The certificate of good character contains specific information about a person who is listed in the German central register. This could include, for example, criminal sentences, a court ruling to withdraw a driving licence, decisions made by courts and administrative bodies, notes concerning absence of criminal liability and specific criminal offences that are connected to the running of a business.

A certificate of good character, however, does not list all the records contained within the German central register. The type of certificate of good character determines the information it contains.

There are two types of certificate:

• For personal use (document N):
  the certificate of good character is sent directly to your home by post
• For official use (document O):
  the certificate of good character is sent directly to the authority that you have stated.

In this event, please indicate the address of the authority and the reason why the certificate is needed. Both types of certificate can be issued as extended certificates of good character (with extended content) upon request if this is laid down in a legal provision, or if the certificate of good character is needed to check the suitability of a person in line with Section 72a of the German Social Code Book VIII, for any type of professional or voluntary supervisory position, care, education or training of minors, or any other type of job in which contact with minors is foreseen in a similar way.

If you are requesting a certificate of good character for an official authority, you are able to request that this be sent to a local court for you to read first, if the certificate contains any records.

Anyone aged 14 or over can request a certificate of good character. A certificate may also be requested by a person's attorney. A certificate may not, however, be requested by a third party.

Who should I contact?
You can request a certificate of good character, including an extended certificate, i.e. for official use, from the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz) via this link. To make your request online, you will need the new type of personal ID card or an electronic residency permit, both of which need to have the e-ID function activated. You will also need a card reader device.

The application can also be made in person at the registration office of your commune, city, or administrative collectivity. They will then forward your application to the German Central Register.

Which documents do I need?

• For a certificate for official purposes: Address of the authority and the reason why the certificate is needed, or the internal reference number
• Maiden name of the mother
• Person ID card/passport
• For the extended certificate of good character: A written request from the organisation that needs the extended certificate of good character, confirming that the conditions for issuing the certificate laid down in Section 30a Paragraph 1 of the German Central Register have been met.

What fees do I need to pay?
You will need to pay a fee of 13.00 euros. Is payable upon application.

If an application is made for a certificate of good character via the PSC, a document O will be issued. Please apply for this as described and upload the document during the online application process.

Source: hessenfinder.de