You can apply for a basic disclosure online or by completing a paper form.

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.

To use the online system your address must be in the UK. If you live outside the UK you must apply using a paper form.

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.

Apply now

Apply using a paper form

If you can't apply online or live outside the UK, you can apply using a paper form.