Can I get my criminal record online for free?
Yes: Romanian citizens can get the criminal record certificate online, for free. Since 1 February 2023 (Law 3/2023), the criminal record certificate can be obtained free, in electronic format, via Ghișeul.ro and hub.mai.gov.ro. The simplest method is through Ghișeul.ro: you verify your identity with a bank card and receive the document almost instantly, without going to the counter. Those using hub.mai.gov.ro usually need to validate their account at a police station. The electronic document has the same legal value as the one issued at the counter, is signed with a qualified electronic signature by the Romanian Police and can be verified online. The certificate is valid 6 months from issuance. The online service works for people with no entries in the record; those with entries usually have to go to the counter.
📋 The rules
- Criminal record online free (Law 3/2023)
- Platforms: Ghișeul.ro and hub.mai.gov.ro
- On Ghișeul.ro: identity with a bank card, instant document
- Same legal value as the one at the counter
- Validity: 6 months from issuance
🔓 Exceptions
- People with entries in the record: usually at the counter
- hub.mai.gov.ro: may require account validation at the police
- Foreign citizens: different procedures, usually at the counter
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The online criminal record involves no "sanctions" but is a right and a convenience. Watch the validity, though: the certificate is valid 6 months from issuance, so for certain formalities (employment, adoption, some licences) you need a recent one. Use the document within its validity and check the exact requirements of the institution requesting it. To get it: go to Ghișeul.ro, authenticate (with a bank card for identity verification), complete the request and download the electronically signed PDF. The document can be verified online on the hub.mai.gov.ro portal, so it has the same value as the one at the counter and can be presented where required.
📎 Official sources
- Law 3/2023 on the criminal record →
- Ghișeul.ro · criminal record online →
- hub.mai.gov.ro · Ministry of Internal Affairs services →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get my criminal record online?
Yes. Since 1 February 2023, Romanian citizens can get the criminal record certificate for free, in electronic format, via Ghișeul.ro or hub.mai.gov.ro. On Ghișeul.ro you verify your identity with a bank card and receive the document almost instantly, without going to the counter in person.
Is the online record free?
Yes. Getting the criminal record certificate in electronic format, via the official Ghișeul.ro and hub.mai.gov.ro platforms, is free for Romanian citizens. It's one of the conveniences introduced by Law 3/2023, meant to simplify access to this document at no cost and with no travel.
Does the online record have the same value as the counter one?
Yes. The criminal record certificate issued in electronic format has the same legal value as the one issued at the counter. It's signed with a qualified electronic signature by the Romanian Police and can be verified online on the hub.mai.gov.ro portal, so it can be presented wherever the record is required.
How long is the criminal record valid?
The criminal record certificate is valid 6 months from the issue date. For formalities such as employment, adoption or certain licences, you need a recent one, within the validity period. Always check the exact requirements of the institution requesting the document.
Does the online service work for everyone?
The online service usually works for people with no entries in the record. Those who have entries in the criminal record usually have to go to the counter. Foreign citizens also follow different procedures. For special situations, check the applicable steps on the official platform.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “criminal record online free”
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- “criminal record validity 6 months”
- “criminal record law 3/2023”
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