Did you know you can do so much more than send letters and parcels at the post office? You can set up a bank account and buy a variety of magazines there. You can buy scratch tickets and Igráček children’s toys. You can even pick up a movie or a book there. Graphic: Casadei Design
More importantly, most of the post offices are locations for CzechPoint services as well.
CzechPoint is a service for assisted access to the public administration system. This means you can get certified extracts from a number of public administration information systems such as the Criminal Register and the Land Register. You can also have signatures verified there.
Expats often need an extract from the Criminal Register (výpis z rejstříku trestů), a verified signature, or an authenticated copy of a document. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Extract from the Criminal Register
You will have to provide the following pieces of identification to obtain an extract:
- a valid identification card (for EU citizens);
- a valid passport (for non-EU citizens);
- a residence permit or long-term visa.
In addition to an extract from the Czech Criminal Register, EU citizens (not including citizens of Italy, Portugal, Finland, the Netherlands, and Hungary) can be given an extract from their home country as well. You will need to ask for a výpis z rejstříku trestů s přílohou.
The process takes up to 25 days, but you will be notified if it is ready sooner. Also, you can pick up your extract at a CzechPoint location of your choice.
The fee for obtaining an extract from the Criminal Register is 100 CZK.
Verification of a signature and authenticated copies of documents
When it comes to verifications, CzechPoint works like a notary. Anytime you need something notarized, you can just go to your nearest post office that displays the CzechPoint logo. The same documents as above need to be produced:
- a valid identification card (for EU citizens);
- a valid passport (for non-EU citizens);
- a residence permit or long-term visa.
The clerk will attach a small document with information regarding where, when, and by whom the signature verification has been done. Then you will sign the document in front of them. The process takes around 10 minutes and costs 30 CZK.
If you need an authenticated copy (ověřená kopie) of a document, you can just bring the document with you and ask for one. The clerk will make a copy and put a stamp on it. Again, the process takes around 10 minutes and costs 30 CZK, plus an additional 3 CZK for the black and white photocopy.
You can find more information regarding CzechPoint services and postal services in general on the Czech Post website.
