Subject access request

The following information will help you make your request and applies to all requests whether made online or by post. Read this page carefully.  

 


You might also want to take a look at further guidance for your request and our terms and conditions for subject access, which includes privacy information.



Proof of identity 
 

We require one of the following documents as proof of identity:

 

  • Driving licence 
     
  • Passport 
     
  • National ID card


If you do not have one of the above documents, you will need to provide authentic documentation that enables us to verify your full name and date of birth. 

 

 

If you need to send multiple documents, they must be in separate files, each one no more than 2MB in size. The format of your proof(s) must be either JPG, GIF, TIF or PDF. If we can’t read your document due to low image quality, then your request may be delayed.



Address history


It will help us if you provide your address history for the last 10 years, including the dates you have lived at the address(es).

If you have lived outside of the UK for more than 10 years, you will also be asked to provide your last UK address.



Third party requests


If you need to make a request on behalf of another adult, which is only acceptable in an official capacity, you must provide us with a copy of the relevant legal document. This might be a power of attorney document, a signed letter of authority or an authorisation document.



You must provide proof(s) of identity of the person you are making a request for, which clearly shows their:

• name;
• date of birth;
• and signature


Proof of their signature is required in addition to the usual requirements so that we can check it against the relevant legal document.


You must also provide proof(s) of your identity that clearly show your name and date of birth.


Without these, we will not be able to process the request.



Online requests


If you submit your request online you must provide a valid email address.


If you start the online request form you won’t be able to come back to this page without losing your details, so you’ll have to start again. The form will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity and all data will be deleted.

 

About your request


There is no fee to request your information. Your request will be processed within one calendar month. Your result will be sent to you either by email or to the address provided on your request form. Only one copy of your disclosure will be provided.


This request will provide you with information held about you on the PNC. This will include your name, date of birth and conviction history (where applicable).


It won’t provide you with information held about you on local police force systems, such as statements, incidents you’ve been involved in, or records of interviews. If you want information like this, or further details relating to any specific offence, you will need to contact the relevant police force.


Please note that your right to access your information is provided by the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and is supplied for your own personal use. It is not intended for immigration or employment purposes. If you have been asked to make a subject access request, please read 'I've been asked to make a subject access request, what should I do?' on the further guidance page.


Please be aware that any person who impersonates or attempts to impersonate another may be guilty of an offence. The information supplied in connection with this request will be used for the purpose of processing this request and to ensure accuracy of police systems.

 

Please be advised that if your request does not contain the required information and necessary proof of identification we will be unable to process your request and it will be cancelled and/or returned to you. 


Request your information

It’s quicker and easier to submit your request online. To do so, tick the box below to confirm that you have read this page (you won’t be able to return here once you start without losing your details). You can then start your request.

If you are unable to apply online, you can make a request by post. Please click here for details.

 


Subject access is intended for personal use only.

If your application is for immigration purposes, apply for a Police Certificate instead.

If your application is for working overseas with children, apply for an International Child Protection Certificate instead.
 

Please note:

When you make an application to us, you should receive an email from ACRO with a reference number starting 'SA...'. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, please contact our Customer Services desk - contact details available here.