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

If you would like to apply for a certificate of good conduct online:

• Go to the website for applying for a certificate of good conduct and follow the instructions.
• You will then need an electronic ID card, an electronic residence permit or an eID card as proof of identity, 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 post to your home address.
• If the application is not successful, you will be informed either immediately online or subsequently.

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

• Submit an application for a certificate of good conduct to your local registration office or citizens' registration office. You must prove your identity there. An official identity document will serve this purpose.
• If necessary, you must prove that you are a citizen of another EU member state.
• The authority will then forward the application to the Federal Office of Justice.
• From abroad, the application can be submitted in writing directly to the Federal Office of Justice. Your personal details and signature must be officially confirmed for this.
• You will receive the requested certificate of good conduct by post.

If you apply for the certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority, it will be sent directly to the authority. If you suspect that the certificate of good conduct contains entries, you can request that it is first sent to a local court named by you. You can then view it there. You can then decide whether it should be forwarded to the authorities or destroyed.