Quick answer
- Issued by
- ACRO Criminal Records Office
- Fee
- £70
- Processing
- Up to 30 working days
- Delivery
- Paper copy by post only
On this page
What you need to apply
- A recent passport-style photo (JPG or PNG, up to 3MB).
- Colour copies of your passport or travel document (JPG or PNG, up to 3MB each).
- A valid email address and your address history for the last 10 years.
- Details of any past convictions or impending prosecutions, and a debit or credit card.
The form is 10 pages; register an ACRO account first if you want to save as you go. You can apply for your child under 18, an adult who has given permission, or someone you hold power of attorney for. People who never lived in the UK can apply if asked for a certificate and they have a British passport.
Fees and timing
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| ACRO Police Certificate | £70 |
| Additional copy of Police Certificate (ordered with the application) | £7.75 |
| International courier delivery (Police Certificate) | £48 |
| Document legalisation – standard (paper-based) apostille | £45 |
Up to 30 working days from receipt of a complete application, not counting postage. Certificates are posted only, never emailed. There is no fixed validity — the receiving authority decides. Cancelling costs a £15 admin fee.
Using the certificate in Vietnam
GOV.UK says UK police checks must be legalised before Vietnamese authorities accept them, and only in the country that issued them. ACRO does not apostille or translate. The UK Legalisation Office charges £45 per document; ACRO certificates can only get a paper apostille.