The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Apostille Service
We assist with the certification of your DBS certificate by a UK solicitor registered with the UK Legalisation Office to obtain legalisation by way of Hague apostille.
We need to receive the original Disclosure Scotland check to obtain the apostille certificate with our apostille services.
Apostille London legalisation services
The legalisation process can only be performed on the original DBS. UK solicitor who is registered with the legalisation department of the Foreign Office will certify DBS as an original Certificate. Once certification is completed as an original certificate, an apostille certificate will be issued based on the solicitor’s signature.
Disclosure Scotland check cannot be apostille electronically by way of e-apostille.
Looking for local document legalisation services?
If you already have your DBS certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public please note that not every solicitor is on the Foreign Office database. If the document will be rejected due to a missing signature with the FCDO database please ask your solicitor to contact the FCDO registration team via email.
The solicitors’ registration process should take no longer than 3 working days to complete. Please contact our apostille legalisation team for more information.
If the time is sensitive we would recommend certifying the document again with our solicitor who is registered with the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes. E apostille service is not available for DBS certificates
We Apostille
- National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
- Criminal Records Office (ACRO)
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Basic Disclosure
- Enhanced Disclosure
- Disclosure Scotland
- NIS Certificates
- Subject Access Reports
- Lost and stolen reports
DBS types and processing requirements
There are five main types of DBS checks (Basic, Standard and Enhanced).
All five types of DBS checks:
Basic Check: A basic DBS check is a search for any unspent criminal convictions or conditional cautions. Basic DBS checks are used for a range of purposes. This is the only DBS that can be carried out by you showing unspent convictions.
Standard Check: A standard DBS criminal record background check will show if you have any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, or warnings. The Check must be requested by an organisation that plans to employ you. Enhanced DBS checks cannot be requested by individuals.
Enhanced Check: An enhanced DBS criminal record check will search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, or warnings. In addition, the Police National computer will be searched and relevant police forces will be able to supply further non-conviction information.
Enhanced DBS check with a barred list: is only available for those individuals who are carrying out regulated activity and a small number of positions listed in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) such as adoptive parents and taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licenses.
DBS adult first checks service is available to organisations who can request a check of the DBS adults’ barred list. Depending on the result, a person can be permitted to start work, under supervision, with vulnerable adults before a DBS certificate has been obtained
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the difference between a DBS and an ACRO Police Certificate?
ACRO background checks are primarily used for international purposes, such as immigration, visa applications, or employment in another country.
DBS background checks issued by the UK government ( used to be carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau ) are normally used for domestic purposes within the United Kingdom. The Disclosure and Barring Service is responsible for processing these checks and providing access to criminal record information for individuals working in specific sectors or roles, particularly those involving contact with children or vulnerable adults. A DBS has no official expiry date.
Do I need an apostille for my DBS certificate?
If you are planning on using your DBS ( CRB check) in another jurisdiction you may need to obtain an apostille. All three types of DBS can be attested, and documents apostilled by way of an apostille stamp will be recognised by Hague apostille Convention countries. Our apostille legalisation services can help you to obtain both apostille and embassy legalisation.
If you are starting a job overseas you might need an ACRO Police Certificate instead.
Do I need to come to your London office for an apostille?
You can deliver your DBS certificate personally to our Westminster office, deliver it by courier, or send it by registered mail.
Do I need to attest my DBS certificate at the consulate in London?
Super legalisation is required if the country where are you going to use your DBS certificate is not a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing Foreign Legalisation. Apostille and consular legalisation are a must.
Requirements for our Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Apostille Service
We would be more than happy to help you with your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Apostille Service. We are a registered business with the FCDO.
An Original DBS certificate is required
Time frame: next day apostille service available.
2 working day service if certification is required.
Our fee: is £50 GBP for assistance with apostille and £20 GBP for solicitor certification (if required).
Certification will be completed by a UK solicitor registered with the FCDO.