Guide
Apply for basic disclosure
You can apply online for a basic disclosure about yourself.
Organisations applying for workers
Organisations can download application forms to return by email for:
Use the right service
For a job or volunteering
If you need a basic disclosure for a job or volunteering role in Scotland, use this service, which is provided by Disclosure Scotland.
For a basic disclosure for a job 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 online application
You'll need the following information to hand before you start your online application:
- your address details for the past 5 years
- your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- your passport number (if you have a passport – it can be from any country)
- your driving licence number, for either a full or provisional licence (if you have a licence)
- your non-UK identity card number (if you have one)
You will also need a credit or debit card to pay online.
You may want to have a pen and paper with you to take a note of your reference number at the end of the process. But we'll send you an email with your reference number as well. You'll need to give your email address when filling out your payment details.
Identity checks
During the application Disclosure Scotland's partner agency TransUnion will try to verify your identity online so your application can be processed more quickly.
This is not a credit check. It will show up on your credit history, but it won't affect your credit rating.
If TransUnion is not able to verify your identity online, you'll need to send copies of your identity documents to Disclosure Scotland.
Payment
You'll need to pay an application fee of £25. Make sure you have a credit or debit card ready for this.
You will not have to pay for disclosure if you are a coronavirus (COVID-19) response worker. This will remain in place until midnight on Friday 25 December 2020. Find out more about coronavirus response workers.
You will not get a refund unless Disclosure Scotland has made an error or you have paid for a disclosure for a coronavirus response worker.
Apply using a paper form
You can also ask for a paper application form, but it is quicker to apply online.
Basic disclosure certificate number
If you already have a basic disclosure but cannot find your certificate and need to know your number you can contact us to ask for this. Your certificate needs to be current.
Email: response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm. Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. We're closed on all Glasgow public holidays.
