Police certificates are often needed for visas, residency and work abroad. Before you order, identify exactly which record the receiving authority asks for, because different certificates come from different bodies.
Which record do you need?
- An ACRO police certificate, for England and Wales
- A DBS certificate (basic, standard or enhanced), for England and Wales
- A disclosure certificate for Scotland or Northern Ireland, which come from different bodies
Why the exact name matters
Ask the receiving authority to name the certificate exactly. A basic DBS check and an ACRO certificate are not interchangeable, and getting the wrong one can mean starting again.
The paper route
GOV.UK says ACRO police certificates, DBS certificates for England and Wales, disclosure certificates for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and fingerprint certificates cannot be legalised electronically. They use the paper apostille route, so send us the original certificate you received.
Check how recent it must be
Many authorities only accept police certificates issued within a set number of months. Ask what the limit is before you apply for the certificate, so the apostille is added in time.
Cost
Our apostille price is £100 per document, including the FCDO fee and tracked return. Notarisation or solicitor certification, where needed, is quoted separately before you pay. See our pricing page for details.
See our pricing, how it works and FAQ. Related guides: Birth certificates, Degree certificates, China.
Sources and review
Reviewed on 30 October 2026. Requirements can change, so check current official guidance and the receiving authority’s instructions before you order.
Apostille Help is a private service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the FCDO. Document suitability and overseas acceptance need to be checked for each order.