Romanian criminal record certificate online: fast and free
In short
The criminal record certificate is obtained free of charge, in electronic format, through the hub.mai.gov.ro platform or via ghiseul.ro — the two are interconnected. The electronic document carries the Ministry of Interior's qualified electronic signature, has the same legal value as the paper version and is valid for 6 months from issuance. Alternatively, the certificate is issued on the spot, also free, at police criminal records counters.
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The criminal record certificate is among the most frequently requested documents in Romania — for employment, competitive exams, professional registrations or starting a company, and often for expats’ residence and work files. The excellent news: it has become one of the best digitised public services. What once meant queueing at a police counter now arrives electronically, free, without leaving home — with one exception: the first identity validation.
Electronic or at the counter?
- Electronic (recommended) — via hub.mai.gov.ro or ghiseul.ro: free, usually same-day, and the electronically signed certificate can be reused and re-sent to anyone within its 6-month validity. The one condition: the MAI HUB account must be validated once, in person, at a police unit.
- At the counter — at any police unit issuing criminal record certificates: also free, issued on the spot if you have no entries. Practical when you need it today and have no validated account.
A useful detail for job applications
Many positions also require the behavioural integrity certificate (the special registry regarding sexual offences) — a different document from the criminal record, issued through the same police channels. Check exactly which document the institution wants, to avoid a second trip.
Steps to follow
- Create your hub.mai.gov.ro account (one time only). For the electronic certificate you need a validated account on the MAI HUB platform. On first use, your identity is confirmed with a single physical visit to a police unit that issues criminal record certificates — after validation, every later request is fully online. Alternatively, access the service authenticated through ghiseul.ro.
- Complete the online request. In your MAI HUB account, open Services → Documents, endorsements → Obtaining the criminal record certificate for an individual, fill in the form and state the purpose of the request.
- Receive the electronic certificate. The certificate is issued as a PDF with the institution's qualified electronic signature and you download it straight from the platform — usually the same day. No stamp or extra endorsement needed.
- Use it wherever required. The electronic document has the same legal value as the paper certificate and must be accepted by public institutions and employers. Authenticity is verified through the electronic signature in the PDF.
Required documents
- Online: a validated hub.mai.gov.ro account (or authentication via ghiseul.ro) — nothing else
- At the counter: your identity document, in original
- Through a representative: a special notarised power of attorney and the representative's ID
- From abroad: request at Romania's diplomatic missions/consulates, or through a representative with power of attorney
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The criminal record certificate (online or at the counter) | Free | Fees were abolished; issuance is free through every official channel |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
Online: usually the same day, often within minutes. At the counter: on the spot, if no entries require extra checks. The certificate is valid 6 months from issuance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the electronic certificate accepted everywhere?
Yes — the document carries the MAI's qualified electronic signature and has the same legal value as the counter-issued one. Public institutions must accept it; if a private employer insists on paper, you can print it, but the original remains the signed electronic file.
How long is the certificate valid?
6 months from the date of issue. For competitions, hiring or files submitted later than that, you will need a new one — free and fast, so not a practical problem.
Can I get the certificate for someone else?
Yes, with a special notarised power of attorney (or one made at a consulate, for Romanians abroad). Parents can request certificates for minor children based on civil status documents.
How do I get a criminal record certificate for a company?
There is a separate flow for legal entities, also available electronically through the police platforms, or at the counter through the company's legal representative with the company documents.
What appears in the record, and how long do entries stay?
The certificate attests the existence or absence of criminal convictions in the record. Entries are removed under the conditions of the law — for example on legal or court rehabilitation — and ordinary administrative fines (traffic etc.) do not appear in the criminal record.