Whether you’re applying for a work or visitor’s visa overseas or applying for a new job locally, it’s likely that you’ll be required to produce some form of documentation confirming that there are no criminal convictions against your name.
In the United Kingdom, there are two different types of such police disclosure documents, each serving distinct purposes and requirements:
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate; and
- An Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO) police certificate.
In this article, we’ll explore the uses and requirements for an ACRO Police Certificate; describe what information is shown on an ACRO Police Certificate; and discuss other essential matters to help you navigate through the application process with ease and confidence.
What Is an ACRO Police Certificate?
An ACRO Police Certificate is a crucial document for individuals who want to emigrate, travel, need a visa to live and/or work abroad, or who are looking to obtain citizenship or residency in another country. Individuals involved in certain legal proceedings may require this certificate, too.
Note that ACRO Police Certificates cover criminal records from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but do not include Scotland.
They also differ from a Subject Access Request (SAR), which is a general right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you and is free but typically takes longer to get. A SAR is used for personal information access rather than official purposes. Someone might request a SAR to see what police data is held about them, while an ACRO Police Certificate is specifically needed for official background checks related to immigration, visas and employment abroad. SARs are generally not suitable for visa or employment purposes due to their format and processing approach.
What Does An ACRO Police Certificate Show?
The certificate will show:
- The applicant’s personal details, including full name, date and place of birth;
- A recent photograph that meets specific requirements;
- Applicable convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on UK police databases;
- Detailed information about the applicant’s impending prosecutions and past convictions, including dates and nature of offences; and
- If overseas authorities have shared criminal records with the UK, these may appear on the certificate, providing a more complete picture of the individual’s criminal history.
ACRO Police Certificate Example
A typical ACRO Police Certificate example would include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, photograph, and either “No Trace” if no criminal records exist, or details of any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings with dates and offense descriptions.
To see an ACRO Police Certificate example, click here.
ACRO Police Certificate vs DBS Check Differences
The main difference between an ACRO Police Certificate and DBS Certificate lies in relation to the place of use and specific purposes.
For example, ACRO Police Certificates are used predominantly outside of the UK for immigration, visa and foreign employment purposes. On the other hand, DBS Certificates are specifically designed for use within the UK, typically for employment and voluntary positions, particularly those involving work with vulnerable adults or children.
What Information is Needed to Apply for an ACRO Police Certificate?
To apply for an ACRO Police Certificate, it’s necessary to complete an online application form via the official portal.
While creating an ACRO account is optional, it’s highly recommended that you do so as it allows you to save any pending applications in case you need to return to complete/submit the same at a later time.
When submitting an application for an ACRO Police Certificate, you’ll be required to submit the following essential documentation:
- A recent passport-style photo;
- A clear, colour copy of your current valid passport;
- A valid email address;
- Your address history. In particular, you need to show two official documents showing your name and address, both dated within the last six months. These can’t be hand written and envelopes won’t be accepted. If these aren’t in English, you’ll also need to provide a translation, which may be hand written; and
- Details of impending prosecutions or past convictions (if applicable).
Can I Apply for an ACRO Police Certificate on Behalf of Another Person?
This depends on who you wish to apply for. It’s possible to apply for an ACRO Police Certificate on behalf of the following closed categories of people, subject to specific requirements and documentation:
- Your child under the age of 18 who you take parental responsibility for (proof of relationship is required);
- An adult who has provided permission for you to apply on their behalf (you’ll need to provide evidence of the applicant holding their passport/travel document as part of the process);
- A person for whom you act as attorney for via a power of attorney (the original or certified copy of the power of attorney must be uploaded as part of the application);
- A person for whom you act as legal representative for (a signed letter of authorisation will need to be uploaded as part of the application); and
- Where you are an organisation and the applicant has given you permission to apply on their behalf (you’ll need to upload a copy of the signed letter of authorisation and a photograph of the applicant holding their passport/travel document as part of the process).
ACRO Police Certificate Processing Time and Costs in the UK
For planning purposes, many people ask: How long does getting an ACRO Police Certificate take? The ACRO Police Certificate processing time depends on which service you choose.
There are two methods of applying for an ACRO Police Certificate, namely the standard and premium (fast-track) services.
Standard Service
- Fees: £68 per application
- Estimated processing time: up to 20 working days
- Suitable for non-urgent applications
Premium Service
- Fees: £121 per application
- Estimated processing time: up to two working days
- This cost of expedited ACRO Police Certificate service provides faster processing for urgent applications.
It should be noted that ACRO Police Certificates are only provided secure postal delivery and not in electronic format to maintain document security and authenticity. Note that processing times can sometimes exceed stated estimates, so applicants should allow extra time to be on the safe side.
How to Apply for an ACRO Police Certificate from Abroad
If you are a UK citizen or resident currently living outside the United Kingdom and need an ACRO Police Certificate for visa, immigration, or employment purposes, you can still apply online through the official ACRO Criminal Records Office website, following the steps and guidelines stated above.
You’ll need to:
-
- Complete the application form on the ACRO Police Certificates portal and provide personal details, a full 10-year address history, and the reason for your application.
- Upload a clear, recent passport-style photograph, a colour scan of your valid British passport, and proof of your current address if possible. If you no longer have a UK address, provide your overseas address history.
- Pay the application fee online using a debit or credit card, choosing between the two service options available (the standard or premium service.
- Certificates are sent by post internationally, often via tracked courier services such as DHL. Ensure you provide a secure mailing address abroad. If you need help or have questions, ACRO can be contacted internationally by phone or email.
For use overseas, you may need to have your certificate apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and possibly legalised by the relevant embassy or consulate. Always check the specific requirements of the country where you intend to use the certificate, as some countries may have additional or alternative procedures for criminal record checks.
Do I Need a Notary to Certify My ACRO Police Certificate?
It’s not generally necessary for an ACRO Police Certificate to be notarised by a notary public in England and Wales.
However, to use your ACRO Police Certificate outside of the United Kingdom, it’s likely that the original ACRO Police Certificate will need to be apostilled by FCDO.
The purpose of the apostille is to confirm the name and capacity of the public officer who signed the ACRO Police Certificate. It’s required by many countries worldwide as part of the document legalisation process. In some instances, further legalisation may be required by the embassy/consulate of the receiving country’s presence within the United Kingdom (as, for example, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the United Kingdom).
Conclusion
If you require an ACRO police certificate to be apostilled and legalised in the UK, contact us on 020 7630 1777 or email info@notary.co.uk and we would be pleased to be of assistance. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, ensuring your documentation meets all necessary requirements for use abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ACRO Police Certificate show?
An ACRO Police Certificate shows your personal details, photograph, and any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings recorded on UK police databases.
What information is shown on an ACRO Police Certificate?
The certificate displays comprehensive criminal record information including conviction details, dates, and nature of offenses, plus any shared overseas criminal records.
What’s the difference between an ACRO Police Certificate and a DBS check?
ACRO Police Certificates are mainly for use outside the UK for immigration, visas and foreign employment. DBS Certificates are for use within the UK, typically for employment and voluntary positions, especially those involving vulnerable groups
Do I need to get my ACRO Police Certificate legalised or apostilled for use abroad?
Yes, for use outside the UK, the original certificate will likely need an apostille from the UK FCDO to confirm the signing officer’s authenticity. Depending on the destination country, further legalisation by their embassy or consulate in the UK may also be required
Can I apply for an ACRO Police Certificate if I live outside the United Kingdom?
Yes, UK citizens or residents living abroad can apply online through the official ACRO website. The process involves completing the online form, uploading documents (including proof of overseas address if applicable), and paying the fee. Certificates are sent internationally by post, often via tracked courier.