Police certificatesLast checked October 20, 2026
Police certificate for United Kingdom
Police CertificateOnlineOfficial page(opens in a new tab)
- Issued by
- ACRO Criminal Records Office (UK national police unit)
- How to apply
- Complete ACRO's online application form (account recommended), uploading a passport-style photo, colour passport copies and 10-year address history, and pay by debit or credit card.
- From abroad
- Apply online the same way; the fee includes standard international post, and international courier delivery is available for £48.
- Fee
- £70One copy, includes standard post. Extra copies £7.75 each when ordered with the application, or £15 each within six months after.
- Processing time
- Up to 20 working days, excluding postal time
- Notes
- For emigration, visas, residency or citizenship abroad; cannot be used as a 'certificate of good character'. ACRO sets no validity period. No apostille service; apostille via the FCDO legalisation service. Applicants unable to apply online should contact ACRO Customer Services.
Not confirmed
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Check the official page.
- Page is for England, Wales and Northern Ireland records via the PNC; whether Scotland residents use a separate route was not confirmed.
Official sources
These details come from the official pages below, checked on the date above.
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General information from official government sources, not legal advice. Rules and fees change: check the official page before you apply.
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