ACRO Certificate Apostille: What It Is and How Price Plans Work

When working, studying, or living abroad, presenting official documents is often a legal requirement. For UK citizens, an ACRO Police Certificate is commonly requested to confirm an individual’s criminal record status. However, for the certificate to be accepted overseas, especially in countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention, it must first be legalised. This is done through an ACRO certificate apostille.

We will explore the importance of an ACRO certificate apostille and the price plans available for this essential service.

What is an ACRO Certificate?

The ACRO Criminal Records Office issues Police Certificates to individuals who have resided in the UK. These certificates confirm whether a person has any criminal convictions. They are widely used in visa applications, immigration processes, and employment screening abroad.

Although the ACRO certificate is an official UK document, many international authorities require it to be apostilled before it is deemed valid. This step confirms the certificate’s authenticity and ensures it will be accepted in other countries.

What Does Apostille Mean?

An apostille is a globally recognized certificate that verifies the origin of a public document. Introduced under the 1961 Hague Convention, the apostille ensures that public documents issued in one member country can be legally recognised in another without further certification.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is responsible for issuing apostilles in the UK. When an ACRO certificate is applied for, the apostille verifies that the UK authorities have properly issued it and that it is, therefore, trustworthy abroad.

Why Do You Need an ACRO Certificate Apostille?

There are numerous situations where you may need an ACRO certificate apostille, including the following:

• Applying for a work visa in countries like Australia, New Zealand, or the UAE
  
• Emigrating to nations that require proof of a clean criminal record
  
• Undergoing background checks for overseas employment
  
• Completing international adoption processes
  
• Studying abroad or applying for residency
  

In all these cases, foreign governments require proof that your UK-issued document is genuine. An apostille fulfills this requirement.

How to Get an ACRO Certificate Apostille

The process of legalising your ACRO certificate is relatively straightforward:

1. Request Your ACRO Certificate
   First, apply for your police certificate on the official ACRO website. Standard processing typically takes up to 10 working days.
   
2. Submit for Apostille
   Once received, you must send the original certificate (not a copy) to the FCDO or an accredited apostille service provider.
   
3. Choose Your Price Plan
   Select a service based on how quickly you need the apostilled document returned.
   
4. Receive the Apostilled Document
   Your certificate will be returned with the apostille attached—ready for international use.

Apostille Service Price Plans

A variety of price plans are available to get your ACRO certificate apostilled. These differ based on processing speed and service level:

1. Standard FCDO Service

• Price: £30 per document (excluding delivery)
  
• Timeframe: Up to 10 working days
  
• Best for: Non-urgent applications

2. Express Apostille Services

• Price: £75–£100 per document
  
• Timeframe: 1–2 working days
  
• Best for: Urgent requirements or tight deadlines

3. Same-Day or Premium Services

• Price: £120–£150 or more
  
• Timeframe: Same-day processing (via agents)
  
• Best for: Immediate turnaround needs

4. Bundled or Group Discounts

• Many service providers offer reduced rates when multiple documents are submitted together.
  

Additional charges may apply for postage, tracked delivery, or courier returns, so always check whether these are included in the quoted price.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining an ACRO certificate apostille is vital for anyone needing to present UK police records abroad. Whether you are moving overseas for work, applying for a visa, or completing international legal procedures, apostilling your ACRO certificate ensures your documents meet foreign requirements.

Understanding the available price plans allows you to make informed decisions based on your urgency and budget. Whether you choose a standard FCDO submission or a fast-track premium service, ensuring your certificate is legalized correctly brings peace of mind and paves the way for a smoother global transition.