Step-by-step guide, prices, processing times, requirements, and expert help. May I ask, what do you need an apostilled ACRO certificate for in North America? Is it for USCIS, NVC/US Embassy, or for a third country? A full list of documents the FCDO can legalise, stamp or attach an apostille to. -Received in a UK address on March 15th. Verify an Apostille Use this service if you want to verify either a paper or electronic Apostille certificate issued in the UK. This certificate is often requested by foreign governments, immigration authorities, and employers to verify that an applicant has no criminal background. Legalisation involves affixing the apostille to the document, serving as confirmation that the signature, stamp, or seal is genuine. An ACRO can be requested online – some ID and other documentation must be uploaded as part of the process. We can handle the notarising of your ACRO if it requires one. Legalisation serves as official confirmation that the signature, stamp, or seal on the document is authentic. For most countries this means obtaining an ACRO apostille. This is essential for legal recognition abroad and may be required for: May 1, 2023 · In the UK there are two background checks that are most frequently used. UK, overseas delivery. Apr 21, 2024 · @vianina Yes, I needed an Apostille with certified translations of both the ACRO and the Apostille when I applied in May 2019. Mar 7, 2019 · When using an ACRO for legalisation purposes to apply for your visa, the original document is required to be stamped. View our full list of official documents. Price includes government fee and vat. For UK Criminal Records submit ACRO Oct 12, 2024 · The Italian translation must be certified by the Italian Consulate/Embassy in the country where the certificate was issued OR legalised with Apostille. Absolute Czech Translations delivers certified translations of the Police Certificate for Immigration Purposes issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office with an Apostille. What is the difference between an ACRO and a DBS? Order apostille certificates for your documents. Additionally, the applicant will submit a responsible declaration onfirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years. Apostille Service. Jul 16, 2025 · Apostille Service for NPCC, ACRO and ACPO Certificates Updated 16 July 2025 Why Police Certificates Need an Apostille If you hold a UK background check document, whether it is labelled NPCC, ACRO, or ACPO, and you plan to use it abroad, most foreign authorities will require a Hague apostille to confirm the document’s authenticity. You will need an apostille if official/authority in another country has asked you to provide UK . A leader in the field of criminal records and biometric information, we provide a range of services that deliver operational benefits to law enforcement and public protection teams, help bring offenders to justice and meet the legitimate information ACRO Police Certificate ACRO Police Certificate Apostille Service We assist with the legalisation of ACRO police certificates by way of the Hague apostille at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the FCDO. Discover which UK documents can be legalised or apostilled without solicitor or notary certification. Email (hello@apostillelondon. This confirms the authenticity of the signatures and seals on the documents. -Confirmed my certificate will be dispatched on March 13th. Check if you can get an e-apostille or you need a paper apostille. The apostille is considered sufficient for countries that are signatory members of The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. An "Apostille" or "Hague Apostille" is an official certificate provided by the UK FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) which confirms that a signature, stamp or seal is from a UK public official or that a document is from a UK public body. An ACRO Certificate is issued by the Police to confirm the information currently held about you regarding your criminal record. May 2, 2025 · What is an Acro Certificate Apostille? The ACRO Criminal Records Office issues the Acro Police Certificate, which details an individual’s criminal history—or confirms the absence of one. An ACRO Police Certificate apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature on a UK ACRO certificate. ACRO Apostille form £79. A criminal record certificate from Great Britain is required for long-term visas, immigration, residence permits, employment, etc. While we do our best to expedite, wait times have increased to about 6-8 weeks, depending on the document type. Use the online service to get a UK document legalised. This is essential for legal recognition abroad and may be required for: ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) is a national police unit working for safer communities. We generally legalise and translate medical checks and ACRO police checks for the purpose of applying for a Spanish visa. These are: ACRO Police Certificate Mar 24, 2025 · An ACRO certificate Apostille involves attaching a special certificate to your police record to confirm its legitimacy. This certifies the document for international use. -Application sent to ACRO on Feb 20th. To order now, click 'Add to Basket ' and then Legalising and translating standard documents into Spanish to meet the consular requirements. One of the public documents that you can ask to legalise in the UK is a ACRO I'm in the middle of trying to get an ACRO certificate with apostille for immigration purposes. We include solicitor certification for most documents to save you money and time visiting legal firms. An Apostille stamp is a certificate issued by a country, party to the UN Hague Convention. Apostille Certificate Only Apostille certificate for all 'standard' documents that do not require solicitor certification. Documents can be legalised if they are required to be recognised by an international foreign body. Over 25 years legalising your documents with the FCDO. Can I get my certificate apostilled through ACRO? Can I get my certificate translated through ACRO? I think the information on my certificate is incorrect. The first step of ACRO-CRB-Police-Check documents legalisation is an apostille certification from the UK FCO. All types of criminal record checks and CRB processed. A leader in the field of criminal records and biometric information, we provide a range of services that deliver operational benefits to law enforcement and public protection teams, help bring offenders to justice and meet the legitimate information ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) is a national police unit working for safer communities. We need to receive the original ACRO police certificate in order to get an apostille. To get an apostille on police certificate, simply order the apostille service online and post the document to us. As the e-Apostille is relatively new, officials in foreign countries may not accept the electronic version and may require the traditional paper-based Apostille. Legalisation may involve an apostille by the FCDO, and/or attestation at an Embassy. Description Time Frames – ACRO Police Certificate Documents procured from the UK (United Kingdom) with apostille are taking a bit longer than normal due to the ongoing aftermath of the global pandemic crisis. federal government in one of these countries. This certificate should be issued within six months prior to submitting the application, unless the certificate itself specifies a different expiration date. ACRO do not offer an apostille service. A trusted one-stop shop for apostille certificates, certification, notarisation and translation services. The ACRO May 1, 2023 · In the UK there are two background checks that are most frequently used. Mar 28, 2023 · Navigating the non lucrative Spain visa process? Learn about the ACRO certificate translation, and apostilling essentials with insights from seasoned expats. For some documents, the first step is to certify your original documents by a UK FCDO-registered solicitor or notary public. May 9, 2022 · If you need to use your ACRO in a non-Hague Convention country, you will need additional consular services. You might also need to get this certificate formally legalised by an apostille before presenting it overseas. Oct 24, 2023 · At Vanner Perez Notaries, we regularly assist clients with the notarisation and legalisation (apostille) of criminal record checks issued in the UK that need to be presented to the authorities of other countries. Most orders are completed in just 1 to 2 days. birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates, or any other document from the General Register Office ACRO police certificates for England and Wales If you need to prove your UK criminal record status, you’ll likely need an ACRO Police Certificate. The Apostille must attest to the ACRO Officer’s signature. Trusted UK service, FCDO legalisation, and solicitor certification if required. Legalising your documents with FCDO apostille in just 2 days. Learn when UK ACRO Police Certificates require notarization and apostille, and how Legitify makes the process online, secure, and internationally recognized. Order now at the UK’s trusted apostille specialists. Average turnaround time 2 days. Feb 1, 2023 · This page lists businesses that can provide a next-day service to legalise a document. Understanding the different price plans available helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth and cost-effective apostille process. Get your documents legalised for a Spanish Visa. Includes Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, No Impediments, Court Documents, NPCC, ICPC and ACRO Background Checks, Government documents and Solicitor or Notary Certifications. To be recognised overseas, an ACRO Police Certificate requires legalisation. Electronic apostilles on a range of digital documents. Sep 2, 2022 · The UK Legalisation Office will now be able to receive documents digitally and will issue electronic ‘e-Apostille’ certificates. New E-digital ACRO Apostille legalisation services. This is because we cannot photocopy these documents, and the FCDO will not e-apostille them. Now I have to wait for the apostille as I needed for work. DISCOUNTED fee for customers with three or more documents. Russian certified translation of documents in the UK. Proof of family relationship: For visas like family reunification, birth or marriage certificates may need legalisation. The International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) is designed just for these sorts of individuals, either UK nationals or former UK residents, who intend to work with children abroad. Police background checks legalised for use outside of the UK. -Payment link received on Feb 22nd. In this guide, we’ll explain how to get an apostille for ACRO Police Certificates, DBS checks, and similar documents so you can meet the requirements of your destination country with confidence. Get your documents legalised today. If you have an ACRO certificate and also require legalisation, we don’t need to notarise your document. Jun 12, 2025 · ACRO Certificate is the only UK Criminal Records certificate accepted by the Spanish authorities visa application. We can also facilitate any legalisation your ACRO might need and give you free advice on what is the best way to be able to use your ACRO. Medical certificate signed and stamped by a registered doctor. The disclosure Scotland certificate is not accepted. Otherwise the best bet is to courier your ACRO certificate to FCDO, expect some 10+ days (on top of delivery times). BRITISH CRIMINAL CERTIFICATE (“Police certificate for immigration purposes”) can be obtained by making a request to acro. This enables foreign authorities to trust that the document is genuine and issued by a recognised UK agency. Discover our top-notch and efficient notarisation, apostille, legalisation & translation services for ACRO Police Certificates in the UK. Police records certificate UK. International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC Certificate) # Fast apostille service for all UK documents. Fast apostille certificates for UK documents. From £87. Feb 15, 2025 · Submit the ACRO Police Certificate to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for an apostille stamp. The Apostille stamp can be issued in two methods: one is a paper-based certificate and the other is an electronic version called an e-Apostille, which was introduced in late 2022. ACRO Police Certificates show an applicant’s criminal history in the UK. uk website for legalising documents (opens in new window) to obtain details about how to apostille your certificate. Fast apostille service. Full article on how to get an apostille for an apostille for for a UK ACRO Police Certificate. What is the difference between an ACRO and a DBS? Need UK apostille quickly? Get FCDO-recognised apostille certificates online in 1-2 days. There are two main official types of criminal record checks available to order in England and Wales. Learn how to apply for an ACRO Police Certificate, who needs it, costs, processing times, and whether you need an Apostille for international use. Quick apostille service. But did you know your ACRO certificate may also need an Apostille for use abroad? Here’s everything you need to know, plus a simple step-by-step guide to ordering your ACRO and getting it legalised with Ace Apostille. The legalisation process in the UK involves affixing an apostille (certificate) to a public document. The apostille itself can only be placed on an original ACRO Certificate, it is impossible to apostille a copy - even if it has been certified by a solicitor. Apr 6, 2025 · A Police Certificate from the ACRO Criminal Records Office is one of the most crucial documents required for this international movement. Dec 23, 2025 · What is Legalisation by Apostille? - UK OFFICIAL RECORDS provides Government Issued and Certified Copies of Apostille Birth Certificates, Apostille Death Certificate, Apostille Marriage Certificate. Ideal for Non-Lucrative Visa applications. An ACRO can be requested online – you must apply for this yourself and upload a series of documents and an ID as part of the process. ACRO certificates are often required for immigration or visa applications, or when an embassy or consulate requests one. How can I do this? I need some further guidance on how to complete my application form. Legalising all documents with apostilles as a UK recognised apostille service. policecertificates@acro. Only the ACRO police certificate is valid for visa purposes. An ACRO certificate apostille is an official certificate confirming the authenticity of your UK police certificate for use abroad. Apr 4, 2025 · We will explore the importance of an ACRO certificate apostille and the price plans available for this essential service. The only issuing authority/government office is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which authenticates the origin of a UK document for use in another country. ACRO certificate UKWe can apply for an ACRO certificate on the absence of a criminal record in the UK. May 6, 2025 · Obtaining an ACRO certificate apostille is a crucial step for many individuals aiming to use UK-issued documents internationally. We have Full Range of certificates. 9. To apply, you’ll need: the documents you want to legalise a credit or debit card to pay the fees Apostille Certificate Service for ACRO Police Certificate - UK OFFICIAL RECORDS provides advice on legalising your ACRO Police Certificate as described by the Hague Convention. Oct 15, 2025 · How to apply for an ACRO Police check for your Spanish visa. May 20, 2021 · When using an ACRO for legalisation purposes to apply for your visa, you will be required to provide the original document for legalisation. GoSpain - information and advice for people moving to or living in Spain, NLV, TIE, translations, apostille, including guidance on residency, healthcare, insurance, visas, and buying property in Spain. May 20, 2021 · Providing the apostille for UK residents applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain. For language assistance ACRO International Child Protection Certificate must be provided. Dec 1, 2025 · An apostille confirms that a UK-issued document is genuine and valid for international use. (Birth, death, marriage, ACRO certificates and other documents don’t need to be certified). com) or call us at 0207 0500 692 Jun 12, 2025 · ACRO Certificate is the only UK Criminal Records certificate accepted by the Spanish authorities visa application. S. Dec 1, 2025 · How to Get an Apostille for UK Police Certificates – A brief guide to legalising ACRO and DBS documents for overseas use. Apostille Certificate Only- DISCOUNTED Apostille certificate for all 'standard' documents that do not require solicitor certification. Apostille criminal record check. pnn. Nov 10, 2025 · Learn how to apostille documents in the UK in 2025: costs, steps, who can certify, Foreign & Commonwealth Office apostille, notary differences and more. What should I do? I wish to raise a concern. You may need to apostille an ACRO Police Certificate when submitting it to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apr 27, 2025 · An ACRO certificate apostille is essential for anyone planning to move, work, or study internationally. Mar 3, 2023 · Learn "what is an apostille" and how it legalizes documents for international use, with Spainguru ensuring a smooth, error-free apostille process. International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC Certificate) # Apostille and embassy certification to authenticate UK police and background checks, including ACRO certificates, DBS and Disclosure Scotland certificates, and AccessNI criminal record checks. We do not offer e-notarisation services for police certificates. Whether you are relocating abroad, seeking employment overseas, or pursuing international studies, understanding the apostille process and its associated price plans is essential for smooth transitions and avoiding potential bureaucratic hurdles. You may need to get an apostille certificate if you are using a document issued by the U. My application was made at the local (Tábua) Conservatória, who asked for the ACRO after checking the rest of my application. uk. Legalising all police letters with the apostille certificate. police. Sep 15, 2025 · For UK Criminal Records submit ACRO Certificate. The APOSTILLE, issued under the HAGUE Convention, certifies that the document is genuine. Where can I get this? I am unable to make an application Legalisation may involve an apostille by the FCDO, and/or attestation at an Embassy. Oct 12, 2024 · The Italian translation must be certified by the Italian Consulate/Embassy in the country where the certificate was issued OR legalised with Apostille. Criminal record certificates (ACRO) Company and business certificates If your document has been issued in the UK and legalised with an apostille, we translate both the certificate and the apostille in full, ensuring that all official details are accurately represented. The ACRO and DBS certificates. ACRO Apostille, also known as Police Certificate of Criminal Records, confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal or stamp of the UK document. They were amazed when I presented these extra documents just one week later. Common documents for Spanish Visa applications, that require apostille and sworn translations: ACRO certificate Medical certificate of a British Doctor (Unless you obtain it directly from a Spanish Doctor) Marriage certificate The apostilles need to be done first, then the documents need to be translated by a Spanish sworn translator. Apply for legalisation Apply online for a paper-based apostille or an e-Apostille. Purchase our top-rated UK service for apostille and legalisation of ACRO Police Certificates. Fast, reliable document legalisation in the UK with The Apostilles Group. Dec 13, 2024 · Preparing your Document for an Apostille Certificate An apostille certificate is for documents you use in countries that are in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. Certificate of criminal record (ACRO police certificate): confirms your criminal record history and is often mandatory for many visa types . Sep 8, 2025 · A UK police certificate or ACRO criminal record check is only recognised abroad once it has been authenticated. Includes Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, No Impediments, Court Documents, ACRO Background Checks, Government documents and Solicitor or Notary May 30, 2025 · Expert guide with the key differences between Apostille Legalisation and Consular Legalisation - 2025 Complete Guide for 172+ Countries Dec 23, 2025 · What is Legalisation by Apostille? - UK OFFICIAL RECORDS provides Government Issued and Certified Copies of Apostille Birth Certificates, Apostille Death Certificate, Apostille Marriage Certificate. I have a hard copy of the ACRO police certificate and now I'm trying to understand the UK Gov apostille service. Legalise NPCC, ACRO and ACPO certificates. The Apostille Certificate is normally requested by kuwaiti authorities and organisations so that the ACRO Police Certificate can be used for official purposes in Kuwait. This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, unless the certificate itself specifies longer validity. How to get an apostille for your criminal record check. NI by his/her country or countries of residence for the past 2 years. Apostille your ACRO police certificate with next-day processing. This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, has to hold Hague Apostille and be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator Jul 16, 2016 · Issue the apostille on NPCC, ACPO and ACRO certificates. Please see the gov. An Apostille (also known as Hague Apostille or Apostille of the Hague ) is an official certificate issued in the United Kingdom by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) certifying/attesting public documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention 1961.