Legalising an Access NI criminal record check for use abroad
If you are from Northern Ireland and need a criminal record check for overseas employment, a work visa, residency or immigration purposes, the relevant document is issued by Access Northern Ireland, also known as Access NI, the official criminal records authority for Northern Ireland. It is not the same as a DBS certificate, which covers England and Wales, or an ACRO Police Certificate, which covers the full UK. If the receiving authority has asked specifically for a Northern Ireland criminal record check, an Access NI certificate is the correct document.
When an apostilled Access NI certificate is required
An apostilled Access NI certificate is most commonly required for employment abroad, particularly in teaching, healthcare, childcare, finance or security roles; work visa and long-term residency applications; immigration background checks; adoption processes in another country; volunteering programmes overseas; professional licensing applications abroad; university placements or training programmes outside the UK; and citizenship or naturalisation applications.
The format rule - and why solicitor certification is required
As of 1 September 2025, Access NI moved to a digital-first approach, issuing digital certificates rather than paper-based ones. A digital certificate is a verified official document and carries the same validity as the previous paper format. However, because the FCDO authenticates the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp on a document, a digital certificate cannot be submitted directly for apostille. The original certificate must first be certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public before it can be submitted to the FCDO. Photocopies, printouts and digital copies that have not been certified are not accepted.
If your original certificate is lost
If the original certificate is no longer available, a replacement must be requested directly from Access Northern Ireland before the legalisation process can begin. Do not attempt to submit a photocopy - it will be rejected by the FCDO.
Hague and non-Hague destinations
For Hague Apostille Convention member countries, the apostille is the final step. For countries outside the Convention embassy attestation is also required after the apostille. Confirm the full requirements of your destination country before submitting your certificate.
Get in touch
Call our team on +44 203 957 9800 to confirm the correct route for your Access NI certificate and destination, and we will arrange solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy attestation where needed.