+44 (0) 207 183 8043

What is an ACRO Police Certificate and Why Might You Need One Legalised?

  • Posted: October 24th, 2025

What is an ACRO Police Certificate and Why Might You Need One Legalised?

When planning to work, study, or live abroad, you may be asked to provide an ACRO Police Certificate. This official document is crucial for verifying your criminal record status in the United Kingdom. In many cases, it must also be legalised or apostilled to be accepted by foreign authorities. Below, we explain in detail what the ACRO Police Certificate is, its importance, and why you might need to have it legalised for international use.

Understanding the ACRO Police Certificate

The ACRO Police Certificate is an official document issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office in the UK. It confirms whether or not an individual has a criminal record in the United Kingdom. This certificate is often required for visa applications, employment checks, residency permits, or immigration procedures abroad.

It is not the same as a basic DBS check; while both deal with criminal records, the ACRO certificate is designed specifically for use outside the UK, especially when submitting documents to foreign governments or embassies.

When and Why You Might Need an ACRO Police Certificate

Foreign governments or employers often request this certificate to ensure you meet their character requirements. You might need an ACRO Police Certificate for any of the following reasons:

  • Visa applications for countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or those in the Middle East.

  • Employment or residency permits abroad, particularly in teaching, healthcare, or legal sectors.

  • Immigration procedures for long-term stays or citizenship applications.

  • Adoption or marriage processes abroad that require proof of good conduct.

  • Volunteering or study placements in foreign institutions.

In short, the certificate demonstrates your trustworthiness and compliance with international legal requirements.

How to Obtain an ACRO Police Certificate

Applying for an ACRO Police Certificate is a straightforward process. You can apply online via the official ACRO Criminal Records Office website. Here are the key steps:

  1. Create an account on the ACRO portal.

  2. Complete the online form, providing your personal details, addresses for the past 10 years, and identification documents.

  3. Upload proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence.

  4. Pay the application fee, which varies depending on standard or express service.

  5. Receive the certificate via email or post once processed.

Standard applications typically take 10 working days, while premium services can deliver results faster.

Why Legalisation or Apostille is Required

An ACRO Police Certificate issued in the UK is only valid within the UK unless legalised. Legalisation confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on your document is genuine and has been issued by an authorised UK authority.

Legalisation, often referred to as an Apostille, is essential for the document to be recognised by foreign governments, particularly those that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Examples of When Legalisation is Needed

  • Applying for a work visa in the UAE.

  • Submitting immigration documents to Canada or Australia.

  • Providing criminal record clearance for a teaching position abroad.

  • Applying for residency or citizenship in another country.

Steps to Legalise an ACRO Police Certificate

To legalise your ACRO Police Certificate, you can follow these steps:

1. Obtain the Original Certificate

You must have the original ACRO Police Certificate issued by ACRO, not a photocopy.

2. Apply for Apostille

The next step is to submit the certificate to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They will verify the signature and attach an Apostille stamp, confirming its authenticity for international use.

3. Embassy Legalisation (If Required)

For countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g., the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or China), you will need additional Embassy Legalisation. After the Apostille, the document must be authenticated by the relevant embassy of the destination country.

4. Solicitor Attestation (Optional)

Some embassies require the document to be certified by a UK solicitor before submission. This process involves the solicitor verifying that the document is genuine and correctly signed.

How Long Does the Legalisation Process Take?

  • Apostille Service: Usually 1 to 3 working days for standard processing.

  • Embassy Legalisation: May take up to 7–10 working days, depending on the embassy.

  • Full Legalisation Service: Combining Apostille and Embassy Attestation typically takes 10–15 working days.

Using a professional legalisation service ensures your documents are processed correctly and on time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for or legalising your ACRO Police Certificate, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Submitting an expired or photocopied certificate.

  • Forgetting to include all previous addresses from the past 10 years.

  • Sending documents to the wrong embassy or without prior Apostille.

  • Not checking the destination country’s requirements before legalisation.

A small error can delay your visa or immigration process significantly.

Benefits of Using a Professional Legalisation Service

Handling the legalisation process yourself can be time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with multiple authorities. Using a trusted document legalisation agency such as Prime Apostille offers several benefits:

  • Expert handling of Apostille and Embassy Legalisation.

  • Fast and secure processing for urgent applications.

  • End-to-end support, from document collection to return delivery.

  • Professional advice on country-specific requirements.

With professional help, you can save valuable time and ensure that your documents meet all necessary legal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is an ACRO Police Certificate valid?
Typically, it is valid for six months from the date of issue, although some countries may accept older certificates depending on their policies.

2. Can I use my ACRO certificate for multiple applications?
Yes, you can use it for multiple purposes if it’s still within its validity period.

3. Is legalisation always necessary?
If you are submitting your certificate to a foreign government or embassy, legalisation is almost always required.

4. What is the difference between Apostille and Embassy Legalisation?
An Apostille is sufficient for countries that are members of the Hague Convention. For non-member countries, Embassy Legalisation is an additional step required after Apostille.

5. How can I track my ACRO application?
You can track it directly through the ACRO online portal, where you submitted your application.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining and legalising an ACRO Police Certificate is a crucial part of preparing for life or work abroad. Whether you need it for employment, visa processing, or personal verification, ensuring the document is properly legalised will help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Professional services like Prime Apostille can simplify the process by handling Apostille certification, solicitor attestation, and embassy legalisation efficiently and securely.

Contact Prime Apostille for Fast and Reliable Apostille Services

For a quick and hassle-free UK document apostille service, Prime Apostille is here to assist you. We specialize in apostille certification, document legalisation, and embassy attestation services to ensure your documents are accepted worldwide. Our expert team provides fast, secure, and professional apostille services, helping you avoid common delays and mistakes in the process.

📞 Call us at: +44 (0) 207 183 8043
📧 Email us at: info@primeapostille.com
🌐 Visit our website: www.primeapostille.co.uk

Trust Prime Apostille for all your document legalisation needs and experience a seamless service tailored to your requirements.

Contact Us

Prime Apostille
Building 3
297-303 Edgware Road
London
NW9 6NB
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 183 8043
Monday - Friday 09.00AM – 6.00PM
Terms and Conditions

Translation Service Quotation

{{ doc.title }}
By continuing you confirm that;
  • The information you have provided to us is correct; and
  • You agree to the Terms & Conditions which also contains our client retainer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is currently experiencing severe delays with issuing apostilles. It is currently taking around 20 - 25 working days to apostille a document through the FCDO and, as a result, our standard processing times are taking longer than usual.

I understand
covid

Order

  • 1Service Selection
  • 2Document Information
  • 3Delivery Details
  • 4Confirm Order
  • 1Service Selection
  • 2Document Information
  • 3Request Completion

Choose what service you want

Translation Services
At Prime Apostille we offer a fast, accurate and affordable translation service. We can translate almost any document in any language covering over 200 languages. We understand the sensitivity of documents and the importance of having a true translation. Our translation service is personalised to cater to your every need and your document will be confidentially reviewed by specialist proof-readers. You will be given a Certificate of Certified Translation and, more importantly, the translators we use are members of the ATC (Association of Translation Companies). In order to offer you a quote, we will first need to see your document(s) to assess the number of words, the language it is currently in and the language you require the translation in. We will then get back to you within 24 hours with a quote. To get started click “Get a Free Quote” and follow the instructions.
Get a Free Quote OR Select Different Service

Choose your document

Select a Document to Order

Personal Documents

Academic Documents

Business Documents

Confirm document format

{{ document.title }}

{{ document.heading }}

Confirm document format

{{ document.title }}

Have your document been certified in line with this guidance?

If your documents have not been certified by a Solicitor or Notary Public, please ensure that the documents you send to us are originals. Our in-house solicitors will create certified copies for you free of charge. Your original documents will subsequently be returned to you together with your legalised/attested documents.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Where was the event registered?

Unfortunately, we are only able to assist with documents registered in England and Wales.

Unfortunately, we are only able to assist with documents registered in England and Wales.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Do you know the General Register Officer (GRO) Index Reference?

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Do You have a copy of the Document?

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide any document reference numbers (if known)

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please select the type of Adoption Certificate you would like to order

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

Reference Information from GRO Index

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

Reference Information from GRO Index

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to order your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please Provide Details of your Photo ID

{{ chip.name }}
{{ chip.name }}

We are unable to process your application for {{ wc.insertIndefiniteArticle( wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title ) }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }} without a photographic ID. We appologise for any inconvenience caused.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Address Details

Please enter your past address details for the last 10 years

Add Address

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

UK Armed Forces

Immgration History

Add Details

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Past & Pending Convictions

Add Conviction

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

    Add Conviction

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

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.

Please provoide the Endorser's Details.

Without an Endorser, we are unable to accept your application for an {{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}. We appologise for any inconveninence this may cause you.

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)

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Additional Information

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Proof of Address

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

{{ chip.name }}

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.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Passport Photograph

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

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

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.

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

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.

We will not be able to process your application until we have received this document from you.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

The Qualifications Office of the Consulate General of Italy in London only issues "Dichiarazioni di Valore" (Declarations of Value, DV) of British qualifications - issued by recognised educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) or professional bodies - that fall under the British education/university system.

Scotland and Northern Ireland fall within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Edinburgh.

The "DV" is neither an equivalent of an Italian qualification nor a comparability certificate. It will be up to the relevant Italian institutions (Ministry of Education, Uffici Scolastici Provinciali, Universities, etc.) to subsequently declare if a foreign qualification has a similar Italian equivalent: this is called "equipollenza" (equivalence/certificate of comparability). Please note that the "Declaration of Value" can only be requested for already-completed study cycles (e.g., A-level, Bachelor, Master, etc.).

If you wish for Prime Apostille to obtain a Declaration of Value on your behalf, please CLICK HERE.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details

{{ chip.name }}
{{ chip.name }}

Once we have obtained all necessary information from you, we will be able to provide you with a quotation for our services and shall carry out your instructions swiftly.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

The information you entered has been submitted.

We will be able to provide you with a quotation for our services and shall carry out your instructions swiftly.

Processing.. Please Wait...

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Service Details Quantity Fee
UK Document Order | {{ document.title }}
{{ wc.document_doc_order_fee_display }}

If the GRO are unable to locate your entry, a refund will be issued minus a £12.50 administrative fee.

Choose your Embassy

Do you need Embassy Attestation?

To get documents legalised for use outside of the UK, many countries ask that you get your documents attested by their UK based Embassy.

If you need your documents to be attested for use outside of the UK, please select the embassy from the list below.

Please note, the cost of our embassy attestation service is dependent on the specific embassy needing the attestation. Once you select the embassy our online ordering system will provide you with the total cost of service.

Choose your Embassy

The cost of our embassy attestation service is dependent on the specific embassy needing the attestation. Once you select the embassy our online ordering system will provide you with the total cost of service.

Please note, countries that are a member of the Hague Convention of 1961 do not typically require Embassy Attestation, therefore these countries are not listed as search options. If the Embassy you need is not listed please contact us for further assistance.

All Embassies

Please Note:

Special Instructions for {{ embassy.title }}

Do you need Apostille Services?

Before your documents can be attested by an embassy they often require to obtain a certificate by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) verifying the authenticity of that document.

If your documents needs this certificate, we can obtain this for your selected documents at no additional cost using our Apostille service.

When a document is required in an official capacity, it is often required to obtain a certificate by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) verifying the authenticity of that document.

If your documents needs this certificate, we can obtain this for your selected documents using our Apostille service.

Please note, this is set fee per document that will be added to the total cost of our solicitor attestation service.

Please note, this is set fee per document that will be added to the total cost.

Select Postal Delivery Service

We do not compromise on the safe delivery of your documents, we therefore use a premier service for returning your documents back to you. The cost of delivery is a set fee per order and not dependent on the number of documents.

Please choose from the list below indicating how you would like for us to return your documents:

Your Details

Sending us your Documents

Select how you will be sending us your documents.

My Order Summary

Document Details
Service Quantity
{{ service.service_cat_label }} | {{ service.document_title }} {{ service.quantity }}
Postal Service

Personal Details
Full Name
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
Email
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.email }}
Telephone Number
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.telephone_number }}
Billing Address
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country].country }}
Return Address
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country].country }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country].country }}
Additional Comments
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments != '' && wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments != undefined ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments : '-' }}
Service Charge : {{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.tax_exclusive_total | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.title }} : {{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.tax | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}
Total Cost : {{ wc.wizard_selections.total_price_inc_tax | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}

Terms and Conditions

By continuing you confirm that:

  • The information you have provided to us is correct; and
  • You agree to the Terms & Conditions which also contains our client retainer.

Processing.. Please Wait...

{{ wc.wizard_options.navigation.prev_text }} {{ wc.wizard_options.navigation.next_text }}
{{ wc.uk_doc_navigation.prev_text }} {{ wc.uk_doc_navigation.next_text }}

My Order Summary

Documents ({{ wc.wizard_selections.documents.length }}) Qty
{{ document.title }}
{{ document.quantity }}
Embassies ({{ wc.wizard_selections.embassies.length }})
{{ embassy.title }}
Service Details Qty
{{ service.service_cat_label }} | {{ service.document_title }}
 {{ service.quantity }}
Postal Delivery Service
{{ wc.wizard_selections.delivery_service.title }}
Your Order Summary
will appear here.
Sorry. We couldn't found necessary data to generate this wizard.
Please try again by reloading the page.

Loading...