The German federal cabinet has approved a draft law to digitize police clearance certificates. Under the new regulation, applicants will no longer need to receive a paper copy; instead they can obtain the certificate as a digital document from the Federal Ministry of Justice. The proposal also introduces additional reforms, including notary‑online procedures for corporate and register law matters.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) described the digital certificate as a clear demonstration of successful state modernization. “Whether in a profession or a volunteer capacity, the clearance certificate is indispensable in many areas of life. Digitization helps people and makes a difference. It’s good that we are advancing the state’s digitalisation” she said.
A police clearance certificate records whether a person has been convicted. It is required for a variety of professional and voluntary positions. Roughly five million certificates are issued in Germany each year.