Acro apostille online
We arrange the apostille for your ACRO criminal record certificate entirely online — you send us a scan or the original by courier, we handle submission to the issuing authority and return the stamped document ready for use abroad. The result is an ACRO certificate with an apostille that is accepted in any Hague Convention country, without trips to offices or queues. To get a personal quote on cost and turnaround, order the service here.
What the service includes
When you request an acro apostille online through our team, we take care of the full cycle:
- Checking your ACRO certificate for eligibility before anything is submitted.
- Preparing and filing the application with the competent authority that issues apostilles for UK documents — the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- Tracking the status of your application and resolving any queries from the authority.
- Returning the apostilled original to you by secure courier, anywhere in the world.
- Advising on whether a certified translation of the apostilled certificate is needed for your destination country.
What documents you need to provide
The list is short:
- Your ACRO Criminal Record Certificate (a scan to start; the original will be required for the apostille itself).
- A copy of your passport or ID.
- The name of the country where you plan to submit the document — this determines whether an apostille alone is sufficient or further steps are needed.
If your certificate has expired or contains errors, tell us at the start. We will explain how to order a new one from ACRO so you do not lose time.
How the process works
Step 1 — Request. You contact us through the website and describe your situation: which country requires the document and any deadline you are working towards.
Step 2 — Quote. We confirm the exact cost and timeline. These depend on the current processing times of the issuing authority, whether you send a scan or the original, and the delivery method for returning the document.
Step 3 — Submission. You send us the original certificate by courier (or hand it over if you are nearby). We file it with the FCDO for the apostille.
Step 4 — Delivery. Once the apostille is affixed, we dispatch the finished document back to you with tracking.
When this service will NOT work
An apostille is not always the right tool. Be aware of these cases:
- The destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. There, an apostille has no legal effect — you need full consular legalisation instead. Tell us the country and we will outline the correct route.
- You need a police certificate from a country other than the UK. An ACRO certificate is issued by the UK’s ACRO Criminal Records Office. If your document comes from another jurisdiction, the apostille must be obtained in that country. See our guide on apostilles for criminal record certificates for other scenarios.
- The receiving organisation asked for an “FBI background check” or another specific national document. Substituting an ACRO certificate usually does not satisfy such requirements — check with the requesting party first.
- Your certificate is damaged or partially illegible. Authorities may refuse to apostille it. In that case, request a replacement from ACRO first, then come back to us.
Not sure which case applies to you? Send us the requirement letter from the receiving institution and we will tell you straight away whether an apostille is enough.
FAQ
Can I get an ACRO apostille fully online without visiting an office?
Yes. The initial check, quoting and submission can all be arranged remotely. The only physical element is the original certificate itself, which must reach the apostille authority — most clients send it by courier.
How much does an acro apostille online cost?
There is no single fixed price we can state here, because the total depends on government fees at the time of submission, the return delivery option you choose, and whether additional services such as translation are required. Contact us and you will receive an exact figure before committing to anything.
How long does it take?
Turnaround depends primarily on the processing time of the FCDO at the moment of your application, plus courier transit both ways. We give you a realistic estimate up front based on current conditions, not optimistic guesses.
Do I need a translation of the apostilled ACRO certificate?
The apostille procedure itself does not require a translation. Whether the receiving authority wants one depends on the destination country and the purpose — immigration bodies often do. We can arrange a certified translation after the apostille is issued.
Can you apostille an electronic (PDF) ACRO certificate?
ACRO issues certificates in digital form as well as paper. Electronic documents with a qualified digital signature can in many cases be apostilled digitally, but acceptance varies by destination country. Send us your PDF and we will confirm the available options.
What if my ACRO certificate has already expired?
Receiving authorities usually treat police certificates as valid only for a limited period, which varies by country and purpose. If yours is older than what your requesting institution accepts, order a fresh one from ACRO first — we can then handle the apostille immediately once it arrives.
Order your ACRO apostille today
If you already have your ACRO certificate and know where it needs to be used, you are one step away from done. Request the apostille service now — send us your details, receive an exact quote on price and timeline, and let us handle the paperwork while you prepare for what comes next. For related reading, see our articles on legalising documents for use abroad and choosing between apostille and consular legalisation.