You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a ‘subject access request’.
You might need a subject access request if you move to another country.
A subject access request has records from:
- police forces in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man
- the British Transport Police
You can make a subject access request to the ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO).
Police certificates for visa applications
You can request a police certificate from ACRO. You may need a certificate if you are applying for a visa or emigrating to some countries, including:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- the USA
It costs either:
- £55 to get the certificate in 10 working days
- £95 for a 2 day premium service
Personal record requests from other organisations
You can also request your personal records from the following organisations:
- HM Prison Service
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
For further information: