DBS Check Translation for Use Abroad: What You Need to Know

DBS Check vs ACRO Certificate: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for UK nationals applying for work, residency, or visas abroad. Understanding which document you need could save you weeks of delay.

The DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Certificate

A DBS check (formerly the CRB check) is a UK-specific disclosure designed for UK employment purposes — particularly for roles working with children or vulnerable adults. There are three levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.

The DBS certificate is NOT designed for overseas use and is not accepted by foreign governments or immigration authorities as a criminal record certificate. Many applicants make the mistake of obtaining a DBS check when they need an overseas police clearance.

The ACRO Certificate of Good Conduct

The ACRO Certificate of Good Conduct (also called the ACRO Police Certificate or overseas criminal record check) is the correct document for use abroad. It is issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office and is recognised internationally as a UK criminal record check for official overseas purposes.

If you are applying for:

• Overseas residency or a long-stay visa (Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Australia, etc.)
• Skilled worker visas in non-UK countries
• Adoption processes abroad
• Professional registration in a foreign country

— you need the ACRO Certificate of Good Conduct, not a DBS certificate.

Do You Need to Translate Your DBS or ACRO Certificate?

If the authority requesting the document does not use English as an official language, the certificate will need to be certified translated into the required language. Official Translations provides certified translations of both DBS certificates and ACRO Certificates of Good Conduct.

Does the ACRO Certificate Need an Apostille?

Many countries require the ACRO Certificate of Good Conduct to be apostilled before submission. The ACRO certificate can be apostilled — however, the apostille is obtained on the original UK document before translation.

The typical workflow for overseas use is:

1. Obtain your ACRO Certificate of Good Conduct from ACRO Criminal Records Office (allow 4–8 weeks)
2. Obtain an apostille on the ACRO certificate (via the relevant UK authority; allow 10–20 working days)
3. Send us the apostilled certificate for certified translation into the target language

Where to Get an ACRO Certificate

Apply directly through the ACRO Criminal Records Office website. There is a fee and you will need to provide personal details and proof of identity. Processing times vary — standard service typically takes 4–6 weeks; an enhanced service is available for a higher fee.

We Translate Both DBS and ACRO Certificates

Official Translations provides certified translations of DBS Basic, Standard, and Enhanced certificates as well as ACRO Certificates of Good Conduct into any required language. If the authority you are submitting to has specific formatting requirements, let us know when placing your order.