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Thinking of moving abroad or applying for a visa? You may need an ACRO Police Certificate to prove your criminal record history. This guide explains everything you need to know: what it is, who needs it, how to apply, and whether you’ll also need an Apostille certificate to make it valid overseas.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- What is an ACRO Police Certificate?
- Who Needs an ACRO Police Certificate?
- When Should You Apply for an ACRO Certificate?
- How Do I Get an ACRO Certificate?
- What Documents Do You Need for an ACRO Application?
- Where is ACRO Based and Where to Send Documents?
- Does an ACRO Certificate Need Legalisation or Apostille?
- What Happens After You Receive Your Certificate?
- Common Questions About ACRO Police Certificates
- Ready to Legalise Your ACRO Certificate?
- A Trusted UK Apostille Provider
What is an ACRO Police Certificate?
An ACRO Police Certificate is an official document issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office, part of UK law enforcement. It details any convictions, cautions, reprimands or other police-held information about an individual. It’s widely requested by foreign governments, visa offices, and employers for immigration and security clearance purposes.
Who Needs an ACRO Police Certificate?
You may need an ACRO certificate if:
- You’re applying for a visa to countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
- You’re working or volunteering abroad.
- You’re undergoing international adoption processes.
- You’re applying for permanent residency or citizenship abroad.
When Should You Apply for an ACRO Certificate?
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your deadline. While standard service takes up to 10 working days, delays are possible during busy periods. If time is critical, you can opt for the express service, though it costs more.
How Do I Get an ACRO Certificate?
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply online via the official ACRO Police Certificates Portal.
- Upload supporting documents: passport scan, proof of address, and any required counter-signatory forms.
- Choose your service level:
- Standard (20 working days) – £68
- Express (2 working days) – £121
- Pay online via debit or credit card.
- Wait for your certificate to arrive by post or request courier delivery for faster receipt.
You can also apply by post, but online is quicker and more secure.
What Documents Do You Need for an ACRO Application?
To apply for a Police Certificate, you will need to complete an online application form. To complete this form, you will need to provide the applicant’s personal information and the following:
- A recent passport-style photograph of the applicant.
- Colour copies of the applicant’s passport or travel document.
- A valid email address
- The applicant’s address history for the last 10 years
- Details of the applicant’s impending prosecutions and past convictions
- A valid debit or credit card to make payment
- If you are applying on behalf of another person, you will also be required to provide some additional information.
Where is ACRO Based and Where to Send Documents?
For general post:
ACRO
PO Box 481
Fareham
Hampshire
PO14 9FS
United Kingdom
For Subject Access Request post:
ACRO (SAR)
PO Box 623
Fareham
Hampshire
PO14 9FS
United Kingdom
More info: ACRO Police Certificates Contact Page
Does an ACRO Certificate Need Legalisation or Apostille?
If you’re using your ACRO certificate in a country that’s a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it likely needs to be legalised with an Apostille. This proves the document is genuine and accepted abroad.
You can order an Apostille quickly with Ace Apostille – just order your apostille certificate here:
👉 Order ACRO Apostille Online
What Happens After You Receive Your Certificate?
- Check your certificate carefully for any errors.
- If required, legalise it with an Apostille.
- Submit to the embassy, visa office, or foreign employer within its validity period (usually 3–6 months).
Need help with legalisation? Read our Apostille Guide
Common Questions About ACRO Police Certificates
What is ACRO Certificate?
An ACRO Certificate is a formal police document showing your criminal record history (if any) in the UK. It’s used for visa, immigration, and security clearance.
How much does a ACRO Certificate cost?
- Standard applications: £68 – up to 20 working days to process
- Premium applications: £121 – up to two working days to process
How do I get an acro certificate?
You can apply online through the ACRO Police Certificates website. Upload your documents, pay the fee, and receive your certificate by post.
What is the difference between DBS and acro?
A DBS check is for UK-based employment and volunteering. An ACRO certificate is used for international purposes like immigration and visa applications.
What does acro stand for?
ACRO stands for Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office. It is now a standalone UK law enforcement organisation managing international criminal records.
Does ACRO need Apostille?
Yes, if you’re presenting it in a country that requires legalised UK documents, it needs an Apostille. You can order one online at Ace Apostille.
Do I need ACRO to move to Spain?
Yes, most Spanish visa or residency applications require a criminal record check like an ACRO Police Certificate, often with an Apostille.
Ready to Legalise Your ACRO Certificate?
Get your ACRO Apostille in as little as 1–2 working days.
👉 Order Your Apostille Online Today
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is primarily used within the UK for employment purposes, especially roles involving children or vulnerable adults, showing convictions, cautions, and warnings from police records. In contrast, an ACRO Police Certificate is used internationally to prove your criminal history or clearance for immigration, visa applications, or employment overseas.
An ACRO certificate, also known as an ACRO Police Certificate, is an official document issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office, detailing an individual’s criminal record history in the UK. It is commonly required for visa applications, employment abroad, or immigration processes to prove whether you have any previous convictions.
ACRO stands for “ACRO Criminal Records Office,” a UK policing organisation responsible for managing criminal record information and issuing police certificates for international use.
You can obtain an ACRO certificate by applying directly through the ACRO Criminal Records Office website. The application can be completed online or by post, requiring proof of identity, a completed form, and payment of the relevant fee. Processing typically takes about 20 working days for standard service and 2 days for the express service.
Acro Certificate processing times:
- Express: 2 Days
- Standard: 20 Days
An ACRO Police Certificate generally shows convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on UK police records. However, it does not usually show arrests that did not result in any formal police action, charge, or conviction.
