An ACRO police check is an official UK police certificate used by foreign embassies and immigration authorities to confirm your criminal record status. It is commonly required for visas, overseas employment, residency applications, or citizenship abroad. This guide explains who needs an ACRO police check, how it differs from other UK record checks, how to apply, and when an apostille may be required for international acceptance.

What is an ACRO police check?

An ACRO police check is an international police certificate issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office. It confirms whether you have convictions, cautions, warnings, or no trace of criminal record on the UK Police National Computer.

Foreign embassies often request this certificate when someone has lived in the UK for an extended period and is applying for:

• Immigration or residency visas
• Overseas employment
• Citizenship or naturalisation abroad
• Marriage or family visas
• Long‑term study visas

Unlike employment background checks, the ACRO certificate is designed specifically for international authorities that require official confirmation of UK criminal history.

For official guidance about police certificates, visit the ACRO Criminal Records Office website: https://www.acro.police.uk.

Who needs an ACRO police check?

Many people only discover they need an ACRO police check late in the visa process. Applying early can prevent delays.

You may need one if you are:

• Applying for a visa to live or work abroad
• Emigrating to countries such as Australia, Canada, or the USA
• Marrying overseas
• Applying for citizenship in another country
• Submitting background checks for international employment

Embassies usually request this certificate if you have lived in the UK for more than six months after the age of 16.

ACRO police check vs DBS check vs Subject Access Request

People often confuse these documents, but they serve very different purposes.

ACRO police check:

• Issued for international immigration and visa applications
• Accepted by embassies and foreign authorities
• Lists convictions, cautions, and other relevant police information

DBS check:

• Used for UK employment screening
• Required for roles working with children or vulnerable people
• Not accepted by most foreign authorities

Subject Access Request (SAR):

• Personal request to view police records
• Provided for individual review rather than official immigration purposes

If an embassy specifically asks for a “UK police certificate”, they almost always mean an ACRO police check.

How to apply for an ACRO police check

You can order your ACRO online through the ACRO Criminal Records Office: https://www.acro.police.uk.

Online application (fastest option):

Most applicants choose the online system because it is quicker and easier.

Steps include:

1. Create an account on the ACRO application portal
2. Enter your personal details and full 10‑year UK address history
3. Upload identification documents
4. Pay the application fee
5. Submit your application

Typical documents required include:

• Passport copy
• Passport‑style photograph
• Proof of address
• Complete address history for the past 10 years

A detailed guide is available here: How to Get an ACRO Police Certificate in the UK

How much does an ACRO cost?

Standard vs premium ACRO processing times

ACRO offers two main processing speeds.

Standard service

• Usually processed within around 10–20 days
• Lower application fee

Premium service

• Processed within approximately 1–5 working days
• Higher application fee

Premium processing is recommended if you have a fixed visa appointment or travel deadline.

When does an ACRO police check need an apostille?

Many countries require your police certificate to be legalised before it can be accepted abroad.

An apostille confirms the authenticity of the document and is issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept this certificate once the apostille has been attached.

If your ACRO certificate needs to be legalised quickly, you can order an apostille service here: Order UK Apostille

How the ACRO certificate apostille process works

The apostille process is straightforward when handled correctly.

Typical steps include:

1. Obtain the original ACRO police certificate
2. Submit the document to the FCDO for legalisation
3. The FCDO verifies the document and attaches the apostille certificate
4. The document is returned by secure courier

Many applicants use professional apostille providers to manage this process and avoid mistakes.
If you are unsure about the process, it is recommended to use a trusted Hague Apostille provider like Ace Apostille.

Pro-Tip:

When ordering, under “Delivery Option”, use our Delivery Address: Ace Apostille, 60 St. Martin’s Lane, London, United Kingdom, WC2N 4JS

You can get your certificate delivered straight to Ace Apostille – saving you time and speeding up your Apostille process.

Common mistakes that delay ACRO police check applications

Many applications are delayed because of small errors.

Common problems include:

• Missing address history
• Name differences between documents
• Blurred passport scans
• Incorrect photograph format

To avoid delays:

• Double‑check spelling of names
• Include previous names if applicable
• Provide a complete 10‑year address history
• Upload clear colour scans

How long does the full ACRO and apostille process take?

Processing time depends on the service speed chosen.

Typical timelines include:

• Standard ACRO plus apostille: around 10–20 days
• Premium ACRO plus expedited apostille: around 2–5 days

Courier delivery time should also be considered when planning visa or residency deadlines.

Final checklist before applying

Before submitting your ACRO police check application, make sure you have:

• Passport copy
• Passport photo
• Proof of address
• Full 10‑year UK address history
• Correct personal details
• Check if you require an Apostille for your ACRO.

Preparing these documents in advance helps prevent delays.

Ready to get your documents legalised?

If your ACRO police certificate needs to be used overseas, it may require an apostille before foreign authorities will accept it.

Ace Apostille provides fast apostille services with document checks, priority FCDO processing, and secure courier return.

Order your apostille here: Order UK Apostille