Legalising Your ACRO Police Certificate
Everything you need to know before submitting your application abroad
An ACRO Police Certificate - officially known as a Certificate of Good Conduct - is widely requested by foreign authorities, employers, and visa offices as proof of your criminal record status in the UK. If you need to have this document legalised for use abroad, there is one essential rule you must know before you begin.
Legalisation of an ACRO Police Certificate is only accepted on the original document. Photocopies and certified copies are not eligible and will be rejected.
Why must it be the original?
The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) can only apostille an ACRO certificate by authenticating the original official signatures and seals present on the document. Unlike some other documents, ACRO certificates cannot be certified by a solicitor or Notary Public in a way that qualifies them for legalisation - the original must be submitted directly.
Lost or Damaged your certificate?
If your original ACRO certificate has been lost, damaged, or is no longer in a suitable condition for submission, you will need to order a replacement directly from ACRO. This can be done through the official ACRO Criminal Records Office website.
It is important not to attempt to use a photocopy or a scan of your original, even if it appears clear and complete - these will not be accepted for legalisation purposes.
Replacement processing times
When ordering a replacement from ACRO, there are two service options available depending on how urgently you need the document:
Standard Service - approximately 20 working days The most cost-effective option if your legalisation is not time-sensitive.
Premium Service - approximately 2 working days For those with urgent deadlines - such as an imminent visa appointment or relocation - ACRO offers a fast-track service at an additional cost, allowing you to proceed with legalisation much sooner.
The process at a glance
- Obtain your original ACRO Police Certificate - Apply via the ACRO Criminal Records Office website if you do not already have one. Choose standard or premium service based on your timeline.
- Check the condition of your document - Ensure the certificate is undamaged and clearly legible. If it has been folded, torn, or is otherwise compromised, order a replacement before proceeding.
- Submit the original for apostille - Send the original certificate to the FCDO for legalisation. The FCDO will authenticate the official markings and attach an apostille.
- Embassy attestation (if required) - If the destination country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, you may need the additional step of embassy or consulate attestation.
Getting this right from the start saves time, money, and stress. If you are unsure whether your certificate is suitable for legalisation, or if you need help managing the process, our team is here to help.
Get in touch with us today on +44 (0) 204 646 9300