permit, for example a restaurant license.

When submitting an application, it is not possible to be represented by an authorized person. This ensures that no other person can apply for a certificate of good conduct without authorization and without the knowledge of the person making the application.

Extended certificate of good conduct

The extended certificate of good conduct can be issued for persons who work or are to work in a professional, voluntary or other capacity with children or young people. The request for an extended certificate of good conduct must be expressly stated when submitting the application.

European certificate of good conduct

Nationals of other member states of the European Union who live in Germany are issued with a certificate of good conduct which provides information on the content of both the Federal Central Register and the criminal record of their home member state (European Certificate of Good Conduct).

Certificate of authenticity for use abroad

If the certificate of good conduct (document type N) is to be presented abroad, it is often only recognized if it is accompanied by an additional certificate of authenticity.

The person making the application must find out for themselves whether and which form of certificate of authenticity is required. The embassies or consular missions of the countries in which the certificate of good conduct is to be presented will provide the relevant information.

Types of certificate of authenticity

There are three types of certificate of authenticity - over-certification, apostille and final certification.

Over-certification is carried out by the Federal Office of Justice and can be applied for together with the certificate of good conduct.

The Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA) is responsible for issuing apostilles and final certifications. These certificates of authenticity are applied for separately after the certificate of good conduct has been sent. Further details can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs.

Please note

When applying for a certificate of good conduct, you must state whether and which certificate of authenticity is required. The certificate of good conduct will then be issued in a special form.

Persons from abroad

Applications from persons living abroad must be submitted to the Federal Office of Justice online, in person or by post. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions on the website of the Federal Office of Justice.

Private certificate of good conduct

The application is sent to the Federal Central Register in Bonn, where the certificate of good conduct is issued. The private certificate of good conduct will be sent by post to the private address provided.

Official certificate of good conduct

The application is sent to the Federal Central Register in Bonn. The registration authority must note the document type "O" or "OG" on the application for the certificate of good conduct.

Please note that the certificate of good conduct is not sent to the person making the application, but directly to the authority. In case of doubt, it is also possible to have the certificate of good conduct sent to a local court to be named by the applicant so that the applicant can view it there and determine which entries it contains.

Certificate of authenticity for use abroad

When applying for a certificate of good conduct, you must state whether and which certificate of authenticity is required. The certificate of good conduct will then be issued in a special form.

The application for an apostille or final certification is made separately after the certificate of good conduct has been sent. Further details can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs.

• Identity card or passport
• Proof of exemption from fees, if applicable (for exemption from fees, see Frequently Asked Questions)