ACRO Police Certificate
Notarisation and Apostille Services for ACRO Police Certificates
Welcome to Wharf Notaries, a trusted notarial service provider in the UK. Our team of experienced notaries is dedicated to notarising, apostilling, and legalising ACRO Police Certificates. Below, you’ll find essential information about ACRO Police Certificates and our efficient process for their notarisation.
Steps to Notarise and Apostille an ACRO Police Certificate
The process for notarising and apostilling an ACRO Police Certificate varies depending on the method of issuance. The certificate can be provided in one of the following formats:
1. Original Physical Version Signed by an Official
2. Original Physical Version Without a Signature
3. Issued in Electronic Format
Why Apostille an ACRO Police Certificate?
You may need to apostille an ACRO Police Certificate when submitting it to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This is essential for legal recognition abroad and may be required for:
- Legal matters such as immigration
- Obtaining residency
- Citizenship applications
Additionally, employers, educational institutions, and visa authorities in foreign countries may request notarised certificates to verify an individual’s criminal background.
What is an ACRO Police Certificate?
An ACRO Police Certificate is typically required for individuals seeking to emigrate or apply for visas to live or work abroad. This certificate provides details of any criminal record in the UK, and in some cases, any foreign criminal history disclosed to UK authorities. It may also include information on ongoing investigations or pending prosecutions. The certificates are issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office, a national police unit that was established in 2006 to manage criminal records and biometric data.
How to Apply for an ACRO Police Certificate
To apply for a Police Certificate, follow these steps:
- Complete the application form online.
- Provide a recent, high-quality colour photograph (JPG, GIF, or TIF format, under 2MB).
- Submit colour copies of your passport or travel document.
- Include your address history for the last 10 years.
- Ensure you have a valid email address for correspondence.
- Use a valid debit or credit card for payment.
If applying on behalf of someone else, you will need to provide:
While an apostille isn’t needed for a UK passport application, some international organizations may require an apostille along with notarisation. It’s recommended to confirm with the requesting party to ensure the correct form of verification. If an apostille is necessary, we will handle the entire process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ACRO Police Certificate
What is an ACRO Police Certificate?
An ACRO Police Certificate provides details of any criminal record in the UK and may be required for emigration, visa applications, or residency abroad.
Why do I need to notarise an ACRO Police Certificate?
Notarisation is required for ACRO Police Certificates without an official signature or those issued in electronic format, to verify their authenticity before obtaining an apostille.
What is the process for notarising an ACRO Police Certificate?
We verify the authenticity of the certificate and attach a notarial certificate to either the original or printed version, depending on whether the document is physical or electronic.
When do I need an apostille for my ACRO Police Certificate?
An apostille is needed when submitting your ACRO Police Certificate to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, for legal recognition abroad.
How long does it take to apostille an ACRO Police Certificate?
The processing time varies depending on the document type and issuing authority, but we aim to provide an efficient service.
Can you notarise an electronic ACRO Police Certificate?
Yes, for electronic certificates, you’ll need to provide the original email with the PDF. We’ll verify its authenticity and attach a notarial certificate to the printed version.
What other services do you offer for ACRO Police Certificates?
In addition to notarisation and apostille services, we can assist with consular legalisation and document translation if required.
How much does it cost to notarise and apostille an ACRO Police Certificate?
Costs vary depending on the specific services needed, such as notarisation, apostille, or legalisation. Please contact us for a detailed quote.