Get a Copy of your Police Records

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) 

Further information on getting a copy of your police records can be found on GOV.UK's website.