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How to Apply for ACRO Police Certification from the UK

  • Posted: March 23rd, 2025

How to Apply for ACRO Police Certification from the UK

When planning to work, study, or immigrate abroad, many foreign authorities require a formal criminal background check as part of their visa or residency process. For individuals residing in the UK, this check is known as the ACRO Police Certification, issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office. This document plays a crucial role in proving that an applicant has no criminal record or discloses past convictions where applicable.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about applying for ACRO Police Certification – from eligibility and documents required to fees, processing time, and common issues to avoid.

What Is an ACRO Police Certification?

An ACRO Police Certification is an official document issued by the UK ACRO Criminal Records Office. It outlines an individual’s criminal record status, confirming whether any convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands are recorded against them in the UK.

This certification is widely accepted by immigration authorities, visa offices, and employers in countries such as:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • South Africa

  • Many countries in the EU and Middle East

The document may show:

  • No Trace – No criminal record held

  • No Live Trace – Past record exists, but not actively disclosed

  • Further Information Stepped Down – Data held but not shown due to filtering policies

Who Needs ACRO Police Certification?

You may need to apply for ACRO Police Certification if you are:

  • Applying for a visa, residence permit, or citizenship abroad

  • Seeking employment overseas in sensitive industries (e.g., healthcare, education)

  • Relocating as part of a family sponsorship or skilled worker program

  • Required by a foreign embassy to submit proof of good character

Always check the visa or job requirements of your destination country before applying.

Documents Required to Apply

To apply for ACRO Police Certification, prepare the following documents:

  • Clear scan of your passport’s photo page

  • Proof of current UK address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)

  • Digital passport-sized photograph (color, head-and-shoulders, plain background)

  • Full address history for the last 10 years (with accurate dates)

  • Details of any known criminal records, if applicable

  • Fingerprint form (only needed for some countries)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for ACRO Police Certification

1. Decide on the Service Type

You can choose between:

  • Standard Service – Processed in approximately 12 working days

  • Premium Service – Processed in 2 working days (higher fee applies)

Your choice will depend on urgency and visa application deadlines.

2. Start the Application Online

Go to the official ACRO Criminal Records Office website and click on “Apply for Police Certification.” You will be asked to create an account and begin entering your details.

3. Fill Out the Application Form

You’ll be required to enter:

  • Full name (and any previous names)

  • Date and place of birth

  • Nationality

  • Contact details (email and phone number)

  • Full address history for the last 10 years

  • Reason for application (e.g., visa to Canada, job in Australia)

Be sure to double-check all entries to avoid rejection or delays.

4. Upload Required Documents

Prepare clear digital copies of:

  • Your passport photo page

  • Proof of address

  • Passport-style photo

All files should be uploaded in accepted formats such as JPG, PNG, or PDF.

5. Pay the Application Fee

Fees (as of 2025):

  • Standard Service: £55

  • Premium Service: £95

You can pay securely online via debit or credit card.

6. Submit Your Application

Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your application reference number. You can use this number to track your application’s progress on the ACRO portal.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Certification?

  • Standard Processing: Approx. 12 working days

  • Premium Processing: Within 2 working days after the application is complete

Delivery time may vary based on location and courier services.

Delivery Options

Certificates are sent through:

  • Royal Mail (UK)

  • DHL Courier (International)

  • International Tracked & Signed

For urgent applications, DHL or premium courier is recommended. Some countries also accept digitally signed copies in PDF format.

Certificate Status Explained

Here’s what the certification might show:

  • No Trace: No criminal history

  • No Live Trace: Historical records that are not currently disclosed

  • Stepped Down Information: Data exists but filtered under UK disclosure rules

Some immigration authorities may request further clarification, especially for No Live Trace results.

Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejections

  • Use high-resolution scans for all documents

  • Ensure dates and addresses are accurate

  • Upload a passport-style photo that meets official guidelines

  • Pay attention to name spelling and details

  • Respond quickly if ACRO requests further documents

Applications with incomplete information or unclear files may be paused or rejected.

Can Someone Else Apply for You?

Yes, a third-party such as a solicitor, relative, or visa consultant can apply on your behalf. You’ll need to provide written authorisation and all supporting documents.

How Long Is the ACRO Police Certification Valid?

There is no fixed expiry date, but most countries accept certifications issued within the last 3 to 6 months. Always check the requirements of your specific destination.

Conclusion

Applying for an ACRO Police Certification is a key step in your international journey—whether you’re moving for work, study, or personal reasons. By following this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and timely application. Prepare your documents, follow the official process, and stay ahead of any delays by being thorough and responsive.

​If you’re seeking assistance with obtaining an ACRO Police Certificate and require apostille services to legalize the document for international use, Prime Apostille offers comprehensive support to streamline this process.​

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  • You must declare ALL convictions including those you believe to be spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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Endorser Details

Your application must be endorsed by a suitable individual that meets the following criteria:

  • Must have known you for a minimum of two years
  • Must not be a partner or family member (no matter how distantly related)
  • Must be aged 18 years or over
  • Must be in one of the occupations or a similar occupation to those listed here

This individual can be of any nationality and can reside anywhere in the world.

Your endorser may be contacted to verify the authenticity of your application. As part of this validation we may need to send the photograph you submit to confirm that it is a true likeness of you.

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List of Accepted Occupations

  • Accountant
  • Optician
  • Airline Pilot
  • Personal Licence Holders (Liquor/Alcohol)
  • Ambulance Service Official / Paramedic
  • Personnel Officer
  • Architect
  • Pharmacist
  • Bank / Building Society Official
  • Police Officer/Police Civilian Staff
  • Barrister
  • Post Office Official
  • Care Worker (Registered)
  • Prison Officer
  • Company Chairman
  • Probation Officer
  • Chemist
  • Salvation Army Officer
  • Civil Servant (Permanent)
  • Solicitor
  • Commissioner of Oaths
  • Surveyor
  • Councillor (Local or County)
  • Teacher
  • Dentist
  • Trade Union Officer
  • Director
  • Tutor
  • Doctor
  • Valuer or Auctioneer
  • Engineer
  • Veterinarian
  • Executive
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Financial Adviser
  • Fire Service Official
  • Funeral Director
  • Insurance Broker
  • IT Specialist
  • Judge
  • Justice of the Peace
  • Lawyer
  • Lecturer
  • Legal Secretary
  • Magistrate
  • Manager
  • Medical Consultant/Specialist
  • Member of a Chartered Institute
  • Member of Parliament
  • Merchant Navy Officer
  • Minister of a Recognised Religion
  • Museum Curator
  • Notary Public
  • Nurse (SRN or other qualification)
  • Officer of the Armed Services (Active or Retired)

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Proof of Address

A list of suitable proofs of address can be found here.

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Acceptable documents providing proof of residence include:

  • Recent utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity or phone) or a certificate from a supplier of utilities confirming the arrangement to pay for the services on pre-payment terms (Please note that mobile telephone bills are not acceptable as they can be sent to different addresses). Utility bills in joint names are permissible*
  • Local authority tax bill valid for the current year**
  • UK full or provisional photo-card driving licene or a full old-style paper driving licence (if not already presented as a personal ID document). Old style provisional driving licences are not acceptable.
  • Most recent HM Revenue and Customs tax notification (i.e. tax assessment, statement of account, notice of coding) a P45 or P60 is not acceptable.
  • Financial statement (e.g. bank, building society, credit card or credit union statement) containing current address*
  • Most recent mortgage statement from a recognised lender**
  • Current benefit book or card or original notification letter from Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming the rights to benefit (for example, child allowance, pension)**
  • Current local council rent card or tenancy agreement
  • Confirmation from an electoral register search that a person of that name lives at the claimed address*

*The date on these documents should be within the last three months and they must contain the name and address of the applicant.

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Passport Photograph

You may find guidance on the format of passport style photographs by clicking here.

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Passport Copy

Colour copies of passport(s) / travel documents must clearly show your photograph, personal information, expiry date, nationality, machine readable zone, extension pages and signature (if applicable). Copies of other official photographic identity documents should show as many of these features as possible. Black and white copies will not be accepted.

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Letter of Authority

In order for us to make an application for an ACRO Certificate on your behalf, we require you to complete and upload a signed Letter of Authority which we can send to the ACRO Service as confirmation of the fact that we are authorised to act for you.

You may download a blank Letter of Authority by clicking here.

Please complete the relevant sections of the Letter of Authority and sign/date it where indicated at the bottom. Once you have done this, please email a copy of the completed Letter of Authority to us on info@primeapostille.com.

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