Apostille on Criminal Record Check FAQs

Frequently asked questions relating to to criminal record checks.

Criminal record checks or background checks are often required when working or studying abroad. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these certificates.

FAQs

A criminal record, or background check, is a certificate or document that shows your history in regards to criminal offences which may have been made in the past.

In most circumstances the back ground check shows no history. If you have previously committed an office the document will confirm the offences made, the date of the offence, and the punishment which was received for them. You are able to obtain different levels of background checks which vary the information shown on the document. If you are unsure which version of the check to obtain you should contact the people requesting your documents.

There are a number of different organisations that can provide a criminal record background check. The most common ones that we process are either Disclosure Scotland or DBS (Disclosure Barring Service). If an employer is happy to receive a basic criminal record check then you are able to obtain this from Disclosure Scotland yourself, this will only show unspent convictions. If the employer is requesting a more detailed document then they will need to obtain a DBS application form. You cannot apply for this yourself and you will need to obtain this in conjunction with your employer. In addition you can request a background check from The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). They issue a document called an ACRO as it is issued by the ACPO Criminal Records Office.

This will depend on whether your document has been signed by the issuing officer. If your document has been signed by someone at DBS, Disclosure Scotland or by a police officer then further solicitor certification is not required. If the document has been signed by someone at the relevant body they will often stamp this as well.

Many of the basic disclosure documents are not signed when they are submitted to us. We can arrange for the document to be checked and certified by one of our solicitors. This will save you time and money visiting a local solicitor. It also avoids errors with incorrect certification.

ACRO, ACPO and NPCC certificates should be signed by an authorised person at The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and do not need any further signature form a solicitor.

ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) is an alternative criminal record check which shows all data on the PNC (Police National Computer). This document is called the ACRO as it is issued by the ACPO Criminal Records Office. The certificate will show any criminal record within the UK. If criminal history taken place outside of the UK has been disclosed with the authorities in the UK, this will also show on the ACPO. You can order an ACPO online and this can take up to 40 days to be delivered from the date of order.

Disclosure Scotland are an organisation who issue Criminal Record Checks based on people’s history. They provide this information to Companies who wish to find out if any of their current/potential employees have Criminal history. Typically this history will be looked into when people are going into jobs where they shall be working with Children or Vulnerable adults. This is to ensure that the company only employ individuals who are suitable to work in the specific field.

The apostille service for a criminal record check typically takes just 2 working days. If your document needs our solicitor certification service then we can provide this within the same time frame.

Simple to Order

Order and pay online, then simply post your documents to us.

Complete Service

One stop service solicitor certification, UK apostille and embassy attestation.

Apostille Service

FCDO apostille included in the service, saving your weeks in processing.

Experienced Team

With over 20 years experience we have a team of trained legalisation experts.

Solicitor Certification

Using our recognised FCDO solicitor we can certify your documents to save you time and money.

International Delivery

On completion we can ship the documents anywhere in the world.

Apostille Only

Standard Documents

£82

PER DOCUMENT

NPCC, Criminal Record Checks
ACRO, Criminal Record Checks
Police Letters Already Signed

Solicitor & Apostille

Documents Requiring Certification

£94

PER DOCUMENT

Disclosure Scotland
Disclosure & Barring Service
ACCESS NI

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With over 20 years of experience legalising all UK issued background checks, we can get your apostille quickly.