If you’re planning to work, study, or live abroad, you may be asked to provide proof of your criminal record status from the UK — usually in the form of an ACRO Police Certificate or a DBS certificate. However, many foreign authorities will not accept these documents unless they have been officially legalised. That’s where an apostille comes in.
An apostille confirms that a UK-issued document is genuine and valid for international use. 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.
What Is an Apostille and Why Is It Needed?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It verifies:
The authenticity of the signature
The capacity of the signatory
The official seal or stamp on the document
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention require an apostille for many official documents, including police certificates, before they can be recognised abroad.
If you’re applying for a visa, residency permit, overseas employment, or professional licence, you will likely need your ACRO Police Certificate or DBS certificate apostilled.
Which Police Documents Can Be Apostilled?
The FCDO accepts the following UK police-issued documents:
ACRO Police Certificates (most common for visas and immigration)
DBS Certificates (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced)
Subject Access Reports
ARCO (criminal records) disclosures
These documents must be original and issued by the correct authority.
How to Get an Apostille for ACRO or DBS Certificates
The process is simple, but it must be done correctly to avoid delays.
1. Obtain Your Original Certificate
Before applying for an apostille, you must have your ACRO or DBS certificate in hand. Scans or photocopies are not accepted.
2. Submit the Document to the FCDO for Legalisation
You can apply for an apostille:
Directly through the FCDO, or
Through a registered apostille agent such as ApostilleOnline.org, which handles the full process on your behalf.
An agent is generally faster and avoids common errors that cause rejections.
3. Choose the Service Type
You can pick:
Standard Service – usually takes around 1–2 weeks
Express Same-Day or Next-Day Service – available through agents for urgent cases
4. Receive Your Apostilled Document
The apostilled certificate will be returned to you by post or courier. It is now legally recognised internationally.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times depend on the method:
Direct FCDO: 10 working days (standard)
Agents: 1–5 working days depending on service level
For most visa applications, it’s best to start early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting photocopies instead of originals
Applying with expired police certificates (many countries require certificates issued within 3–6 months)
Using unregistered couriers or unreliable postal methods
Not checking the specific apostille requirements of the destination country
Using a professional service helps avoid these issues.
FAQs
Can DBS certificates be apostilled?
Yes — Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS certificates can all receive an apostille.
Do I need an apostille for ACRO Police Certificates for all countries?
No. Only countries under the Hague Apostille Convention require it. Others may require embassy legalisation instead.
Can I apostille a digital copy?
No. Only original ACRO or DBS certificates can be apostilled.
How long is an apostille valid?
Apostilles don’t expire, but police certificates usually do — check your destination country’s rules.
How to Get an Apostille for UK Police Certificates (ACRO/DBS)
If you’re planning to work, study, or live abroad, you may be asked to provide proof of your criminal record status from the UK — usually in the form of an ACRO Police Certificate or a DBS certificate. However, many foreign authorities will not accept these documents unless they have been officially legalised. That’s where an apostille comes in.
An apostille confirms that a UK-issued document is genuine and valid for international use. 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.
What Is an Apostille and Why Is It Needed?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It verifies:
The authenticity of the signature
The capacity of the signatory
The official seal or stamp on the document
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention require an apostille for many official documents, including police certificates, before they can be recognised abroad.
If you’re applying for a visa, residency permit, overseas employment, or professional licence, you will likely need your ACRO Police Certificate or DBS certificate apostilled.
Which Police Documents Can Be Apostilled?
The FCDO accepts the following UK police-issued documents:
ACRO Police Certificates (most common for visas and immigration)
DBS Certificates (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced)
Subject Access Reports
ARCO (criminal records) disclosures
These documents must be original and issued by the correct authority.
How to Get an Apostille for ACRO or DBS Certificates
The process is simple, but it must be done correctly to avoid delays.
1. Obtain Your Original Certificate
Before applying for an apostille, you must have your ACRO or DBS certificate in hand. Scans or photocopies are not accepted.
2. Submit the Document to the FCDO for Legalisation
You can apply for an apostille:
Directly through the FCDO, or
Through a registered apostille agent such as ApostilleOnline.org, which handles the full process on your behalf.
An agent is generally faster and avoids common errors that cause rejections.
3. Choose the Service Type
You can pick:
Standard Service – usually takes around 1–2 weeks
Express Same-Day or Next-Day Service – available through agents for urgent cases
4. Receive Your Apostilled Document
The apostilled certificate will be returned to you by post or courier. It is now legally recognised internationally.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times depend on the method:
Direct FCDO: 10 working days (standard)
Agents: 1–5 working days depending on service level
For most visa applications, it’s best to start early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting photocopies instead of originals
Applying with expired police certificates (many countries require certificates issued within 3–6 months)
Using unregistered couriers or unreliable postal methods
Not checking the specific apostille requirements of the destination country
Using a professional service helps avoid these issues.
FAQs
Can DBS certificates be apostilled?
Yes — Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS certificates can all receive an apostille.
Do I need an apostille for ACRO Police Certificates for all countries?
No. Only countries under the Hague Apostille Convention require it. Others may require embassy legalisation instead.
Can I apostille a digital copy?
No. Only original ACRO or DBS certificates can be apostilled.
How long is an apostille valid?
Apostilles don’t expire, but police certificates usually do — check your destination country’s rules.
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