The federal cabinet has approved a draft law that will allow police clearance certificates to be issued digitally through the Federal Office of Justice rather than as paper documents. The proposal also introduces changes to other areas, including online notarisation procedures under corporate and register law.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) said the shift to digital certificates represents a model example of successful state modernization. “Whether in paid or voluntary work, a clearance certificate is essential in many parts of life. Digitalisation helps people and makes a real difference. It is encouraging that we are advancing the digitisation of the state in this area” she commented.
A clearance certificate confirms whether a person has a criminal record and is required for many professional and volunteer positions. In Germany about five million certificates are issued each year.
