Apply for basic disclosure

Apply for the right service

For a job or volunteering

If you need a basic disclosure for a job or volunteer role in Scotland, use this service, which is provided by Disclosure Scotland.

For a role based in England or Wales, apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Your employer may not accept a basic disclosure check if it's from the wrong service.

For a personal reason

If you want a basic disclosure for personal reasons rather than work purposes, apply where you live – Disclosure Scotland (this service) if you live in Scotland, or the Disclosure and Barring Service if you live in England or Wales.

Apply online

Before you start

You must do your own basic disclosure application.

What you need for your application

To complete your application you'll need your: 

• address details for the past 5 years
• National Insurance number (if you have one)
• passport number (if you have a passport – it can be from any country)
• driving licence number, for either a full or provisional licence (if you have a licence)
• non-UK identity card number (if you have one)

You will also need a credit or debit card to pay online. You'll need to give your email address when entering your payment details.

Once you've submitted your application Disclosure Scotland will send you an email with a reference number.

Identity checks

During the application Disclosure Scotland's partner agency TransUnion will try to verify your identity online so your application can be processed quicker.

This is not a credit check. It will show up on your credit history, but it will not affect your credit rating. If TransUnion cannot verify your identity online, you'll need to send copies of identity documents to Disclosure Scotland.

Cost

It costs £25 for a basic disclosure. You can pay by credit or debit card.

You will not get a refund unless Disclosure Scotland has made an error.

Apply now

Apply using a paper form

You can ask for a paper application form, but it is quicker to apply online.

Information for care experienced people

There’s information to help you complete the application, including how to answer the address history part of the form.

Help

You can contact Disclosure Scotland for help:

• email: response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
• phone: 0300 020 0040

The phone line is open:

• Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4pm
• Thursday 11am to 4pm
• Friday 9am to 3.30pm