Information for transgender and non-binary disclosure applicants
If you're transgender you can apply for a disclosure using your present gender and without telling your employer what your previous name was. You only have to tell Disclosure Scotland.
You only need to use this process if your employer is countersigning your application. If you’re applying for a basic disclosure you can include your previous names when asked because this is not included on your basic disclosure.
You can use this process if you’re non-binary, but you’ll need to enter male or female when asked for gender. This does not need to be your legal sex. Disclosure Scotland is exploring alternative approaches that would mean you do not need to provide gender.
Disclosure Scotland will not share any information about your gender history with your employer or regulatory body. The information is not used for equalities monitoring or other purposes.
Disclosure application process
You should use your present name and gender on the disclosure application.
You do not have to:
- answer 'yes' to the part of the form about previous names, unless you had other names that do not relate to your transgender status
- disclose previous names that relate to your transgender status on the application
- give your Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) to your employer
Notify Disclosure Scotland of your previous names
Even though you do not need to disclose your previous names on the application, you'll need to give these to Disclosure Scotland separately.
To do this, send an email to dsoperations@disclosurescotland.gov.scot. Write in your email that it is for the attention of the Operations Manager. Include the following information:
- your application reference number
- your contact details
- details of your previous names
Disclosure Scotland's Operations Management will let you know when they have received your information.
If you’ve applied online, your application reference number is the 9-digit number you’re given when you submit your application. If you’ve applied by paper, your reference number is the 16-digit barcode number in the top-right of your disclosure application form.
What your disclosure certificate will show
Your disclosure certificate will show your current name. It will not include any previous names.
Get help with the process
If you need help, call 0300 020 0040 and ask to speak to the Vetting Operations Manager.
The helpline is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, and Friday 9am to 3.30pm.
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