Where to check the code
Use the official Criminal Record Online certificate-view page and enter the access code exactly as shown on the certificate.
The code follows the format displayed by the Portuguese portal and gives access to the corresponding certificate while it remains valid.
Do not use third-party verification pages when the official portal is available.
What the access code does
The Portuguese Criminal Record Online service uses the code to:
- retrieve the certificate;
- confirm the information available for that certificate;
- provide updated certificate information during the code's validity period.
The code can also be given to a legitimate receiving party that needs to consult the certificate.
Treat it as document-access information. Do not post it publicly.
How long the code works
The access code expires 90 days after the certificate is issued. The expiry date appears on the criminal record certificate.
Once the code has expired, request a new certificate if the document is still needed.
A receiving authority can also ask for a newer certificate even before the 90 days end.
The access code is not an apostille
The access code helps retrieve and verify the Portuguese criminal record certificate. It does not replace an apostille, translation or another international-use form when one is required.
If you need to present the certificate abroad, check the destination separately.
Eligible Portuguese citizens using a negative certificate in another EU Member State can use the Annex XI route. For other destinations, we prepare the apostille or other international-use step required for the file.
What to do if the code does not work
Check the simple things first:
- Enter the characters exactly as printed.
- Check the expiry date on the certificate.
- Make sure you are using the official Portuguese Criminal Record Online site.
- If the certificate is expired, request a fresh one.
- If the code should still be valid but the portal rejects it, contact DGAJ or the service that issued the document.
Portugal Papers obtains a fresh certificate when you no longer have a usable one.
Already valid? Do not request another certificate automatically
If the code works and the certificate is current, the next question is what you need to do with the document.
The next step is one of these:
- nothing else;
- an apostille;
- Annex XI for an eligible EU case;
- certified translation;
- paper delivery.
Tell us the destination and we confirm the document path before you spend money on another certificate.
FAQ
Check the code first, then prepare the document
If your certificate is still live, send us the destination and the requirement. We tell you whether the next step is apostille, Annex XI, translation, delivery or nothing at all.