by Apostille Service
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UK criminal record checks cannot currently be legalised using the e-Apostille system.
All UK issued police and criminal background certificates must be legalised on the original physical document using a paper based apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Criminal Record Checks in the UK
This applies to all UK criminal record checks, including:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
ACRO Criminal Records Office
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Disclosure Scotland
AccessNI
What is an e-Apostille?
An e-Apostille is a digitally issued apostille applied to an electronic document. It is only available where:
- The PDF document carries a verifiable digital signature from a UK solicitor or notary.
- The Solicitor or notary has confirmed their Enhanced Digital Signature (EDS) to the FCDO.
This system is limited to certain document types and issuing authorities.
Do Not Ask a Solicitor to Certify a PDF of a Criminal Record Check
Even where a PDF or electronic version is provided for reference, it is not considered the legal original. If you ask a solicitor or notary to digitally sign a criminal record check, it is still not suitable for the e-Apostille.
The FCDO will only legalise:
The original certificate, or
An officially certified ‘original’ paper version (e.g. DBS Certificates need to be INK signed by a solicitor)
Digital files cannot be legalised with the e-apostille for criminal record purposes.
Why Criminal Record Checks Are Not Eligible for e-Apostille
UK criminal record checks are not eligible for e-Apostille for the following reasons:
They Are Issued as Physical Security Documents
Criminal record certificates are issued as controlled, physical documents, often incorporating:
Wet ink signatures
Official stamps or seals
Security paper, embedded security features and high print quality
They are not treated as digitally executed legal documents.
Will Criminal Record Checks Ever Be Eligible for e-Apostille?
At present, there is no indication that UK criminal record checks will be included in the e-Apostille system.
Any future change would require:
Changes to how certificates are issued
Acceptance of digital originals by overseas authorities
Updates to FCDO legalisation policy
Until then, paper based apostilles remain mandatory.
Summary
For the time being, all UK criminal record checks require the traditional paper based apostille. The ‘original’ document needs to have the apostille issued and copies are not accepted. The good news is, the paper based apostille can be issued in just a few days. Using our apostille service is the quickest way to get an apostille on your criminal record background check.
Criminal Record FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked question when legalising a criminal record check.
UK criminal record checks cannot currently be legalised using the e-Apostille system.
All UK issued police and criminal background certificates must be legalised on the original physical document using a paper based apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Criminal Record Checks in the UK
This applies to all UK criminal record checks, including:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
ACRO Criminal Records Office
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Disclosure Scotland
AccessNI
What is an e-Apostille?
An e-Apostille is a digitally issued apostille applied to an electronic document. It is only available where:
- The PDF document carries a verifiable digital signature from a UK solicitor or notary.
- The Solicitor or notary has confirmed their Enhanced Digital Signature (EDS) to the FCDO.
This system is limited to certain document types and issuing authorities.
Do Not Ask a Solicitor to Certify a PDF of a Criminal Record Check
Even where a PDF or electronic version is provided for reference, it is not considered the legal original. If you ask a solicitor or notary to digitally sign a criminal record check, it is still not suitable for the e-Apostille.
The FCDO will only legalise:
The original certificate, or
An officially certified ‘original’ paper version (e.g. DBS Certificates need to be INK signed by a solicitor)
Digital files cannot be legalised with the e-apostille for criminal record purposes.
Why Criminal Record Checks Are Not Eligible for e-Apostille
UK criminal record checks are not eligible for e-Apostille for the following reasons:
They Are Issued as Physical Security Documents
Criminal record certificates are issued as controlled, physical documents, often incorporating:
Wet ink signatures
Official stamps or seals
Security paper, embedded security features and high print quality
They are not treated as digitally executed legal documents.
Will Criminal Record Checks Ever Be Eligible for e-Apostille?
At present, there is no indication that UK criminal record checks will be included in the e-Apostille system.
Any future change would require:
Changes to how certificates are issued
Acceptance of digital originals by overseas authorities
Updates to FCDO legalisation policy
Until then, paper based apostilles remain mandatory.
Summary
For the time being, all UK criminal record checks require the traditional paper based apostille. The ‘original’ document needs to have the apostille issued and copies are not accepted. The good news is, the paper based apostille can be issued in just a few days. Using our apostille service is the quickest way to get an apostille on your criminal record background check.
Criminal Record FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked question when legalising a criminal record check.
