working with children check by state — Australia 2026
general information only — fees and rules change. always verify with the issuing authority before applying. links to official sources are included for every state.
Australia does not have a national working with children check. each state and territory runs its own scheme, with its own name, its own issuing authority, its own fees and its own rules. if you work or volunteer with children — childcare, scouts, sport coaching, school P&C, foster care, kids' church, OSHC — you need the check that applies in the state where the work happens. this guide pulls every state into one place.
at a glance — every state compared
| state | scheme name | volunteer fee | paid fee | validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Working with Children Check | free | $132 | 5 years |
| VIC | Working with Children Check | free | $132.30 | 5 years |
| QLD | Blue Card | free | $103.10 | 3 years |
| WA | Working with Children Check | free | $93 | 3 years |
| SA | Working with Children Check (DHS) | $60.50 | $130.20 | 5 years |
| TAS | Registration to Work with Vulnerable People | $22.78 | $130.86 | 3 years |
| ACT | Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) | free | $157 | 5 years |
| NT | Ochre Card | free | $87 | 2 years |
fees as published by issuing authorities. verify before applying — schemes update fees most July.
new south wales
official name: Working with Children Check (WWCC)
issuing authority: Office of the Children's Guardian (ocg.nsw.gov.au)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $132 (5 years)
validity: 5 years
how to apply: apply online via Service NSW, then visit a Service NSW centre to verify ID. you receive a WWCC application number, then a clearance once checks complete.
renewal: renew online up to 3 months before expiry through your MyServiceNSW account. employers must re-verify your number on the OCG website.
victoria
official name: Working with Children Check
issuing authority: Service Victoria, on behalf of the Department of Government Services (service.vic.gov.au)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $132.30 (5 years)
validity: 5 years
how to apply: apply through Service Victoria online, then attend an Australia Post outlet to verify ID and have your photo taken. card posted within ~3 weeks if no issues.
renewal: Service Victoria emails a reminder ~3 months out. log in, renew, re-verify ID at Australia Post if required. card never expires automatically — you must renew.
queensland
official name: Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
issuing authority: Blue Card Services, Department of Justice (qld.gov.au/bluecard)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $103.10 (3 years)
validity: 3 years
how to apply: apply online through the Blue Card Services portal. Queensland uses a "no card, no start" rule — you cannot begin regulated child-related work until your card is issued.
renewal: renew via the online portal up to 16 weeks before expiry. holders also have an ongoing duty to update personal details and report new charges.
western australia
official name: Working with Children Check
issuing authority: Working with Children Screening Unit, Department of Communities (workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $93 (3 years)
validity: 3 years
how to apply: download an application form, complete with employer details, then lodge in person at any Australia Post outlet with photo ID. you can start work using an Application Receipt while the check is in progress.
renewal: renewal notice issued 3 months before expiry. submit a renewal application online or at Australia Post.
south australia
official name: Working with Children Check (DHS Screening)
issuing authority: Department of Human Services Screening Unit (screening.sa.gov.au)
volunteer fee: $60.50
paid worker fee: $130.20 (5 years)
validity: 5 years
how to apply: apply through the DHS Screening online portal. you must be linked to an organisation (employer or volunteer body) — the org endorses your application before submission.
renewal: apply for a fresh check before expiry. unlike most states, SA does not have a renewal stream — every 5 years is a new application.
tasmania
official name: Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Working with Children)
issuing authority: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), Department of Justice (cbos.tas.gov.au)
volunteer fee: $22.78
paid worker fee: $130.86 (3 years)
validity: 3 years
how to apply: apply online via the CBOS portal, then verify ID at a Service Tasmania shop. registration covers both children and vulnerable adults under one card.
renewal: CBOS sends a renewal notice 4–6 weeks before expiry. renew online — re-verify ID only if details have changed.
australian capital territory
official name: Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card
issuing authority: Access Canberra (accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $157 (5 years)
validity: 5 years
how to apply: apply online through Access Canberra and book an in-person appointment at a service centre to verify ID. the WWVP covers both children and vulnerable adults.
renewal: renew online up to 3 months before expiry — same process and fee as a new application.
northern territory
official name: Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card)
issuing authority: SAFE NT Working with Children Clearance Unit (pfes.nt.gov.au/safent)
volunteer fee: free
paid worker fee: $87 (2 years)
validity: 2 years
how to apply: download the SAFE NT Ochre Card form, complete it, then lodge in person with ID at any NT police station or SAFE NT office. the Ochre Card has the shortest validity of any state scheme.
renewal: apply for a new clearance before expiry — no separate renewal stream. SAFE NT recommends starting the process at least 6 weeks ahead.
things that apply everywhere
- •you need the check for the state where the work happens — not where you live.
- •checks do not transfer between states. moving interstate means a fresh application.
- •caring for your own kids or close relatives does not require a check.
- •free volunteer checks cannot be used for paid work — that is a separate offence in every state.
- •you must update the issuing authority if your name, address or criminal history changes.
- •employers and volunteer organisations have a legal duty to verify your check is current.
faq
do I need a WWCC to babysit my own kids?
no. caring for your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or close relatives is exempt from every state scheme. the check is only required for paid or volunteer roles working with children outside your family.
does my WWCC transfer if I move interstate?
no. there is no national WWCC. each state and territory runs its own scheme, so a NSW WWCC is not valid in Victoria, and vice versa. apply for the new state's check before you start work there.
how long does processing take?
most clean checks come back within 2–10 business days. anything that needs a national criminal history review can take 4–6 weeks. apply early — most states won't let you start work until the card is issued (WA is the main exception with an Application Receipt).
can I use a free volunteer check for paid work?
no. every state separates volunteer and paid streams. if you switch from volunteer to paid you must apply for (or upgrade to) a paid check and pay the relevant fee.
what happens if I'm charged with an offence after my check is issued?
you must notify the issuing authority. they can suspend or cancel your clearance pending review. failing to notify is itself an offence.
do teachers and childcare educators need a WWCC?
yes — even though teachers also hold registration, they still need the relevant state check (or an equivalent). childcare educators must hold a current check before commencing work in every jurisdiction.
related guides
this guide summarises publicly available information from each state and territory's issuing authority. fees and rules change — verify with the linked official source before applying. nothing in this article is legal advice.