How to check your criminal record in the UK: Steps & options?

Did you know that a criminal record can affect your career, your travel plans, or even your administrative procedures without you fully realising it? Checking your criminal record in the UK allows you to take control and anticipate potential obstacles. Whether you are applying for a job, a visa, insurance, or preparing to travel, knowing the information held about you helps you act quickly and effectively. For any questions about your personal situation, or to ensure your criminal record check UK goes smoothly, do not hesitate to consult a solicitor specialising in criminal law.

This practical guide explains each method step by step, outlines their benefits and differences, and helps you choose the solution best suited to your needs.

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What is a criminal record in the UK?

A criminal record in the UK is an official register that contains information about your criminal history. It can include:

• Criminal convictions: Judgments issued by a court for criminal offences.
• Fines and financial penalties: Monetary sanctions imposed by the justice system for certain offences.
• Cautions, warnings and reprimands: Formal notices issued by the police or courts.

DBS basic check: Checking your criminal record in the UK

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the official UK body responsible for providing criminal record checks to individuals and employers. Depending on your needs, the DBS offers different levels of checks tailored to various situations.

DBS levels

To choose the right level of DBS check, it is important to understand what each type covers:

• Basic DBS Check: This check includes only unspent convictions and conditional cautions; the simplest option for individuals.
• Standard DBS Check: This covers both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands.
• Enhanced DBS Check: This includes all information from the Standard check and adds relevant data held by local police forces.

Steps to complete a basic DBS check

The process to obtain a DBS Basic Check is straightforward and involves several steps:

1. Create an account on the official DBS website or apply through an umbrella body.
2. Complete the application with your personal information.
3. Provide proof of identity, such as a passport, driving licence, or recent utility bill.
4. Pay the required fee (currently £18 for basic DBS applications), noting that some circumstances allow for a free check.
5. Receive your DBS certificate, usually within a 14 days.

However, it also has limitations. It only covers unspent convictions and does not include all information held by the police, which may be insufficient for certain official procedures or international applications.

ACRO Subject Access Request (SAR): Accessing your police records in the UK

The ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) is the body responsible for managing and centralising criminal record information held by the UK police forces. Through a Subject Access Request (SAR), you can request access to all data the police hold about you. This option is more comprehensive than a DBS Basic Check, and is particularly useful if you want to verify your full record or prepare official applications.

When to use a SAR?

A SAR can be useful in several situations:

• You want to check all information held by the police about you.
• You are preparing a visa or immigration application.
• You need to correct any errors in your police data.
• You want a full review of your record before travelling or for personal purposes.

Steps to submit a SAR

Submitting an ACRO Subject Access Request is straightforward but requires following a few key steps:

1. Download the SAR form from the official ACRO website.
2. Provide certified proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence.
3. Send the form by post or email according to the instructions on the ACRO website.
4. Wait for processing, which usually takes around 40 days.
5. Receive all personal information held by the police about you.

However, it also has limitations: a SAR is not officially recognised as proof for employment, and processing times are longer than a DBS Basic Check.

Police Certificate: Obtaining an official criminal record check in the UK

A Police Certificate is an official document issued by ACRO on behalf of UK police forces that confirms the presence or absence of convictions on your criminal record. It serves as a formal record, often required by foreign authorities, certain employers, or regulated organisations abroad.

When you might need a Police Certificate?

A Police Certificate is necessary in several situations:

• For visa or immigration applications to countries outside the UK.
• To work abroad in certain regulated professions that require official verification.
• For any official process overseas that requires an official criminal record check UK.

Steps to obtain a Police Certificate

The process to obtain this certificate is structured and should be followed carefully:

1. Complete the application form via the official ACRO website.
2. Make the required payment (currently £55) depending on the type of certificate requested.
3. Provide certified identity documents to verify your personal details.
4. Receive the certificate by post, usually within 10 working days.

However, it also has limitations: the cost is higher than a DBS check or SAR, and although processing is relatively quick, requests should be made in advance of any deadlines.

FAQs

How long do convictions stay on my record? Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, how many years a conviction remains depends on the sentence. Fines become spent after 1 year. Custodial sentences under 6 months take 2 years, while sentences over 4 years never become spent. These periods are halved if you were under 18 at the time of conviction.

Can I get a check for free? Yes, ACRO Subject Access Requests (SAR) are completely free under the Data Protection Act 2018. Some DBS checks are free for volunteers in eligible charitable roles, though standard applications cost £18.

What should I do if I find an error on my record? Contact ACRO or the DBS depending on the type of check. Provide supporting evidence and request a correction through their disputes procedure. A solicitor specialising in criminal law can assist with complex disputes.

Checking your criminal record must follow official procedures and comply with the applicable legal standards. Each step adheres to the framework set by the competent authorities.

Need expert guidance with your criminal record?

Qredible’s network of specialist solicitors in criminal law is here to help. These experienced legal professionals understand UK law inside out and can provide tailored advice for your unique situation.

KEY TAKEWAYS:

• A DBS Basic Check provides a quick overview of unspent convictions and is widely accepted for employment purposes in the UK.
• An ACRO Subject Access Request (SAR) is free and gives a comprehensive record of all information held by police forces.
• A Police Certificate is an official document recognised internationally, often required for visas or regulated professions.