How to obtain a UK ACRO Police Certificate with Apostille — efficiently, lawfully, and without unnecessary agents
If you are applying for overseas study, immigration, permanent residence, or international employment, you will almost certainly be required to provide:
- a UK Police Certificate (ACRO Police Certificate), and
- a UK Apostille issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Many applicants are quoted high fees and long timelines by intermediaries.
In practice, however, the process can be completed independently, often faster and at significantly lower cost, provided it is done in the correct order.
This guide explains the most efficient and commonly accepted method.
Key Conclusion (Read First)
The fastest and most cost-effective approach is:
Apply for the UK Apostille first → obtain the FCDO reference number → then apply for the ACRO Police Certificate and instruct ACRO to send it directly to the FCDO
This sequencing is essential. Reversing the order is the most common cause of delay.
Overview of the Correct Process
Follow this order exactly:
- Apply for the UK Apostille (Apostille Certificate)
- Receive the FCDO postal address and Apostille reference number
- Apply for the ACRO Police Certificate
- Direct ACRO to send the certificate straight to the FCDO
- The FCDO issues the Apostille and returns the completed document
Step 1: Apply for the UK Apostille (FCDO)
Purpose
To obtain the official FCDO mailing address and Apostille reference number, which will be used by ACRO.
How to Apply
- Access the official UK Apostille application system
- Select Paper Apostille (recommended and universally accepted)
- Choose document type: ACRO Police Certificate
- Enter applicant details (name, contact number, email, return address)
- Fee: £45 per document
- Select return delivery option:
- UK: £5.50
- Europe: £25.50
- International: £29.50
- Complete payment by debit or credit card
- The system issues:
- the FCDO postal address, and
- a unique Apostille reference number
Processing Time
- Standard FCDO service: approximately 15 working days, plus delivery time.
Step 2: Apply for the UK ACRO Police Certificate
Purpose
To obtain the UK ACRO Police Certificate and ensure it is sent directly to the FCDO.
Application Steps
- Create an account on the UK ACRO Police Certificate website
- Select the country of use (for example: China, Canada, Australia)
- Upload a colour scan of your passport
- Complete personal details, including:
- full name
- contact details
- complete address history for the past 10 years (no gaps)
- Upload a passport-style colour photograph
- Declare any UK criminal convictions (select “No” if none)
- Choose processing speed:
- £68 — standard service (around 20 working days)
- £121 — priority service (around 2 working days)
Critical Delivery Instruction
When asked for the delivery address, select:
“Alternative delivery address”
Enter:
- the FCDO postal address, and
- your Apostille reference number
This instructs ACRO to send the UK ACRO Police Certificate directly to the FCDO, allowing Apostille processing to begin immediately upon receipt.
Processing Timeframes (Indicative)
Standard DIY Route (No Apostille Acceleration)
| Stage | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| ACRO Police Certificate (priority service) | ~2 working days |
| FCDO Apostille (standard processing) | ~15 working days |
| Total (best-case DIY) | ~3–4 weeks |
Notes
- Even with priority ACRO processing, the total timeline is usually governed by FCDO Apostille processing.
- Direct delivery from ACRO to the FCDO avoids additional postal delays and re-queuing.
- Without Apostille acceleration, 3–4 weeks is the fastest realistic DIY timeframe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for the Police Certificate before starting the Apostille process
- Receiving the Police Certificate personally and then forwarding it to the FCDO
- Missing address history or using inconsistent personal details
- Assuming all Apostille services operate at the same speed
When Time Is Critical: Our Express Apostille Support
For applicants facing tight visa, school, or employment deadlines, the Apostille stage can be accelerated by using our Express Apostille service.
Indicative Timeframe
| Stage | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| ACRO Police Certificate (priority service) | ~2 working days |
| Express Apostille processing | ~3 working days |
| Total (fastest achievable) | ~5–7 working days |
Notes
- Express Apostille services reduce processing time by bypassing the standard FCDO queue.
- This option is commonly used for urgent immigration filings, last-minute enrolments, or overseas employment start dates.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Standard DIY route: suitable when deadlines are flexible and cost control is the priority
- Our Express Apostille route: appropriate when timing is critical and delays would have material consequences
About This Guide
This guide is published by Ginkgo Advisory, a UK-based advisory platform working with UK-regulated solicitors and specialising in:
- UK Apostille and document legalisation
- Cross-border document use for study, immigration, and overseas employment
- Process verification and compliance support
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