Certificates of freedom were introduced in 1810 and were generally granted to convicts upon application to the Governor after they had served their seven-, ten- or fourteen-year sentence.
The first level was the ticket of leave, which still imposed significant restriction upon the individual and could be issued after at least half the original sentence was served.
After the entire original sentence was served, a certificate of freedom could be issued with no remaining restrictions upon the individual.
Certificates from 1827 to 1867 also gave native place, calling, year of birth, physical description and sometimes ticket of leave information.
Tasmania and Western Australia also received convicts and issued Certificates of Freedom.