Criminal Record Check Apostille in Brighton

Criminal Record Check apostille in Brighton — issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office for use in all Hague Convention countries.

Criminal Record Check Apostille

Hague Member

Document type Criminal Record Check

Competent authority The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Express turnaround Next working day (registered businesses only)

Information validated 21 August 2026

Complete Guide

Brighton Apostille for a Criminal Record Check | Legalisation Service

A guide to getting an apostille for a Criminal Record Check issued in Brighton, covering where to certify it, cost, and how the Legalisation Office handles it.

In this guide

Apostilling a Criminal Record Check from Brighton
Issuing body & pre-requisites for a Criminal Record Check
Cost & turnaround
Common uses abroad
Translation & acceptance notes

Apostilling a Criminal Record Check from Brighton

When you need to legalise a Criminal Record Check for use abroad, the process begins in Brighton. The FCDO Legalisation Office handles all apostille requests by post, including those for criminal record checks that originated in Brighton. Since 1965, the UK has been part of the Hague Convention, which means UK-issued papers going to other member countries require this special certificate. The apostille confirms that the officer who signed your paper holds the stated position, making the record valid overseas. If you want to know how to apostille a Criminal Record Check from the UK, the procedure is straightforward once you have the correct version of your document.

Issuing body & pre-requisites for a Criminal Record Check

Brighton & Hove Register Office issues various official civil records, although local police authorities or the Disclosure and Barring Service typically provide the paperwork. Before you send your application, ensure the document contains the official signature and seal from the issuing body. The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) requires this for the apostille to be valid. Many contact Brighton Register Office at the Town Hall on Bartholomew Square for a fresh copy rather than sending an original that might be difficult to replace.

Cost & turnaround

The standard postal service for an apostille a Criminal Record Check in United Kingdom attracts an official fee, which you must pay in the form of a cheque or postal order made out to the FCDO. A next-day option exists for registered businesses. Processing times vary based on seasonal demand, but expect the FCDO's Milton Keynes office to handle your post within 25 working days of receipt. For those in Brighton who need to handle the legalisation of a Criminal Record Check in Brighton, the post leaves from their local office and travels north to the Legalisation Office for checking.

Common uses abroad

Countries receiving UK-issued criminal record checks often request them for visa applications, work permits, or residency rights. The apostille on your paper shows foreign officials that the UK government stands behind the record's authenticity. Over a hundred nations now recognise this simplified system, which avoids the old chain of certifications at multiple offices. For apostille a Criminal Record Check in Brighton, the process removes uncertainty when starting a new chapter abroad. These papers help open doors but differ slightly from birth or marriage records in what they must show.

Translation & acceptance notes

Some receiving countries may ask for an official translation of your apostilled record. The apostille cost for a Criminal Record Check in Brighton includes only the UK government's stamp, not any language services that might be needed later. Foreign embassies in London sometimes add further stamps or validations, particularly for nations outside the Hague Convention. Keep in mind that rules vary by receiving country, so always check what their specific office demands. The Legalisation Office provides the apostille, but final acceptance rests with the authority overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Record Check apostille FAQ

How do I get a criminal record check apostille in Brighton?

You will need a standard or enhanced DBS certificate issued within the UK, either as an original from the Disclosure and Barring Service or a certified copy. The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) processes all apostille requests by postal application. You must send the certificate with the completed application form and payment to their Milton Keynes address. For vital certificates, consider obtaining a second copy specifically for the apostille process so your original remains safe. Many applicants use the Brighton & Hove Register Office to certify a copy of their main identity documents before submission. The FCDO then attaches the official Hague apostille certificate to verify the document's authenticity for use overseas. Keep your dispatch receipt as proof of posting.

Do I need to translate my DBS certificate for international use?

You only need an apostille if you are presenting the document in a country that is part of the Hague Convention. The apostille translates the verification of the official's signature, but not the content of the certificate itself. If the receiving authority requires the text in another language, they will specify whether a sworn translation is needed after the apostille. Some countries accept translations done after arrival, while others insist on certified translations before submission. Always verify the specific language requirements directly with the organization requesting the document to avoid delays.

Can I get same-day service for my DBS apostille?

The standard apostille service by post takes up to several weeks for processing. The FCDO offers an expedited option for registered businesses only, which processes applications the next working day. Private individuals cannot use the premium service directly. Processing times may vary depending on application volumes and seasonal demand. You should factor in additional time for postal delivery both ways when planning your timeline. If you are working to a strict deadline, you may wish to apply well in advance or use a commercial service.

What is the difference between standard and enhanced DBS for apostille?

Both standard and enhanced DBS certificates can receive an apostille as they are official UK government documents. The enhanced check contains additional information including any relevant police intelligence and barred list checks. The level of disclosure does not affect the apostille process itself. The crucial factor is that the document must be an original or properly certified copy issued by the DBS. The apostille verifies the signature of the DBS official, not the type or content of the check. When submitting the document, ensure all pages are present and the certificate shows no signs of damage.

Where can I get help with my DBS apostille application?

The Brighton & Hove Register Office can provide guidance on certifying copies of supporting documents for your apostille application. The staff can verify the identity documents required to accompany your DBS certificate. The FCDO website contains detailed application forms and checklists specifically for criminal record checks. For complex cases involving multiple documents or urgent timelines, professional services can assist with the submission. Many legal advice centers also offer free consultations about document legalization requirements.

How It Works

Four steps to your criminal record check apostille

No office visits. We handle your Brighton criminal record check remotely with real-time tracking.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where Brighton documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a Brighton birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Brighton & Hove Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton BN1 1JA

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types