Online criminal record certificate in Benin: fee, documents, and e-services application (2026)

An employer, a consulate or a notary asks for a criminal record, and you would rather not queue at a counter. In Benin you apply online, on service-public.bj, to the Centre National du Casier Judiciaire (CNCJ, the National Criminal Records Centre). The service has existed since 29 July 2020, when it was officially launched together with the passport.

This page only repeats what official websites confirm. Links and dates are at the bottom.

The essentials (information checked on 4 October 2026)

• Where: service-public.bj, criminal record issuance service (sheet PS00373).
• Cost and delay shown by the Ministry of Justice: 2,050 FCFA and 72 hours.
• To provide: a scan of the birth certificate or the NPI (Numéro Personnel d'Identification, issued by ANIP), plus home address, marital status, occupation and a contact.
• Validity: 3 months.
• Since 6 March 2026, you log in with your NPI and your parentage details are pre-filled from ANIP.
• The record is sent to the e-mail address given in the request.

Who can apply, and which bulletin

Any Beninese citizen can apply, as can any foreigner who lives or has lived in Benin. Only one bulletin is issued to the person concerned: bulletin no. 3, which lists the most serious sanctions.

One thing not to forget. This extract covers Benin only. If the body asking for it also wants a record from your country of origin, it does not replace that one.

Applying on service-public.bj

The process runs in four steps.

1. Open service-public.bj and look for the criminal record issuance service (B3 extract).
2. Provide your birth certificate scan or your NPI. That number is essential to access many e-services, and ANIP issues it.
3. Give your home address, marital status, occupation and a contact (phone or e-mail).
4. Pay the cost shown on the portal.

Since March 2026: logging in with your NPI

The service moved to a new version on 6 March 2026. Three things are new.

1. You log in with your NPI. The number is checked against ANIP's databases. No NPI yet? ANIP issues it, and you need it before starting the criminal record request.
2. Parentage details are pre-filled. They come from ANIP's registers: you no longer type them in, which reduces the risk of errors.
3. Your e-mail address is verified before the file is sent. Notifications go to that address, and so does the record itself.

Foreigners who have been in Benin for less than three months, and usually have no NPI, can apply without logging in. Processing by the National Criminal Record Centre does not change.

Receiving and printing your record

There is nothing to collect at a counter: the record is sent by e-mail. "This is the address at which you will receive the criminal record," the government wrote in its 2021 advice to users. Print the document if the body asking for it wants a paper copy, and keep the original e-mail as a trace of where it came from.

The sources consulted describe neither the exact file format nor any authenticity check. If the receiving body asks, refer it to the CNCJ.

The CNCJ offers two tips to receive the document on time: spell your surname and first name(s) correctly, and enter your e-mail address correctly. Obvious? It is still what trips people up most. If you get stuck, portal support can be reached on 91 38 00 00 (call and WhatsApp) or at assi.support@gouv.bj. Those details come from a 2021 government publication: check on the portal that they are still current.

How long it takes, and how long it lasts

The Ministry of Justice states 72 hours. In summer 2021 the government said 80% of extracts came out in under 72 hours, with that share rising towards 90% thanks to improvements.

It is not always that smooth. In a statement dated 29 April 2026 (no. 016/MJL/CNCJ/SA), the CNCJ director reported "an exceptional increase in the number of requests for bulletin no. 3" and longer delays. He attributes it notably to the compliance procedures of associations and foundations, which require bulletin no. 3, and announces reinforced teams. If your request is late, contact support rather than filing a second one.

An extract is valid for 3 months according to the Ministry's sheet. The body receiving it may set its own acceptance period, though. Ask them.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an online criminal record cost in Benin?

The Ministry of Justice shows 2,050 FCFA, with a 72-hour delay. The exact amount appears on service-public.bj when you apply, and that is the one that counts.

How do I get my criminal record as a PDF?

It arrives by e-mail, at the address given in the request: there is nothing to collect at a counter. Check your spam folder, then print the document if a paper copy is required.

Do I need an NPI to request my criminal record?

Yes, since 6 March 2026: you log in to the service with the NPI issued by ANIP. Foreigners who have been in Benin for less than three months can apply without logging in.

What do I need to provide?

The birth certificate scan or the ANIP NPI, and details on home address, marital status and occupation, with a phone number or e-mail address.

Can a foreigner request a Beninese criminal record?

Yes, if they live or have lived in Benin. The extract is valid for Benin only.

How long is an extract valid?

3 months, according to the Ministry of Justice sheet.

Who do I contact if my request is late?

The Centre National du Casier Judiciaire, or portal support on service-public.bj.

Official sources (checked on 4 October 2026)

• National public services portal, criminal record issuance service (PS00373).
• Ministry of Justice and Legislation, Casier judiciaire (B3) en ligne: cost, delay, documents, validity.
• Government of Benin, « Le casier judiciaire et le passeport officiellement lancés », 30 July 2020: launch on 29 July 2020, NPI essential.
• Innovation numérique, E-casier judiciaire: over 100,000 records delivered in a year, 7 September 2021: 80% in under 72 hours, tips and support contacts.
• Government of Benin, Delays in issuing criminal records: the CNCJ asks for patience, with statement no. 016/MJL/CNCJ/SA of 29 April 2026 (consulted on 16 October 2026).