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Application for criminal records to individuals

Application for a criminal record

The criminal record shows convictions and settlements in criminal cases. The record may be downloaded digitally or obtained in person from any office of Sýslumaður (District Commissioner) and the cost is 2,700 ISK.

  • A digital criminal record is not for printing, it has an electronic seal/stamp and must therefore be delivered by electronic means. The electronic seal ensures that the document is certified, if the document is altered in any way, the document loses the seal/stamp.

  • Digital Criminal records certificates are not refundable.

For the digital record you must have an Icelandic electronic ID and a kennitala (ID number). If you have a kennitala (ID number), but not an electronic ID you can obtain the record in person from any office of Sýslumaður (District Commissioner).

The digital record is in Icelandic and English, note that the judgments are only in Icelandic.

What does the criminal record show?

  • Violation of criminal law.

  • Violation of alcohol and controlled substance law .

Exceptions

  • Prison sentences over 5 years from conviction or from the time of release of sentenced served.

  • Other sentences over 3 years.

  • Measures according to the general criminal law, for example, placement in a healthcare facility or a rehabilitation center, if 5 years have passed since the measure was terminated.

Age limit

All individuals aged 15 and over may obtain a criminal record.

Processing time

The criminal record is immediately available in the final step of the application process.The certificate is also sent to the applicant's digital inbox.

Issue of a criminal record on paper

Criminal record may be obtained in person from any office of Sýslumaður (District Commissioner). Personal identification is required.

Power of attorney to obtain criminal records

If an individual cannot retrieve the record themselves, they may give another person a written power of attorney, certified by two witnesses.

To retrieve the criminal record the agent must present the original power of attorney and their personal ID at any office of Sýslumaður (District Commissioner).

Apostille certification on printed criminal records

As the digital criminal record only has an electronic stamp/signature, they cannot be apostille certified. If you need apostille certification for a document to be used abroad, you must obtain a criminal record at the district commissioner's office and have it certified by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Application for a criminal record

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