e-Apostille for Criminal Record Checks
e-Apostille for Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks like ACRO certificates, DBS checks, and Disclosure Scotland documents are among the most commonly apostilled documents for overseas employment, immigration, and visa applications. However, these documents cannot be e-Apostilled and require the traditional paper apostille for legalisation.
Key points:
- Criminal record checks cannot be e-Apostilled
- All criminal record documents require paper apostilles
- Why the FCDO excludes these documents from the e-apostille service
- How to arrange a paper apostille for your criminal record check
Everything You Need for a Fast Legalisation Service
Your e-Apostille is issued directly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Our team will verify the document and organise valid electronic solicitor certification to avoid delays.
Why Criminal Record Checks Cannot Be e-Apostilled
Why Criminal Record Checks Cannot Be e-Apostilled
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office specifically excludes criminal record checks from the e-Apostille service. This means that regardless of which organisation issued your criminal record check, the original document must be apostilled using the traditional paper apostille process.
FCDO Policy on Criminal Record Checks
The FCDO has determined that certain document types, including criminal record checks, cannot be processed through the e-Apostille system. This policy applies to all forms of UK criminal record checks, including ACRO Certificates, NPCC Certificates, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, and Disclosure Scotland certificates.
Why This Restriction Exists
While the FCDO has not published a detailed explanation for this exclusion, criminal record checks are treated as a higher-risk document category. To maintain international confidence and prevent disputes over authenticity, these documents must follow the established paper apostille process rather than the digital system.
What This Means for You
If you need a criminal record check apostilled for use abroad, you must use the paper apostille service. This involves sending your original document to us. We’ll arrange ink solicitor certification where required and then obtain the paper apostille from the FCDO before returning it to you.
Which Criminal Record Documents Require The Paper Apostille
Which Criminal Record Documents Require The Paper Apostille
All UK criminal record checks fall under the FCDO’s e-apostille exclusion policy. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Government Documents
How to Get Your Criminal Record Check Apostilled
How to Get Your Criminal Record Check Apostilled
Because criminal record checks require paper apostilles, the process is different from other document types and requires sending your original certificate to the FCDO.
In cases where the document is not signed by the issuing body, for example mostdocuments issued by DBS or Disclosure Scotland, solicitor certification is also required.
We can organise the solicitor certification and paper apostille for your criminal record check, handling the submission to the FCDO and ensuring your document is processed securely.
How the Paper Apostille Process works
The process is simple. Follow the steps below and we will arrange the e-apostille for you.
